Fourth of July events are planned across western Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region, with fireworks shows, parades, concerts, train rides, races, family activities and community celebrations scheduled throughout the holiday weekend.
The holiday falls on Saturday, July 4, this year. Some events begin Friday, July 3, and continue through Sunday, July 5. Event details are subject to change, and attendees should check with organizers before heading out.
If we missed any, let us know in the comments.
Carson City
Carson City’s holiday weekend includes fireworks, a youth soapbox derby, a downtown treasure hunt, a free community watch party, live music and a three-day railroad museum celebration.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum will host its Star Spangled Steam Up from Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, at 2180 S. Carson St. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, music and family activities. Educational activities will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Visitors also can tour the museum’s Jacobsen Interpretive Center and Annex from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., grab food from local food trucks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and ride historic rail equipment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locomotive No. 25, Glenbrook and the McKeen Motor Car will be in operation. Behind-the-scenes tours will be offered daily at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Downtown Carson City will host the America 250 Downtown Treasure Hunt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at participating downtown businesses. The family-friendly scavenger hunt includes clues, prize-drawing coins, instant-winner coins and one grand prize gold coin.
Nevada Day will host a 4th of July Soapbox Derby from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at 4000 S. Curry St., in the Galaxy Fandango parking lot. The youth event is open to children ages 6 to 13, with a $20 entry fee. Participants can build a racer and race down the Galaxy Fandango parking lot, with sign-ups available through Nevada Day. Kits may be picked up at the Nevada Day Gift Shop or RE/MAX Professionals — The Barsthe Group.
The city’s main fireworks event is the 4th of July Dinner & Fireworks Spectacular, scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Eagle Valley Golf Course, 3999 Centennial Park Drive. The paid fundraiser is hosted by Nevada Rural Counties RSVP, with tickets at $100.
The golf course itself will not be open for general public fireworks viewing, though the show is expected to be visible from surrounding areas near the course. This includes Centennial Park, which has typically been the free-viewing area these last few years since the fireworks had to move from its prior location near Mills Park.
Polecat Tavern will host “Celebrate 250 Years of USA with Experienced” from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at 260 W. Winnie Lane. The outdoor concert will feature music from the 1960s and ’70s, blues, classic rock and a guitar tribute to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Tables and chairs will be available first come, first served, and attendees may bring picnic baskets or order food delivery. Food, drinks and snacks also will be available for purchase.
Carson Valley
The Town of Minden will host its Fourth of July Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Minden Park, 1608 Esmeralda Ave.
The free family event will include complimentary hamburgers and hot dogs, popsicles, balloon creations, a bubble zone, bounce houses, drinks available for purchase and a children’s bike parade. No fireworks were listed for the Minden event.
Main Street Gardnerville will host the Freedom 5K Run for the Wreath Fun Run & Walk from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at Heritage Park in Gardnerville. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 8 a.m. Fees are free for runners 10 and younger, $25 for runners 11 and older, $20 for military members and veterans, and $35 on race day. Five dollars from each registration will go toward Wreaths Across America for Garden Cemetery. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and start at the back of the pack.
The Carson Valley Pops Orchestra is listed after the run, with a concert scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. at Heritage Park.
Genoa also will host a daytime holiday event. The Genoa Americana Celebration is scheduled Saturday, July 4, at Mormon Station State Historic Park, 2295 Main St.
The free event includes a children’s parade at 10 a.m., with live music, games and food throughout the day. The Carson City Symphony, Carson Chamber Singers and vocalist Brittney May will perform at 3:45 p.m.
Virginia City
Virginia City will host its Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4, with a parade and fireworks.
The patriotic parade begins at noon along C Street. Fireworks are planned after dark.
Mackay Mansion will host S’mores & Fireworks at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, in Virginia City. Fireworks can be viewed from the mansion’s third-floor balcony, which is usually closed to the public and opening just for this event. Tickets are $35 per person, reservations are required and attendees must be 18 or older.
The Historic Fourth Ward School Museum & Archives will host a 4th of July Fireworks Watch Party at the Fourth Ward School Museum, 537 S. C St., in Virginia City. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event begins at 8 p.m. Guests will be able to view the official Virginia City fireworks show from the museum’s outdoor historic balcony and attic. Food is included with the ticket, the first beverage is on the house, and guests receive free parking in the museum lot. Tickets are limited to 30 people and are $70 for general admission and $65 for museum members.
