RENO TAHOE

events and festivals

2011

THERE ARE A MOUNTAIN OF EVENTS

IN RENO TAHOE AND IT WASN’T

POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE THEM ALL IN

THIS BROCHURE. FOR A COMPLETE LIST,

CHECK OUT VISITRENOTAHOE.COM.

DON’T WORRY, YOU CAN THANK ME

WHEN YOU GET HERE.

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2011 Events & Festivals

Wine Walks Every third Saturday of the month from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, the Riverwalk Merchants Association hosts the popular Wine Walk along the Truckee River and neighboring streets in the downtown Riverwalk District. Not only is it a delightful way to discover Reno’s scenic river corridor, but a different charity benefits each month. renoriver.org

Pub CrawlsA friendly rendezvous at any of Reno Tahoe’s local watering holes is always a good time, but when you throw outlandish costumes into the mix, a good time becomes an unforgettable one. If you’re in Reno on the fourth Saturday of the month, you will inevitably, and luckily, enter the wacky world of the Reno Pub Crawl. A few times a year, Reno really spices things up with themed crawls that include thousands of people dressed in their best Santa-inspired suits or superheroes trying to save the world one drink at a time, in the dorkiest costume possible. visitrenotahoe.com

Vampire Crawl – FebruarySuperhero Crawl – July Zombie Crawl – OctoberSanta Crawl – December

February 5Biggest Little Tailgate Party Downtown RenoA Super Bowl XLV party extraordinaire that fea-tures a $1 Million Football Toss and Beer Pong, tail-gating contest for Best Decorated, Most Spirited and Super Fan 2011, as well as cheerleading and marching band contests. You’ll keep toasty with a hot bowl of chili during the Biggest Little Tailgate Chili Cook-off. silverlegacy.com

February 26TransWorld TransAM Northstar-at-Tahoe ResortSponsored by TransWorld SNOWboarding mag-azine, this multi-stop amateur tour is hosted by the most progressive park resorts in the country. Some of the happiest amateur riders on Earth will push each other in a fun jam-style environment for a chance to win a TransAM trophy and bragging rights! northstarattahoe.com/events

March 4–13SnowFest of North Lake Tahoe, TruckeeCommemorating its 30th anniversary in 2011, SnowFest is a celebration of life in the High Sierra. North Lake Tahoe comes alive with ten fun-filled days and nights jam-packed with more than 60 events and activities for all ages. Highlights include a torchlight parade, laser show and fireworks, polar bear swim, two community parades, Dog Pull, Wacky Human Bowling, Bump & Jump Hanger Party, a snow palace and much more. Celebrate the fun and frolic of winter! tahoesnowfestival.com

March 12Dummy Downhill, Mt. Rose Ski TahoeMt. Rose opens the gate to high-flying speed demons of every shape and size with ONE catch, NO live pulse can accompany any entry. Witness pure lunacy as dummies (dolls, not people) com-pete for the best run. It’s one of the most popular events at the resort and guarantees a knee-slap-ping good time. mtrose.com/events

March 12Mountain Oyster Festival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Virginia CityHave a ball at Virginia City’s eclectic, and popular, gourmet event often referred to as “The Testicle Festival.” Cooks compete for appealing ways of preparing these delightful delicacies, and you’ll be amazed at how good they taste. Top off the fun with the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and it’s the mak-ing of a memorable day with friends and family. visitvirginiacitynv.com

March 18–20Take the Lake – A.M. Open Triple Air Jumpline, Alpine MeadowsThe best skiers and snowboarders in the country compete in the hottest Open Triple Air Jumpline Competition, trying to impress some of the indus-try’s top X Games and Dew Tour judges. Spend three  fun-filled days enjoying the powder, after parties, spectator contests and more! skialpine.com/lake-tahoe-events/take-the-lake

April 2–3Nevada Women’s Expo Reno-Sparks Convention CenterThe premier consumer show for women! Clear the weekend for a fun, friendly and interactive event, filled with entertainment, shopping, educational demonstrations, samples, networking and fabulous door prizes. nevadawomensexpo.com

