Celebrate Nevada’s birthday

Nevada’s annual celebration is extra special this year, celebrating 160 years of statehood.

In addition to the annual Nevada Day celebrations this year in Carson City, the state is hosting an array of unique events this autumn.

From enjoying the epic dark sky sanctuaries to flying down the street in a homemade outhouse, Nevadans certainly know how to celebrate their individuality.

Great Reno Balloon Race, Reno (6 – 8 September)

Since it began in 1982, the Great Reno Balloon Race has grown from just 20 hot air balloons to a top class event featuring nearly 100 balloons. They lift off from Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. Across three days in September, this event sees a rainbow of hot air balloons rise above Reno in the early mornings and is visible from vantages all around the city.

Great Basin Astronomy Festival, Baker (5 – 7 September)

With the darkest, quietest skies in the Lower 48, Great Basin National Park is the perfect place for an astronomy festival. Stargazing here is unique for three event-packed days (and nights). It features everything from star parties and constellation talks, to astrophotography workshops.

Caliente Mountain Bike Festival, Caliente (6 – 8 September)

Hosted by the Caliente Area Mountain Bike Alliance, this three-day event is based at Caliente’s Super Park and welcomes riders to enjoy more than 50 miles of flow trails, dirt jumps, and pump tracks. Shuttles take riders to and from Barnes Canyon, Kershaw-Ryan State Park, and the trailheads for Upper Ella and Middle Ella routes. After a full day of riding, there’s an afterparty with live music, raffle prizes, a Taste of Lincoln County dinner, log pull and bunny hop contests.

World Championship Outhouse Races, Virginia City (5 – 6 October)

Dating back to a time when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in the area, angry residents took to the streets in protest with their outhouses, and thus, a tradition was born. This comical annual free event pits teams of three costumed outhouse racers against each other in an all-out potty sprint, pushing homemade outhouses down Historic C Street in Virginia City. It concludes at the the toilet paper finish line to claim the World Championship title. The event starts with a parade to showcase the home-made vehicles followed by a host of races.

Nevada Day, Carson City (28 October)

The Nevada Day Parade takes over Carson City at the end of every October and is a celebration of the state unlike any other in the U.S., including hundreds of floats, Burning Man art cars and marching bands. Visitors will experience a hot air balloon launch and pancake breakfast ahead of the parade, with beard, rock drilling, and chalk art contents keep the fun going. There will be other, local, Nevada Day celebrations throughout the state, but the biggest and best is in Carson City. 

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