Fourth of July events lined up in Carson City, Virginia City, Douglas and Lake Tahoe
Hello Carson City! Are you looking forward to the upcoming long weekend? So are we! Check out the events happening throughout the weekend leading up to Independence Day on Monday which includes fireworks, parties, music, trains, and much more.
As always, it is important to note that all unauthorized fireworks are illegal in Nevada and using them could result in prosecution or worse, a massive wildfire. Please enjoy the designated fireworks shows that are happening safely throughout the region.
UPDATE: A July 4 parade that had been planned for Dayton has been canceled due to a death in the family of the main organizer.
All Weekend Long
The Great Western Steam Up, a four-day Fourth of July celebration happening this Friday through Monday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City will not only give families a look back in history, but an opportunity to immerse themselves in it. The event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the completion of the rail line that connected Virginia City and San Francisco for passenger service via the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. It includes an unprecedented “reunion” of V&T locomotives from the heyday of the railroad – nicknamed the Queen of the Short Lines.
The Great Western Steam Up includes an exciting pageant of steam locomotion engines, train rides, food, live entertainment, “lost art” demonstrations, food trucks and children’s activities. Events happen daily, Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nevada Railroad Museum, 2180 S Carson St., Carson City. Go here for tickets.
Saturday
Carson Mall to host July 2 Fun Festival, hot dog eating contest, bounce house and more
Carson Mall will be hosting their July 2 Fun Festival with their annual Hot Dog Eating contest. Make sure to bring the kids and enjoy a carnival-themed day!
Local musician Kingwhistler celebrates 10th anniversary with July 2 show.
Carson City Wine Walk happening July 2
Sunday
Silver Palooza Music and Art Festival
Silver City Arts and the Silver City Preservation Society present the Silver Palooza Music and Art Festival. Join us on the Comstock at the Silver City Park for a day of live music, interactive art, exhibitions, lawn games, a cake walk, food, drink and fun!
Independence Day
— The Sons of the American Revolution Battle Born Patriots Chapter will host a July 4 celebration at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Monday, highlighted by the ringing of a replica Liberty Bell to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 246 Years of American freedom.
All are encouraged to join the Sons of the American Revolution at their patriotic ceremony, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence and the ringing of the Liberty Bell. The free event is Monday, July 4th, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Carson Street courtyard at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., Carson City.
— Carson City fireworks will take place as usual at Mills Park, located at 1111 E. William Street in Carson City, hosted by RSVP. There is not a carnival this year. Instead the event features a stunning display of Fireworks on July 4th at sundown and new VIP Pavilion Experience, live music from The Grimtones, and great food! The Grimtones are a two piece rock n roll band from Reno, featuring Michelle Belle (guitar, keys, vocals), and Carter Stellon (drums, ukelele, harmonica, vocals). The celebration runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with fireworks after sundown.
The fireworks event is free, but always looking for sponsors with a number of sponsorship packages.
Carson City Sheriff's Office urges motorists to follow traffic signs and to watch for pedestrians, especially along William and Saliman streets. There will be sign and advisory boards along the roadways.
- Virginia City
Each year, Virginia City hosts a number of Fourth of July events, including Fourth of July on the Comstock and the Fourth of July Parade. In addition, numerous businesses and non-profits are hosting viewing events for the fireworks. For more information.
— Enjoy live music by Milton Merlos, appetizers and cocktails, art gallery exhibitions, silent auctions, and one of the most spectacular views of the Virginia City fireworks show from a stunning 1876 historic former hospital. This is a relaxing, limited seating event for maximum enjoyment away from the crowds. Tickets include free on-site parking.
Date: July 4th, 2022, 7pm – 10pm
Price: $35 - $100 - Tickets available on Eventbrite
Location: 55 North R Street, Virginia City, NV
Questions: Arika Perry, Executive Director: 561.339.4554 or aperry@stmarysartcenter.org
St. Mary’s Art Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to arts and culture. Funding is provided in part by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment of the Arts, a federal agency.
- Lake Tahoe, Truckee
Incline Village, Crystal Bay 'Fireworks' Spectacular
Formerly Red, White & Tahoe Blue, the Incline Village Crystal Bay Fireworks Spectacular will be hosting an inaugural "drone skyshow" in place of traditional fireworks, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Incline Village Middle School Ball Field.
The Truckee 4th of July Parade will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. along Donner Pass Rd. near Truckee High School, located at 11725 Donner Pass Rd. Free to spectators and fun for the whole family.
South Lake Tahoe
The nationally recognized “Lights on the Lake” entails 20 minutes of bright lights and colors that illuminate the night sky to celebrate Independence Day by pairing sounds of American classics and today’s top hits to perfectly executed pyrotechnics.
Besides being in a boat, viewing spots include Nevada Beach, Lakeview Commons, and Van Sickle Bi-State Park; area officials advise viewers to plan ahead, consider alternative modes of transportation and take all trash/belongings when the show concludes. The show is from 9:45 pm - 10:05 pm. Go here for more information.
- Douglas County
The Carson City Symphony, under the direction of David Bugli, the Carson Chamber Singers, under the direction of Ricky Hutton, and the Joyful Noise Carson Children's Choir, under the direction of Michelle Powers, will be performing at the Genoa Americana Celebration event at Mormon Station State Park, Genoa, starting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4, 2022. The orchestra will be joined by a guest vocalist Kevin Milburn. The concert is free and open to the public.
The program includes show tunes, Sousa marches, pops music, and Kevin Milburn's original songs, arranged for orchestra by David Bugli. The Carson Chamber Singers will sing Dos Oruguitas from Disney's "Encanto" by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Down by the Riverside arranged by John Rutter, and Homeland by Gustav Holst. The Joyful Noise will perform "Music is Always There" with the Symphony. There will also be patriotic music, including "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Armed Forces Salute."
The Genoa Americana Celebration will start earlier in the day with a children's parade at 10:00 a.m. and the presentation of four smaller ensembles, starting at 11:00 a.m. The event is put on by Friends of Genoa in cooperation with the Town of Genoa. Bring low backed chairs or blankets. Please, no set up before 8:00 a.m. Chicken dinners will be available for purchase from the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD), or visitors can stop by a Genoa food establishment or bring a picnic. Bring a towel or change of clothes for the children for the water games. No glass containers, please.
For more information, call 775-883-4154.
Gardnerville Freedom 5K Fun Run
Head down to Heritage Park at 8 a.m. for the 9th annual Freedom 5K Run for the Wreath Fun Run, which is a partnership between Main Street Gardnerville and Wreaths Across America to honor all 218 Military Veterans laid to rest at Garden Cemetery. $5.00 from every registration will go towards purchasing a wreath for these veterans.
Post-July 4
Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup scheduled for July 5
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below if there are any Fourth of July events that may have slipped past our notice in Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County or at Lake Tahoe!