Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place, offers a year-round, 24-hour, play all day and night atmosphere that’s not found anywhere else. Enjoy a variety of accommodations at top-notch resort-casinos, fine dining, luxurious spas, 24-hour gaming and exciting nightlife. Head outdoors for more than 900 miles of mountain trails, cool off at the Truckee River Whitewater Park, experience 50 signature golf courses, attend one of 72 community-wide special events or an afternoon of shopping and arts and culture. Reno-Tahoe also boasts the highest concentration of ski and board resorts in North America, all surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. Reno-Tahoe is America’s Adventure Place.
The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 brought a flood of immigrants to northern Nevada, which has previously been inhabited only by Native American tribes, strong-minded ranchers and religious missionaries. A large portion of the silver mined from Virginia City was used to fund Civil War efforts and help construct the area’s booming cities. Until “Progressives� succeeded in its prohibition in 1910, gaming was a legal and prosperous industry. It was reinstated in 1931 in hopes of boosting Reno-Tahoe’s Depression-era economy. In years since, Reno-Tahoe’s quality of life has attracted top industries in gaming and distribution.
The Reno-Tahoe welcomes a diverse array of cultures and lifestyles. According to 2005 City of Reno reports, the population is 205,000. Combined with neighboring Sparks’ population of 81,763, the metropolitan area includes 286,763 residents. Within 25 years, Reno-Sparks’ anticipated population is 320,000.
Located along a major interstate, Reno and neighboring Sparks are flanked by the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the west and high desert mountains to the east. Only a 45-minute drive to Lake Tahoe, and 30 minutes to the state’s capital, Carson City, the region offers a diversity of cultures, activities and attractions. As the area continues to grow, city planners realize the importance of avoiding further sprawl. The Truckee Meadows Regional Plan allows for high-density development, which calls for growth in "regional centers," with rapid transit corridors connecting these areas to each other for more efficient transportation.
The Reno-Tahoe International Airport, www.renoairport.com, offers convenient daily flights from 17 non-stop and 25 one-stop destinations. Daily Amtrak stops in both Reno and Sparks make rail transportation a breeze, while Key Holidays’ Fun Train and Snow Train services offer fun-filled sightseeing trips. Reno-Tahoe is also within close proximity to many northern California destinations including San Francisco and Sacramento, and is an hour’s plane flight to Las Vegas.
Visitors to Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place can hit 855 putts on 50 area golf courses; explore 968 miles of Sierra trails; ski or ride 22,000 acres of snow-covered terrain; play in 440 square miles worth of water; relax on the white sand beaches of North America’s largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe; visit 31 museums; gamble with Lady Luck at 14,000 slot machines or 600 tables; fish at 250 fishing holes; attend special events 188 days per year; dine 1,200 different ways; meet in 1.2 million square feet of space; and sleep in one of 20,000 luxurious guest rooms.
Reno is the perfect starting-off point for your next adventure. Experience one of the many exciting day trips within close proximity to the downtown corridor including the “Most Beautiful Drive in America� at Lake Tahoe, America’s largest designated historic landmark Virginia City, Pyramid Lake, famous for its record-breaking cutthroat trout fishing, Nevada’s capital, Carson City or the oldest settlement in Nevada, Genoa. Head back to Reno to enjoy fine dining and exciting nightlife before starting out on tomorrow’s adventure.
As a year-round destination, Reno-Tahoe has both peak and shoulder seasons, with shoulder seasons providing more affordable lodging rates. Typically, from early spring to mid-June, and again from October until early December, hotel prices at Lake Tahoe tend to decline, while those in Reno tend to stay the same year-round. Reno-Tahoe is one of the most affordable destinations on the West Coast and also offers a variety of fully-customizable vacation packages to make planning a breeze.
Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place offers customizable vacation packages to suit any traveler’s needs. From large group functions to exclusive golf vacations, ski getaways, spa retreats and arts and culture packages, Reno-Tahoe will take care of all the details. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Log on to www.VisitRenoTahoe.com/packages for more information.
RENO-TAHOE, AMERICA’S ADVENTURE PLACE,
BOASTS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEARRENO, Nev. — With an abundance of special events, from arts and culture to wet and wild, to choose from throughout the year, Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place, offers something for everyone in 2006.
JANUARY16 Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration: This 18th annual celebration honors the birthday of this civil rights leader. This year’s theme is The King Legacy: A Tribute to Rosa Parks. The event, held in the Crystal Ballroom at the Reno Hilton, features a dinner, entertainment and special guest speaker Russell Williams. Williams is a two time academy award winner. Contact the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society at 775-329-8990 for details.
21 Winter, Wine and All That Jazz: Wine, food and jazz at the Carson Nugget featuring multiple wineries pouring from various vineyards, food and jazz with live music, a silent auction, raffle and door prizes. Tickets are $35 each. For information call 775-883-7477 or log on to www.visitcarsoncity.com.
FEBRUARY11 Tahoe Winter Blue Adventure Race: The Blue Adventure Race returns to Lake Tahoe and Reno, kicking off with clinics and practice runs that culminate in the race in Reno. Teams participate and compete in a series of backcountry and Nordic activities including freeheel skiing, AT skiing, snowshoeing, transceiver location, Nordic skiing, orienteering and map and compass skills. Now in its third year, the Big Blue Adventure Race Series challenges adventure-seekers, while showcasing the spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Reno. Contact 530-546-1019 or visit
www.bigblueadventure.com for more details.
