Reno, Nevada Special Summer Events
From Kayak Competitions to Ballet, Variety is the Key
Mar 5, 2008
In Reno, something special’s going on almost every summer weekend. The following are the major events from mid-May through September, 2008.
Reno River Festival
The Reno River Festival was inaugurated in 2004, to celebrate the re-configuration of the downtown portion of the Truckee River into a whitewater kayak course. Now it’s one of the most popular whitewater festivals in the United States and attracts some of the world’s top kayak record holders. Seating beside the 2,600-foot course (of class 2 and 3 rapids) includes large, flat rocks along the shore (June 9-11).
Reno Rodeo
The Reno Rodeo is one of the biggest Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association–sanctioned rodeos in the country. Traditional rodeo events – bull and bronc riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing among them – plus a parade and cattle drive are the main attractions (June 19-28).
Artown
All during the month of July, cultural events – more than 350 of them – are presented in the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. Recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as one of the most comprehensive art festivals in the country, Artown showcases everything from symphonic and bluegrass music to ballet performances by international stars.
Hot August Nights
Through the years this event, calculated to bring back the '50s, has included such events as parades of souped-up cars down Virginia Street, "proms" at the Convention Center featuring such groups as the Platters and the Sherelles, "show 'n shine" competitions for car buffs and hoola hoop contests. When it began, the event was three days long. Now it lasts eight days (August 2-10.)
Nevada State Fair
Next event of the summer season is an old-timer, the Nevada State Fair, held during the last part of August. It's not as big as county fairs in the more populous states, but can be fun if your expectations aren't too great. Kids especially enjoy the 4-H animals and Country. Western fans may get a chance to see their favorite performers (August 20-24).
The Great Reno Balloon Race
Most colorful of the city’s special events, the Balloon Race was first held in 1982 and quickly became one of the most prestigious events of its kind. Thousands of people arrive at Rancho San Rafael Park before dawn on balloon race days to see the Dawn Patrol lifts off to test ballooning conditions. That’s followed by the 7 a.m. mass ascent of more that 100 balloons. Once aloft, the balloonists participate in such events as the "Hare and Hounds" chase, "Target Drop," (balloonists aim bean bags to see who can get closest to designated targets) and a "Key Grab" (pilots vie to capture car keys which have been placed atop a 20-foot pole) The balloons usually arrive back at the park – or in various other parts of town -- three or four hours after their ascent (September 5-7).
Reno National Air Races
Last major event of the Reno summer season, the Reno National Championship Air Races (along with the Reno Rodeo) is rated among the top 100 events in the U.S. Flown by the best racing pilots from around the world, four classes of aircraft -- Formula One, Sport Bi-plane, AT-6/SNJ-5 and Unlimited -- fly around courses of various lengths. A complete show of both races and flying exhibitions is presented daily from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Precision flying by groups like the Ray-Ban Golds and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a host of aerobatic stars and even a wing-walker or two keep spectators on the edge of their seats when the planes are performing (September 10-14).
Information on the city’s special events can be found on several websites, including reno.
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