David Calvert, Calvert Photography

April 30–May 1Cinco de Mayo Festival, RenoCelebrate Mexican heritage and Latino culture with two days of live entertainment; popular Latin musi-cians, amateur boxing, Mexican dancing horse per-formances and a children’s playground. There will be Mexican food from top local restaurants, arts, crafts and much more. cincodemayoreno.com

May 5–8Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival GenoaThis second annual event rides into Nevada’s oldest settlement: the historic town of Genoa. Experience the unique ranching heritage, and enjoy award winning poets, balladeers and juried western art galleries. There are more than 30 programs and presentations, from saddle makin’ to dutch oven cookin’. cowboypoetrygenoa.com

May 6–8Reno River Festival, Downtown RenoThe eighth annual festival, America’s premier whitewater event, takes place in the heart of down-town Reno, at the Truckee River Whitewater Park. Known for attracting top whitewater athletes from around the world, this year will be more entertain-ing than ever with the “Run Amuck” fun run, where competitors get down and dirty in an obstacle-filled run through downtown Reno, the Stand Up Paddle Board race and whitewater competitions. The Reno River Festival also features a variety of food and beverage, live entertainment and an expo featuring the hottest outdoor products on the market. renoriverfestival.com

May 8Sparks Arts in Bloom Festival Downtown SparksTreat Mom to a special day strolling among arti-sans, shopping the region’s finest artwork and enjoying fine food and popular entertainment. The ninth annual festival showcases the region’s top artists of oil and watercolor paintings, wood-work, jewelry and unique  hand-crafted items. Celebrity  hand-painted plates will be auctioned to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. sparksrec.com

May 13–15Spring Wings Bird Festival, FallonThe Lahontan Valley Wetlands, surrounding Fallon, offer outstanding birding hot spots. Professionals from the Lahontan Audubon Society, US Fish & Wildlife Service and Nevada Department of Wildlife will lead birding and wildlife tours. springwings.org

May 15–16Amgen Tour of California, Lake TahoeThe Lake Tahoe stage of this premier American cycling race is the biggest sporting event to hit the region since the Olympics! This Tour de France-style race features 18 world-renowned cycling teams, competing on miles of beautiful terrain. On May 15, a sea of jerseys will race one and a half times around the lake (starting at South Lake Tahoe and finishing at Northstar-at-Tahoe). Squaw Valley hosts the start of Stage 2 on May 16. gotahoenorth.com/amgen

May 28–October 30Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Carson CityHistory steams into action when the V&T Railroad rumbles along 16 miles of restored track, connect-ing Carson City and Virginia City, traveling the same route as the miners did in the 1860s during the Comstock silver era. The route offers breath-taking views with occasional sightings of wild mus-tangs, passing abandoned mines, old cemeteries and chugging through two tunnels. visitcarsoncity.com

June 3–4Reno-Tahoe Odyssey Reno and Lake TahoeThe Reno-Tahoe Odyssey relay run is a mighty challenge! The race is ideally suited for 12- person teams,  competing on a 178-mile course  that is divided into 36 legs of varying lengths and dif-ficulty. Sound impossible? Not when there are hundreds of people cheering for you along the way! The course climbs over 2800 feet as runners pass rivers, streams and beautiful Lake Tahoe. renotahoeodyssey.com

June 3–5Sands Eurofest 2011, Downtown RenoTerrible’s Sands Regency hosts the 13th annual Eurofest celebration. Enjoy live music from the headliner band: Los Angeles’ Celtic rock n’ rollers, The Young Dubliners. Sample European cuisine; including grilled bratwurst, chorizo Basque sand-wiches and Swedish meatballs with spaetzle. A huge selection of beers will quench your thirst. sandsregency.com

June 3–5Street Vibrations Spring Rally Downtown SparksAfter a long winter, it’s time to liberate your Harley from hibernation and enjoy a weekend of motor-cycle fun! Street Vibrations Spring Rally con-denses the excitement of the successful Fall Rally into one weekend at Sparks’ Victorian Square. The fifth annual event features live entertainment, bike games, competition ride-in shows, poker runs and walks, vendor booths, VIP motorcycle participant parties and more. roadshowsreno.com