26 - Mar. 5 Ascent: Ascent - The winter party at Lake Tahoe invites gay and lesbian skiers and boarders to Heavenly Mountain Resort for eight days of outdoor recreation, on and off the slopes, and events such as the Curve Magazine Drag Races, free après ski parties and poker runs to Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe. Also slated to take place is A Rainbow of Hope benefit reception for the GLBT youth program. For more information call 866-263-4167 or log on to www.AscentLakeTahoe.com.
27 - Mar. 3 Tahoe Freeheel Open: The world’s largest and most anticipated telemark competition hosts more than 300 competitors and spectators. Multiple events will include big mountain, freestyle, tele-cross and film contests. For more information, visit
www.toughguyproductions.com.
MARCH3 Nevada SnowMaster Adventure Race: The second annual Nevada SnowMaster Adventure Race, part of the annual Big Blue Adventure Series, lets teams compete in a series of multi-sport events at Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area in the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Backcountry and Nordic activities for the event include free heel skiing, AT skiing, snowshoeing, transceiver location, Nordic skiing, orienteering and map and compass skills. Contact 530-546-1019 or visit
www.bigblueadventure.com for more details.
3 - 5 Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series: The Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series is a premier bull riding tour. The series brings the top 45 bull riders in the world to test their skills against the planet’s toughest animal. For more information, visit
www.PBRNow.com or call 719-471-3008.
3 - 6 The Tahoe Telemark Open is the world's largest and most anticipated telemark competition of it's kind. Multiple events including big mountain, freestyle, tele-cross, and film contests make for the most comprehensive, all-encompassing event ever. For more information, visit
www.toughguyproductions.com.3 –12 Snow Festival 2006: A 10-day festival held in north Lake Tahoe, the Snow Festival features snow-sculpture contests, a spaghetti feed, pancake breakfasts, a parade with post-parade party, oyster-eating contest, Rotary-Kiwanis tug of war, Gar Woods “Polar Bear Swim,� a luau and more. For details visit
www.tahoesnowfestival.com or call 530-583-7167.
5 – 12 WinterFest: South Lake Tahoe's Gay Ski Week celebrates its 10th year in 2006. WinterFest attracts thousands of gay and lesbian skiers to Lake Tahoe for a week of skiing and boarding, parties, private dance cruises and much more. WinterFest creates an atmosphere of camaraderie among skiers and non-skiers alike and is known for attracting some of the friendliest patrons from across the U.S. and around the globe. This year’s highlights include a performance from drag queen extraordinaire, RuPaul. For more information, log on to
www.LakeTahoeWinterFest.com.
7 - 11 WAC Basketball Tournament: The best in the Western Athletic Conference congregate at the University of Nevada to face off for the championship title and a place in March Madness finals. Women’s and men’s teams from all across the West begin tournament play on March 7. For more information, visit
www.wac.org or call 800-225-2277.
17 - 19 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Think green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with traditional Irish food and live music in downtown Reno. Event features an arts and crafts fair and a Ceilidh, a party with Celtic music and dancing. Contact Fitzgerald’s Hotel Casino at 775-785-3300 for details or visit
www.fitzgeraldsreno.com.
APRIL
20 - 23 CSTV Collegiate Nationals: The CSTV Collegiate Nationals, the first-ever college championship showcase featuring more than 2,000 of the nation’s top young athletes competing in a four-day series of high-endurance sporting events takes place in Reno and culminates in the crowning of the "Greatest College Athlete.� The competition brings together athletes from 40 different colleges and universities across the country participating in non-traditional events such as wakeboarding, snowboarding, kayaking, a triathlon, boxing and beach volleyball. Xbox 360, Microsoft’s next-generation gaming system, has signed on as the founding sponsor for this inaugural championship series. For more information, log on to
www.cstv.com or call 775-827-7654.
27 - 29 Reno Jazz Festival: The 44th annual Reno Jazz Festival hosts more than 300 performances and clinics featuring the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, 40 jazz artists from around the nation and approximately 280 middle school, high school and college groups from around the west. Contact 775-784-4046 for details or visit
www.dce.unr.edu/jazz. MAY
5 - 7 Cinco de Mayo Reno: Cinco de Mayo Reno continues to be the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration on the West Coast and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors. The celebration includes Latino music, food, Reno’s first marathon and informational booths. Events will be held in downtown Reno. For more details, visit
www.cincodemayoreno.com or call 775-232-7925.
5 - 7 Marathon De Mayo Nevada Wide Open Music Marathon: Reno’s first marathon takes to the streets May 5-7 and features a Latino music act at each mile of the race. The course begins at the Reno Arch on Virginia Street and takes participants through some of Reno’s most scenic areas. There is also a half marathon, 5K, and 10K. The race is open to athletes of all abilities and proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. For more information call 775-825-1727 or visit
www.marathondemayo.com.
12 - 14 Reno River Festival: The 3rd annual Reno River Festival reaches new heights in 2006, featuring an invitational competition, demonstrations, clinics, live music, a kayak movie, vendors of all sorts, food, drinks and much more. The whitewater course, Nevada’s first kayak slalom racing course, totals 2,600 feet of class 2 to 3 rapids on a difficulty scale of 1 to 6, and includes north and south channels that surround a city park on an island in the river. The course also features 11 “drop pools� and boulders for kayaking maneuvers, a slalom racing course, and 7,000 tons of smooth flat rocks along the shores for easy river access and spectator seating. Call 800 FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit
www.RenoRiverFestival.com.
