Hello Everyone,
Here are some upcoming events in spring for Easter, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more, with suggestions for other things to do (end of post) if you're looking for more action. I will update my list often so check in to make sure you don't miss any special events.
Spring is a magical season, with the most pleasant weather and scenery. It's very short-lived (about two to three months) so don't forget to take advantage of it and make the most of this weather with some fun outdoor activities and adventures.
If wildfire trends continue this year, spring may be the last chance for smoke-free air before summer arrives.
If you like this kind of content, you can follow me on Instagram @lovingreno775 where I post more about the gems and experiences I find.
Thanks for visiting and hope you find lots of fun things to do,
Katherine
Note
*Reservations and tickets are required for some events listed below. Many fill up fast so securing a spot as soon as possible is recommended.
Events
-March 18, 7:30PM-10:30PM
Stargazing with the Astonomical Society of Nevada @ Galena Creek Visitor Center (Reno)
*Tour of night sky
*Binoculars available (you may bring your own)
*Real-time images powered by a high-powered telescope projected to a big screen
*All ages welcome, but please leave pets at home
*Flashlights, folding chairs, blankets, hot drinks recommended
*Contact: (775) 849-2511 or visit the Galena Creek Visitor Center for more information
-March 19, 4PM-11:59PM
The 5th Annual Lucky's St. Patrick's Day Crawl (Reno)
*Check in @ Mellow Fellow (4-6PM)
-March 19, 4PM-7PM
Murder Mystery Green with Envy
Carson Mall (Reno)
1325 S. Carson Street, Carson City NV 89701
$35
March 20, 9am-1pm
Truckee River Community Clean up (Reno)
1725 S McCarran Blvd.
*200+volunteers needed
*Coffee, live music, fruit
*supplies for cleanup provided
-March 21 to April 25, Mondays (Except April 18 Easter Monday)
Monday Night Putters League @ Flatstick Pub
*Address: 4101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #101, South
Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
*Contact: 916-877-5599, hello@tipsyputt.com
*$20 registers a team of two. You will be given two free beers the first two weeks (this pays off your registration fee).
*Prizes
*Yelp
-March - September
Discover Your Parks Walks (Reno)
*Walks begin March 31 (Wingfield Park) and occur every Thursday through September
*info@tmparksfoundation.org for question
*Registration required (see picture above)
-April 1, 3pm-5pm
Sunset Ski @ Mt. Rose Resort
*Location: 22222 NV-431, Reno, NV 89511
(Description from website)
Beer, wine, and live music on the hill. Northwest Express will be open late.
Join us Friday afternoon near Lakeview Unload, overlooking Lake Tahoe.
Drink wristbands (good for two drinks) will be available at the event, cash only.
- $6 for passholders
- $18 for all others
- Free appetizers for all!
-April 1, 6pm
Blippi the Musical @ Reno Events Center
*Location: 400 N Center St, Reno, NV 89501
*Other upcoming events at Reno Events Center
*Price: $27-$71
Blippi The Musical brings the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement and amazing music. Children from the ages of 2 to 7 years old across the world have quickly taken a liking to Blippi s charismatic personality and innovative teaching lessons! In the Live show they will continue to learn about the world around them while singing and dancing along with this one of a kind show. (Description from Ticketmaster website)
-April 2, 10am-3pm
Tiger Talks @ Animal Ark
1265 Deerlodge Rd. Reno Nevada
*Nice Cream Nitro website
*Nice Cream Nitro Instagram
*Animal Ark Instagram
Visit our amazing animal sanctuary while learning about our beautiful tigers and eating some delicious nitrogen ice cream made right in front of you by one of our friendly local businesses; Nice Cream Nitro.
-April 7 to April 30, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10AM - 7PM
Baby Animal & Tulip Festival @ Andelin Farm (Sparks)
& Easter Egg Hunt
*Egg Hunt-April 8,9, 14,15,16: 11am-4pm each day. $6/child in addition to admission to enter the farm. 12 eggs. 2 and under free. Purchase tickets online to pick a time and date.
