What are you doing this August? Going to one of Northern Nevada’s favorite, long-running festivals? Catching some pro golfers at Montrêux? Prepping for the playa? All three? Or, maybe you’re planning to attend an event we haven’t mentioned yet. Don’t worry; we were just about to. Here are the 13 events you can’t miss in August if you’re in the Reno-Tahoe area.

Barracuda Championship, PGA TOUR Golf Tournament

Recognized as a favorite stop among golf professionals, the Barracuda Championship is one of only 47 stops on the PGA TOUR and the only one offering the Modified Stableford playing format. This exciting format encourages the professionals to shoot for the pin which creates more excitement for spectators. Fans can watch the world’s best golfers up-close-and-personal as they compete for a $3.3 million purse and 300 FedExCup points. Broadcast daily on The Golf Channel.

Hot August Nights

  • Virginia City Kickoff: Aug. 4-5
  • Throughout Reno/Sparks: Aug. 8-13
  • Hot August Nights Collector Car Auction MAG: Aug. 10-12
  • Visit Website

First, take a step back in time when Virginia City hosts Hot August Nights’ rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event’s 31st anniversary. Then, catch the festival and the all around Reno and Sparks. The world’s premier classic car event, Hot August Nights showcases more than 6,000 vehicles from this golden era of design with events all over Reno and Sparks.

Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Wooden Boat Show

Considered the premier judged wooden boat show in the nation, Lake Tahoe Concours celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. See more than 60 of the best antique, vintage and classic boats in North America compete in specialized classes for top honors and bragging rights. The meticulously restored boats include historic lakers and launches, some dating back to 1915; pre and post-WWII racers and runabouts; utility boats and flashy Rivas.

Reno Greek Festival

  • Aug. 18-20
  • St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church, Reno
  • Visit Website

Be Greek for the weekend at this annual festival! Taste authentic Greek cuisine crafted by the members of the St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church at the outdoor πλατεία (plaza). Enjoy exhibitions of traditional Greek dances at the indoor Εστιατοριο (restaurant) or shop Greek imports including jewelry, CDs, specialty food items, and clothing at the Αγορά (town market).

2017 Reno Pirate Crawl

Arrrr me mateys, we hear there be a crawl in downtown Reno. Pirates, buccaneers, sea captains, wenches and bilge rats of all manner come from the four corners of the globe for the biggest event of its kind, and you can join the fun! Enjoy movie-quality pirate encampments, themed entertainment, mermaids and more fun than you can have on two peg legs—and you’ll save doubloons while you’re at it! Crawlers receive a commemorative cup and map that shows you where to go and what to do, and provides access to awesome exclusives!

Holi Festival of Colors

Experience Reno’s version of the Indian festival Holi. In India, Holi announces the arrival of spring and the passing of winter. The festival breathes an atmosphere of social merriment. People bury their hatchets with a warm embrace and throw their worries to the wind. Young and old alike are covered with colors (red, green, yellow, blue, black and silver). In Reno, you’ll find interactive dance, live mantra bands, DJs, yoga, colors, cuisine, and free hugs.

Northern Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival

The inaugural Northern Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival celebrates ancient Chinese culture, sport and the natural wonders of the Reno-Sparks region. Dragon boats are 40-foot human-powered canoes decorated with ornate Chinese dragon heads and tails. Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams consisting of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer, and one steersperson race the boats 500m across the lake.

Reno Art Fest on the River

Presented by the Reno Arts & Culture Commission and the Sierra Arts Foundation, more than 60 regional and local artists will be featured in this festival by the Truckee River. Reno’s City Plaza comes alive with color and inspiring works from acclaimed artists. Spectators can vote for their favorite piece to be purchased by City of Reno for its Public Art Collection, or purchase their own piece! Learn more in our exclusive video interview about the event. Activities also include live music, a beer garden, the monthly Wine Walk on the River and food trucks.

CANFEST

It’s the original international canned beer festival, dedicated to craft beers poured exclusively from cans. The event features live music, a silent disco, entertainment, food, vendors and loads of fun! Microbreweries from across the country represent over 100 brews for an evening of unlimited beer samples. The event benefits the Reno Bike Project and their two-wheeled mission.

Reno Aloha Festival

Experience the Pacific Islands in dance, music and mouthwatering food at the 2nd annual Reno Aloha Festival at Wingfield Park. This free event is a cultural showcase dedicated to preserving the unique traditions of the Islands. Shop the various vendors selling Polynesian merchandise and let the kids enjoy Keiki Village for fun interactive activities such as arts/crafts, hula lessons, and Island stories.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing

The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is a nationally televised off road racing series on a short course track where spectators watch all of the high-flying action from their seats in the grandstands. The Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series is a full contact MMA fight on wheels and the Wild West Motorsports Park is the most challenging track in their series. Watch Brian Deegan, Jeremy McGrath, Carl Renezeder, Rodrigo Ampudia and the top racers of the sport reach speeds of 90 MPH and jump 100-plus feet through the air in 900 horsepower trucks.

Burning Man

Tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary and vibrant metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-reliance, and self-expression. Burning Man is a practice in community – “Burners” create art, exchange ideas, and participate in the burning of the Man, a symbol whose meaning is as varied as the attendees themselves.

Best in the West Nugget Rib Cookoff

Hosted by the Nugget Casino Resort, the 29th annual event transforms the Labor Day holiday into a must-attend culinary, music, craft, and family end-of-summer affair. Enjoy ribs from 23 of the best cookers from across the world! Shuttles, admission, and live entertainment are free.