14 Arts in Bloom: Victorian Square Plaza sets the stage for Arts in Bloom, a free festival that captures the joy of spring and welcomes both residents and visitors alike to enjoy the colorful works of diverse, talented artists from the entire northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe region along with mimosa, wine or artfully crafted beer. An assortment of culinary treats are served as well. Entertainment includes both local and regional performers. For more information, visit
www.sparksrec.com or call 775-353-2376.
17 - 22 Reno/Tahoe Wine, Food & Jazz Festival: An annual celebration of wine, food, art and jazz returns to the Reno Hilton for three fabulous days. Highlights include: hundreds of wines to taste, lifestyle merchants to shop, fantastic works of art to buy or bid on, tasty evening receptions, jazz music on festival grounds, and throughout the entire hotel and complimentary admission to all wine education programs and culinary demonstrations. Tickets start at $25. Tickets, hotel accommodations and a limited number of packages are available through the Reno Hilton Box Office at 775-789-2285 or online at
www.renohilton.com.
20 - 21 Pembroke Renaissance Faire: Held at Fuji Park in Carson City, this renaissance faire features food, crafts, jousting and blacksmith activities. For additional information call 775-315-4219 or log on to
www.visitcarsoncity.com.
27 Silver Sage Adventure Race: Held in downtown Reno, this race marks the start of the Big Blue Adventure Series, comprised of four multi-sport races designed for teams and individuals to compete in kayaking, mountain biking, trail running, orienteering, navigation, high ropes skills and other disciplines. Kicking off from Wingfield Park in the heart of Reno's revitalized RiverWalk district, the Silver Sage features a “riverteering� experience through the Truckee River corridor and mountain biking on muscle-burning terrain sculpted with surprises around every corner – a true urban adventure “Reno-Tahoe style.� Contact 530-546-1019 or visit
www.bigblueadventure.com for details.
27 Kit Carson Trail Wild West Tour: Visit the spirits of yesterday on a walking tour of the Kit Carson Trail in Nevada’s state capital, historic Carson City. Select homes are open during the tour featuring character actors portraying scenes from the past. Call 800-NEVADA-1 (800-638-2321) or log on to
www.visitcarsoncity.com for details.
JUNE
4 America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride: This 15th annual bike ride around Lake Tahoe has built a reputation around its spectacular scenery. The event includes a boat cruise, 40-mile fun ride, a 72-mile ride, and a 100-mile century ride around the lake. It circles the lake with a challenging 800-foot climb to a vista point overlooking the serene Emerald Bay. Call 800-565-2704 or log on to
www.bikethewest.com for more details.
9 - 11 Carson City Rendezvous: This event has it all: mountain man encampment, Civil War re-enactments and camps, cowboy stunt shows, camel rides, Pueblo de Nevada village, Farriers competition contest, Native American dancing, live music, arts and crafts and great food. Call 800-NEVADA-1 (800-638-2321) for details or
www.visitcarsoncity.com.
11 Pony Express Re-Ride: Ranked among the most remarkable feats to come out of the American West, the Pony Express was in service from April 1860 to November 1861. Its primary mission was to deliver mail and news between St. Joseph, Missouri, and San Francisco, California. The Pony Express Re-Ride comes through Carson City at approximately 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit
www.visitcarsoncity.com or call 800-NEVADA-1(800-638-2321).
15 - Aug. 24 Sparks Hometowne Farmers Market: Get it fresh at this weekly summertime celebration of food and family fun. The market features more than 100 vendors offering fresh-picked produce, breads, pastries and gourmet foods plus cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and unique items for home and garden. The Farmers Market is held Thursday evenings, from 4 to 9 p.m., at Victorian Square in Sparks. Call 775-353-2291 for details or visit
www.ci.sparks.nv.us.
15 - 24 Reno Rodeo: The 87th installment of the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West� features the best Rodeo athletes from around the world, as well as a parade, a carnival and numerous craft booths. Kids can try their hand at Mutton Bustin’ and grab a ringside seat for the excitement of steer wrestling, bronc riding, bull riding and more. Call 775-329-3877 for details or visit
www.renorodeo.com.
22 - 24 Tour de Nez: The 14th annual Tour de Nez is part of USA Cycling’s national race series comprised of 33 events throughout the United States with participants earning points toward individual national ranking. The schedule includes a Masters level race and a Pro race with cyclists winding through the streets of Reno’s downtown river district on a 1.1 mile course. Additionally, the event features a race expo area and other festivities including live music. Contact 775-348-6673 or visit
www.tourdenez.com for details.
24 - 30 Volleyball Festival: The Volleyball Festival is the world’s largest annual sporting event, just slightly smaller in number of participants than the Summer Olympics. The tournament draws 10,000 athletes ages 12-18, 1,400 club coaches, 200 college recruiters, 10,000 parents and spectators and 450 paid staff. The tournament is held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and various locations throughout Reno. Call 281-207-1070 or visit
www.volleyball-festival.com for details.
JULY
1 - 3 Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-Off: A variety of restaurants and bars from all over the world come to Reno to serve up their own version of chicken wings for tasters to judge. Visitors can wander throughout the cook-off to purchase sampler plates from each participating restaurant. For more information call 775-358-8376 or log on to
www.thegreatinternationalchickenwingsociety.com.
1 - 31 Artown: Named one of the largest and most inclusive arts and culture events in the country, the annual summer arts festival features hundreds of performing and visual arts events in dozens of locations citywide. This celebration of arts includes music, dance, theater, opera, children’s workshops, movies in the park, cowboy poetry, historical walks, visual arts and more. Contact Artown at 775-322-1538 or visit
www.renoisartown.com for more information.
