If you’re looking for wholesome fun this fall, there are plenty of October things to do in Northern Nevada, including the World Championship Outhouse Races and spooky ghost tours in Virginia City, the Great Italian Festival in downtown Reno, the PumpkinPalooza in Sparks, and other exciting Halloween events. Here’s everything you need to know.
Enjoy The Cooler Weather With These Events In October
33rd Annual World Championship Outhouse Races
- When: Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Where: Virginia City, 85 S. C St., Virginia City
- More information
This historic Northern Nevada event dates back to when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City, and angry residents stormed the streets with their outhouses. Since then, it has become the World Championship Outhouse Races, where teams of dressed racers compete in a full-blown potty race.
MidTown Clean Up with KTMB
- When: Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Where: Midtown District, 445 S. Virginia St, Reno
- More information
Now, October things can do in Reno and Sparks can involve giving back too—join your neighbors at the Z Bar in MidTown for the annual MidTown clean-up. This event kicks off at 9 a.m. and after the cleanup, you can gather back at Z Bar for delicious mimosas and brunch.
Pumpkin Throwing Contest
- When: Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Where: McKinley Arts and Culture, 925 Riverside Drive, Reno
- More information
With nearly 100 artisan vendors, live music around the clock, and a juried auto show open to all makes and models, this event is one of a kind. As part of the Great American Craft Fairs Fall Fest, you can participate in the pumpkin-throwing contest and take in the sights and sounds of the McKinley Arts and Culture Center.
Rock Reno Half Marathon
- When: Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Where: Downtown Reno
- More information
Presented by Dolan Auto, Rock Reno Half Marathon is a running event like no other. Whether you’re an avid runner or a beginner, you can choose to run or walk the 10K or 5K distance. The courses take participants through the streets of downtown Reno and alongside the beautiful Truckee River.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- When: Saturday, October 8, 2022
- Where: Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Drive, Sparks
- More information
This inspiring event calls on participants to fight against Alzheimer’s. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, you won’t want to miss the world’s largest fundraiser for the care, research, and support of those struggling with this disease.
40th Great Italian Festival
- When: Saturday, October 8, 2022–Sunday, October 9, 2022
- Where: Eldorado Resort Casino, 345 N. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
For 40 years, this epicurean festival has offered visitors a variety of fun activities, from grape stomping to Italian farmers markets to food vendors and more. Best of all, there is no entry fee for The Great Italian Festival. So, come one, come all, and don’t miss this event as you’re looking for October things to do in Reno.
Hands ON! Second Saturday – Celebrate el Día de Los Muertos
- When: Saturday, October 8, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More information
This celebration of Central American-Mexican heritage includes hands-on art activities, storytelling, a docent-guided tour, live performances, and other exciting community collaborations. Plus, it’s a free admission event for visitors and community members of all ages.
Haunted Ghost Tour at the Gold Hill Hotel
- When: Thursday, October 13, 2022, & Thursday, October 27, 2022
- Where: Gold Hill Hotel, 1540 S. Main St., Virginia City
- More information
The Gold Hill Hotel (as seen on Ghost Adventures and proclaimed the 8th most haunted location in Nevada) is offering historical ghost tours that benefit The Comstock Foundation for history and culture.
Hosted by the Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters, this event will start with dinner in the Virginia City Crown Point restaurant, followed by an evening of fun and entertainment.
UNR Ski & Snowboard Swap
- When: Friday, October 21, 2022–Sunday, October 23, 2022
- Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
At this ski and snowboard swap, you can get everything from boards to boots, skis to snow shoes, clothing, helmets, gloves, and more. Face masks are required for this event, which visitors can access through the north entrance of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Remember to bring in a valid parking pass to reduce the price of your purchase.
PumpkinPalooza
- When: Saturday, October 22, 2022–Sunday, October 23, 2022
- Where: Downtown Sparks
- More information
This event is free to attend and features the PumpkinPalooza Midway, a jack-o-lantern wall, the pumpkin design studio, carving classes, the purple pumpkin pursuit, costume photo opportunities for people and pets, a pumpkin derby, vendor trick or treating, food trucks, kid-friendly live entertainment and more.
2022 Nevada Day Parade
- When: Saturday, October 29, 2022
- Where: Downtown Carson City, 716 N. Carson Street, Carson City
- More information
This parade in Carson City takes place on Oct. 29, 2022, to celebrate Nevada’s heritage and its founding on October 31, 1862. In addition to the parade, there will be a rock drilling contest, battle of bands, beard contest, various sporting events, and more. So, whether you’re a local Nevadan or just visiting for the day, check out the Nevada Day festivities in our state’s capital.
Haunted Halloween Steam Train
- When: Saturday, October 29, 2022–Monday, October 31, 2022
- Where: 1870 Depot in Virginia City
- More information
This event invited you to take a one-of-a-kind ride on the V & T’s Haunted Halloween Steam Train from Virginia City to Gold Hill, coming alive underneath the evening’s deep, dark skies. But bring a coat and dress warmly as the fall evenings can be chilly in the high desert. Space is often limited and reservations are recommended.
Artown presents Dance Theatre of Harlem
- When: Sunday, October 30, 2022
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More information
Last but not least on our list of October things to do in Reno and Sparks, the Dance Theatre of Harlem encompasses a professional touring company, a studio school, and a national and international education and community outreach program.
At Dickson Realty, our team of local experts knows about the best activities and places to live, including the best October things to do in Reno/Sparks. To learn more about how to enjoy the Northern Nevada region, contact one of our realtors today.
