Reno-Sparks is where the delightful melodies of music and the tantalizing aroma of mouthwatering BBQ fill the air this August. There’s an array of exciting events and activities that will make your summer experience truly unforgettable.
Imagine spending an enchanting evening at one of our picturesque parks or ranches, basking in the glow of starlit skies while enjoying a captivating musical performance. If you're in the mood for a unique adventure, head over to Andelin Family Farm, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and even pick your own sunflowers.
For animal enthusiasts, Animal Ark offers a wild encounter with fascinating creatures, while the annual Duck Race provides an opportunity to support our beloved domesticated animals. And if you're seeking some refreshing water-based fun, try paddleboarding or dragon boat racing, sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
In Reno-Sparks, the possibilities are endless this month. So join us as we celebrate the joys of summer with a diverse range of entertainment options and immerse ourselves in the vibrant spirit of our community.
The 18th Annual Lazy 5 Summer Music Series 2023
- When: Wednesdays, August 2, 9 & 16, 2023
- Where: Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Wy., Sparks
Wednesday night in Spanish Springs is outdoor concert night at Lazy 5 Park. Bring a blanket, chairs, a picnic, and your dancing flip flops to enjoy the sounds from Coburn Station, a soulful blend of rock, groove and psychedelia on August 2nd. On August 9th it’s Jellybread bringing you their desert twang meets urban funk sound. Then it’s everybody’s favorite, Escalade, get down to Motown, R&B and pop favorites. Don’t want to pack a picnic - no problem, there’ll be food trucks for noms and a mobile pub for libations. This event is free and for the whole family!
Evenings on the Ranch
- When: Wednesday, August 2, 2023
- Where: Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 600 Bartley Ranch Rd., Reno
Bartley Ranch is the place to be on Wednesday for a fun family evening enjoying a Front Porch concert. Bring a blanket or chair and kick back taking in the sounds of their unique blend of soul, country, and Americana. The concert starts at 7:00 p.m. – a donation of $5 is suggested, and come by a little early, at 6:00 p.m. the Bartley Ranch historical buildings will be open for mini-tours.
Summer Festival – Sunflowers at Andelin Family Farm
- When: Thursday, August 3 – Saturday, August 19, 2023
- Where: Andelin Family Farm, 8100 Pyramid Wy., Sparks
Right in the heart of the bustling suburb, Spanish Springs, there is a magical place, one with animals, sunflowers ,and hopefully this year, sweet corn! The Summer Festival at Andelin Family Farms is a memorable experience for everyone in the family. The price of admission includes access to the u-pick sunflower fields, hay rides around the farm, mini-zips, all the cute farm animals, the kitten barn experience, barnyard activities and more. Purchase your tickets online!
Ark @ Dark
- When: Saturday, August 5, 2023
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Rd., Reno
Starting at 7:30 p.m. join The Ark for a guided flashlight tour of nocturnal predators in their element! It’s your chance to listen to the wolves and coyotes howling and the big cats growling. The Animal Ark is a 38-acre wildlife sanctuary founded by Aaron & Diana Hiibel located in Red Rock. It has provided a long-term loving home for injured and non-releasable wildlife and this is your chance to see the animals as many haven’t seen them before. This event is for adults and children 8+.
The Village Farmers Market
- When: Saturdays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2023
- Where: House of Bread, Reno, 1185 California Ave., Reno
Don’t miss the 30th year anniversary of Reno’s longest running farmers market every Saturday in the month of August from 8:00 a.m. – Noon. This is one of Reno’s most popular markets boasting farm fresh produce, a wide variety of meats, bakery items, arts & crafts, and specialty foods. This is your chance to meet your local farmers and artisans, don’t miss it!
Duck Race & Festival
- When: Saturday, August 12, 2023
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
The beloved Ducks are back at Wingfield Park from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - adopt a $5 Rubber Duck and save a homeless pet! This annual event is hosted by the Nevada Humane Society and is their largest fundraiser of the year which helps to care for over 18,000 animals. Enjoy the all-day festivities, there will be puppy adoptions, beer garden kitten adoptions, a photo lounge, food trucks, and vendor booths with the ceremonial duck launch starting at 2:00 p.m. Mark your calendar!
Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival
- When: Saturday, August 12 – Sunday, August 13, 2023
- Where: Kings Beach State Recreational Area, 8318 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach
“Take the most beautiful Lake in the world, gather the best SUP athletes on the planet, mix in a little Aloha, and you have the perfect recipe known as the Ta-Hoe Nalu.” -Chris Hollingsworth
This event is for you and your Ohana! You may register for a stand-up paddleboard or prone division race, or simply bring your own board and enjoy a day on the crystal-clear waters of Tahoe at Kings Beach. There will be live music, a Kona Beer garden & food court, local vendors and retailers, and SUP rentals if you want to try “your legs” at paddleboarding.
Northern Nevada Dragon Boat Festival
- When: Saturday, August 19, 2023
- Where: Sparks Marina, 300 Howard Dr., Sparks
This annual event at the Sparks Marina celebrating an ancient Chinese sporting tradition is for the whole family! Each Dragon Boat is decked out in bright and colorful designs and hold 20 people who synchronize their paddling to a ceremonial drummer. Come out for a whole day of play and enjoy a health and wellness village, vendors, food trucks, artist exhibits, and more. Want to participate as a team or solo paddler – check out their Train & Race Package!
Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival
- When: Saturday, August 19 – Monday, August 21, 2023
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts will literally be putting the dog in dog days of summer. This community event will be held on their 270⁰ outdoor stage under the beautiful Nevada summer sky. Six local dance companies will be performing and during intermission SPCA-NN will showcase adoptable and adopted dogs and top it off with a Pup Parade fashion show. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, or cushions to enjoy the show and the eats from a variety of local food trucks. The event is free, but you’re encouraged to bring pet food and supplies for donation.
Reno Chalk Art & Music Festival
- When: Friday, August 25 – Sunday, August 27, 2023
- Where: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., Reno
Missing a little color in your life? Here’s your chance to color it up with more than 150 chalk artists from around the nation at the Reno Chalk Art & Music Festival. You can watch these artists turn the ordinary into extraordinary while they compete for many awards including the People’s Choice Award. During this celebration of art there will be live music, food trucks, specialty food booths, art & craft vendors, a kids zone offering rides, and interactive art activities – fun for everyone!
Chopper Magazine’s Virginia City Roundup Motorcycle Rodeo
- When: Saturday, August 26, 2023
- Where: Virginia City Fairgrounds, 458 F St., Virginia City
Here’s a combo for you…motorcycles, bulls and broncs - Chopper Magazine is hosting this wild event at the Virginia City Fairgrounds! Check out the custom motorcycle show, with Showcase Builders displaying their custom builds, an amateur rodeo, and live music. Follow @choppersmagazine on Instagram for up-to-the-minute 2023 event details of what is to be sure a wild and wooly western weekend in Virginia City!
52nd Annual Journal Jog 8K – Reno’s Oldest Footrace
- When: Sunday, August 22, 2023
- Where: Reno High School – Foster Field, 395 Booth St., Reno
Grab your running shoes, family and friends and be a part of Reno’s oldest footrace – the Journal Jog 8K - this is a tradition and a chance for you to be a part of history! The course starts and ends at Reno High School and takes you through scenic and historic southwest Reno. The 8K Running Stroller gets rolling at 7:25 a.m. and the Run/Walk/Walking Stroller starts at 7:30 a.m. and the top three finishers will receive awards. After your event stay for the finish line party – including music, refreshment, vendors, and awards ceremony.
2023 Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off
- When: Wednesday, August 30 – Monday, September 4, 2023
- Where: Downtown Sparks, Victorian Ave., Sparks
If the smell of BBQ is in the air you know it’s time for the annual rib cook off in Downtown Sparks. This is the Super bowl of rib competitions and a great way to wind down your summer over Labor Day weekend. Bring your appetite because there’s over 250,000 pounds of ribs barbecued over the course of the festival with two dozen of the best BBQ teams competing. You may purchase tickets for the VIP Rib Village, settle in at the multiple seating areas, or bring your own set up for fun outdoor dining then peruse the huge arts & crafts fair, or take in one of the many live concerts. This is a mouthwatering event you can’t miss!
At Dickson Realty, our team of local experts knows about the best activities and places to live, including the best things to do in Reno-Sparks in August. To learn more about how to enjoy the Northern Nevada region, contact one of our realtors today.
