Saddled up and ready to ride, the International Camel and Ostrich Races returns Sept. 11-13 for its 67th year of good-old fashioned Virginia City fun.
Get up-close to camels, ostriches, zebras, emus and more as professional and amateur jockeys gallop, swerve and falter their way to the finish line.
The family-favorite event features quirky races, entertainment, surprises, fan contests, food trucks serving up carnival-style treats, craft and artist vendors, a wide variety of beverages at the event bars, official Camel Races merch and camel rides for that must-have photo-op.
THE LEGEND
One of Nevada’s most iconic events started because of a prank war between Virginia City’s Territorial Enterprise and the San Francisco Chronicle. In1959, the editor of the Enterprise wrote a fake story about camels racing in Virginia City. The Chronicle didn’t realize it was a hoax and printed it. The following year, they borrowed camels from the San Francisco Zoo and took them to Virginia City to race them. And that’s how a tradition was born.
With four shows across three days, this is fantastic fun you won’t want to miss. You may even get your chance to ride on a camel.
Hot Camel Nights: A special Friday evening performance at 5 p.m.
Saturday 2-shows at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday’s Camel Hump to C Street, 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.
Sunday Family Day: 12 p.m. show, first 100 kids ride a camel for free
SEATS AND SHUTTLES
Seats for this event range from grandstands to VIP – something for everyone. Choose between the grandstands which offer a chance to feel the action with the crowds or shaded options in premium seating. For the ultimate experience, select VIP which is air conditioned with tables and a fully stocked bar.
Need to get around? Hop on one of the free shuttles to explore all things Virginia City. On Saturday and Sunday, the shuttles run to and from C Street and the Fairgrounds and Arena. Before or after the show, grab a bite at one of our restaurants, peruse the one-of-a-kind shops for unique gifts, grab a drink at one of the famous saloons, go on a mine or ghost tour, discover history in one of the town’s many museums, and get an old-time photo to commemorate the day.
Ticket information can be found here.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
— Kids 2 and under are FREE! They must sit on a lap.
— Parking is available at the Virginia City Fairgrounds and Arena and in town. A complimentary golf cart runs from the Fairgrounds parking lot to the arena to assist the elderly, disabled and those with limited mobility.
— No pets are allowed inside the venue because they spook the animals. The event complies with all state and federal laws regarding service animals. If you require a service animal, the animal must stay away from the arena fence.
— No umbrellas are allowed inside the venue because they block the view for other race fans.
— No outside food or drink is allowed inside venue.
— No weapons of any kind are allowed inside the venue.