June 3–6Patty Sheehan & Friends at Hidden Valley Country Club, RenoAttend the first, and friendliest, professional golf tournament of 2011, hosted by LPGA golfer and World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan. Forty of the greatest women golfers of our time com-pete at the beautiful Hidden Valley Country Club. Fans will enjoy the personable disposition of the Legends Tour players; including, Nancy Lopez, JoAnne Carner, Jan Stephenson, 2011 US Solheim Cup Captain Rosie Jones and Reno’s own Patty Sheehan. thelegendstour.com

June 5America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride South Lake TahoeThis 20th annual event has built a reputation for its spectacular scenery. Mark Twain called Lake Tahoe “the fairest picture the whole earth affords,” and what a way to enjoy its beauty by participating in a bike riding event. Several categories are offered: Boat Cruise/35-mile fun ride, a 72-mile ride around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe, and a full 100-mile century ride. bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html

June 9–12Octane Fest, FallonSee the stars of off-road racing at this four-day motor sport jamboree. Octane Fest is a motor sports extravaganza; featuring, NHRA/Top Gun drag racing, IMCA oval dirt track racing, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, mud bogs, TUFF Truck, rock crawl and freestyle motocross. Music, show-and-shine, a motorsports swap meet and vendor show compliment the racing action. octanefest.com

June 9–August 18Sparks Hometowne Farmer’s Market Downtown SparksIf you like it fresh, then attend this weekly sum-mertime celebration of food and family fun! Local, regional and out-of-state produce and a variety of seasonal items will tempt your taste buds. There is live music, food and beverage, arts and crafts, flow-ers and community booths. The Market runs every Thursday from June 9 through August 18 (except for August 11). sparksrec.com

June 13–15Carson City Rendezvous, Carson CityNevada history comes alive at Mills Park during this salute to the Silver State, featuring events and activities for the entire family. Free admission includes the mountain man camp, Native American dancing, Nevada gunfighters show, Pony Express reenactment, stagecoach ride, arts and crafts ven-dors and western music. visitcarsoncity.com

June 16–19Reno Film Festival, Downtown RenoIt’s all about film fun! The 11th annual festival fea-tures  premieres, classics and shorts. Enjoy edu-cational panels, workshops, filmmakers, actors, celebrity guests, Reno’s own Indie Short Film and Lumpier All-School Film Fest competitions and receptions. renofilmfestival.com

June 16PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterThe only officially sanctioned bull riding tour of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Xtreme Bulls kicks off the 92nd annual Reno Rodeo with high energy and non-stop action. Pro rodeo’s top 40 bull riders have a chance to qualify for the sea-son-end Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, on some of the rankest bulls the world has to offer. With pyrotechnics, Xtreme action, rock ’n roll, eight sec-onds of the best pro bull riding and a sizeable purse, fans are on their feet the whole evening. renorodeo.com or xtremebulls.com

June 16–25Reno Rodeo Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterExperience the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West!” The Reno Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned sporting event, and draws more than 750 professional athletes competing for $500,000 in prize money. Enjoy all of the fan favorites; including, two world-class team roping events, professional bull riding, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bronco riding. The exciting western action features an authentic cat-tle drive, parade, Double RR Marketplace for west-ern shopping, food, carnival and Mutton Bustin’. renorodeo.com

June 24–25The Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival, Downtown RenoFire up the grills, tap the kegs and crank up the tunes for Reno’s best summer kick-off party! Virginia Street will be rockin’ with live blues enter-tainment, amazing food and more than 40 micro-brews from around the world — over 100 specialty beers to sample. Food booths will line Virginia Street, serving savory dishes such as hot-off-the-grill American favorites, tacos and Korean barbe-cue. The Eldorado’s award-winning food will also be served, including Gregg’s Q Pit and Geno’s N.Y. Steak Flatbread stand! eldoradoreno.com

June 25XTERRA Tahoe City Off-Road Triathlon Tahoe CityCelebrate the natural environment of North Lake Tahoe’s terrain, trails and blue water. This off-road triathlon covers some of the area’s most treasured mountain bike trails, as well as a swim in beautiful Lake Tahoe. bigblueadventure.com