My post about Baby Animal & Tulip Festival
Yelp for more pictures & reviews
*Tulip U-Pick, petting zoo, banyard games, ziplines
-April 9, 10AM-12PM, 9am-10am Modified egg hunt for children with diabilities or sensory sensitivities
Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt & Resource Fair @ Rancho San Rafael Park (Reno)
*Farms and Families Area
*12 and Under
*food, music, games, prizes
*FREE
*Held by CASA Foundation and over 30 local child advocacy organizations
-April 9, 11am-7pm
2072 Experience Avenue
Reno Nevada 89502
* FREE Pictures with the Easter Bunny from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
* FREE Easter Egg Hunt starting at 4:00 PM (Bring your own Easter Basket)* FREE Movie "Peter Cottontail" on the Huge LED Screen (Bring your own pillows, blankets or chairs)
* Food & Dessert Trucks on Site (Bring cash or card, try some AMAZING Food and support your local vendors)
Trucks Confirmed:
Rita's Italian Ice
High Steaks Grille
775 Eats
Potluck Truck
Northern Envy Food Truck
-April 9, 7 PM
Live performances by local artist Gina Rose Walker & Joe Vann
-April 10, 11AM-4PM
Easter Wine Hop @ The Village at Rancharra (Reno)
*Location: Grafted Whiskey & Wine Bar, 7300 Rancharrah Parkway, Reno, NV 89509, Reno, United States
*Family Friendly activities (free)
*15+ local makers, $40 wine tasting
*Photos with Peter Rabbit on the lawn 11am-1pm
The Village @ Rancharra is one of our newest and coolest shopping centers.
Though their boutiques can be on the pricey side, they have a good handful of eatery places that make hanging out there fun.
There is a communal area in the middle that has life-sized checkers, fire pits, and silly spin-around chairs.
Eatery Places Found in the Village
*Perenn Bakery
*Rolled Mountain Creamery
*Hinoki Poki
*Mari Chuy's Tequilaria & Botanas
*Grafted
*Dorinda's Chocolates
And more to come
-April 16 & 17
Easter Eggstravaganza at the Zoo @ Sierra Nevada Zoological Park
The Sierra Nevada Zoological Park is pretty small and is ideal for smaller children. They have feed for farm animals, play structures, a picnic area, and a small gift shop with souvenirs and snacks available for purchase.
-April 16 1:30-3:30pm
Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun @ Center for Spiratual Living Tahoe (North Lake Tahoe)
*Location:
215 Carnelian Bay Avenue
Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
*Register (spots limited to 20 children)
*Egg dying and decorating
*Masks required indoors (restrooms). Event held outdoors.
*Contact:
(530) 553-1700
admin@tahoecsl.org
-April 16
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt @ Carson City Aquatic Facility
*Address:
841 N Roop St.
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 887-2242
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 887-2242
-April 17, 10AM
Heavenly Village Easter Egg Hunt @ Heavenly Village (South Lake Tahoe)
*$5 egg hunt
*Brunch with Easter Bunny $20 at Fire & Ice
*$1000 in cash eggs
*Age Groups
5-under
6-8
9-12
Easter at Heavenly Village is always a blast.
The event is held on the grassy area next to the gondola.
Heavely Village is a trip in itself, with so many shops to browse, things to eat, and many places to see and hang out at.
Notes
-There is an add-on option for breakfast at Fire & Ice and a build your own bunny kit
-The Village has its own cinema
-There is a parking lot across the street in the same lot as the grocery store if the main garage gets too busy.
-You can take a short walk from the Village to Lakeside Beach. The beach has restrooms, a playground, and a restaurant/bar + water sports rental that open in the summer.
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| You can walk from Heavenly Village (bottom right) to Lakeside Beach. |
-April 16 & 17
Annual Egg-stra Special Express @ Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City
Regular museum admission applies: Adults 18 & Over – $8.00, Children Under 18 – FREE
Regular Motor Car prices: Adults 12 and over – $6.00/$8.00 Children (4-11) – $3.00/$4.00Children (under 4) FREE
State guidelines for Covid-19 will be followed
Adjustments and substitutions may occur at any time
 |
| Source |
-April 17, 10am
Stevie Mello Performance @ Cafe Whitney
*Other Events at Cafe Whitney (Reno)
Whitney Peak Hotel
255 North Virginia Street
Reno NV 89501
Did you know that we have a wicked tall climbing wall all the way up the side of Whiteny Peak Hotel?
At 164ft. tall, it comes in as the tallest outdoor climbing wall in the world.
Visit Base Camp's website for more information on rates.
-April 23 & 24, 10am-3pm
Earth Day Festival @ Animal Ark (Reno)
Location:
1265 Deerlodge Road Reno NV 89508
*My post about this amazing sanctuary
-April 24, 11am-5pm
Reno Earth Day @ Idlewild Park (Reno)
I'm so happy for the return of this big event.
Spend the whole day at the park hanging out with family while grubbing, enjoying live entertainment, and sharing in the love for our precious earth.