2 - Aug. 27 Sunday Music Series: Carson City’s “Concerts in the Park� brings live music and family fun to the state capital. The concerts are held every Sunday during July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. on the legislature lawn by the capitol building. Contact 775-687-7410 or 1-800-NEVADA-1 (800-638-2321) for details or visit
www.visitcarsoncity.com.
4 Fourth of July: It wouldn’t be Independence Day without fireworks and Reno-Tahoe takes pyrotechnics to a whole new level. Catch firework shows at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, during the Star Spangled Sparks event at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, Carson City’s Cavalcade of Spectaculars at Mills Park or at any of four Lake Tahoe locations including: Kings Beach, Tahoe City, Incline Village and South Lake Tahoe. Contact 1-800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit
www.VisitRenoTahoe.com for more information.
4 Star Spangled Sparks: This event celebrates the 230th birthday of the United States with a day-long extravaganza starting at Sparks Marina at 7:30 a.m. and featuring numerous fun-filled activities for the entire family. The celebration moves to Victorian Square at 7 p.m. with more events and a spectacular fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m. Contact 775-353-2291 for details or visit
http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/.
7 - 8 Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Relay Run Adventure: This relay run is a mighty challenge. Traveling through the Sierra Nevada and along the shores of Lake Tahoe and circling back through the northern Nevada high desert, the relay covers 178 miles that are divided into 36 legs of varying lengths, difficulties and altitudes. Each runner completes three legs of the course over two days. Contact 775-825-3399 for details or visit
www.renotahoeodyssey.com.
8 Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews & Blues Festival: Nothing washes down good barbecue like a cold beer and cool blues and party-goers will find it all plus live music right in downtown Reno. Contact 800-648-5966 for details or visit
www.eldoradoreno.com.
8 - 9 Tahoe Arts Festival: The 8th annual Tahoe Arts Festival celebrates the best in visual and performing arts. Held at the Cal-Neva Resort, Spa and Casino in Crystal Bay, the festival features street painting and other special events including an Artists Marketplace and an amateur artist area for children and adults to create their own street paintings. For details, call 530-583-5605 or visit www.laketahoeartsfestival.com.
11 - 16 Celebrity Golf Championship: Watch more than 75 of your favorite athletes, movie and television stars as they vie for top honors in this annual tournament held at the Edgewood Golf Course in South Lake Tahoe. Past tournaments have included such golfing greats as Michael Jordan, Donald Trump and John Elway. Call 775-588-3566 or log on to
www.tahoecelebritygolf.com for more details.
13 - Aug. 20 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: Experience one of north Lake Tahoe’s most popular events set against the backdrop of Lake Tahoe and get a front row seat to the summer’s greatest cultural production. This year’s festival presents “Twelfth Night� and adds a drama to the lineup with “Othello.� New for this year, the Festival has added a seventh week of performances with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)� offering a fun filled retrospective into all of Shakespeare’s works. Contact 800-74-SHOWS (800-747-4697) for details or visit
www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com.
15 39th Annual Reno Basque Festival: Celebrate Reno’s Basque heritage at this annual event featuring traditional food, dancing, a Basque mass and games for children and adults in addition to sporting competitions including soka tira (tug-of-war), wood chopping and weight lifting. Contact 775-762-3577 for details or visit
www.renobasqueclub.org.
15 - 16 Big Easy: The Silver Club's Big Easy is an annual street festival held at Victorian Square in celebration of Mardi Gras. This New Orleans style event features Cajun cuisine and street vendors, craft booths, a parade, live blues and Zydeco on three outdoor stages, and plenty of beads. The event is- free to the public, compliments of the Silver Club Hotel Casino. Log on to
www.silverclub.com or call 800-905-7774 for more information.
16 - 20 John Ascuaga’s Nugget Amateur Challenge: The seventh annual John Ascuaga’s Nugget Amateur Challenge takes participants to some of the best courses in northern Nevada including ArrowCreek Country Club, D’Andrea Golf Club, The Resort at Red Hawk, Genoa Lakes, and Dayton Valley with finals at Grizzly Ranch. The tournament is expected to draw more than 600 participants. Players are seeded within women’s, men’s, senior men’s and super senior men’s divisions. Call 800-803-6918 or visit
www.renoamateurchallenge.com for more information.
16 - 20 Great Basin Chautauqua Festival: Travel through history as scholars portray major literary and historical figures in a tented outdoor setting each summer. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2006, Chautauqua is held in conjunction with Artown and provides five days of both education and entertainment in fun summertime surroundings at Ranch San Rafael Park. The Great Basin Chautauqua Festival also features a Young Chautauqua portion that includes children aged eight to 18 who research develop their characters for six months before performing in front of the festival audience. Visit
www.nevadahumanities.org or call 775-784-6587 for more information.
20 - Aug. 12 Lake Tahoe Music Festival: Sit back and relax under the stars while enjoying the 24th annual Lake Tahoe Music Festival, with performances each Thursday and Saturday night at different outdoor locations around north Lake Tahoe including Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner Golf Range and Squaw Valley. This year's series features the Grammy Award-winner Juice Newton, enduring rockers, Sha Na Na, up-and-coming high energy acoustic band, The Greencards, along with the annual Kids Night Out performance for kids or kids at heart. Log on to
www.tahoemusic.org or call 530-583-3101 for more information.
22 - 23 16th Annual Reno Celtic Celebration: Experience true tradition at a Celtic celebration with bagpipe bands, Irish and Highland dancing, Celtic crafters, athletic competition and much more. Contact 775-233-9954 for details or visit
www.renoceltic.org.
