Happy spooky season, y’all! Every month, the Park Rangers offer various Ranger-Led programs that include educational opportunities, historical fun, and exciting adventures. All programs are offered for free and take place in one of the many Carson City parks and open space areas. Online Registration is often required so Park Rangers have a proper head count. All programs are subject to cancellation due to Park Ranger availability; registered participants will be notified. You can find more information about each program at: https://www.carsoncity.gov/government/departments-g-z/parks-recreation-open-space/interpretive-programs#ad-image-0.
Bird Fest
Mark your calendars for the Inaugural Bird Fest at Washoe Lake State Park! Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating the incredible birds that call Nevada home while honoring World Migratory Bird Day and the habitats that sustain them.
The event will also mark the opening of Nevada’s waterfowl hunting season with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, recognizing the sportsmen, conservation partners, volunteers, and organizations whose efforts help protect and conserve the wetlands and habitats that benefit both wildlife and future generations.
Location: Washoe Lake State Parks
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Enjoy a variety of bird-themed activities for all ages, including:
Guided bird hikes
Owl pellet dissections
Live, hands-on bird presentations
Food and refreshments
Interactive activities and educational exhibits
The celebration is proudly hosted by the Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, and the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department.
More Information can be found here: https://parks.nv.gov/events/bird-fest-2026
Read with a Ranger
Join the Park Rangers at the Carson City Library for Read with a Ranger, happening every second Friday from 10:30am-11:30am. The event is for kids of all ages! This month will feature stories about creatures of the night!
Location: Carson City Library
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 10:30am-11:30am
Need to Know:
– Online registration is not required
– Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Contact Information:
Park Ranger Office
parkrangers@carsoncity.gov
(775) 283-7035
Walking After Dark Cemetery Tour
Join a Carson City Park Ranger for a night of spooky historical fun at Lone Mountain Cemetery! Travel around the cemetery learning about the lives and deaths of Carson’s famous historical figures paired with spooky ghost stories.
This tour will be about a one-mile loop under the darkness, so prepare for some spooky happenings. Dress for the weather and remember close-toed shoes. A $10 donation is not required but strongly encouraged to Lone Mountain Cemetery.
Date: Friday, October 10, 2026
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Lone Mountain Cemetery, 1044 Beverly Dr. Carson City, NV 89706
Need to Know:
– Open to all ages, minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
– $10 Donation is strongly encouraged!
– Dogs are not welcome on this activity as all pets are prohibited inside Lone Mountain Cemetery, except service dogs
Contact Information:
Park Ranger
parkrangers@carsoncity.gov
(775) 283-7035
Hank Monk’s After Dark Cemetery Tour
Take a ride with Hank Monk on his famous Stagecoach around Lone Mountain Cemetery for a night of spooky historical fun!
This tour will take place upon the Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch Mule Wagon on a 1/2 mile journey. Dress for the weather and remember close-toed shoes. Choose one of four 30 minute tours happening on Sunday the 18th. Only 10 spots are available per tour due to wagon capacity. The wagon unloads about 1/2 mile from the starting location, so plan on taking a short…spooky…walk back.
A $10 donation is not required but encouraged. The donations will be split between Friends of Silver Saddle Ranch and Lone Mountain Cemetery. You can pay the donation upon checkout or in cash at the activity.
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm (split into four different tours)
Location: Lone Mountain Cemetery, 1044 Beverly Dr. Carson City, NV 89706
Need to Know:
– Online Registration is required: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ccpr/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=17&viewMode=list
– Each tour is 30 minutes long
– Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
– Open to ages 13+
– $10 Donation is encouraged!
– Dogs are not welcome on this activity as they are prohibited on the wagon ride
Contact Information:
Park Ranger
parkrangers@carsoncity.gov
(775) 283-7035