Note
-Idlewild is one of our biggest parks in Reno, with two playgrounds (one new), a rose garden, a mini railroad train (opens in summer), multiple ponds, wildlife, a skate park, picnic areas, a sensory garden, restrooms, and more.
-April 29 to May 1
Genoa Western Heritage Days @ Historic Town of Genoa, Nevada
*Saturday Festival 10 am - 5pm FREE
Cowboy Poetry
Porch Concerts
Civil War Reenacments
Native American Demonstrations
Western Vendors
Chautauqua Performers
Ag in the classroom
Children's Activities
Did you know that Genoa, found one hour south of Reno, is Nevada's 1st settlement?
I first discovered Genoa while attending their annual Candy Dance Festival last year. It's a small, yet charming town that is worth visiting, with natural beauty, cute boutique shops, museums, restaurants, outdoor activities, charming lodging, and what is arguable the first oldest bar in Nevada.
Genoa is one hour from South Reno and 25 minutes from Lake Tahoe.
-April 30-May 1
Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival @ GSR Parking lot
-May 5, 5pm-9pm
Cinco de Mayo @ Mari Chuy's (Village at Rancharra location)
If this event is anything like Mari Chuy's grand opening, it will be special.
Mexican culture is filled with so many flavors, colors, music, and so much passion.
Add in a charming village as a backdrop and you have yourself the perfect day.
-May 6, 12pm-5pm
National Automobile Museum's First Annual Charity Dodgeball Competition @ Reno-Sparks Convention Center
*Location:
Sparks Convention Center
4590 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89502
*24 teams
*Registration begins at noon
*Tournament begins 2 pm sharp
-May 7 11AM-3PM
Power Rangers Appearance & Signing @ Coffee N' Comics
I recently attended Star Wars Day: "May the Fourth Be with You," here at Coffee N' Comics and it was a phenomenal, once-in-a lifetime experience where I had the opportunity to meet Dominic Pace from the Mandalorian.
Not only was I in the presence of an actor from one of the most epic shows, I also got to share this moment with my children and fellow fans over some really tasty beverages and excellent service.
After my magical experience here, it's quickly become one of my new top spots of all time.
-May 7, 9:30-11am
Mother's Day Brunch @ Andelin Farm
8100 Pyramid Way
Sparks, NV 89436
Tickets (limited amount available)
My post on Andelin Farm
Notes
*Adult only event
*Vendor market to follow 11am - 6pm
*The farm is currently open for Baby Animal and Tulip days. Ride ponies, feed babies milk, play all day long, shop at their barn, and let the littles zip line to their heart's content.
Everyone that knows about Andelin Farm, LOVES Andelin Farm.
If you're lucky enough to get a ticket to this event before it sells out, you'll have the perfect Mother's Day activity on your hands.
-May 7 9am-1pm
Mother's Day Boutique @ Riverside Farmer's Market, Mc Kinley Arts Center, Reno
925 Riverside DriveReno, NV 89503
Riverside Farmer's Market is our year-round market that's home to so many of our amazing small businesses, including services, farmers, food trucks, crafters, bakers, and other artisans.
The market is situated right next to the Truckee River, with big tall trees for shade and a nice lawn perfect for picnicing.
If you're looking for the perfect place to celebrate or shop for Mother's Day, Mother's Day Boutique is the place.
There are so many good eats and plenty of cool things to see.
Best of all, you can meet so many cool people, including local business owners, locals, and other friendly people that are there to support the local community.
During big events, Riverside Farmer's Market does a great job with setting up the perfect atmosphere, with entertainment for both adults and kids. Find local musicians sharing their talents through live music, free yoga classes, and craft stations and activities for kids to have fun with.
Notes
-If you're having a tough time finding parking, there's plenty of parking at Idelwild Park, which is walking distance from the market.
-Free Yoga Classes
9:30-10:30 and 11am-12pm
Please register through their website to secure a spot. Free childcare will be available to those who register.