27 - 30 Silver Dollar Car Classic: One of Carson City’s legendary events, the Silver Dollar Car Classic offers a spectacular fireworks show, treasure hunt, drive-in movie, champion speedway parade laps, contests and prizes. Help celebrate the show’s 12 years of classic cars, speedway excitement and hot-rod magic. Visit
www.silverdollarcar.com or call 800-NEVADA-1 (800-638-2321) for more details.
28 - 30 The Mastercraft Pro Wakeboard Tour Finals: World Sports & Marketing, producers of more than 250 televised competitions including the ESPN X-Games Wakeboarding events, adds a splash of fun to the summer by bringing together the world’s best wakeboarders for a two-day nationally televised competition. Call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit
www.VisitRenoTahoe.com for details.
29 - Aug. 6 Hot August Nights: This nationally recognized annual celebration of vintage music and autos returns for another famous cruise on the streets in Reno-Tahoe. Featuring thousands of classic cars, top entertainers of the ’50s and ’60s, car auctions, poker runs, drag races and parades, this event promises to be the best of the best for car-lovers everywhere. Contact 775-356-1956 for details or visit
www.hotaugustnights.net.
AUGUST
3 - 10 Wooden Boat Week and Concours d’Elegance: Enjoy this week-long celebration of classic wooden boats and be a part of Tahoe’s classic history. The Concours d’Elegance is a two-day competitive and educational event that offers numerous social events offering participants and spectators an opportunity to show off and enjoy their wooden boats. Call 530-581-4700 or log on to
www.tahoeyc.com for more information.
12 - 13 Reno-Tahoe Blues Festival: The second annual Reno-Tahoe Blues Festival kicks off Saturday, Aug. 12, at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, with performers Patti LaBelle, Keb Mo, Eddie Cotton, Bobby Rush and many more filling the bill. This a total festival experience offering food, merchandise and fun in a beautiful outdoor park setting. For more information call 775-857-FEST (775-857-3378) or log on to
www.renotahoebluesfest.com.
21 - 27 Reno-Tahoe Open at Montrêux Golf and Country Club: A top field of PGA TOUR professionals faces off at one of the area’s toughest and most scenic golf courses, Montrêux Golf and Country Club. The week-long event features a many activities including a pro-am tournament and golf professionals competing for a $3 million purse. Contact 775-322-3900 for details or visit
www.RenoTahoeOpen.com.
23 - 27 Nevada State Fair: Everything that makes the Silver State great is at this annual event. Visit the
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center from noon to midnight for exhibits and events, entertainment, rides, carnival
games and more. Contact 775-688-5767 for details or go to
www.nvstatefair.com.
23 - 27 Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival: Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival (T-RIFF) presents a
five-day exploration of discovery through soul stirring and spirited independent film contributions that open the hearts and minds of movie lovers. In addition to screening a rare and diverse spectrum of films, T-RIFF hosts workshops, tributes, parties, a gala and a short script competition.The winning screenplay is made into a film and screened during the festival. Contact 775-298-0018 or visit
www.t-riff.org for more information.
30 - Sept. 4 Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off: The biggest and most prestigious rib cook-off in the United States takes place in downtown Sparks Victorian Square bringing together 24 cookers, 125 crafts booths and free entertainment including nightly headline acts nightly on the main stage. Contact 800-648-1177 for details or visit
www.janugget.com.
SEPTEMBER
7 - 10 Lake Tahoe Food & Wine Festival: The fourth annual Lake Tahoe Food & Wine Festival is held in Incline Village/Crystal Bay for the first time in 2006. Fine wines from more than 20 of the West Coast’s best wineries including Silver Oak, Pine Ridge and E.J. Gallo are complemented with exquisite light cuisine prepared by chefs from the region’s top restaurants to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tastings, concerts, classes and wine maker dinners will also be held throughout the weekend. For more information or tickets, visit
http://insidetahoe.net/fw_fest.php or call 800-GO-TAHOE (800-468-2463).
8 - 10 The Great Reno Balloon Race: More than just an exhibition of gorgeous flying machines, the Great Reno Balloon Race brings together the nation’s top balloonists competing in events like the Hare and the Hound, Target Drop and Key Grab. A trademark of the race is Dawn Patrol, which takes place as the sun rises and provides a great show as balloonists glow, twinkle, and fly along with choreographed music and crowd participation. Contact 775-826-1181 for details or visit
www.renoballoon.com.
10 Tour de Tahoe Bike Big Blue: This 4th annual bike ride challenges riders with an 800-foot climb overlooking Emerald Bay and a 1,000-foot climb to Spooner Junction. Other activities include a sightseeing boat cruise, 35-mile fun ride and a 72-mile ride around the lake. Call 800-565-2704 or log on to
www.bikethewest.com for more details.
8 – 10 46th Annual Virginia City International Camel Races: While they’re not known for their speed, these desert troopers hit the racetrack as a nostalgic reminder of the Comstock Lode’s bonanza days. In addition to the camel, ostrich and emu races, there are numerous specialty acts, daily parades and more. Contact 775-847-0211 for details or go to
www.virginiacity-nv.com.
13 - 17 National Championship Air Races: The world’s longest running air race is the only place in the world where you can see five days of real air racing with six classes of aircraft competing in a variety of race classes, military and historic airplane displays and aerobatics exhibitions. Planes reach speeds of more than 500 miles per hour. While enjoying the races, spectators can visit the pits and watch race teams work on their aircraft, browse any of the hundreds of participating vendor’s booths, and enjoy a wide variety of food and beverages. Contact 775-972-6663 for details or visit
www.airrace.org.
