We’ve passed through the summer solstice, the weather’s good, school’s out — and July 4th is conveniently this Friday, giving us a three-day holiday weekend to celebrate, recover and relax!
If you’re hoping to see some fireworks this Independence Day in the Reno area, here are a few great pyrotechnic events close by.
For a rundown of other events happening this holiday weekend and all summer long, be sure to check out our Events listings.
Patriotic Pops at the Field
July 3
Patriotic Pops at the Field is an annual event at Greater Nevada Field (where the Reno Aces play). This year the legendary Reno Philharmonic will be performing patriotic and classical Americana tunes on July 3 from 6 to 9 pm, with the fireworks show to follow.
The event is family-friendly, with face painters and other vendors entertaining the crowds throughout the stadium. Family four-packs of tickets go for only $50 a set, making this a great way to spend an evening with the family before the start of holiday weekend.
With this event being on Thursday, you can go to this one and still enjoy another fireworks display on the Fourth!
GSR Fireworks
July 4
Grand Sierra Resort — one of Reno’s finest hotel casinos — will host its annual 4th of July fireworks over the GSR lake, offering a perfect open area for fireworks viewing with stunning reflections off the water.
The fireworks show is free for hotel visitors and costs $20 for adult visitors, making it an easy sell to just purchase a room for the night for the whole family to enjoy and not have to drive home afterward, even if you live locally.
In the afternoon, a BBQ will be held at the pool, with food trucks offering their tasty dishes. You can soak up the sun swimming in GSR’s grandiose pool and listen to live reggae music before the fireworks launch off at 9:15 p.m.
Photo: Fireworks over Grand Sierra Resort. Photo from GSR Facebook
Reno Aces Fireworks
July 4 - 6
Also at Greater Nevada Field, the Reno Aces will play the Sacramento River Cats on July 4, 5 and 6, and at the end of each game on Friday and Saturday there will be fireworks displays on the field. The games start at 6:35 pm, and fireworks are expected to begin around 9 pm. Tickets are reasonable, ranging from $40 to $80 per person depending on seating.
Baseball is arguably the most American sport out there, so what better way to start a patriotic evening than by watching a game and then ending it with fireworks at the stadium?
Virginia City Fireworks
July 4
If you live in South Reno or don’t mind driving to Virginia City for the evening, the VC parade and fireworks spectacular is another great way to spend the whole day and evening.
VC is the most Americana city in Nevada (though Genoa is nipping at its heels), and it shows in their Fourth of July Parade. Classic cars, military vehicles, fire trucks, police cars, and other first responders all make their way down the tight main street, along with men and women in historical dress — with historical firearms firing blanks — and plenty of candy throwing to kids (and grownups) in attendance.
The parade starts at noon and runs for a couple of hours. In the evening before the fireworks, David John & the Comstock Cowboys will be holding a concert in town, open to all. A variety of other events will take place in town, and all of the bars and restaurants will be open, as well as most of the museums. Fireworks shoot off at dusk and can be seen from VC itself or the surrounding hillsides, where people often perch in the backs of trucks or on camp chairs.
As you can see, fireworks will be popping off right all around the Truckee Meadows this holiday weekend. Enjoy the celebrations!
Photo: Scenes from the July 4, 2023, Virginia City Parade. Photo by Dan Bablinskas
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
