Nevada Festivals and Events

Nevada Festivals and Events

Nevada hosts a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year—ranging from world-famous art gatherings and music festivals to historic town parades, food celebrations, and cultural showcases. Whether you're in Las Vegas, Reno, or a rural town, there's always something happening in the Silver State.

Major Annual Events

• Burning Man (Black Rock Desert): One of the most iconic art and counterculture events in the world, Burning Man transforms a dry lakebed in northwestern Nevada into a temporary city of creativity, music, and radical self-expression.

• Life is Beautiful Festival (Las Vegas): A massive three-day music, art, food, and ideas festival held in downtown Las Vegas. It draws international headliners, muralists, and chefs.

• Reno Rodeo: Known as the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” this ten-day PRCA-sanctioned event includes bull riding, barrel racing, parades, and a carnival.

• Hot August Nights (Reno & Sparks): A nostalgic celebration of classic cars and rock 'n' roll. This multi-day festival features parades, live music, and hundreds of restored vehicles.

Food & Drink Festivals

• Elko National Basque Festival: Celebrating the state’s Basque heritage with traditional dancing, food, music, and sporting events like wood chopping and weight lifting.

• Reno BBQ, Brews & Blues Festival: A summer street festival featuring craft beer, BBQ competitions, and live blues performances in downtown Reno.

• Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival: Held at venues like Tivoli Village and The Palms, this multi-day tasting event features top chefs and fine wine producers from around the world.

Cultural & Seasonal Events

• Chinese New Year in Las Vegas: Celebrated across several casino resorts with dragon dances, lanterns, and culinary specials—especially prominent at The Venetian and Resorts World.

• Pioneer Days (Caliente): A celebration of southern Nevada’s ranching and railroad heritage with a parade, rodeo, games, and fireworks.

• Nevada Day Parade (Carson City): Held on the last Saturday in October, this event honors Nevada’s admission to the Union with floats, marching bands, and historical reenactments.

• Lincoln County Art Festival (Pioche): A community-driven celebration of visual arts, crafts, and music in one of Nevada’s most historic mining towns.

Music & Arts

• Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC Las Vegas): One of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world, held annually at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

• Artown (Reno): A month-long citywide arts festival in July with hundreds of free and ticketed events including concerts, film screenings, gallery shows, and dance performances.

• Great Basin Native Artists Gathering (Ely): Celebrates Indigenous art and traditions through workshops, performances, and an artisan marketplace.

Tips for Festival-Goers

• Plan Ahead: Many events—especially Burning Man and EDC—require advance tickets, camping reservations, or hotel bookings months in advance.
• Weather Prep: Nevada festivals span all seasons—bring layers for desert nights, sunscreen for summer days, and check local forecasts.
• Local Events: Don't overlook smaller community festivals and county fairs. These often feature parades, rodeos, live music, and regional food in a family-friendly setting.
• Respect Public Lands: If attending events near BLM or state park lands (like Burning Man or outdoor art fests), follow Leave No Trace principles.

See Also

• Dining & Nightlife
• Travel Tips and Maps