20 - 24 Street Vibrations: Get your motor running with four days of motorcycle tours, live concerts, entertainment, ride-in shows, a parade, poker run and numerous vendors. An official event of the Harley-Davidson Dealers Association of Northern California, Street Vibrations is hog heaven! Call 800-200-4557 for details or visit
www.road-shows.com/street_vibrations.htm.
23 Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race: This fourth annual, multi-sport event invites teams and individuals to compete in kayaking, mountain biking, trail running, orienteering, navigation and high-ropes skill disciplines along the beautiful shores of north Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe Big Blue is a challenging, yet relaxing, adventure experience. The event starts out at 6,200 feet and heads up to 9,000 feet mastering steep terrain and unmatched views of the lake. Call 530-546-1019 or visit
www.bigblueadventure.com for details.
23 - 24 Genoa Candy Dance: The 86th annual Genoa Candy Dance, a craft fair like none other, is held in the small town of Genoa, located within a short drive from Carson City, the state’s capital, and is a perfect place to start your holiday gift shopping. It’s the ultimate candy and craft sale with artisans from all over northern Nevada flocking to sell their wares. Breathe in the small-town spirit of an old-fashioned craft sale, and stock up on candy and sugar plums for the upcoming holidays. For more information, call 775-782-8696 or go to
www.candydanceartsandcraftsfaire.org.
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 Nissan XTERRA USA Championship: The Nissan XTERRA USA Championship is the culmination of a series of nearly 50 qualifying events across the U.S. that award points to the top athletes in XTERRA's eight regions. The best of the best are invited to compete in a 750-meter swim, full-distance 32K mountain bike, and a 5K trail run at Lake Tahoe to battle for the title of XTERRA National Champion and a share of the prize purse. In addition to the race, spectators can pick up tips from the pros and enjoy the XTERRA Expo with food, climbing walls and product displays. Call 877-751-8880 or log on to
www.xterraplanet.com for more details.
OCTOBER
7 - 8 Great Italian Festival: The 25th installment of this proud Italian heritage celebration is held at the Eldorado Hotel Casino in downtown Reno. Activities include grape-stomping, spaghetti-eating contests, Italian food, gelato and café booths, face painting, a farmers market and live entertainment. Contact 800-879-8879 for details or visit
www.eldoradoreno.com/events.
21 Kit Carson Trail Ghost Walk: Visit the spirits of yesterday on a walking tour of the Kit Carson Trail in Nevada’s state capital, historic Carson City. Select homes are open during the tour featuring character actors portraying scenes from the past. Call 800-NEVADA-1 (800-638-2321) for details or log on to
www.visitcarsoncity.com.
26 - 29 Nevada Day Celebration: Enjoy four days of events in celebration of Nevada’s birthday including a best beard contest, food, music and the largest parade in the state, the Nevada Day Parade. Call 800-683-2948 or check out
www.visitcarsoncity.com for more details.
NOVEMBER
15 – Dec. 15 Catch the Spirit of Artown during a flurry of festive holiday arts events that take place from mid-November until mid-December. The lineup includes visual, performing and humanities arts for a month-long celebration of cultural diversity and artistic innovation. Log on to
www.renoisartown.com or call 775-322-1538 for more information.
24 - 25 North Lake Tahoe Holiday Jazz Festival: The 11th annual North Lake Tahoe Thanksgiving Weekend Jazz Festival takes place over Thanksgiving weekend at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino and is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. Log on to
www.LakeTahoe.Hyatt.com or call 800-832-1234 for more information.
DECEMBER
2 Sparks Hometowne Christmas: This annual celebration showcases a colorful holiday parade, family entertainment, photos with Santa, arts and crafts vendors and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. It is a true Nevada tradition to warm the winter. Contact 775-353-2291 for details or visit
www.ci.sparks.nv.us/living/com_events/hometowne_christmas.
7 Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights: Witness the lighting of the state capitol building and all of downtown Carson City during this spectacular festival of lights. Other activities include a visit with Santa and caroling. For more information visit
www.visitcarsoncity.com or call 775-887-1294.
10 Victorian Home Christmas Tour: Experience the magic of Christmas on a tour of beautifully decorated Victorian homes along the historic Kit Carson Trail in Carson City. The tour is presented by the Nevada Landmark Society. Call 775-882-1805 or log on to
www.visitcarsoncity.com for more details.
28 – 31 The 3rd annual Nevada Chamber Music Festival, sponsored by the Reno Chamber Orchestra, is an eight-concert series featuring some of the finest musicians in the world performing the great works of the chamber music canon. Already established as a favorite among Reno-Tahoe audiences and an integral part of the area’s winter arts scene, the Festival has featured musicians such as Grammy-nominated violinist and frequent performer with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, James Buswell, and Pascal Rogé, one of the most recorded pianists in the world today. Visit
www.renochamberorchestra.org or call 775-348-9413 for more information.
Reno-Tahoe Activities and Events
July 18 – 19, 2006
Travel through history as scholars portray major literary
and historical figures in a tented outdoor setting each summer. Celebrating its
15th anniversary in 2006, Chautauqua is held in conjunction with
Artown and provides five days of both education and entertainment in fun
summertime surroundings at Ranch
San Rafael Park.
The Great Basin Chautauqua Festival also features a Young Chautauqua portion
that includes children aged eight to 18 who research develop their characters
for six months before performing in front of the festival audience. Visit www.nevadahumanities.org
or call 775-784-6587 for more information.
