Nevada gives visitors endless ways to enjoy spring
CARSON CITY, N.V. – As spring approaches in Nevada, events throughout the state create opportunities to enjoy the wide open outdoors. From amazing races with bicycles, bathtub boats, cars and camels to 14-foot art installations and electric music festivals, forget the souvenirs and make lifelong memories instead. Shake off winter hibernation and hit the road for a trip that?s anything but sleepy. For a full listing of events, visit www.TravelNevada.com.
Shooting The West Photography Symposium, Winnemucca, April 25 – May 1, 2016
At the crossroads of photography and Western culture is the Shooting The West Photography Symposium. The event is a gathering of professional photographers and fans of Western photography featuring photo contests, art galleries, workshops and lessons from some of the most recognized names in the industry.
Laughlin River Run Motorcycle Rally, Laughlin, April 27-30, 2016
The Laughlin River Run isn’t just a motorcycle expo, but a true rally celebrating motorcycle culture. Located in one of the state’s southern-most cities, Laughlin is on the Colorado River and is home to nine hotel and casinos, perfect for a long weekend of biker fun. This four-day event is packed with poker tournaments, concerts, guest appearances from stars like Brett Michaels, tattoo conventions, parties and of course, bike shows. Attendees even have the chance to win a 2016 Harley-Davidson® Roadking.
Vegas Uncork’d, Las Vegas, April 28 – May 1, 2016
In its 10th year, Vegas Uncork’d is expected to be an event that wine and culinary enthusiasts will certainly not want to miss. For four days, chefs, winemakers and fans gather to celebrate the spirit of Las Vegas and their love of great tasting food and wine. Exquisitely prepared meals by culinary experts are paired perfectly with delicious wines by master sommeliers, ensuring that attendees will have a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience.
Genoa Cowboy Festival, Genoa, April 28 – May 1, 2016
The first ranch in Nevada was in Genoa, so it only makes sense that this historic town host an annual celebration of cowboy culture. The Genoa Cowboy Festival, in its sixth year, is full of barbecue dinners, barnyard dances, cooking demonstrations and even Cowboy Church. But what really draws the crowds is the endless list of cowboy concerts from performers like Jon & Betsy Elliot, Wylie & The Wild West, Ed & Connie Kretschmer, Ian Tyson and more.
Virginia City Grand Prix, Virginia City, April 30 – May 1, 2016
For motocross riders, few experiences provide a better adrenaline boost than biking through a historic outlaw town in the Nevada dessert. The Virginia City Grand Prix is a weekend-long thrill-ride, literally. Riders have the chance to compete in dozens of races, including a vintage race to display some classic bikes. Spectators line the streets to watch this modern-day biker showdown.
Reno Sculpture Fest, Reno, May 6-8, 2016
On the first weekend of May, the biggest little city transforms as art installations up to 14-feet in height are scattered downtown for the Reno Sculpture Fest. Adding to the excitement, venues throughout the city host concerts and parties. The event is free to the public, great for all ages, and features paintings, mixed media art, sculptures and more.
Reno River Festival, Reno, May 7-8, 2016
The Reno River Festival is many things, but low-key isn’t one of them. From the Craft Beer Village and the Private Cabanas to the River Roll bike ride and Pro White Water kayaking, there is something for everyone. This year’s Reno River Festival will also host the USA Freestyle Kayaking National Championships.
Nevada Open Road Challenge, Nevada Highway 318, May 12-15, 2016
Street racing is almost always illegal, but in the Silver State, there is one exception. One May weekend each year is dedicated to the Nevada Open Road Challenge ? an event where talented drivers have broken world records racing in enhanced streetcars. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Mustangs and other classically fast rides hit the road on Nevada Highway 318 for 90 miles. The race starts in Ely with the finish line in Las Vegas, with crowds gathered all along the road to witness and feel the speed.
