The days are getting longer, and the weather is starting to warm up, and if you’re looking for exciting things to do this month, then you should check out these Sparks and Reno events in April.
The month of April is full of fun events and activities in the Reno and Sparks area. Whether you're looking for things to do with your kids, want to get out and explore the community, or are just looking for some fun new experiences, we've got you covered. So, take a look at our calendar below and start planning your Spring adventures!
Reno And Sparks Events In April
Blippi The Musical
- When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022
- Where: Reno Events Center, 400 N. Center St., Reno
- More Information
Blippi The Musical brings the character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage. Children ages 2 to 7 can learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along.
Winter Wondergrass Festival
- When: Friday, April 1, 2022–Sunday, April 3, 2022
- Where: Palisades Tahoe
- More Information
It may not be winter, but the Winter Wondergrass Festival is on! Nearly the entire 2020 WWG Tahoe line–up is returning for 2022. Headliners Billy Strings, The Infamous Stringdusters, The California Honeydrops, Peter Rowan, The War & Treaty, Brothers Comatose, Kitchen Dwellers, Della Mae, Lindsay Lou, Larry Keel Experience, WinterWonderWomen, Pickin’ on the Dead and more.
Spirits with the Spirits featuring Cemetery Gin
- When: 6:30–9 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022
- Where: Piper's Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City
- More information
This class, taught by craft cocktail expert Joe Shapiro, includes a lecture and demonstration on cocktails. Learn to make two different cocktails during the demonstration with one cocktail featuring Virginia City’s Cemetery Gin. After the class, local paranormal experts Bats in the Belfry will tour you around Virginia City for a walking tour filled with ghost stories.
Spoken Views Collective Presents Javon Johnson
- When: 6–8 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More Information
Spoken Views Collective presents an evening of spoken word poetry with three–time national slam champion poet and author Javon Johnson. Presented as part of “UPSTAGE: A Literary and Performing Art Series.”
Year of the Tiger for Tiger Talks!
- When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road ,Reno
- More Information
This family friendly event is here to explore all things tiger, with guest speakers, bio facts and enrichment presentations with the tigers.
Riverside Farmers Market
- When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 2, 2022–Saturday, April 30, 2022
- Where: McKinley Arts Center, 925 Riverside Drive, Reno
- More Information
From micro–farms and home–based bakers, to established small businesses in the Truckee Meadows region, this market has offerings all year long.
Grandparent Virtual Class
- When: 10–11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022
- Where: Virtual
- More Information
This class outlines ways grandparents can offer support and assistance to a new family while discussing current birth practices and infant care trends. Grandparents will learn about newborn care, safe sleep environments, breastfeeding, car seats, product safety, how to help new parents and more.
The Art of Meditation
- When: 5:30–6:30 p.m. Thursdays April 7– 28, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More Information
Meditation can be a cornerstone of a healthy, happy, productive life. You will learn different techniques each week that you can take home and use on your own. All are welcome, from first–timers to advanced students.
Kids Painting Series
- When: 4–6 p.m. Thursdays, April 7–April 21, 2022
- Where: Lake Mansion, 250 Court St., Reno
- More Information
Explore acrylic painting in this super fun, messy, painting class for kids. Besides making art, kids will learn about brush strokes, painting techniques, color mixing and how to care for our supplies. All Art Supplies included. Recommended ages 8–12.
Virtual Art Discussion: Jean LaMarr: Discover Meaning
- When: 4–5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2022
- Where: Virtual
- More Information
Join in for a Virtual Art Discussion on The Art of Jean LaMarr. Virtual Art Discussions are led by experienced docents that will share perspectives and invite inquiry and discussion. This program is hosted on Zoom.
Virtual Art Bite: Art as Cultural Communication and the Intersections of Contemporary Native Life
- When: Noon–1 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2022
- Where: Virtual
- More Information
Susan Lobo is a cultural anthropologist specializing in research and community–based advocacy work in urban and rural Native communities in the United States and Latin America. Join in for a conversation as Lobo explores art as cultural communication and the intersections of contemporary Native life, while also exploring the work of Jean LaMarr.