June 26–30The Nevada Humanities Chautauqua: 20th Anniversary Celebration, RenoChautauqua is an entertaining history theater in which audiences have an opportunity to interact with infamous people from the past. The 2011 pro-gram features such characters as Meriwether Lewis, Henry VIII and César Chávez. The evening event takes place at the outdoor Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. nevadahumanities.org

July 1–31Artown, RenoIt started 16 years ago with a dream and the word “Art.” Now, Reno is Artown. It captures the imag-ination and celebrates distinguished artists from across the world, all for the sake of cultural diver-sity and artistic innovation. For the entire month of July, the festival offers nearly 400 events and many are free. Artown showcases music, theater, dance, film, visual and performing arts. It has been called one of the most comprehensive art festi-vals in the country by the National Endowment for the Arts. From October through April, the Encore Series features unique national artists, providing an additional opportunity to experience new genres of music, dance, theater and other art forms. renoisartown.com

July 1–31Art Slaves Show and Sale Downtown RenoArt Slaves is a group exhibition featuring fine art, music and written works created by communication professionals from the Truckee Meadows. The art will be on display throughout the month of July in downtown Reno. aafreno.com

July 1–4Red, White and Tahoe Blue Incline Village and Crystal BayThe fifth annual Red, White and Tahoe Blue cel-ebration observes our nation’s birthday with four days of time-honored activities; including, a com-munity parade, rubber ducky race, dunk tank, wine and cheese event, community breakfasts, concerts, carnival on the green, ice cream social, barbecues and more. The fun culminates with Lake Tahoe’s most spectacular fireworks display on July 4th. redwhiteandtahoeblue.com

July 2–4The Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-Off, Downtown RenoThe 10th annual event is the spiciest, most affordable 4th of July festival to hit Downtown Reno. Sample the best sauces, taste top-notch wings, watch the best in the business compete for poultry pride and enjoy free entertainment. Restaurants and bars compete to see who has the best sauce, with the general public invited to judge the “taster” wings (Chicken Hawks) and crown this year’s champ. Don’t miss the fireworks show on Sunday evening! thegreatinternationalchickenwingsociety.com

July 4Fourth of July, Reno and Lake TahoeIndependence Day and fireworks go hand in hand, and Reno Tahoe USA will not disappoint the pyro-technic fans. There are a multitude of celebrations around the region to choose from, with some offer-ing parades, picnics and other daytime activities, in addition to evening fireworks. visitrenotahoe.com

July 4Star Spangled Sparks at the Marina SparksIt’s a fun family way to celebrate our nation’s birth-day. The event kicks off with free hot air balloon rides and a $3 all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Activities include a fun-run-walk around the Sparks Marina, Model Dairy Milk Carton Boat Races, mil-itary fly-over and opening ceremonies and the Sparks’ Got Talent Competition. Enjoy arts, crafts and food booths, plus a large “free” ride area for children of all ages. northernnevadachamber.org

July 4Star Spangled Sparks Fireworks at Victorian Square, Downtown SparksThe region’s longest, most spectacular fireworks display is set off from the roof of John Ascuaga’s Nugget, while thousands of revelers celebrate the 4th of July on Victorian Square below. The event features live entertainment for the whole family, a kid’s area and an array of food choices. janugget.com

July 12–17American Century Celebrity Golf Championship South Lake TahoeCheer for more than 80 of your favorite sports and entertainment celebrities at the 22nd annual event, considered to be the nation’s most presti-gious and richest celebrity golf tournament. Held at Edgewood Golf Course, Lake Tahoe provides a stunning backdrop for this popular event which boasts a $600,000 prize purse. The impressive list of past tournament celebrities and athletes includes Michael Jordan, John Elway, Jim McMahon, Donald Trump and Ray Romano. tahoecelebritygolf.com

July 15–August 21Shakespeare Festival, Incline VillageImagine sitting under the stars and on a sandy white beach at Sand Harbor as Shakespeare comes to life. An enchanting outdoor theater is nestled within a natural amphitheater, with the indescribable beauty of Lake Tahoe in the background. Gourmet food and wine tastings are available, or you can pack your own picnic. Enjoy live music, in addition to a Shakespeare classic. laketahoeshakespeare.com

