End-of-Summer Fun: Upcoming Events in the Truckee Meadows

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy everything the Truckee Meadows has to offer. From live music and community festivals to barbecue, balloons, and Labor Day weekend activities, late August and early September are packed with opportunities to make the most of the season.

Here are a few events to put on your calendar as we close out summer in Northern Nevada.

🎶 Reno Jazz Orchestra at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

If you’re looking for a great summer evening of live music, the Reno Jazz Orchestra will perform A Tribute to George Benson on August 24 at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. The performance features guitarist Colin Cook and vocalist Kyle Rea celebrating Benson’s legendary blend of jazz and R&B. (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival)

It’s hard to beat live music with Lake Tahoe as the backdrop, making this a great choice for a date night or an evening with friends.

🌻 Sunflower Season at Andelin Family Farm

Late summer is sunflower season, and Andelin Family Farm in Sparks is a local favorite for getting outside and enjoying the changing season. The farm’s Sunflower Festival opens August 19, offering a fun opportunity for families to enjoy the flowers and take in a little piece of the Truckee Meadows countryside. (Sunflower Festival and Fields)

🪕 Bowers Bluegrass Festival

Music lovers can head to Bowers Mansion Regional Park for the 40th Annual Bowers Bluegrass Festival, happening August 22–23. The weekend features bluegrass and old-time music in a beautiful outdoor setting. (Bowers Bluegrass Festival)

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks, vendors, a mobile pub, Kids' Activities, and contra dance will be available.  Children 12 and under are free!

It’s a great way to spend a summer weekend exploring one of the region's historic parks while enjoying live music.

🍖 Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

One of the area's biggest Labor Day traditions returns to Victorian Square in Sparks, September 2–7. The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off brings together top barbecue teams, live entertainment, vendors, kids' activities, and plenty of ribs. Admission to the festival is free.  (Nugget Rib Cook-Off)

This year's entertainment lineup includes Hinder, Hotel California, The Wailers, Taylor Dayne, Revisiting Creedence, and Drew Baldridge.  Whether you go for the food, music, or just the atmosphere, it's a quintessential Northern Nevada Labor Day tradition.

🎈 The Great Reno Balloon Race

Perhaps the perfect way to close out the summer is with one of Reno's most iconic events: the Great Reno Balloon Race, taking place September 10–13 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

The four-day event is free for spectators and features nearly 100 hot-air balloons filling the morning sky. Events begin before sunrise, with the Super Glow Show, Dawn Patrol, and the spectacular Mass Ascension. (Great Reno Balloon Races)

If you've never experienced the balloons rising over Reno at sunrise, this is one local tradition worth getting up early for!

☀️ Make the Most of the Last Days of Summer

One of the things we love about living in the Reno-Sparks area is how many ways there are to enjoy the outdoors and connect with the community. As summer winds down and the kids head back to school, there are still plenty of reasons to get out, explore, and enjoy Northern Nevada.

From a concert under the stars to a plate of barbecue in Sparks or a sky full of colorful balloons, the end of summer in the Truckee Meadows is anything but boring.

Looking for more things to do around Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada? Check local event calendars regularly, as dates, times, and availability can change.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in the Truckee Meadows? Let's Connect!

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Reno, Sparks, or the surrounding communities, Ken Angst and his team would be happy to help you navigate the market and make the most of your move. Reach out to Ken Angst and his team at Haute Properties NV to start the conversation. 🏡

📲 Call or text: 775-525-0309
📧 Email: Ken@livinginsouthreno.com

Event information was reviewed in August 2026. Please verify details with event organizers before attending.

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