RockSport Climbing Center
Silverada Blvd., Reno
775-352-ROPE (352-7673)
www.rocksportnv.com
Located in Reno,
this indoor facility features 6500 sq. feet of climbing walls with top roping,
lead climbing, and a brand new bouldering cave in the front room. Walls
are up to 35' tall.
Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center
900 North
Virginia St.
Phone: 775-784-4811
Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 am – 8 pm, Saturday—Sunday, 11 am –
8 pm
Cost: Admission is $7 for patrons ages 13-59 and admission
for patrons under 13 or over 59 is $5
www.planetarium.unr.nevada.edu
Located at the north end of the University of Nevada Reno
campus, the planetarium houses the Star Theater with its Skydome giant format
movie system, and the Hall of the Solar System with many fascinating exhibits.
Wilbur
D. May
Museum, Arboretum
& Botanical Garden
Rancho San Rafael Park,
located minutes north of downtown Reno
Phone: 775-785-5961
Hours: Winter: Wednesday—Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm; Summer:
Monday—Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: Admission is $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children
www.maycenter.com
The May
Center offers a
unique adventure for the entire family. Located in Rancho
San Rafael Park,
the center is comprised of the May
Museum, May Arboretum and
the Great Basin Adventure. The May
Museum houses the
collections of Wilbur May, who traveled around the world forty times. Numerous
animal trophies offer a close-up look at the world of animals and their
habitat. All exhibits have plenty of hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
National Bowling Stadium
300 North
Center St. (Corner of Center and 4th Street
in downtown Reno)
Phone: 775-334-2600
Hours: Tuesday—Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Cost: No cost to view the bowling stadium
www.VisitRenoTahoe.com/nationalbowlingstadium
Reno
is the proud home of the National Bowling Stadium, built in 1995. Features
include 80 championship lanes, a video wall and the world’s longest screen
scoring display. The National Bowling
Stadium is currently hosting the 2004 ABC Tournament with more than 17,000
teams from February until June 2004 participating.
July 18 – 19 events and activities
Nevada Historical Society Museum
1650 North
Virginia St.
Phone: 775-688-1191
Hours: Monday—Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
Cost: Admission is $3 for adults and children under 18 are
free
www.clan.lib.nv.us/
Founded in 1904, the Nevada Historical Society in Reno is Nevada’s
oldest museum. Inside, visitors will find displays describing Nevada’s
native people, the first explorers to cross the state, the discovery of silver
and gold, the emergence of Nevada’s
ranching industry, and the state’s gaming industry.
Victorian
Square
Located in downtown Sparks
Phone: 775-353-2376
http://www.ci.sparks.nv.us/government/discover.html.
Victorian
Square is a plaza designed for special events. It
features a 14-screen Cineplex, interactive foundation, amphitheater,
bandstands, sand-stone mosaics, and Victorian
street lamps, in addition to numerous restaurants.
Reno Hilton Ultimate Rush and
Go Kart Center
2500 East 2nd
St.
Phone: Go-Karts, 775-786-5278, Ultimate Rush, 775-786-7005
Hours: 12 – 10 pm
daily
Cost: Go-Kart $6, Ultimate Rush $25
www.caesars.com/hilton/reno/activites/recreation/recreation.htm
The Ultimate Rush will get your adrenaline pumping. With up
to three jumpers tethered to the same elastic wire you fall 185 feet swinging
back and forth for several minutes. In addition to the Ultimate Rush, the Reno
Hilton also has a 400 ft Go-Kart center with half-scale NASCAR racers.
Sparks Heritage Foundation & Museum
820 Victorian
Ave.
Phone: 775-355-1144
Hours: Tuesday—Friday, 11 am – 4 pm; Saturday, 1 – 4 pm
Cost: No Cost
www.dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/museums/reno.nvmuseum.htm
This museum features displays relating to “The Rail City� of
Sparks, dating
from the city’s founding in 1904. Special emphasis is placed on railroad
artifacts, including a lantern display.
Nothing To It! Culinary Center
225 Crummer
Lane
Phone: 775-826-2628
www.NothingToIt.com
Nothing To It! has been recognized on a national level by
the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) through
nominations for the Julia Child Electronic Media Awards and the Cooking School
Award of Excellence. Nothing To It! makes its home in a house that was once a
part of Harrah’s ranch and has recently welcomed the Campbell Art Center, which
specializes in art classes for children and adults and includes an art studio,
teacher recertification program, portrait studio and gallery.
July 18 – 19 events and activities
National Automobile Museum
10 Lake Street South
(corner of Lake & Mill)
Phone: 775-333-9300
Hours: Monday—Sunday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, Sunday 10
am – 4 pm
Cost: Admission is $8 for adults,
$7 for seniors and $3 for juniors; ages 5 and under are free
The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) lets you travel
through time like few other places can. Just two blocks from the streets of
downtown Reno,
you'll walk down streets of the past.
Beyond the streets, you'll discover a century of automobiles: more than
220 antique, vintage, classic, special interest and one-of-a-kind wonders as
well as cars of the stars.
Verdi Trails West Inc.
775-345-7600
Just west of Reno, visitors
can enjoy guided trail rides and hayrides on more than 2500 deeded acres in the
scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Verdi
Trails also provides boarding and private horsemanship lessons year round.
Animal Ark
Take 395 north to Exit #78, Take Red Rock Road
Phone: 775-970-3111
Hours: Tuesday—Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Cost: Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children
www.animalark.org
This 38-acre wildlife sanctuary gives you the chance to get
up-close and personal with rare and beautiful creatures such as wolves, regal
birds of prey and a white tiger named Khan.
