bring the whole family

Spring in Nevada offers several events to please kids and kids at heart.

By CHARLIE JOHNSTON | May/June 2010

May 7-9

Reno River Festival

Wingfield Park, Reno

The seventh annual Reno River Festival features three days of fun in the sun with Boatercross, freestyle kayaking, live music, local and national outdoor-related vendors, and the third annual Run Amuck relay race on May 8.

renoriverfestival.com

775-784-9400 x.119

May 8

State Parks 75th-Anniversary Celebration

Kershaw-Ryan State Park

Celebrate the anniversary of one of Nevada’s first four state parks (Kershaw-Ryan) with ranger-led hikes, music by local artists, search demonstrations by Lincoln County Sheriff’s K9 units, and the seasonal opening of the park’s pool.
parks.nv.gov/kr.htm

775-726-3564

May 13-16

Helldorado Days

Las Vegas

Las Vegas’ tribute to the Wild West includes rodeo events, a parade, carnival, golf and poker tournaments, trail ride, food, and more. The annual Elks event began in 1935, making it the longest-running civic event in the city.

elkshelldorado.com

702-258-3557

May 15-16

Lyon County Fly-In

Silver Springs Airport, Silver Springs

The 14th annual Lyon County Fly-In features planes from antiques and ultra-lights to modern military and firefighting aircraft. Children ages 8-17 can fly free with a general aviation pilot as part of the Young Eagles First Flight program.

lyoncountyflyin.com

775-887-1294

May 22

Coconuts for Kids Luau at the Governor’s Mansion

Carson City

Coconuts for Kids Luau is an annual fundraiser for Food for Thought, a nonprofit that discreetly provides a bag of food each week for children in need. Tickets to the event are $50 each.

visitcarsoncity.com

775-883-1011

May 28-31

Jim Butler Days

Tonopah

The 40th annual Jim Butler Days features a parade, mining competitions, gold panning, dances, arts and crafts, bartender race, vendors, and more. Tonopah’s marquee event is named for the rancher credited with the original silver claim that led to the founding of Tonopah.

tonopahnevada.com

775-482-3558

May 29-30

Black Rock Rendezvous

Black Rock Desert

Spend Memorial Day Weekend camping in the surreal beauty of the Black Rock Desert. Events, happy-hour margaritas, entertainment, and tours are all included for a reasonable daily cost.

blackrockrendezvous.com

775-557-2900

May 30 & June 20

Cheetah 500

Animal Ark, Reno

Spend Memorial Day Weekend camping in the surreal beauty of the Black Rock Desert. Events, happy-hour margaritas, entertainment, and tours are all included for a reasonable daily cost.

animalark.org

1-775-970-3111

June 5-6

Lincoln County Trails Day

Caliente

Lincoln County’s five million acres of public land, five state parks, and two wildlife areas welcome visitors with hundreds of miles of trails that can be hiked, ridden, biked, or driven.

lincolncountynevada.com

775-726-8100

June 5-6 & 12-13

Valhalla Renaissance Faire

South Lake Tahoe

The 15th Century takes center stage at Lake Tahoe during the annual Valhalla Renaissance Faire. Enjoy entertainment from hundreds of costumed performers amid the medieval village and unique craft stands.

Camp Richardson

valhallafaire.com

415-354-1773

June 10-13

Carson Valley Days

Lampe Park, Gardnerville

The Carson Valley Days Centennial includes a hot-air balloon launch, parade, craft show, carnival, live music, and more family-friendly events.

carsonvalley2030.org

775-220-8046

June 17-26

Reno Rodeo

Livestock Events Center, Reno

The wildest, richest rodeo in the West is a 10-day celebration of the cowboy way of life. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event features some of the top cowboys from around the country and a full carnival.

renorodeo.com

775-329-3877

June 18-20

Gridley Days

Austin

Venture to central Nevada for a parade, ATV rodeo, barbecue, historic home tours, hula-hoop competition, beach volleyball tournament, and more during Austin’s popular Gridley Days.

austinnevada.com

775-964-2200