Northern Nevada punches above its weight when it comes to celebrating our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July. A region based around casinos, shows, dining and nightlife, the Reno and Carson Valleys are always brimming with extravagant patriotism on Independence Day.
Reno Craft Fair and Parade
Sometimes you want to get an early start to Independence Day celebrations, especially if you can’t stay out late. For an excellent daytime event, head to downtown Reno where the Great American Craft Fair will be taking place along the Riverwalk. Local artisans will sell their unique creations all along the Riverwalk between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. with food trucks and beer carts in both City Plaza and West Street Plaza.
Patriotism in the Park will take place simultaneously, so as you stroll through the vendor booths, you’ll be able to hear patriotic music played by local musicians throughout the day.
Within walking distance is the Great American Parade that will move down Virginia Street starting at 11 a.m. and lasting for several hours, with an assortment of civic floats passing through Reno’s most important thoroughfare.
Nearby, all along the Truckee River, both east and west of downtown, are many parks with picnic benches and outdoor grills for you to set up with family and friends to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Idlewild Park and Mayberry Park are two great picks, but you may have to get there early to get a spot.
Aces Ballgame
Football might be the most popular American sport, but most everyone would agree that baseball is the most Americana of sports. So why not soak in the nostalgia of yesteryear with a trip to the ballpark to watch the Reno Aces?
The Aces will take on the Sacramento River Cats at 6:35 p.m., and the game will be followed by a fireworks shoot-off at Greater Nevada Field — a tip-top experience in a great local stadium without the hassle and traffic of the major leagues.
Carson City, Genoa & Virginia City
Speaking of Americana, if you like that old-timey feel, then Carson City, Genoa and Virginia City are the places to go — and they are all hosting Fourth of July events.
Carson City’s Nevada State Railroad Museum will have a special event with unique trains and discounted tickets. Train rides run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 4 through 6. Capping off the night, Carson City will ignite its own fireworks at Eagle Valley Golf Course around 9:30 p.m.
Genoa, the oldest and most picturesque town of Nevada, will put on the Genoa Americana July 4th Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. featuring a Children’s and Pet parade along with Americana-style music acts throughout the town. A favorite among reenactors, there are sure to be many men in tricorns and ladies in vintage dresses around town.
And who can forget Virginia City? The scenic mountain town’s Fourth of July on the Comstock is a favorite among locals and will undoubtedly be a bustling event, kicking off at high noon with a parade through the historical town, followed by a 6 p.m. concert and a dazzling fireworks spectacular at dusk.
Even More Fireworks
What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks? Many of our nation’s founders loved the experimental chemistry involved in creating gunpowder-fueled “illuminations” as firework displays were once called. As a result, firework displays became a July 4th national pastime all across the continent.
In addition to the fireworks listed above, Northern Nevada will be employing pyrotechnics to put on displays at the Grand Sierra Resort, the Nugget, Incline Village across the water and even more. Wherever you are in northern Nevada, you are bound to see fireworks somewhere, and possibly many places at once.
