Early June marks the unofficial start of summer in northern Nevada, and to kick it off Reno is hosting its annual Reno River Festival from June 7 to 9. It’s a three-day extravaganza of music, food, drink and fun outdoor activities.
The event occurs in and around the Glenn Little Amphitheater, right in the heart of downtown Reno, alongside the rapids of the Truckee River. As you enjoy the entertainment, you’ll have the opportunity to watch river rafters blunder through the descending rapids that pass under the downtown bridges. And if you so desire, you can take a soak in some of the calmer parts of the river during the event.
Photos from Reno River Festival Facebook
Friday, Saturday and Sunday are all jam-packed with music and activities. The headliner music acts of each evening are The Ataris on Friday, Canaan Smith on Saturday evening and Decades on Sunday. But those feature acts in the evening will be preceded by music throughout the afternoon each day, for a total of 24 acts.
The outdoor stage at the amphitheater is the perfect place to enjoy summer music in the park. The river curves around it, like a mote, providing fresh air and relief from the heat and a buffer against the sounds of the city. Big, open grass areas provide plenty of room for casual first-come, first-serve seating; there is an excellent mix of shade and sun with trees dotting the grass; and the outdoor amphitheater provides a great auditory experience. This year’s music acts are eclectic, offering a good mix of pop, rock, country, blues and ’80s covers, just to name a few.
But the event isn’t only about music. Throughout the day, you’ll find food trucks and beer carts and vendors selling souvenirs, clothing, handmade jewelry, toys and more. Yoga in the Park, presented by the Studio, starts off each day, giving participants a healthy way to wake up in the morning sunlight before the day’s festivities begin.
The shopping and activities areas are separate from the music, allowing you to meander through a distinct section of grass near the river’s edge where you can watch the people in the water, enjoy a drink and meal and soak up the first rays of some summer sun.
The Hops and Happiness Tour provides a wide range of brews, and Street Eats will be cooking up a diverse mix of foods sure to sate everyone’s palate. Art on the Rocks will provide guided painting lessons, allowing you to create and take home your own painting with the assistance of a professional painter.
Entrance for all this is only $10 for a full three-day pass — and kids younger than 17 (and dogs) get in free. For as much as the Reno River Festival offers, it’s hard to pass up, which is why it’s one of Reno’s most popular events. If you live in town, you’ll be sure to bump into some friends while you’re there. And if you’re from out of town, you can’t miss it!
Want to go?
Reno River Festival
Wingfield Park @ Truckee River, 2 S. Arlington, Reno
Friday, June 7: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 8: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 9: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Festival Passes: $10 for a 3-Day RiverFest Pass, kids ages 17 and younger and dogs get in free
Get all the details here.
