As summer approaches, our active Reno-Sparks area is gearing up for an exciting lineup of events that promise a perfect blend of music, family-friendly fun, and enjoyable experiences. Get ready to mark your calendars for spectacular July Fourth fireworks, indulge in the aromatic delights of the Reno Garlic Festival, and join the lively Dancing in the Streets 2023 in Midtown. Read on to discover more about these incredible events that will make your summer truly memorable!
Dragon Lights Reno
- When: Saturday, July 1, 2023 – Sunday, August 13, 2023
- Where: Wilbur D. May Museum, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
Dragon Lights Reno is back for 2023! You’ll enjoy bigger and brighter displays of illuminated larger-than-life lantern sculptures celebrating Asian culture and biodiversity in the garden, including their expanded interactive playground. The Chinese dragon will return and will be accompanied by dragonflies, beetles, mantis, bees, and more.
Suessical: the Musical
- When: Scheduled days in July starting Saturday, July 1, 2023 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
- Where: Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., Reno
Don’t think too many “thinks” and be sure to take the family to see Suessical: the Musical at the Reno Little Theater (RTL). The RTL was founded in 1935 with the mission to create exceptional theatrical experiences for our city and this musical will no doubt fit the bill. Get your tickets and go on an adventure with Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos all the while guarding an abandoned egg left in his care.
Star Spangled Sparks
- When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
- Where: Downtown Sparks, Victoria Ave., Sparks
The Nugget’s annual 4th of July celebration is the All-American event in the Reno-Sparks area. Star Spangled Sparks is the largest celebration in the Reno-Sparks area attracting nearly 50,000 people to downtown Sparks and more watching from the surrounding hills. It is the mother of all block parties featuring live music, crafts, food vendors, and of course fireworks! Bring your chairs, blankets and a picnic to enjoy the day with family and friends and a spectacular firework show in the evening.
Fourth of July on the Comstock Parade & Fireworks
- When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
- Where: Virginia City, 85 S. C St., Virginia City
Is there a more nostalgic way to celebrate the Fourth of July than in the historic town of Virginia City? The Fourth of July Parade begins at 12:00 p.m. – this is a good old-fashioned parade which includes docent groups, classic cars and car clubs, first responders, military & veteran organizations, and more. Don your favorite red, white, and blue outfit and head up for a full day of celebration. There’s a concert at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks start booming at dusk.
Dancing in the Streets 2023
- When: Thursday, July 6, 2023
- Where: Midtown District, 445 S. Virginia St., Reno
Put on your dancing shoes and head to Midtown’s lively street party – Dancing in the Streets! You’ll get your groove on to several different rhythms ranging from Funk Fusion, Latino, Folk Rock, EDM Dance Pop, and Motown. Celebrate the summer evening with street performers, flash mobs, dance lessons, food trucks, and more. The event is free, but there are paid VIP experiences available and you can even fast pass with the pedicabs!
Silver Age Comic Con 2023
- When: Saturday, July 8, 2023
- Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St., Reno
Silver Age Comic Con is the pop culture and comic convention run by fans for the fans – no cattle herding from guest to guest here – you’ll have an intimate experience with the guests and artists in attendance. It is a delightful event for all ages who love to celebrate comic books, movies, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, and superheroes.
Pops on the River
- When: Saturday, July 8, 2023
- Where: The Glow Plaza Festival Grounds, 670 W. 4th, Reno
Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr., wasn’t a happy accident, he had the knack for recognizing soul artists with a mainstream pop appeal – artists like Marvin Gay, Michael Jackson, The Temptations, and Diana Ross. Motown Records had more than 100 songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and the Reno Phil along with soloists Chester Gregory, Michael Lynche, and Shayna Stelle will bring this era alive playing your favorite Motown hits.
Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival
- When: Sunday, July 9, 2023
- Where: Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Dr., Reno
This festival is sure to create some “scent-memories” for you and your family with all things lavender and honey. Indulge in the amazing flavor of lavender with lemonade, scones, chocolates, jams and jellies, and more. Then savor the flavors of honey which may be floral, fruity, smoky, woody, spicy, and nutty and all from local beekeepers. Although the lavender and honey are the true Stars you’ll also enjoy arts & crafts, food, demonstrations, music, and the Busy Bee Family Zone hosted by the Mason Valley Beekeepers and sponsored by Peri & Sons Farms.
Barracuda Championship PGA Tour
- When: Thursday, July 20, 2023 – Sunday, July 23, 2023
- Where: Old Greenwood Golf Course, 13051 Fairway Dr, Truckee, CA
Fore! Can’t get enough golf?…then mark your calendar for this PGA TOUR event. This championship tour is a favorite among golf professionals and the only PGA TOUR played near Reno. If you have a favorite golfer, plan on attending on their day of play on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course boasting 600 acres of forest and meadowland in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This event also gives you an opportunity to raise money for your favorite nonprofit – Birdies for Charity, guess the number of birdies that the PGA TOUR pros make at the tournament correctly to win the grand prize!
Northern Nevada Pride Parade & Festival
- When: Saturday, July 22, 2023
- Where: Downtown Reno, S. Virginia St., and Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
The Northern Nevada Pride Parade & Festival is a safe and supportive space for the LGBTQA community and others that want to support and celebrate the art, creativity and diversity of those living in our vibrant city. The CommUNITY Pride Parade starts at 10:00 a.m. under The Arch and continues on into Wingfield Park from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with live entertainment and cultural.
9th Annual Biggest Little City Wing Fest
- When: Friday, July 28, 2023 – Saturday, July 29, 2023
- Where: Downtown Reno, S. Virginia St. from 2nd to 6th, Reno
There’s no such thing as too many chicken wings and you’ll be sure to get your fill at this annual chicken wing festival. There will more than 20,000 pounds of chicken wings smoked, fired, grilled, and slathered with sauce by cookers vying for “Hottest Hot Wing,” “Celebrity Choice,” Best Sweet Wing,” and “People’s Choice.” You’ll also get the chance to try some unique flavors such as strawberry cheesecake, salted caramel, spicy buffalo garlic, maple bacon bourbon, and many more. Plan on attending with the whole family to enjoy free concerts, a craft fair, camel rides, face painting, a water play zone, and of course chicken wings!
Base Camp Festival
- When: Friday, July 28, 2023 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
The Bass Camp Festival is back in Reno again with festival pre-parties at local concert halls, nightclubs, and lounges throughout the city. This is your chance to boogie into the wee hours to electronic dance music brought to you by national headliners. The main festival opens at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29th and will host over 40 artists on three stages. Get your groove on with Dancetronauts and their famous “Bass Station” Sound Ship or during the silent disco. The fun continues on Sunday in downtown Reno and ends with a post-festival pool party – don’t forget your swimsuit!
Reno Garlic Festival
- When: Saturday, July 29, 2023
- Where: Dick Taylor Memorial Park, 140 Beech St., Reno
What do you call someone who has been raised by garlic? Garlic bred – The 5th Annual Reno Garlic Fest is coming to you on Saturday, July 29th from 3:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Satisfy your pallet with garlicky food brought to you by local garlic growers. Delectable delights like fresh garlic, garlic seed, garlic braids, salt pickled garlic, and more will tickle your tastebuds. Bring the whole family to enjoy fun activities and live music.
