Loving Reno: Genoa Candy Dance Festival: A Guide to a Sweet Tradition in Nevada's First Settlement

*A festival in the most charming town, with the most gorgeous backdrop, linked to the rich history of Nevada’s first settlement.

*A history of homemade candy sales at dances with the goal of raising money for streetlights.

*An evolution into one of the biggest arts and crafts scenes, with tons of food, fun, and vibes that will keep you coming back year after year.

50th Genoa Candy Dance Festival

September 28, 9am-5am

September 29, 9am-4pm

2024

Dinner Dance

SOLD OUT!

Check out the cool Candy Dance exhibit at the Courthouse Museum!

Public Parking

*Available for $10 at three lots:

Genoa Lane, Foothill Lane; & Genoa Cemetery

*Parking opens at 7 a.m. each day.

*Free shuttles run between the parking lots and the faire between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

*Shuttle from Genoa Lane will start running at 6:30 a.m. for the vendors.

*Free parking along Jacks Valley Road (these spots fill up fast)

The Genoa Candy Dance Festival is more than just an event—it’s a story that stretches back over a century, all the way to Nevada’s very first settlement. What began as a simple effort to raise money for streetlights through the sale of handmade candy has grown into one of the region’s biggest arts and crafts festivals.

Every year, the streets of Genoa come alive with vibrant displays of handmade crafts & goods, delicious food, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re here for the history, the candy, or just the good vibes, the Candy Dance Festival has something for everyone. And with the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.

There's something about the quaint little town of Genoa that I just can't get enough of. The serene landscapes, the glimpse into the past, and the unmatched charm create a magical atmosphere that I cherish, especially knowing it's just a short drive from Reno. Every day spent in this town feels like a special treat, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with history while celebrating the present.

I hope you have a wonderful time at the festival.

-Kat

Historical Significance

The tradition started when Lillian Virgin Finnegan, a resident of Genoa, wanted to raise money for the town’s streetlights. She organized a dance and served homemade candy, which was so successful that it became an annual fundraiser. Today, candy sales continue to support the town’s public works.

Arts and Crafts Fair

One of the main attractions is the arts and crafts fair, featuring tons of vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and art to woodcrafts, textiles, and home décor.

Homemade Candy

True to its name, the Candy Dance Festival still highlights candy, with a variety of homemade sweets available for purchase. From fudge to old-fashioned hard candies, the sweet treats are a nostalgic nod to the event's origins.

The homemade candy is a truly special part of the event, made fresh by the locals of Genoa. I’ve tried every variety, and I can say with certainty—they’re an absolute must-try. My advice? Purchase them as early as possible to avoid missing out. While the organizers have been increasing the candy supply each year, it’s hard to predict demand, so if you’re interested, be sure to grab them early!

***Purchase Candy from Genoa Town Hall***

2023 Candy Prices

(They do accept cards, but during my visit, a couple of their systems were down. Cash is always the safest bet.)

Fudge $10

Fudge w/ Nuts $10

Divinity $10

Divinity w/ Nuts $10

Divinity Dipped $10

Toffee $10

Peanut Butter Cups $10

Almond Bark $8

Peppermint Patties $8

Peanut Butter Crunch Bites $8

Peanut Brittle $8

Dipped Pretzels $6

Mixed Box $20

Live Music and Dance

The “Dance” part of Candy Dance lives on with live music performances throughout the weekend. Saturday evening typically features a dinner dance event that is ticketed and often includes a live band, offering a fun and lively atmosphere. This part of the event is so popular that it always sells out almost instantly. Snag a ticket to the dance as soon as they become available. Get updates from the festival's Facebook Page.

Food and Family Fun

In addition to the candy and crafts, the festival includes a wide range of food options, from local favorites to carnival-style treats. There are also activities for families, making it a fun day out for kids and adults alike. Last years activities for kids included mechanical bull riding & bungee jumping.

Scenic Setting
Genoa, located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, provides a charming and picturesque backdrop for the festival. The town, known as Nevada’s oldest settlement, is rich in history and has a cozy small-town vibe that adds to the festival's unique charm.

Other Attractions to Explore at the Festival

*Nevada's first watering hole - Genoa Bar & Saloon. A must see. Walls covered with relics of the past.

*Sierra Chef for delicious baked daily Italian goods.

*Genoa Country store for ice cream and sandwiches.

*The Courthouse Museum has impressive exhibits and holds so much history within its walls. 11am-3pm. $5 adults, 0-6yrs. free, youth $2

*David Walley's 1862 Restaurant & Saloon, Open 12pm-8pm. Rustic & beautiful restaurant with good prime rib. Reservations recommended .

*David Walley's Resort also has hot springs open to the public - $55 day rate for ages 5yrs +. Bring your own towel. Open 7am - 9:30pm.

*Blacksmith Shop - Established in the 1850s. A historical site that showcases the trade of blacksmithing.

*The Pink House – A quaint and cozy Victorian-style restaurant, built in 1855, known for its artisanal pizzas, craft cocktails, and gourmet offerings.

NOTES
-Parking: Be prepared for traffic and parking challenges since the event attracts a large crowd. There are shuttle services from designated parking lots to the festival (see map above).
-Crowds: Arriving early is key to avoiding the crowds
-Cash: While many vendors accept cards, it's a good idea to have cash on hand for food and small purchases. Service can be spotty in this area, which can sometimes cause payment systems to go down.

-The festival is usually held the last weekend in September

-Get your holiday shopping done well in advance with unique, quality gifts

-Load up on pantry goods

-ATM on site. Take cash out in advance from your bank to avoid fees.

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Genoa, NV

-Genoa is Nevada’s first permanent settlement, established in 1851 by Mormon traders.

-The Genoa Bar and Saloon, built in 1853, is Nevada's oldest operating bar and has been visited by famous figures like John Wayne, Clark Gable, and President Ulysses S. Grant.

-Genoa was originally called Mormon Station because it was founded as a trading post by Mormon pioneers. It was later renamed after the Italian city of Genoa.

-The Pony Express, which began in 1860, used Genoa as a key stop along its route, facilitating communication across the western United States.

-Mark Twain spent time in Genoa during his days as a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise, long before becoming a famous author.