MidTown Reno First Thursdays
- When: 9 a.m.–11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2022
- Where: Midtown Reno
- More Information
Treat yourself to a day at your favorite MidTown retailers, services, bars, and restaurants.
Local businesses plan in–store events including food and beverage tastings, local art exhibits, live music, and more. Each merchant creatively plans their own event so check each listing for individual hours and details.
5th Annual Ryan Volker and Rose Scarpa Memorial Scholarship 5K Ninja Run
- When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 10, 2022
- Where: Idlewild Park Rose Garden, 75 Cowan Drive, Reno
- More Information
The 5th Annual Ninja Run to honor Rose Scarpa and Ryan Volker. Proceeds will be donated to the Culinary Institute of America Ryan and Rose Scholarship fund. Dress as your favorite Ninja to run or walk along the Truckee River path. Start time is 9 a.m. Register by March 28 to get a free T–shirt.
Ranger Walks – Lockwood Trailhead
- When: 10 a.m. Sunday, April 10, 2022
- Where: Lockwood Park, 981 Lockwood Road ,Sparks
- More Information
Lace up your hiking boots and come get outdoors with a Washoe County Park Ranger! Discover new trails and learn more about your local environment in various Washoe County parks and open space habitats. This program is free and all ages are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Pre–registration is required.
Lecture Series: "Eilley Bowers"
- When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022
- Where: Piper's Opera House, 12 N. B St., Virginia City
- More Information
In her time, Eilley Oram Bowers was one of the wealthiest women in the United States. Eilley will tell in her own words, of her adventures, her admirers and her adversaries and why she was regarded, at least for a while, as “Queen of the Comstock.” This Chautauqua performance is by Kim Harris, an accomplished Chautauquan who has portrayed living history characters at various venues including Genoa Cowboy Festival, Piper’s Opera House, the Gold Hill Hotel, Granlibakken, Dangberg Historic Park, and The Lake Tahoe Chautauqua Festival.
City of Sparks Art Walk
- When: 5 or 6 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2022
- Where: Lillard Park, 965 Victorian Ave., Sparks
- More Information
Monthly guided tours are the third Thursday of the month. The tour leaves from Lillard Park, next to the Depot Gallery from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and the other from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
Or, design your visit by downloading this printable map highlighting the artwork to find the unique features of Victorian Square to create your itinerary. See a piece of art, scan its QR code, and visit the website link for photos, bios, and audio interviews with the artists.
Loud as Folk Eleven Year Anniversary Showcase
- When: 7–9 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More Information
Loud As Folk is celebrating eleven years of highlighting songwriters in Reno with performances by internationally acclaimed cellist Third Seven, plus local trailblazers Dave & Cliff (Jelly Bread), Eric Andersen, and Whitney Myer. Hosted by Spike McGuire. Doors at 6 p.m. with a cash bar.
Riverwalk Wine Walk
- When: 2–5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2022
- Where: Reno Riverwalk District, Riverside Drive ,Reno
- More Information
Join us for the wine walk hosted by the small businesses of the Riverwalk Merchants Association along the Truckee River and neighboring streets in downtown Reno.
The event theme this April will be Flower Power ‘70s theme.
The Longest Fight
- When: 1–3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2022
- Where: Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St., Reno
- More Information
On September 3, 1906, Baltimore’s Joe Gans, the first African American champion, defended his lightweight crown against Oscar “Battling” Nelson, a white brawler, in a fight that had no scheduled duration. In this film, documentary filmmaker Ted Faye introduces the story by exploring Goldfield at its boom, the impact, and importance of the fight, and the way in which residents have memorialized its history.
Earth Day Festival at Animal Ark
- When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022–Sunday, April 24, 2022
- Where: Animal Ark, 1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno
- More Information
The Earth Day Festival is a way for the whole family to explore the wild world and learn more about how to help conserve the planet. This event features youth activities, guest speakers workshops, keeper chats and more.