July 17Donner Lake Triathlon, TruckeeSwim, bike and run at this historic and scenic alpine lake, located just 40 miles west of Reno. The tri-athlon offers a Sprint and International Distance course to test your high-altitude athletic skills. bigblueadventure.com

July 23Reno Basque Festival, Downtown RenoThe Basque culture is a big part of Reno history and tradition. Celebrate Reno’s Basque heritage with traditional food, music and dancing, weight carry-ing contest, wood chopping demo, war cry contest, Basque cooking tips and games for children. renobasqueclub.org

July 27–31Tour de Nez, Reno and Lake TahoeIt’s a true celebration of all things cycling — the Italian obsession, the low-rider, the messenger subculture, the tricks of the BMX, the cruisers, the bells, even the spandex! For five days, the Tour de Nez tips its hat to the two-wheeled wonder. From the NRC Pro State Race to the Clunker Classic, this event takes Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe on a wild ride. See USA Cycling’s greatest riders cruise the streets of downtown Reno and the mountain roads of Lake Tahoe. It’s the “Biggest Little” cycling event in the country. tourdenez.org

July/AugustLake Tahoe Music Festival North Lake TahoeFrom Blues to Bach and beyond, the Lake Tahoe Music Festival combines stimulating sounds beneath a blanket of stars, with the beauty of Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra as the backdrop. The 28th annual festival offers exciting contemporary and orchestral artists for a concert season that should not be missed. tahoemusic.org

August 1–7Reno-Tahoe Open, RenoRecognized as a favorite stop on the PGA Tour by its members, the 13th annual Reno-Tahoe Open is one of only 47 stops on the PGA Tour. Offering a $3.5 million prize purse, the tournament is also part of the race for the FedEx Cup. There are two pro-am tournaments in addition to top notch PGA Tour action coupled with fun fan enhancements. It’s an experience  the entire family can enjoy! Montrêux Golf & Country Club is  northern Nevada’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf Course and provides a challenging, yet beautiful, test for the PGA Tour pros. renotahoeopen.com

August 5–7Silver Dollar Classic Car Show Carson CityCarson City turns up the heat at the Silver Dollar Classic with hundreds of vintage cars, live music, barbecue and casino tournaments. The weekend lineup includes a street dance, show ‘n shine, Kit Carson Walking Tour in the city’s historic district, poker run and a special surprise event on Saturday evening! visitcarsoncity.com

August 7–9Hot August Nights, South Lake TahoeCelebrate America’s love affair with classic cars and rock ’n roll. Free family entertainment, automotive exhibits, vendors, outdoor stages with live music from the ’50s and ’60s, awards and competitions.

hotaugustnights.net/south laketahoeexperience.html

August 9–14Hot August Nights Reno and SparksDuring Hot August Nights, cars are “cherry” and cruisin’ is “cool.” More than 800,000 people flock to the largest clas-sic car and nostalgia

event in the United States. Cars are the stars and rock ‘n roll rules

through dozens of concerts, controlled cruises, show-n-shines, a sock hop and much more! Plenty of shopping can be found at the Silver Car Auction, Big Boy Toy Store and Hot August Nights Swap Meet. hotaugustnights.net

August 12–13Concours d’Elegance Wooden Boat Show, Carnelian BayBe a part of Lake Tahoe’s classic history! The 39th annual Lake Tahoe Concours is one of the most pres-tigious wooden boat shows in North America, draw-ing more than 100 antique and classic boat entries and 5000 spectators. The meticulously restored entries include historic lakers and launches, some dating back to 1915; pre and post-WWII racers and runabouts; utility boats; and flashy Rivas. laketahoeconcours.com

August 19–20Reno Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering RenoSoroptimist International of Reno presents the sixth Annual Reno Cowboy & Music Gathering, a celebra-tion of the cowboy traditions and its influence on western culture. The event features toe-tapping country-western music, vivid cowboy poetry pep-pered with stand-up country humor, a delicious barbecue dinner and refreshments. Entertainers include Brenn Hill, Larry Maurice, The Cross Town Cowboys and Baxter Black. The concerts will be held at the outdoor Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. renocowboypoetry.org

