What to do this summer in Washoe County

Summers in Northern Nevada are fun-filled, with many free festivals and events to gather with friends and family.

How hot is Washoe County in the summer? (And no, we’re not talking about the temperature!) Noticiero Móvil wants to share this list of some of the many events in in the region – whether in Reno, Sparks, Carson City and beyond – that you and your tribe can attend in the summer. Check out our online calendar for more events!

1. Lazy 5 Regional Park Summer Concert Series

If you didn’t know, Reno has a bustling music scene, and its summer events reflect that. Lazy 5 Regional Park is holding its 20th annual summer concert series every Wednesday and will feature artists such as Blu Egyptian, Sorokas, Escalade, and Kathy Lantz.

Then there’s also Harmony by the River and House by the River, where you can enjoy live music by the Truckee River. 

2. Dancing on the River and Glowing in the Streets

If you like to express yourself through the beat of music, there are many free events you can take advantage of. Dancing on the River is hosted every first Saturday of each month through August at the city plaza, where you can dance to the beat of bachata and cumbia.

Then, in Midtown on July 11, there will be a brand new event called Glowing in the Streets, where you can dance or run through midtown with a variety of glow events. On the following day, Midtown will also host their Dancing in the Streets, where there will be many live performances and activities.

3. Kids Crafts at Reno Public Market

Let your children express themselves through arts and crafts.

Kids Craft Doodle will be hosted at the Reno Public Market every Saturday, and Kids Cafe Art a la cart will be at the  Downtown Reno Library every Tuesday.  

4. The Food Trucks Are Taking Over

Foodie of Reno, rejoice! There’s no shortage of delicious foods to try in the area, especially now with the area’s growing food truck scene!

Reno’s famous Food Truck Fridays event has expanded to Wednesdays and Thursdays at Cyan Park and North Valley Park, respectively. Also on Wednesdays at the McKinley Arts Center, there’s the Feed the Camel food truck event (but unfortunately, no real camels!).

5. Learn to Garden

Would you like a green thumb? Learn from the master gardeners to find out how to take care of your garden. Every third Thursday at 6pm until September, the master gardeners will be at the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Community Garden to talk about the different gardening techniques.

6. Keep Cool: Read a Book at the Washoe County Library

Experience literature in an exciting way. The Washoe County Library System will be hosting a variety of story time events. Enjoy literature along with fun outdoor activities at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden, or get exposed to different cultures through bilingual literature every Thursday at 10 am.

7. Take Walk on the Many Local Trails

Need a place to relax? Don’t forget about the many parks and trails located in Washoe County, including the Huffaker Park Lookout Trail, the Virginia Lake Loop Trail, Oxbow Nature Study Area Trail, South Meadows Trail Network or parks such as Idlewild Park or Rancho San Rafael Park are great places to wind down and enjoy the scenery. 

8. Enjoy Those Wings

Wing lovers can rejoice that the ROW will return it’s Biggest Little City Wing Fest this upcoming Jul 25 and 26. People can come and enjoy wings, and a variety of hot and cold foods, along with free live entertainment, arts and crafts and many family activities.

9. Hot August Nights

Reno has no storage of festivals however, if you are a classic car fanatic then Reno is the place to be. Hot August Nights is back and its taking place between August 1st and 10th, it’s 10 days of a variety of car shows. Go hear the roaring engines of the past mixed in with high caliber live entertainment and make sure to tune into the grand finale on August 10th at the Reno-Sparks Convention center

10. Take in the Nevada Museum of Art

Whether it’s your first time, or you are returning, the Nevada Museum of Art is the place to gather to enjoy exciting art exhibits many created by people in Washoe County. Check online for free and discounted rates. Most museums offer free tickets for children and cheap tickets for teens.

Also, inquire with the Washoe Country Library System which has a program where anyone under 14 with a library card can reserve a date to go to any museums, theatre, zoos and more in Northern Nevada and Northern California.