The calendar of Sparks/Reno events in August has plenty to do, including marquee events such as Hot August Nights and the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off. If you’re looking for things to do in the summer months in Reno/Sparks look no further. We have the ultimate calendar of events in Northern Nevada below.
Check Out These Fun Sparks/Reno Events in August
Hot August Nights
- When: Tuesday, August 2, 2022–Sunday, August 7, 2022
- Where: Downtown Reno and Sparks
- More information
The Biggest Little City revs into high gear for Hot August Nights, the classic car and nostalgic event featuring powerful automobiles and electrifying music of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The world’s premier classic car event, more than 5,000 vehicles from the golden era of design are showcased with events throughout Reno and Sparks.
Summer Festival: Sunflowers and Sweet Corn at Andelin Family Farm
- When: Friday, August 5, 2022–Sunday, August 21, 2022
- Where: Andelin Family Farm, 8100 Pyramid Way, Sparks
- More information
This summer festival features u-pick sunflowers and sweet corn. Admission includes access to the u-pick fields, hay ride, mini zips, meeting the farm animals, kitten barn experience, barnyard activities and more. The festival is open Thursdays through Saturdays.
Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival
- When: Saturday, August 6, 2022–Sunday, August 7, 2022
- Where: Kings Beach State Recreation Area, 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach
- More information
Ta-Hoe Nalu features top stand-up paddleboard athletes with a family vibe on the shore. History is made every year on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Washoe County Park Ranger Walks
Lace up your hiking boots and come get outdoors with a Washoe County Park Ranger! Discover new trails and learn more about your local environment in various Washoe County parks and open space habitats. Preregistration is required with a maximum of 20 attendees for each hike, which is free for all; no pets. Bring a jacket, a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a snack and a bottle of water, and perhaps even your favorite camera.
- Sunday, August 14, 2022: 10 a.m. at Ballardini Ranch, 8745-, 8799 Lone Tree Ln, Reno
- Tuesday, August 23, 2022:8 p.m. at Slide Mountain Trail, edge of the East Bowl at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe, Reno
GrowingNV: A Local Food Week Celebration
- When: Monday, August 15, 2022–Sunday, August 21, 2022
- Where: Reno and Sparks
- More information
Growing NV, a project that seeks to highlight Northern Nevada’s local food system, will host its third annual Local Food Week with events in Reno, Sparks and Carson City with daily events, in-person and virtual. In-person events include farmers market giveaways, volunteer harvest activities at Urban Roots teaching farm, hoop house building, and the inaugural Reno Local Food Faire with a pie baking and melon eating contest. Virtual events include an herbal medicinal workshop, local food pledge, meet-your-farmer forum and more.
Dog Days Of Summer Dance Festival
- When: Friday, August 19, 2022–Sunday, August 21, 2022
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is creating a new community event in partnership with the SPCA of Northern Nevada, which will provide a new performance opportunity for local dance companies. Six local dance companies will be commissioned to perform on a new raised outdoor stage performing a wide range of dance creations. The plaza will open at 6 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. performance each night.
Northern Nevada Dragon Boat Festival
- When: Saturday, August 20, 2022
- Where: Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks
- More information
Celebrate an ancient Chinese sporting tradition with each dragon boat featuring teams of 20 paddlers who are synchronized to the rhythmic pulse of a ceremonial drummer. Along with catching all the action and excitement on the water, this annual festival includes a health and wellness village, vendors, food trucks, artist exhibitions and more.
A Look Inside The Historic Ranch House At Rancho San Rafael
- When: Saturday, August 27, 2022
- Where: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno, Reno
- More information
Join in for coffee in the courtyard of the Main Ranch House followed by a presentation by historian and author Dr. Alicia Barber. The program will be held at the Main Ranch House and preregistration is required.
Duck Race and Festival
- When: Saturday, August 27, 2022
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
- More information
The Duck Race and Festival will be hosted 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The ceremonial ducks will race at 3 p.m. In addition to the duck launch, there will be activities for the whole family including: Pet adoptions, a beer garden, photo lounge, food trucks, vendor booths, kids’ games and more.
2022 Best In The West Nugget Rib Cook Off
- When: Wednesday, August 31, 2022–Monday, September 5, 2022
- Where: Downtown Sparks
- More information
The annual Labor Day Weekend event spans more than six city blocks in the heart of downtown Sparks, Nevada. Barbecue enthusiasts take part of the festivities each year consuming more than 250,000 pounds of ribs during the six-day festival. The event also includes a huge arts and crafts vendor show, kids area, VIP area and top named entertainment performing on two stages. There is no admission fee and the event is open to the public.