33rd Annual Chili on the Comstock, Virginia City, May 14-15, 2016
Hosted on Virginia City?s C Street, the 33rd Annual Chili on the Comstock is the chili cook-off event that you can’t miss. If taste-testing award-winning chili isn’t enough, the event comes with a side of fun for the family in the Kids Zone and a night out with friends at the Fireball Saloon Crawl. All activities take place in historic Virginia City, guaranteeing you?ll have more stories than leftovers coming home with you.
Reno Craft Beer Week, Reno, May 14-21, 2016
With more than 70 events in its first year, the second annual Reno Craft Beer Week is bound to be one for the books. The goal of the event is simple; to celebrate and grow the area?s craft beer scene. Attendees can taste any and every type of specialty beer, enjoy bus tours and learn about the brewing process. Brewers can register to participate in the Backwash event – a brewing competition.
High Desert International Film Festival, Pahrump, May 26-29, 2016
In true Nevada spirit, the High Desert International Film Festival (HDIFF) honors creativity in the middle of the desert. HDIFF is widely recognized as one of the best U.S. film festivals, and has representation from six continents. Filmmakers submit their work for prizes in categories like animation, comedy and drama, and attendees are able to ask questions of the producers and cast, as well as vote on their favorite film.
Memorial Day Celebration of Heroes Parade, Virginia City, May 28, 2016
The Memorial Day Celebration of Heroes Parade honors all the men and women of the armed forces who gave their lives for our freedom. As a tribute, the folks of Virginia City encourage people to participate in and watch this parade through town starting at noon on May 28.
America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, Lake Tahoe, June 5, 2016
What better way to celebrate the coming of summer than with the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe from the seat of a bicycle. America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, which starts and ends at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe, is a 72-mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe. In addition to the stunning vistas along the ride, participants are celebrated an after party with a free meal and live music.
Reno Rodeo, Reno, June 16-25, 2016
Often called the “wildest, richest rodeo in the West,” the Reno Rodeo is a 10-day event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Nearly 150,000 rodeo fans come to town to watch bull riding, cattle drives, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more. In addition to watching the events, guests are invited to learn about rodeo activities through family sessions and lessons throughout the event.
Father’s Day Pow Wow, Carson City, June 17, 2016
For 90 years, the Stewart Indian School in Carson City provided basic and vocational education and training for American Indian youth from Nevada and other western states. To generate support for the establishment of the Stewart Indian Cultural Center, the Nevada Indian Commission hosts an annual Father’s Day Pow Wow that honors fathers with American Indian dancing, arts, food and other activities.
Carson City Off-Road, Carson City, June 17-19, 2016
The state capital will become the mountain biking capital this June with the inaugural Carson City Off-Road. The event consists of 15-, 35- and 50-mile courses where participants are challenged and rewarded simultaneously with spectacular views of Washoe Valley and Lake Tahoe. The ride is accompanied with three-days of live music on the main street of Carson City.
Electric Daisy Carnival, Las Vegas, June 17-19, 2016
What started as a music festival has grown into a complete entertainment experience. The Electric Daisy Carnival, which attracted more than 400,000 attendees in 2015, is celebrating its 20th year of neon and dance music in Las Vegas. With eight different stages, carnival rides, art installations and countless performers, this festival is a three-day escape to a world of light, imagination and creativity.
The Great Bathtub Boat Races, Ely, June 24-25, 2016
Why start summer with a trip to the pool or a lake when you can start it in your bathtub! In Nevada’s own quirky fashion, The Great Bathtub Boat Races are exactly what they sound like, but better than you can imagine. Adventurous participants create modified bathtubs to race across Cave Lake in what becomes a sea of entertainment. Whether you?re on board or on the shore, the race is enjoyable for all who attend.
For more Nevada travel experiences, visit TravelNevada.com, and for images of these and other Nevada destinations, visit Flickr.com/Travel Nevada. Click on the ?Albums? link and photos will sort by Nevada town or attraction.
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The Nevada Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It promotes and markets Nevada as a tourism destination for domestic and international leisure and business travelers through its marketing and advertising programs and by coordinating partnerships between public and private entities. Travel Nevada also administers grant programs for local entities to market travel and tourism offerings and publishes Nevada Magazine.