August 19–21Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterWild mustangs and burros are an iconic symbol of the old West, and a large population still roams the open ranges of Nevada. These remarkable crea-tures are the stars of this annual horse show, which also offers education, clinics, entertainment, shop-ping and demonstrations. wildhorseandburroexpo.com

August 20Reno Gay Pride 15th Annual Festival Downtown RenoThe 15th annual festival is planned to be the larg-est gathering of LGBT people in Northern Nevada. There’s an additional sense of pride, enthusi-asm and community celebration as Circus Circus, Rockstar Energy Drink and The Knitting Factory have partnered to offer a great line-up of entertain-ment. renogaypride.com

August 24–28Nevada Territory Wild West Fair Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterExperience the oldest and longest-running event in the state, dating all the way back to the 1870s! The Nevada Territory Wild West Fair is “A Statewide Heritage of the Nevada State Fair,” and features traditional activities; such as, livestock shows, auc-tions, agricultural events, exhibits, carnival rides and live entertainment. The event honors the legacies of the pioneer men and women who first founded the Silver State, and allows visitors to experience the old West with a mining camp, western frontier town, civil war town and camp, Native American vil-lage, railroad yard, mountain men encampment and stagecoach rides. nvstatefair.com

August 27Lake in the Sky Air Show South Lake TahoeThe 22nd annual celebration of the High Sierra’s one-day air show takes place at the Lake Tahoe Airport. The action starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by top aerobatic demonstrations, military fly-bys, aircraft displays and more. lakeintheskyairshow.com

August 27XTERRA Lake Tahoe Off-Road Triathlon Lake TahoeThis is one of the all-time classic Xterra courses. Swim in famous Lake Tahoe, followed by an extreme mountain bike ride through Tunnel Creek, along the Flume Trail, and finishing with a gorgeous scenic trail run. bigblueadventure.com

August 29–September 5Burning Man, Black Rock DesertTens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, north of Gerlach on the “playa,” to create Black Rock City: a temporary metropolis dedicated to self-reliance, self-expression, commu-nity and art. When this counterculture event ends

David Taylor

with the “burning of the man,” there will be no evi-dence that this temporary city even existed. While it’s true that Burning Man is not for the faint of heart, with some research, preparation and planning, it’s an experience and opportunity beyond your wild-est dreams. In Black Rock City, you won’t be the weirdest kid in the classroom and you’ll become a part of the growing community of Burners who are active year-round. burningman.com

August 31–September 5Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off Downtown SparksIf you love ribs, don’t miss the country’s favor-ite festival, hosted by John Ascuaga’s Nugget! Thousands of visitors make their way to Victorian Square to experience the biggest and most pres-tigious rib cook-off in the United States. Back for its 23rd year, it’s the perfect way to say good-bye to summer.  Delight in finger-licking ribs with the country’s best  cooks, shop hundreds of craft and vendor booths and enjoy free entertainment, including nightly headline acts on the Main Concert Stage. nuggetribcookoff.com

September 7–11Ultra4 Stampede, RenoUltra4 combines the speed of desert racing with the endurance of rock crawling, and attracts teams from the United States, Canada and Australia. The world-class race terrain of Exit 28 Motorsports brings the excitement and atmosphere of King of the Hammers-style racing to the next level! In addi-tion to race events, enjoy parties, a bikini car wash, vendor midway, 4x4 show and shine, cruise and 4x4 club challenge. ultra4stampede.com

The Great Reno Balloon Race

September 9–11The Great Reno Balloon Race, RenoCelebrating 30 years, it is one of Reno’s most col-orful and spectacular events. More than 100 of the nation’s top hot air balloonists participate in mul-tiple competitions  in a mass ascension. A trade-

mark of the race is the Dawn Patrol, which takes place before the sun rises and pro-vides an amazing spectacle as balloons glow and twin-kle against the dark sky. A wide selection of food, crafts, art and souvenirs awaits spectators, along with wonderfully, uplift-ing music to comple-ment this celebration of flight. renoballoon.com