A.V.A. Ballet Theatre: Beauty and the Beast
- When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More Information
The spring gala season for A.V.A. Ballet Theatre opens with the classic ballet “Beauty and the Beast.” Choreographed by Alexander Van Alstyne, the classic story is filled with dance, intrigue, and the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s score.
Bijou Bell Ensemble
- When: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022
- Where: Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., Reno
- More Information
Bijou Bell is a Nevada–based musician and her original music has elements of indie and jazz, with captivating lyrics and a voice with a dreamy timbre. Bijou has performed with many groups including the Reno Philharmonic and the Reno jazz syndicate.
Reno Earth Day
- When: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2022
- Where: Idlewild Park, 2055 Idlewild Drive ,Reno
- More Information
Idlewild Park transforms into 350 exhibits and activities for all ages: Arts & crafts, sustainability businesses and resources and local non–profit organizations. Activities include 4 stages of entertainment, specialty foods, local breweries, workshops, rallies, games and prizes. Themes: The Natural World, Clean and Green Technologies and Many Cultures.
Ranger Walks – Davis Creek Regional Park
- When: 6–7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2022
- Where: Davis Creek Regional Park, 25 Davis Creek Road, Washoe Valley
- More Information
Lace up your hiking boots and come get outdoors with a Washoe County Park Ranger! Discover new trails and learn more about your local environment in various Washoe County parks and open space habitats. This program is free and all ages are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Pre–registration is required.
Gentle Chair Yoga with Lee Ann Maynard
- When: 4–5 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2022
- Where: Renown/Virtual
- More Information
Meet the newest yoga instructor, Lee Ann Maynard. This class is held virtual or in–person (limited space), and is perfect for those with limited mobility due to injury, recovery from surgery, arthritis, general stiffness and more. By incorporating gentle movement, breathing exercises and meditation techniques, you can build strength and flexibility.
Students will only need a stable chair (no wheels or armrests) if practicing from home.
Brews, Brats & Ballet
- When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022
- Where: Reno Little Theater, 147 E. Pueblo St., Reno
- More Information
Brew, Brats and Ballet features new works by Barbara Land (former Head of UNR Dance Program), Oliver Adam’s (dancer/choreographer from England and former dancer with Sacramento Ballet and Smuin Ballet), Ananda Bena–Weber (NY professional multidisciplinary artist/choreographer/director), Alexander Biber (former Sacramento Ballet dancer/choreographer and SNB Choreographer in Residence), Michael Lowe (Director of Menlowe Ballet) and SNB Artistic Director, Rosine Bena.
Ode to Joy, Beethoven's Final Bow – Classix Series
- When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022 and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2022
- Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, 100 S. Virginia St., Reno
- More Information
Postponed from 2020, Maestro Laura Jackson and the Reno Phil will perform Beethoven’s first and last symphonies in honor of his 250th birthday. The Reno Phil Chorus joins the orchestra for this grand chorus symphony and the concert opens with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, which built on the legacies of Mozart and Haydn.
The Bachelor LIVE!
- When: 8 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022
- Where: Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. 2nd St., Reno
- More Information
The Bachelor Live On Stage Official Tour is the ultimate Bachelor Nation fan party in the form of a wildly flirtatious and interactive evening hosted by Becca Kufrin and featuring your favorite cast members.
Virginia City Grand Prix
- When: Saturday, April 30, 2022–Sunday, May 1, 2022
- Where: Virginia City, 85 S. C St., Virginia City
- More Information
First run in 1971, the Virginia City Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most unique off–road motorcycle races of its kind. It combines a challenging race experience with the energy and charm of an authentic “old west” mining town, designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Walk MS: Reno/Sparks 2022
- When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022
- Where: Wingfield Park, 2 S. Arlington Ave., Reno
- More Information
Walk MS brings together people to end MS forever. Join the movement today to show that together, we are stronger than MS.
