When it comes to summer festivities, there is no shortage in the great state of Nevada. Some of the events that offer the most fun are fairs and festivals, and there are plenty of those coming up. Following are some highlights for the next couple of months. Browse and find the ones that sound like a good time to you, your friends, and family!
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival takes place at Sand Harbor State Park from June 28 all the way through August 25. It runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day. Visitors can experience Shakespearian theater in a beautiful outdoor setting during sunset. View a performance of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" or look into other events, such as "Always...Patsy Cline." Dining and drinks are available. Check out the festival's website (laketahoeshakespeare.com) to find your preferred event and additional information.
Basque Festivals
If you are interested in Nevada’s rich Basque heritage, there are a couple events to check out this summer. On July 6 and 7, the National Basque Festival will take place in Elko at the Elko Basque Clubhouse. This is a free, all-day event with great cuisine, wine, Picon punch, dance performances, weightlifting competition, woodchopping exhibition, and more. Visit the Clubhouse's website (elkobasqueclub.com) for additional info.
On July 20, the McKinley Arts & Culture Center will host the Reno Basque Festival. This is only a one-day event, but will also provide great cuisine, weightlifting competition, and woodchopping exhibition. There will be live music and social dancing. More info from the Reno Basque Club's website (renobasqueclub.org).
Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival
On July 14, check out the Sierra Nevada Lavender & Honey Festival at Idlewild Park in Reno. The festival will feature lots of lavender and honey products as well as arts and crafts, food, demonstrations, music, entertainment and more. There's even a signature beer. Local farms, local food, and independent businesses are highlighted. Admission is free, and all ages are permitted. More info at the festival's website (lavenderandhoneyfest.com).
Night in the Country Music Festival
Country music fans won't want to miss the Night in the Country Music Festival in Yerlington, running from July 25 through July 27. The event turns a quiet farm town into a country music destination. Acts include: Randy Houser, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Neal McCoy, Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Colin Stough, Travis Denning, Erin Kinsey, Ned Ledoux, Ella Langley, and many more. See the full lineup and details on accommodations at the festival's website (nightinthecountrynv.org).
Jazz & Beyond Festival
The Jazz & Beyond Festival takes place August 16 through August 25 in the historic downtown business district in Carson City. The festival, presented by the Mile High Jazz Band Association (MJHBA), features live music, art, film, and dance performances, and in addition to jazz, also includes blues, Latin, and bluegrass music. Acts include: Carolyn Dolan Band, Carson Street Ragtime Band, CeCe Gable Band, Direct Message Jazz, Doug Sandall and Dale Poune, The Gardnervillains, The Gardnervillains (Duo), Gary Lynn Floyd, Graham Marshall Band, The Jazzettes USA, Josh D. Reed Band, Kantu Inka, and many more. See the full line-up and additional details at the festival's website (jazzcarsoncity.com).
Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair
Catch the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & Country Fair August 23 through August 25 at the Churchill County Fairgrounds in Fallon. Here, you'll be able to taste a number of cantaloupe flavored products including ice cream, shakes and daiquiris. You can also enjoy games, rides, pageants, livestock exhibits, and live music. For more a complete performance schedule and additional info, take a look at the event's website (falloncantaloupefestival.com).
Not all summer fun has to include travel and water parks. Nevada has numerous fairs and festivals, some of which last for multiple days or even weeks. Chances are you'll be able to schedule something fun that's close to home and sure to provide a great time.