September 9–11International Camel Races, Virginia CityIn true Virginia City spirit, the races began as a hoax in 1959, when the Territorial Enterprise wrote a fic-titious article about the city’s “Camel Races.” But in 1960, the first real race took place and director John Huston charged to victory on a camel bor-rowed from the San Francisco zoo. This annual tra-dition (in its 52nd year) features both camel and ostrich racing, as jockeys from around the globe converge to compete for trophies and bragging rights. visitvirginiacitynv.com

September 9–11Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival, Northstar-at-Tahoe ResortIt’s a party for your palate! The 26th annual festi-val is packed with tummy teasers; including, grape stomps, cooking demonstrations, food and wine seminars, ultra-premium wine tastings, live enter-tainment, winemaker dinner and celebrity chef lun-cheons and dinners. On the final day, the region’s top chefs compete for the coveted Gold Medal by preparing a competition dish that is paired with a premium wine. tahoefoodandwine.com

September 11Tour de Tahoe – Bike Big Blue South Lake TahoeThe ninth annual race provides an opportunity to cycle around 72 miles of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, including an 800-foot climb overlooking scenic Emerald Bay. The event offers great food, partici-pant support stations, the famous sightseeing boat cruise and a 35-mile fun run. bikethewest.com/tourdetahoe/.html

September 14–18The National Championship Air Races RenoThe 48th annual event, which happens to be the world’s longest running air race, is the only closed-course pylon racing event in the world. Six differ-ent race plane classes battle just 60 feet from the ground, with the Unlimited and Jet classes reaching speeds over 500 mph! Besides the on-your-feet action of the races, spec-tators have close-up access to racing aircraft, pilots and crews in the “pits.” There’s a world-class airshow, a large static aircraft display and great concessions. Experience the action of the “World’s Fastest Motorsport!” airrace.org

September 21–25Street Vibrations Fall Rally Reno and SparksEnjoy HOG heaven at this celebration of music, metal and motorcycles. It’s so big, it rocks at locations throughout the region; including, downtown Reno, Victorian Square in Sparks, the Harley-Davidson dealerships in Carson City and Reno, Virginia City and Lake Tahoe. Everyone knows that the “Biggest Little City in the World” offers unparalleled enter-tainment, but this event takes it to a new level with

live entertainment on outdoor stages, parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows and bike cruises. Don’t miss America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo to view the latest creations, and the Tattoo Expo for body art extraordinaire. Street Vibrations is open to all motorcycles. roadshowsreno.com

September 22–25Lake Tahoe Marathon, South Lake TahoeAthletes that want to test their skills in the High Sierra enjoy three days of nirvana, and a multitude of events to choose from; including, a marathon, marathon walk, two and five-person marathon relays, 20-mile power walk, half marathon, 5K and 10K runs, three-day triple marathon, three-day tri-athlon and a 20-mile bike race. Other heart-pound-ing activities include kayak races, swim events and speed golf. laketahoemarathon.com

September 24–25Candy Dance, GenoaThe annual Genoa Candy Dance is a craft fair and social event like none other, and is the perfect way to start your holiday gift shopping. Relish the small-town spirit at this ultimate candy and craft festival that features more than 350 exhibitors and 40,000 pounds of Genoa’s fabulous homemade candy. Genoa is just 40 miles south of Reno, and admis-sion to the fair is free. genoanevada.org

September 30–October 2Beretta’s Fastest Gun Alive: World Championship of Cowboy Fast Draw FallonThe American West was unlike any other culture in history, and you can relive the excitement of gun-fighters at the World Championships. Cowboy Fast Draw is a western-themed shooting sport, and is as exciting as dropping the clutch on a dragster! It is a timed sport using single action .45 caliber western-style six shooters with wax bullets. More than 200 competitors from around the world compete for the title “Fastest Gun Alive.” cowboyfastdraw.com

October 1–2Reno Celtic Celebration, RenoDelight in Celtic activities and performances for all ages; including, pipe bands, Scottish and Irish dancers, Celtic musicians, Highland games, Celtic critters at the animal village, kid’s games, food and drink and Celtic merchandise. Held at Bartley Ranch. renoceltic.org

