Reno, Nevada

Reno is the largest City that is closest to Truckee, California. It is located approx. 30 miles northeast of Truckee and is easy to get to on Highway 80. When we lived in Truckee, we went to Reno about every two weeks in good weather, and about once a month during the wintertime.

We did major Costco runs to stock up, especially before wintertime, shopped the malls, and worked our way through the fabulous all you can eat Buffets in the Casino's. And with all the Casino's, there was always great concerts going on! A lot of the casino's had special kid and family areas that my kids enjoyed, particularly the Circus Circus Casino with live Circus acts throughout each day.

Photo Below: The Great Reno Balloon Race - 2010
Photo Credit: My son, Ryan 

The Great Reno Balloon race is a fantastic event. I went in 2011 and took a ton of pictures that can be found on my Great Reno Balloon Race page.

Reno / Sparks Map

Majestic Northern Nevada, a documentary by Carl Anthony Adams, takes viewers into Nevada's backcountry to reveal its magnificent basins and ranges. Filmed in remote areas, it captures the state's rugged beauty in stunning, rarely seen panoramas.

Must Do's in Reno!

1. Atlantis Casino Resort Spa


2. Circus Circus Casino - This is great fun if you have young kids! Be sure to catch one of the fantastic free circus shows on the Midway Stage! Circus Circus features acts from all over the world performing different shows daily.


3. Club Cal Neva


4. ElDorado Hotel Casino


5. Grand Sierra Resort & Casino


6. Harrah's Reno Hotel & Casino


7. John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort


8. Peppermill Resort Spa Casino


9. Sands Regency Casino


10. Silver Legacy Resort Casino

1. National Automobile Museum - The museum, located in downtown Reno, is a favorite for visitors who love cars. Named among the top 10 museums by Car Collector’s magazine, the museum is known for its dramatic displays, in-depth interpretation, extensive collection and opportunities for visitor participation. The museum displays more than 2,000 cars.


2. Nevada Museum of Art - This is Nevada's only accredited art museum where you can see art from around the world in rotating exhibitions and view more than 2,000 works of art in the museum’s permanent collections.


3. Wilbur D. May Museum - The Wilbur D. May Center is located in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park and is an adventure for people of all ages. It is a collection of rare and exotic artifacts, and a place to experience fun traveling exhibits. The Arboretum is where gardeners can enjoy an incomparable display and living museum of colorful flowers, creekside meadows, outdoor courtyards and secluded benches.

2024 - Annual Special Events and Festivals

• June 7-9, 2024 - Reno River Festival: This is a whitewater event located in downtown Reno at the Truckee River Whitewater park. The event features professional competitions, amateur paddling events, whitewater clinics, and an expo with the latest whitewater gear. Other events are included each year. For additional information:
  https://renoriverfestival.com/

The video below, shows some of the highlights from the 2011 event:

• June 20 - June 29, 2024 - Reno Rodeo The Reno Rodeo has been an annual event for over 90 years, and is now a 10 day event billed as the "Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West!" It is a PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) sanctioned sporting event. For additional info: https://renorodeo.com/




• Dates TBD - Artown - Artown run every July and consists of more than 400 events that bring to life theater, dance, film, history, multi-cultural events, visual and performing arts activities and events at different venues around the City. For additional information:http://www.renoisartown.com/

The following video gives some of the highlights:

• July 15-21, 2024 - Barracuda Championship (Formerly Reno Tahoe Open)- The annual Barracuda Championship is one of only 47 stops on the PGA TOUR and the only summer event on the West Coast. For additional information:  https://barracudachampionship.com/




• August 4 - August 11, 2024 - Hot August Nights: Recognized as the largest classic car festival in the U.S, Hot August Nights has thousands of classic cars lots of rock n' roll. There is: concerts featuring top entertainers and music of the 50's and 60's, controlled cruises, show-n-shines, and a sock hop. For additional information: https://hotaugustnights.net
  
  The video below, shows some of the highlights from the 2011 Hot August Nights event:

• September 6 - September 8, 2024 - Great Reno Balloon Race - The largest free hot air ballooning event in the U.S. with over 100 balloons each year. 




• October 4-8, 2024 - National Championship Air Races - six classes of racing aircraft and a first-class airshow including some of the world's top aerobatic performers and military aircraft, plus aircraft displays, merchandise, food and drink, and a closing awards banquet. For additional information: https://airrace.org/

The video below, shows some of the highlights from the 2015 event:

• September 26-29, 2024 - Street Vibrations Fall Rally- The Street Vibrations Motorcycle Festival is a celebration of music, metal and motorcycles. Street Vibrations offers tours, live entertainment, parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows and more. For additional information: 




• October 12-13, 2024 - Eldorado Great Italian Festival - Celebrate the food, culture, music and traditions of Italy with Reno's final street festival of the season! Free activities and entertainment highlight the festival's main focus - delicious and authentic homemade Italian food! There's grape stomping, sauce cookoffs, bocce ball and a kid's gelato-eating contest.  Details: https://www.caesars.com/the-row-reno/events/great-italian-festival

Sports Teams

Reno Aces - a minor league baseball team and local family favorite that play at the Aces Ballpark.

Resources for Additional Information