Previewing the Reno-Sparks Convention Center’s 2023 events schedule
The Reno-Tahoe area is well known for bringing travelers from near and far—and treating them well when they arrive! The Reno-Sparks Convention Center is emblematic of our hospitality philosophy, and this year’s upcoming schedule of events has something for everyone.
With more than 600,000 square feet of single-level convention space, ample parking, and over 15,000 hotel rooms within a few miles radius, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center is well equipped to supply Reno residents and guests with the kind of space they need to make real connections in business, entertainment, and the arts. Let’s look at just a few upcoming events so you can mark your calendars well in advance.
Revive Dance Convention — May 19-21
Dancers need room to cut loose, and it’s hard to think of a better use for Reno-Sparks Convention Center’s ample floor space. During this three-day national convention, patrons of the Revive Dance convention can expect to find a supportive, educational environment filled with professional dancers and instructors. This student-focused event began in 2003 as just a handful of friends and events and is now a nationally touring organization that hosts more than 100,000 guests annually.
With dozens of professional faculty teaching a wide range of dance styles, Revive is focused on providing the next generation of dancers with a space to connect with like-minded peers and broaden their skill set and cultural knowledge base. Dancers are required to register beforehand to compete for chances to win Revive scholarships. However, dancers who do not wish to compete can still attend workshops. Learn more about registration pricing and workshop opportunities at the Revive website.
Silver Age Comic Con 2023 — July 8
The Silver age of comics is coming to the silver state this Summer! Silver Age Comic Con is a one-day pop culture and comic convention that originated in San Francisco, featuring special guests, exhibits, and collectibles. Silver Age Comic Con celebrates all things comic books, movies, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, superheroes, and more with this year’s special guests, including Brian A. Prince from “The Predator,” “Black Panther,” and “Captain America: Civil War;” Grey DeLisle Griffin, the voice actor of famous animated shows like “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Fairly OddParents,” and “Star Wars: Clone Wars;” and Kip Rasmussen, animator for Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit.”
Silver Age Comic Con promises a more intimate experience than other cons with heavy corporate investment, which can leave fans feeling herded and shuffled along from exhibit to exhibit without getting the chance to connect with the subjects or each other. Silver Age is run by the fans, for the fans!
The con starts on Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. Tickets for general admission (13+) start at $12.50 online and $20 at the door. Kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult, and the Friends & Family Pack allows four general admission guests for $37.
Reno Tahoe International Art Show — September 14-17
Reno’s always been an artistic town (we are Artown, after all), but this year sees the return of a new summer arts event after its inaugural season in 2022 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The Reno-Tahoe International Art Show features a wide array of fine arts and furnishings from 200+ regional artists and 40+ fine art galleries worldwide.
Founded by father-daughter duo Kevin O’Keefe and Briana Dolan, RTIA Show is a product of the Reno Creative Movement’s mission to present Reno-Tahoe as a national destination for arts and culture. With work and presentations by 2,000+ interior designers, architects, consultants, and collectors, patrons can expect to find rare and unique pieces untouched by the pressures of the current market.
Special features like the First Nations, Indigenous Peoples Pavilion, and Short Film Programming curated by Reno-Tahoe’s Cordillera International Film Festival will also highlight the authentic connection to Western culture that patrons can expect to find here. Finally, over 80 live musicians will entertain guests throughout the show.
The RTIA Show will take place September 14-17 and is open admission to the public.
Legion Sports Fest — October 7-8
You might think that the gym is the best place to go if you’re looking to get ripped, and most of the time, you’d be right. However, on October 7-8, the best place to be your fittest self is the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and the Legion Sports Fest. This year’s Mega Fitness Expo will feature nine sports, 2,500 athletes, hundreds of fitness and nutrition vendors, and dozens of celebrities and influencers from the fitness industry. Attendees can expect to learn firsthand from seminars and competitions from the world’s top athletes competing in NPC bodybuilding, strongman, armored combat, weightlifting, Muay Thai, powerlifting, and more. Don’t miss the red-carpet event before Sunday’s IFBB pro events, and grab a drink at the center podium stage.
Legion Sports Fest’s entire schedule of events can be found online, as well as ticket pricing and a list of celebrity attendees.
Magic of Santa Craft Faire — December 2-3
Christmas is coming a few weeks early to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center this year with the Magic of Santa Craft Faire. For 42 consecutive years, this holly jolly craft fair has featured handmade gifts from over 80 crafters and small, family-owned businesses. Surprise your loved ones with snowmen, handmade doll clothes, fine woodwork, and other thoughtful and unique Christmas gifts while showing your support to local creators. Admission for both days is only $5, and children under 16 are free. In the spirit of giving, patrons can receive one dollar off their admission price by donating a can of food or new socks to their in-house charity.
