It wouldn’t be July in Reno without Artown, the city-wide festival that makes the Biggest Little City sing, dance, and come alive with art of all types. Although the 26-year-old summer staple went virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is back in full force for 2021 with more than 400 events and a 40’ x 40’ outdoor pop-up concert venue at Washoe County’s picturesque Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
“We are thrilled to be able to present Artown in a way that respects what we all have gone through the past year,” said Artown Executive Director Beth Macmillan.
One thing to note: all the events at Rancho will host audiences in a collection of more than 500, 6’ x 6’ socially distanced seating pods, which can comfortably hold four people with chairs, blankets, and food. These pods can be pre-purchased and assigned or purchased on-site the day of the show. So, plan to buy tickets to the events at Rancho.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out an Artown event yet, don’t fear! We’ve scoured the event calendar and brought together this list of seven must-attend events for art aficionados of all ages and types.
Get These Artown Events On Your Calendar
Sierra Nevada Ballet Presents: Giselle
- When: July 17, 7:30–9 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.
- Where: Washoe County’s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
- More information
The famous classic Giselle is the bittersweet story of love and death that has moved audiences of all ages in every corner of the world. It is possibly the best-loved of the world’s ballets about a peasant girl who falls in love with a prince, dies of a broken heart, and becomes a spirit protecting her lover from the vengeance of a group of evil spirits. Sierra Nevada Ballet’s production features DaYoung Jung, Alehendro Gonzales, Ananda Bena-Weber, and a cast of 30 dancers.
Family Series: Broadway In Concert
- When: July 20, 6–8 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Washoe County’s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
- More information
This family event will highlight songs and musical numbers from many beloved Broadway shows and movie musicals. Presented by Sierra School of Performing Arts, the concert will feature performances by a mix of local talent of all ages, including some with Broadway and national theatre credits. The audience will even get a sneak preview of SSPA’s upcoming summer production of “Annie.”
Artown Presents: Keb’ Mo’
- When: July 22, 7:30–9 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.
- Where: Washoe County’s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
- More information
Over the past two decades, Keb’ Mo’ has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music through the understated excellence of his live and studio performances. Artists who have recorded his songs include B.B. King, Buddy Guy, the Dixie Chicks, Joe Cocker, Robert Palmer, Tom Jones, Melissa Manchester, Solomon Burke, and the Zac Brown Band, to name a few.
Mo’s self-titled release under his coined Keb’ Mo’ moniker reached its quarter-century milestone in 2019, and over the years, Mo’ has proven that he is a musical force that defies typical genre labels. He has garnered 5 Grammy Awards, including his most recent 2019 release, Oklahoma, which won in the Best Americana Album category. The talented artist has also won 14 Blues Foundation Awards and six BMI Awards for his work in television and film.
Movies In The Park: The Devil Wears Prada
- When: July 23, 9–11 p.m., gates open at 8 p.m.
- Where: Wingfield Park, S. Arlington Ave., Reno
- More information
Join the Cordillera International Film Festival, in partnership with Bill Pearce Motors, for the return of Movies in the Park, an Artown Legacy event, to Wingfield Park. Every Friday in July, guests can safely enjoy an evening of free films, special guests, activities, and giveaways inspired by the movies.
The Devil Wears Prada is an award-winning comedy about a recent graduate who moves to New York City and becomes an assistant to an impossible editor of a high fashion magazine.
Artown & The Elm Estate Presents: The Art Of Being Together – Concert Series
- When: July 24, 5:30–8 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m.
- Where: The Elm Estate, 1401 W. 2nd St., Reno
- More information
Join The Elm Estate and Artown for “The Art of Being Together: A Summer Concert Series,” featuring veteran singer/songwriter Lance Galgon and an enchanting sound bath by Cosmic Hearts for an intimate night of acoustic music under the stars.
The event will also feature local vendors and artists, including Lunar Leaf Alchemy and Naytures and live painter Jamie. Enjoy the art, music, food, and drink at this event hosted by The Elm Estate.
Neon In Nevada: Discussion Panel
- When: July 29, 7 p.m.
- Where: Online
- More information
Join neon experts, including those from the University of Nevada, Reno, and the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, for a virtual panel discussion about neon’s unique role in Nevada’s history and its lasting impact. Learn about the Neon in Nevada project, how it got started, its ultimate goals, and the forthcoming digital collection that will enable people to explore neon signs from across the state. There will be time for questions and audience discussion at the end.
Neon in Nevada is a collaborative project that has collected thousands of images of neon signs from across the state for a digital archive. Sadly, many of Nevada’s neon signs are fading away. Before their glow disappears, the University of Nevada, Reno Libraries is working with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries, the Nevada Historical Society, and various neon experts and enthusiasts to create a digital archive documenting this unique mid-century western American typography and design.
Closing Night: Buffy Sainte-Marie
- When: July 17, 7:30–9 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.
- Where: Washoe County’s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St., Reno
- More information
Sainte-Marie has spent her whole life creating, and her artistry, humanitarian efforts, and Indigenous leadership have made her a unique force in the music industry. In 1969, she made one of the world’s first electronic vocal albums; in 1982, she became the only Indigenous person to win an Oscar; she spent five years on Sesame Street, where she became the first woman to breastfeed on national television. She’s been blacklisted and silenced. She’s written pop standards sung and recorded by Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Donovan, Joe Cocker, and Jennifer Warnes. She penned “Universal Soldier,” the definitive anti-war anthem of the 20th century.