Washoe Valley
Washoe Lake State Park will host Fancy Fizz Fourth from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the park visitor center, 4855 Eastlake Blvd. in New Washoe City.
The event includes red, white and blue layered sodas while supplies last, easy craft activities, Junior Ranger booklets, park information and Nevada State Parks merchandise. There is no program fee, park entrance fees are waived for the event and registration is not required. Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s Fourth of July events are split between North Shore community programming, South Shore fireworks viewing and paid lake cruises.
On the North Shore, the Incline Village Crystal Bay Association will host its Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration from Thursday, July 2, through Saturday, July 4, in Incline Village. The three-day celebration includes a kids bike parade, a hometown procession with floats and fire trucks, pancake breakfasts, a community fair and barbecues.
Incline Village Parks & Recreation will host the July 4th Vets Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4, at Aspen Grove, 960 Lakeshore Blvd. The breakfast is hosted by the IVCB Veterans Club. Tickets are available in advance at the Recreation Center beginning June 15 and at the event. Proceeds benefit the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Veterans Club.
Big Blue Adventure and the Tahoe Trail Running Series will host the Run to the Beach 5K and 10K at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 4, starting at North Tahoe Regional Park. The event includes 5K and 10K courses, with the finish at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. Parking is available at North Tahoe Regional Park for a nominal fee.
Zephyr Cove Resort will offer Red, White and Tahoe Blue cruises aboard the M.S. Dixie II from July 2 to 5, including 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daytime cruises. The cruises include lake views, classic Americana music, a George Washington and the Sparkler mocktail, and a red, white and blue burger. Tickets are $99 for adults and $55 for children.
Zephyr Cove Resort will host a 4th of July Fireworks Cruise aboard the Tahoe Paradise yacht at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, from 760 U.S. 50 in Zephyr Cove. The cruise includes gourmet bites, a champagne toast and VIP access to the Lights on the Lake fireworks show. Tickets are $299.
Tahoe Cruises will host Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, from 900 Ski Run Blvd. in South Lake Tahoe. The cruises include views of the Lake Tahoe fireworks, festive activities and front-row seats to the show.
The Idle Hour Lake Tahoe will host a viewing party beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at 3351 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 5, in South Lake Tahoe. The lakefront patio option runs from 6 to 10 p.m. with a regular menu, live music by Sierra Gypsies and a $55 cover. A VIP main dining room option includes a buffet, wine and beer package, indoor seating and lakefront fireworks viewing for $150 per person.
The Band Unleashed and Barry Boudreau will perform from 5:45 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, near the shops and close to Harrah’s.
The Lights on the Lake firework show will take place after dark, launching near the South Shore and Stateline corridor, with viewing from beaches, lakeside venues, cruises and other public areas where space is available.
Reno
Reno will host several Fourth of July events, including a downtown parade, baseball, fireworks, a drone show and family activities.
The City of Reno will host its 4th on Fourth parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, on Fourth Street from Vine Street to West Street. The parade theme is “America 250: The 4th on Fourth,” honoring the country’s 250th anniversary.
The City of Reno’s Art in the Park program will continue Saturday, July 4, at Bicentennial Park, 100 Ralston St. Local artists will display outdoor mesh panels as part of a summer series at the park.
The Reno Aces will host America 250 at Greater Nevada Field at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at 250 Evans Ave. The event includes a California Collegiate League All-Star game and a fireworks show.
Red, White and Flight is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Mackay Stadium at the University of Nevada, Reno. The event, hosted by Reno Phil, includes a live Reno Phil concert, a drone show and an interactive expo for all ages.
Truckee
Truckee’s Fourth of July weekend includes live music and a two-day arts and crafts fair.
Tahoe Donner will host the 14th Annual Summer Concert on the Green from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, at 12790 Northwoods Blvd. in Truckee. Friday’s show is sold out. Saturday’s lineup includes the Buddy Emmer Blues Band as the opening act and Journey Revisited as the main act.
The Truckee Arts & Crafts Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Truckee River Regional Park, 10050 Brockway Road. The event includes artists, crafters, food vendors and live music. Admission is free, and free parking is available just east of the event.
Fireworks reminder
Personal fireworks are illegal across western Nevada because of wildfire risk. The public should use only professional, permitted displays. Do your part in helping to protect our home and environment, and enjoy one of the approved firework displays listed above.