October 1–2World Championship Outhouse Races Virginia CityIt’s an adventure back in time as this hilarious Comstock tradition pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other. One person rides and the remaining team members push, pull or drag the decorated outhouses down the race track. On Saturday, the outrageous Outhouse Parade features Virginia City’s famous “Plungerettes.” visitvirginiacitynv.com

October 8–9The Eldorado Great Italian Festival Downtown RenoCelebrate the food, culture, music and traditions of Italy, with Reno’s final street festival of the season! Free activities and entertainment high-light the festival’s main focus, which is delicious and authentic homemade Italian food! The event also features  grape stomping, sauce cook-offs, bocce ball and a kids’ gelato-eating contest.  From accordions to swing and other Italian musical dis-plays, the entertainment at the 30th annual Great Eldorado Italian Festival will please everyone! eldoradoreno.com

Off The Beaten Path Photography

October 16–23Wrangler/Professionals Choice ACTRA National Finals Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterMembers of the American Cowboys Team Roping Association converge in Reno to compete at the National Finals. Contestants are from 12 western states, Hawaii and Canada, and range in age from teenagers to folks in their 80s, each having a dream of becoming a national champion. Spectators can also enjoy vendors and a western art show. actra.org

October 22Carson City Ghost Walk, Carson CitySpirits of the past are the featured attraction dur-ing this guided walking tour of Carson City’s his-toric district. Ghost hunters of all ages are invited to encounter spirits and spine-tingling surprises. Stops along the Kit Carson Trail include the area’s most notable haunted locations. visitcarsoncity.com

October 29Nevada Day Parade, Carson CityCelebrate the Silver State’s 147th birthday in Nevada’s capital. The slate of festivities includes one of the largest parades in any state, a music and arts

show, RSVP Carnival, pancake breakfast, Nevada Day Classic Run/Walk, World Championship Single Jack Drilling Contest, Beard Contest, annual chili feed, free community concert and more! It’s a birth-day celebration you won’t want to miss. nevadaday.com

November 11 Veterans Day Parade, Downtown Reno The parade marches through the heart of down-town Reno and honors those who have sacrificed to protect our country. ROTC units, marching bands and flag-waving citizens turn out in force. reno.gov

November 25–26Holiday Jazz Festival, Incline VillageRing in the holiday season in style with this annual celebration of music, at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. This two-day festival features today’s most talented jazz musicians in live evening perfor-mances. The Hyatt is located on the shores of beau-tiful Lake Tahoe, so the setting is spectacular. What an extraordinary way to kick off the holiday season! laketahoe.hyatt.com

December 2–3Sparks Hometowne Christmas Downtown SparksIt’s a wonderful weekend of traditional activities that the entire family will enjoy, including a spectacular tree lighting ceremony and the 25th annual Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade. The event features a unique theme each year and historically includes more than 100 parade entries. sparksrec.com

Don’t blame the bighorn sheep! Event dates and times are subject to change. Please go to VisitRenoTahoe.com for the latest information.

December 3Christmas on the Comstock Parade of Lights, Virginia CityKick off the holiday season in historic Virginia City. Established in 1861, it became the richest mining town in the world when gold and silver were discov-ered beneath the city. This quaint community hosts an early evening Christmas parade, in which the floats and marching bands must incorporate lights. It’s a celebration of the holidays with a hometown ambiance. visitvirginiacitynv.com

December 28–31Nevada Chamber Music Festival, RenoPresented by the Reno Chamber Orchestra, the eighth annual festival is a nine-concert series, including a New Year’s Eve performance. The concerts feature some of the world’s finest clas-sical musicians performing chamber music master-pieces. There is no other festival of this type during the holiday season, so the renowned musicians are drawn to Reno for the privilege of performing with each other, making great music and enjoying the natural beauty of Reno Tahoe. renochamberorchestra.org

2012 Event Dates

May 4–7Reno River Festival

June 1–3Street Vibrations Spring Rally

June 14–23Reno Rodeo

July 1–31Artown

July/August Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

August Reno Tahoe Open

August 7–11Hot August Nights

August 29–September 3Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off

September 6–9Great Reno Balloon Race

September 12–16National Championship Air Races

September 19–23Street Vibrations Fall Rally

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Illustrations by Kimber Moore Design

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visitrenotahoe.com

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