Nevada Day Parade, Atomic Testing Museum and More
Just because the leaves are falling doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate. Which is good, because there are so many things to do in Nevada in October, well, it’s downright scary. Here are but a few of the events that are happening; we’ll update the list as we can, and feel free to let us know if we missed your favorite!
Northern Nevada
Nevada Day Parade, Oct. 31
What a better way to celebrate the foundation of the Battle Born state than right in the heart of its capital city? The annual Nevada Day Parade, now in its 77th year, celebrates Nevada’s 151st birthday. The day begins with a hot air balloon launch at 8 a.m. and a military flyover at 10 a.m. kicks off the parade starting from William Street and ending at Stewart Street around 1-2 p.m. Map of the parade is here.
Bonus! Stop by the Laxalt Building next to the Nugget to meet some of the Nevada Magazine staff, and buy your 2016 historic calendar and/or our historical book!
Peppermill’s Game Lab Halloween Extravaganza, Oct. 30
A family-friendly trick-or-treat experience at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Oct. 30 from 5 – 9 p.m. provides fun for the whole family. Kids in costume and their families get candy, a free photo at the Halloween photo booth and $25 of gameplay for only $10. All proceeds from the night benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.
City of Fallon’s Spooktacular Oct. 31
Trick-or-treating has never been more safe and sound than at Fallon’s annual Spooktacular. From 4 – 7 p.m. Fallon police ensure kids and families can gather candy on Maine Street in style. Check out a Spooktacular evening filled with pumpkin painting, a costume parade and contest, bounce houses and more.
Trick or Treat in the Streets of the Museum, Oct. 31
The National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno is the perfect place for the car-loving parents to do something while the kids run around. The Museum hosts a special party with a special admission rate of only $2 per person Saturday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Children can run around the museum tasting and gathering candy from 16 candy stations, play Halloween themed games and experience live magic tricks by magician Justin Meitz.
Genoa Halloween Party and Hayride, Oct. 31
A hair-raising hayride in Genoa Oct. 31 starting at 5:30 p.m. is a family-friendly spot for a safe Halloween candy gathering reminiscent of early Halloween adventures where neighbors know each other and gather to celebrate.
The Haunted Ghost Train of Old Ely, through Oct. 31
The remote town of Ely, Nevada becomes haunted each year by the Ghost Train of Old Ely. On selected dates through October, experience family-friendly ghost and ghoul stories as you ride through Old Ely on a haunting and harrowing ride. Tickets are $32 for adults and $16 for children 4-12. Children 3 and under ride free.
Bats in the Belfrey, Oct. 29-31
Virginia City is infamous for haunted houses and spooky sights. Be sure to check out the guided ghost tours starting at 6 p.m. the weekend before Halloween and the weekend of Halloween for an interactive experience sure to cause a fright. For the truly courageous, after hours investigations begin at 10 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $30 per person for the early tour and $80 per person for the late tour.
Haunted Genoa Ghost Walk – October
Starting at the Genoa Courthouse Museum 10 a.m. by reservation, take a tour of historical landmarks and haunted sites for guided tales of the rich history of Genoa. The two-hour tour takes guests through reported sights of the ghostly variety. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children aged 6-12. Reservations required for tours, call 775-220-0605.
Reno’s Midtown murals tour continues
More than 60 murals have become an important part of Midtown’s cultural landscape. Art Spot Reno is launching its guided Midtown Mural Tour on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. The two-hour Midtown Mural Tour starts and ends at Blue Whale Coffee Co., 32 Cheney St. artspotreno.com
Las Vegas Museum Month
Discover Southern Nevada’s thriving cultural community during Las Vegas Museum Month this October. Partnering for the second annual Las Vegas Museum Month, Oct. 1-31, the Las Vegas Museum Alliance and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority offer residents and visitors a celebration of Las Vegas’ unique cultural spirit with special promotions across the valley. For a list of special offers from participating museums, vegasmuseums.org.
National Day of Remembrance
The National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas, in partnership with Cold War Patriots, is hosting a reception to celebrate the 7th annual National Day of Remembrance on Oct. 30. Join them in honoring all former nuclear and uranium workers. They worked extremely hard and sacrificed much to help keep the United States safe. The event and general museum admission will be FREE to Nevada residents and event participants. nationalatomictestingmuseum.org
National Fossil Day
National Fossil Day is Oct. 14 but the Nevada State Museum celebrates all month with special Saturday children’s programs from 1-5 p.m. throughout October. Fun family activities focused on paleontology begin in the museum’s classroom. museums.nevadaculture.org