July in Reno-Tahoe: Art, Flavor & Fireworks All Month Long

July in Reno-Tahoe is when creativity, community, and celebration collide. From the month-long magic of Artown, turning every corner of the city into a stage or gallery, to Star Spangled Sparks lighting up the sky on the Fourth of July, summer in the Biggest Little City is anything but ordinary. Whether you're dancing under the stars, roller skating downtown, savoring gourmet wings, or catching Shakespeare lakeside, there's something for every age, interest, and appetite. Dive into the region’s most exciting month of the year with our guide to the top events you won’t want to miss.

Artown

July 1 - 31

For the entire month of July, Reno becomes Artown, one of the nation's most comprehensive arts festivals, as recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts. The festival blends live music, outdoor art, and creative performances with over 500 activities, including concerts, theater, art walks, workshops, and more. Artown transforms the city into an artistic hub, featuring world-renowned artists alongside local talent. Event highlights include opening and closing night concerts, the Monday music series, movies in the park, summer concerts, and art shows, with many events free to attend. Artown takes place at various venues across Reno, from downtown to the Reno Riverwalk, offering a month-long celebration of creativity for all ages.

Food Truck W-T-F

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

Food Truck Fridays are a long-time summer favorite in Reno, and now you can enjoy three times the fun and food! Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, you can find a collection of food trucks serving up gourmet food, eclectic fusion fare, desserts and local brews.

• Wednesdays at Cyan Park, 4-8 p.m.
• Thursdays at North Valleys Regional Park, 4-8 p.m.
• Fridays at Idlewild Park, 4-9 p.m.

Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Idlewild Park is transformed into a foodie's dream with more than 40 gourmet food, dessert and local craft beer, wine and spirits vendors weekly.

These fun, family-friendly events are the perfect way to start your weekend. Grab a blanket or some chairs and enjoy delicious food and drinks with your favorite people.

Rollin’ Reno

July 2 - 31

Rollin' Reno will take place five nights a week throughout the summer. Each night, you can enjoy live entertainment, food and drinks. The event is free if you have your own skates, and skate rental is available for $5. This family-friendly event takes place every Wednesday through Sunday, all summer.

Days and Times:

• Every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
• Every Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m.
• Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
• Closed on July 5 for Dancing on the River

Star Spangled Sparks

July 4

For 20 years, Star Spangled Sparks has been the largest Independence Day celebration and fireworks display in Northern Nevada. The event attracts nearly 50,000 people to downtown Sparks and thousands more watch from the surrounding areas. The all-American style block party spans throughout the downtown Sparks corridor on Victorian Square and features live music, crafts, food vendors, and fireworks. The party and spectacular fireworks display is free and open to the public. Tickets are also available for a VIP Fireworks Viewing Party.

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival 

July 5 - August 24

Shakespeare’s Delightful Romantic Comedy

A shipwreck throws lives into disarray, where mistaken identities lead to hilarious havoc and unexpected connections. Viola, stranded and disguised as a boy, falls for the Duke, who pines for Olivia. However, Olivia, in mourning, finds herself smitten with Viola, setting off a comical chain of romantic entanglements. This delightful gem brims with wit, wordplay and whimsy to tell a timeless tale of love, loss and the joyous absurdity of life.

Showtimes: July 6 – August 23

The Playful Peter Pan Prequel

Set sail to explore the Neverland you never knew with this Tony Award-winning prequel that charts a course through Peter’s untold escapades. A dozen actors portray over 100 unforgettable characters in this high-flying adventure bursting with imagination and ingenious stagecraft. It is a humorous, heartwarming ride through ambition, yearning and the magic of friendship, where you will discover the boy who never grew up before he took flight.

Showtimes: July 5 – August 24

American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament

July 9 - 13

Now entering its 36th year, the American Century Championship is a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports. The premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities, distributes a purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sports and entertainment's greatest celebrities.

Sierra Nevada Lavender and Honey Festival

July 13

Celebrate all things lavender and honey at this "scent-sational" event! Enjoy arts and crafts, delicious food, live music, entertaining demonstrations, and more. It’s the perfect festival for all ages, so bring your friends and family for a beautiful day of fun and fragrance!

Biggest Little City Wing Fest

July 25 - 26

Over 20,000 pounds of chicken wings are slathered in sauce, smoked, fired, and grilled to satisfy taste buds across northern Nevada. Enjoy two days of fiery competition that's sure to get fierce. Cookers will present their wings at The Sauce Showdown in the Wing Ring Stadium to be judged in categories like "Best Unique Wing," "Celebrities' Choice," "Best BBQ Wing," and the ever-popular "People's Choice," with awards presented on Saturday night.