-Sat May 7: 10am-8pm, Sun May 8: 10am-7pm
Reno River Festival @ Wingfield Park Downtown
*Location:
Wingfield Park
2 South Arlington Avenue
Reno, NV 89501
*FAQ
-May 7, 9am-5pm
Spring Arts and Crafts Festival @ Galena High School Gym, Reno
-May 7-8
Mother's Day Weekend Train, V&T Railway, Carson City to Virginia City (Round Trip)
166 F Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
(775) 847-0380
Throughout the year, Virginia & Truckee Railroad has so many awesome event trains, including the very popular and well-known:
A Day Out With Thomas (Held late October)
The Polar Express (December)
Pumpkin Patch Trains (October)
Father Day Trains (June)
Polar Express (December)
V & T Candy Cane Express (December)
A Day Out With Thomas (Held late October)
The Polar Express (December)
Pumpkin Patch Trains (October)
Father Day Trains (June)
Polar Express (December)
V & T Candy Cane Express (December)
Along with A Day Out With Thomas, my family has also been on the Candy Cane Express train twice and the everyday 35 min round-trip ride up to Gold Hill.
The staff is always kind and work hard in creating magical experiences for their guests.
Virginia City (where you'll find V&T) is a charming little city that really makes you feel like you're in the "Wild Wild West," with its wooden pathways, saloons, history and ranchers. I fell in love with this small city the first time I visited and the railroad became the cherry on top.
Visit Virginia City's Website to get more tourist information.
They also have a visitor's center where you can find out everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip, including lodging, attractions, restaurants, tours, shopping, event information, and more.
Virginia City's Visitor Center
Virginia City's Visitor Center
86 South C Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
(775) 847-7500
-May 14 1pm-5pm
Doubled Up Beerfest @ The Alpine
*Location:
The Alpine
324 East 4th Street
Reno, NV 89512
Non-profit event to benefit Project Real, teaching Nevada's students about their rights and responsibilities
-March 20- May 29
Market at the Park @ Red Park
2072 Experience Ave
Reno NV 89502
Every Other Sunday
11am-4pm
Year-Round Riverside Farmer's Market (Reno)
Winter Hours (October-May)
Every Saturday Morning 9-12am
Summer (returns 6/4/2022)
Every Thursday Evening 4pm-8pm
The McKinley Arts Center
925 Riverside Dr, Reno, NV 89503
Every Saturday Morning
9am - 12pm
*I included the Instagram accounts of some businesses (@) you can find at the market if you're interested in following them for updates and their whereabouts.
Our special year-round Riverside Farmer's Market was created by @premafarm (local organic farm) in aims to provide a place for local farmers, crafters, and artisans to gather and share their goods and services with the world.
The market is located in a perfect location, with plenty of open areas for sun in the winter, and tall shade trees in a grassy area by the river in summer.
Here you'll find so many gems that I'm thankful for and inspired by, including:
@biggestlittlemushrooms
Grows delicate, fragrant, earthy, spongy, and savory gourmet mushrooms that are out of this world.
Tip: after giving them a gentle wash, pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry mushrooms brown nicely and develop great flavor. Cook them as you would a steak, over high heat, waiting to stir fry until one side is a bit browned.
Eva, of @lowenkind_bakery is one of the most talented regarding baking. Every single thing I've tried from her is amazing. She makes gluten free desserts and sometimes vegan/dairy free ones as well. As a gluten lover, I dream about her desserts all the time. She's super kind and is happy to share her passion with us.
@mwintsoph is like family and has seen my kids grow throughout the years. Fausta is always welcoming and is one of my favorite cooks+bakers of all time. This lady is super talented and can bake/cook up a storm. Try her African style spiced hibiscus tea, meat and vegan tamales, a wide variety of cookies, and breads. You won't be sorry. If you're looking for something more substantial, place a custom order for a whole African style meal.
I had the pleasure of meeting Morgan and her friends @renomobilemarket and found out that they source local produce from smaller farms nearby that are unable to represent themselves. Their veggies and fruits are top notch and they offer a market box that you can order online for pickup.
Get an authentic French crepe @oliviersfrenchcrepes, the only organic food truck around. With what few options we have for crepes in Reno, their truck, along with @kaffe_crepe in the Costco shopping center make a wicked team, bringing on such sophisticated and flavorful concoctions.
I met Joe of@smokinjoesllc and his wife @feedthecamel, Riverside's summer market. Super kind and love what they do. I was blown away by how much flavor he could get into his meats. His food is nicely smoked, fresh, and savory, especially with his tangy house-made BBQ sauce. He often works hard on his own and is pleased to offer up his heart on a platter. Follow your nose to yummy BBQ scents and find yourself in front of his giant smoker that he hauls in his trailer.
@firstfruitsfarms has meats from their farm in a cooler that are always super yummy. One time, I made such a great beef stew with their meat. They also have seasonal produce, honey sticks, and eggs (when available).
@downtoearthcomposting is always there waiting to educate and serve those interested in keeping waste in landfills to a minimum, offering a service that takes kitchen scraps and turns them into rich compost for our gardens.
