The fourth annual Mark Twain Days festival returns to Carson City Oct. 13-17 with five days of literary events, live music, historic tours, train rides and family activities, including a new competition celebrating Nevada’s signature Basque cocktail.
Presented by the Brewery Arts Center, the festival celebrates Carson City’s connection to Samuel Clemens. In the article “Letter From Carson City,” published Feb. 3, 1863, Clemens first used what would become one of the most famous pen names in American literature: Mark Twain. This signature has given the capital its claim as the birthplace.
“The west is always associated with pioneers and Mark Twain pioneered American literature as we know it. In addition, he loved to party,” said Spike McGuire, executive director of the Brewery Arts Center. “So it’s only fitting his birthplace would honor him with an annual party and literary festival.”
This year’s festival includes a combination of free and ticketed events, with activities at the Brewery Arts Center, downtown Carson City and other historic locations.
The celebration begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. with a free poetry open mic in the Brewery Arts Center Exhibition Hall. The Spoken Views Collective and poet laureate emeritus Jesse James Ziegler will host the evening, with poets invited to sign up and share three to five minutes of their work.
A new addition to this year’s festivities, the Picon Punch Off, takes place Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Brewery Arts Center Ballroom.
The competition will invite attendees to sample cocktails from participating competitors and help choose who makes Nevada’s best picon punch — the official silver state cocktail. The $50 admission includes cocktail samples, a Basque dinner and live music by Mercedes Mendive.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, Nevada State Folklorist Brad McMullen returns following his 2025 appearance with a free author talk, “The Nevada Spirit of Welcome,” at noon at the Nevada State Library. At 2 p.m., Dan Neverett will lead a free walking tour departing from the Nevada State Museum, following the Kit Carson Trail through the historic west side. Stops include the Orion Clemens House, where Twain stayed during his time in Carson City.
Friday’s festivities begin Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. with the return of the V&T Railway Twain Train, departing from Eastgate Depot. The $70 excursion features a 3-mile canyon ride with refreshments, live entertainment and historical storytelling.
At 7:30 p.m., Bay Area blues band The Delta Wires will perform at Nashville Social Club. Known for their harmonica-and-horns sound, the group has earned recognition in the California Blues Hall of Fame. Tickets are $30.
Saturday, Oct. 17, brings the festival’s largest lineup of activities, with events taking place throughout downtown Carson City.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum will host its Harvest Train celebration from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring steam train rides, a pumpkin patch, games, food trucks and handcar rides from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission ranges from $15 to $25.
The Downtown Business Association’s free Treasure Hunt runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting participants to follow clues, complete challenges and solve a mystery while exploring the downtown corridor.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Curry Street between Second and Fourth streets will host the free Author, Artist and Vendor Fair, featuring author talks, poetry readings, live music, rare books, vendors and children’s activities.
Live entertainment will also take place at the Third Street stage at McFadden Plaza, hosted by Ziegler. Performances include Grandpa Rabbit at 11:30 a.m., Christian Macnamara at 12:30 p.m., Aaron Acquafondata at 1:30 p.m. and the Carson Street Ragtime Band at 2:30 p.m.
Book lovers can visit Bub’s Bookstore from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., where Desert Winds Rare & Exotic Books will host a free pop-up shop offering rare and collectible titles.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Chautauquan Kim Harris will portray Virginia City historical figure Julia Bulette during the free “Have a Beer With Bulette” event at The Fox Brewery & Pub. Visitors can stop by the pub’s Mark Twain Room to hear stories about Bulette’s life, her relationship with Twain and her experiences in Virginia City while enjoying food or a Langhorne Lager.
Wagon rides will also be available along Curry Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring Mr. D and his mules, Valkrie, Svana and Freydis. Rides are offered on a pay-what-you-want basis, with proceeds benefiting Silver Saddle Ranch.
The Downtown Business Association will host a free Downtown Passport activity from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can pick up a passport at the Brewery Arts Center booth at the vendor fair or Carson Jewelry & Loan, collect stamps from participating businesses and return their completed entries for a chance to win one of 10 prizes.
The festival concludes Saturday at 7 p.m. with The Sugar Thieves in the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. Presented by Loud As Folk and For The Song, the concert will feature the band’s blend of blues, roots and soul, with Reno songwriter Kat Heart opening. Tickets are $20.
McGuire and the Brewery Arts Center continue to bring the annual celebration to Carson City with support from volunteers, sponsors and participating artists, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to explore Nevada’s literary history while enjoying the capital city’s arts and downtown businesses.
For festival details and ticket information, visit breweryarts.org or call the Brewery Arts Center at 775-883-1976. The Brewery Arts Center is located at 449 W. King St. in Carson City.