Huffaker Hills Trail
1 Mile up Alexander
Lake Road in South Reno
The Huffaker Hills Trail is separate from the Huffaker Hills
Park and includes a 2.5 mile trail to
the top of Twin Peaks. Once at the top hikers
find themselves flanked by the Virginia range
to the east and Mount Rose and Slide
Mountain to the
west. The trail was built by community
service workers over the summer of 2005 as a land conservation project. There
are also portable restrooms, signs explaining landmarks and other features
along the trail and picnic areas at the trailhead.
Great Basin Adventure
Rancho San Rafael Park,
located minutes north of downtown Reno
Phone: 775-785-5961
Hours: Winter:
Wednesday—Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm; Summer: Monday—Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: Admission is $5 for adults and $3.50 for children and
seniors
www.maycenter.com
This theme park features a log flume ride, walk-through
mining exhibits, gold panning, petting zoo, and a discovery room.
Sierra Safari Zoo
1265 Deerlodge
Rd. (Hwy 395 to Red Rock Rd.)
Phone: 775-677-1101
Hours: Tuesday—Sunday, 10 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children and
seniors
www.sierrasafarizoo.com
Sierra Safari Zoo is home to more than 200 animals and 40
different species. Visitors get one-on-one contact with the animals.
July 18 – 19 events and activities
Sparks Marina Park
Located off 1-80 and McCarran Boulevard in Sparks,
just 10 minute east of downtown Reno
Phone: 775-353-2376
www.ci.sparks.nv.us/redevelopment/marina.
Hours: Park is open one hour before sunrise until two hours
after sunset.
Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and scuba diving at this
family-oriented park. The Marina
features amenities such as two swimming beaches, two sand volleyball courts,
numerous picnic tables and gazebos, a lighted trail system and extensive
landscaping.
Virginia
Lake
Located just minutes south of downtown Reno at Plumb Lane and Lakeside Drive
Phone: 775-334-2099
www.cityofreno.com/com_service/parks/
This lake park in Reno
is filled with walker, runners and families due to the updated fitness station
features, in addition to well-lit walking paths and picnic areas.
Wild
Island Family
Adventure Park
250 Wild Island
Ct.
Phone: 775-359-2927
Hours: Adventure
Park, May—September, 11 am – 7 pm daily; Bowling Center, Sunday—Thursday, 10 am
– 10 pm and Friday—Saturday, 10 am – 12 pm
Cost: Admission is
$18.95 and junior admission is $14.95 for the complete adventure experience;
additional pricing available
www.wildisland.com
From water slides to wave pools Wild Island
has all the fun needed during the long winters and hot summers. With over 14
attractions open during the summer, guests can enjoy waterslides and wave
pools, along with restaurants, bowling and go-karts. During the winter, the
bowling center and Smokin Marlin Grill restaurant remain open.
Idlewild
Park
1900 Idlewild
Drive, Reno
Phone: 775-334-2270
Cost: $2 per guidebook for the walking tour of the Arboretum
Idlewild Park, near downtown Reno, holds softballs fields, a skateboard
and rollerblade park, volleyball courts, barbeque and picnic areas and is home
to the Municipal Rose Garden and City Arboretum. The Park also has a play area
for children and a beautiful pond which is home to a variety of animals.
Oxbow Nature Study Area
On the Banks of the Truckee River
at the end of Dickerson Road,
Reno
Phone: 775-334-3808
Cost: None
With two miles of boardwalks and trails this is the perfect
place to learn more about the Truckee
River and its
inhabitants. Displays situated
throughout explain the park in depth to curious visitors and nature lovers.
Fisherman’s Park
55 Galletti Way,
Sparks
Hours: Park is open one hour before sunrise until two hours
after sunset.
A fisherman’s haven at the eastern edge of Sparks, the Park has picnic areas for
fisherman to gather and tell their tales after a long day of casting their
lines.
July 18 – 19 events and activities
Rock
Park
1515 Rock Blvd.,
Sparks
Situated on the edge of the Truckee
River in Sparks, this park has picnic tables and
barbeque areas, a play ground and a group picnic area.
Tahoe Whitewater Tours
Truckee
River Kayak
Park, Downtown Reno
(satellite branch)
Tahoe City,
CA (home office)
Phone: 1-800-442-7238
www.gowhitewater.com
A guided, 2 or 4-hour inflatable raft tour through the
whitewaters of the Truckee or American
River begins at Chrissie
Caughlin Park
or in Tahoe City,
CA.
Wild Sierra Adventures
254 W. 1st
Street, Reno
Phone: 866-323-8928
www.wildsierra.com
Wild Sierra offers all of the Sierra’s adventures in one
with guided whitewater and kayak trips on the Truckee
River and Hiking or mountain bike
tours down Peavine Peak and the Truckee River
bicycle path.
Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway
P.O. Box
20288, Reno
Phone: (775) 825-9868
www.tpbikeway.org
The Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway, while currently under
construction, has 40 miles of accessible trails with stretches open from Vista Boulevard in Sparks
through Reno and ending in Verdi, Nev.
Another section of the trail is open west of Reno
from Boca Reservoir through Truckee to Tahoe City, Calif. A completion date for the trail is not yet
known.
Truckee River White Water park at Wingfield Park
Arlington and First
Streets at Wingfield
Park
Downtown Reno
www.RenoRiverFestival.com
With 11 drop-pools,
class two and three rapids, 7,000 pounds of smooth, flat-top boulders and 2,600
square-feet to play in, this downtown Reno Park
is a great place for amateurs and professionals alike.