@extremelyemollient has made from scratch, hypoallergenic lotions and oils that are ideal for gifting. Their scents are so soothing. The owner is happy to let you smell them.
@pastafrescanv makes some of the best hand-made pasta made with organic flour. It's so fresh that it cooks in only 2-3 minutes. Undeniably some of the tastiest pasta around. Find their restaurant across Bartley Ranch.
I've only talked about a handful of the amazing businesses found at this market.
If you're looking to support locals for all of the necessities of life, this is your place.
Other Things to Do
*Ride Bikes or a Surrey with Tahoe Bike Company (South Lake Tahoe)
In summer, I like to bike to Artemis Lakefront Cafe where you can find great food, a beach with water sports rentals and an amazing local popsicle cart, Tahoe Pops.
*Have a Sweet Day Exploring the Sweetest Exhibit of All Time
@ The Wilbur D May Museum
What You'll Find at the Exhibit
-Bizarre jelly bean spinning wheel tasting
-Giant sized Candy Land board game
-Guess that jingle from old school chocolate advertisements
-Willy Wonka movie with plenty of places to sit
-Trivia
-Race a friend to fill up water tank at the "candy lab"
-Fenced structure with soft building blocks
Around the beginning of each year, the museum hosts fun, educational, and interactive exhibits that are always a hit with the community.
In previous years, there's been a super hero, toy, and dragon-themed exhibit and all were so fun and educational.
This year, they came back with a sweet entrance, with exhibits educating us on the history of the candy we grew up with and hold near and dear to our hearts and tummies.
When you purchase a ticket to the Sweet exhibit, you'll gain access to the permanent collection at the other side of the museum, which itself is an impressive collection of artifacts that Wilbur collected himself from around the world.
You can find the museum in Rancho San Rafael Park, one of our biggest and most interactive parks in Reno.
The museum has a cool gift shop loaded with treats and unique souvenirs from around the world. It's one of my go-to spots for purchasing unique gifts.
Hope you make it out to this fun exhibit!
*Explore One of Our amazing Ski Resorts
If you have a family with little ones, this may be an activity to consider as little ones tend to catch on pretty fast.
My son and daughter absolutely loved their first ski lesson at the beginning of the season and said it was the best day of their lives.
After taking a lesson for myself, I quickly understood why. There's nothing like gliding down the ice in the perfect outdoor scene and sharing the experience with family and friends.
Discounts
Watch out for special deals around this time on passes for next season. Many resorts offer them around the end of the ski season.
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| Mt. Rose Buds lessons are the best |
Other Things Ski Resorts Have To Offer
I'm so excited about these places I'm about to write about, as I remember when I first discovered each one and the grandeur that came along with them.
Having full access to fun ski resorts nearby is one factor that makes living in Reno favorable, offering so much to see and do.
Gondola rides, ice skating rinks, outdoor adventures, shops and restaurants, lodging, an ideal place to hang out, and special events throughout the year make these resorts special.
*These resorts can get busy on the weekends
Casinos, the beach (walking distance), and more restaurants and shops make Heavenly Village popular among tourists, though locals love visiting for the bustling life, scenery, food, and live entertainment.
Some Favorites
Palisades Tahoe (46 minutes from Reno)
Palisades has it's own village with lodging, shops and restaurants, an epic aerial tram ride up to an Olympic museum, restaurant, ski runs, mini market, and more.
*The resort currently is offering a shareable spring lift ticket deal going on right now: 3 lift tickets for $359. That's about $120/person.
More activities at the resort include snowshoeing, tubing, roller skating in the summer, and cross country skiing.
Visit their activities page for more details.
Heavenly Village Ski Resort (1hr 20 minutes from Reno)
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| Ice skating rink Heavenly Village. Private lessons available for an extra charge. |
Heavenly Village is the most popular ski resort in South Lake Tahoe.
It is located among a charming village loaded with shops, activities, and restaurants.
While lodging is available at the resort, there are plenty of alternative lodging options across the street.
Northstar (40 minutes from Reno)
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| Mini golf course laid throughout the village in summer |
Northstar is another great option to check out as it has its own village, with shops, restaurants, and activities.
What's to love
*The resort is conveniently located next to downtown Truckee, where you can find a charming strip of shops and restaurants.
*It has a huge ice skating rink
*It has its own cinema
*The ski resort has amazing events throughout the year
*They have fun things to do in the summer, like their mini golf course laid out around the village.
