Celebrate Like a Local: Nevada Day Weekend in Carson City
As the end of October approaches, people find themselves in a whirlwind of activities, from Halloween decorating, kids’ testing schedules, parties with friends, holiday planning, and more. With everything going on, you could use an escape—and Nevada Day celebrations in Carson City is the answer. Whether you need a quick trip or you’re planning to revel in the weekend-long festivities, we’re thrilled to unveil the exciting events that await you.
Nevada’s history in a nutshell
Nevada’s history is a testament to its resilience and patriotic spirit. It became a state on October 31, 1864, amidst the turbulence of the Civil War, earning the nickname the “Battle Born State.” Its rapid path to statehood was driven by a deep commitment to the Union. The legendary Comstock Lode silver strike in the mid-1800s ushered in an era of prosperity, drawing people from around the world to Nevada in search of opportunity.
Today, Nevada proudly stands as a symbol of freedom and exploration. Celebrating Nevada Day is not just a commemoration of its statehood, but an opportunity to delve into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the region.
Your epic guide to enjoying Nevada Day
Live like a local for a weekend or a day! We’ve got the inside scoop on all of the events taking place in Carson City for Nevada Day Weekend. These are just some highlight events, see the full event schedule HERE.
– Friday – October 31st –
Trick or Treating on the West Side Historic District
Enjoy witnessing one of the most spectacular trick or treating areas in Nevada, on Carson City’s West Side Historic District. The homes in the neighborhood go all-out and the Governor will hand out candy at the Governor’s Mansion. It’s worth a walk around! Starts at dusk.
Tie-a-Thon
The Carson Fly Fishing Club is holding a Tie-A-Thon on October 31, 2025. The purpose of the this event is to tie flies for the High Sierra Fly Casters to in there programs. All Fly Tires are Invited. A sandwich lunch and raffle will take place. Event will take place at Silver City RV Resort, 3165 US 395 N, Minden, NV.
– Saturday – November 1st –
Eat a pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion
A classic Nevada Day tradition, the pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion is hosted by the Carson City Republican Women’s Club from 7:00 – 9:30 a.m. on parade day. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, ham, orange juice and coffee. Keep an eye out—the Governor may be available for photos as well as surprise celebrities and famous
political guests!
Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for kids 10 and younger. Proceeds go towards a scholarship that will be gifted to a deserving senior from Carson or Dayton High School.
For more info visit www.ccrwclub.com.
Walk or run in the Annual Nevada Day Classic
Locals love the Nevada Day Classic, an 8K walk/run through the beautiful, historic West Side of Carson City and a homestretch to the finish line down the main drag. Since Nevada Day Weekend takes place around the Halloween weekend, participants and spectators alike are encouraged to wear costumes. So come one, come all!
All runners of all distances will receive a custom wooden medal, and the first 300 runners that register are guaranteed a t-shirt.
The Nevada Day Classic is organized by the Tahoe Mountain Milers in partnership with Guide Dog for the Blind, Kaia Fit, Delta Gamma and Lynn Mentzer Timing.
To register for either race, click here.
Watch the hot air balloons in amazement at the RE/MAX Nevada Day Balloon Launch
We just can’t get enough of hot air balloons in northern Nevada! This balloon launch takes place a month after the annual Great Reno Balloon Race. Watch all of the hot air balloons launch right on Carson Street starting at 8:00 a.m. on parade day (weather permitting). The balloons fly for about an hour and are usually down before the parade starts.
Team RE/MAX flies their signature hot air balloon, along with many others.
Festivities at Carson Mall— 9am
9am-4pm – Nevada Day at the Carson Mall on South Carson Street. Visitors can enjoy live music, browse craft and merchandise booths, and sample food from local vendors. A cornhole challenge, car show, and an indoor Kid Zone provide fun for all ages. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly throughout the day.
Sit or stand as the Nevada Day Parade passes through the heart of Carson City – 10am
The military flyover will signal the start of the parade at 10 a.m., which begins at William Street and N. Carson Street. Locals and visitors alike will celebrate the history and culture of Nevada for four hours as marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, Burning Man art, classic cars and much more make their way through the Carson City streets.
View a list of parade entries in the parade program or online at Carson Now.
Have a beard? Check out the Nevada Day Beard Contest after the parade
The beard contest takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 on the main stage at McFadden Plaza (3rd Street). Categories include longest, fullest, reddest, whitest, best groomed, scruffiest, blackest, salt-and-pepper, and most bearded community. Entry is open to anyone with a beard; no fee required. Prizes and bragging rights awarded.
Come to a truly unique event: The World Championship Single Jack Drilling Contest
The World Championship Single Jack Rock Drilling Contest takes place around 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1st, at the Carson Mall parking lot. Men and women contestants use 4-1/2 pound hammers and a 3/4” bit of steel to drill as deep and as fast as they can in a 4,320 pound piece of Sierra White Granite from the Yosemite area (aka, the hardest known granite in the region). Contestants have 10 minutes to pound the drills into the solid stone with the deepest hole marking the winner. Those participating will have a chance to earn a World Champion title.
This contest is a true flashback of Nevada’s history, going back to the Comstock mining day when blast holes for dynamite were punched into ore bodies by hand.
Silver Bell U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
1pm-3pm – Silver Bell, this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, appears on Nov. 1 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The tree will travel the parade route after the parade and stop at Carson City Toyota. The public can take photos and sign a banner that will accompany the tree to Washington, D.C. Admission is free.
Celebrate at the afterparty
3pm – 6pm – Post Parade Celebration takes place on Telegraph, Curry and Proctor Streets. Live music, food and drink vendors, children’s activities, and a beer garden will fill the area. It’s a social gathering of the community and a celebration after the parade. Admission is free.
– Sunday, November 2nd –
Lend a hand at the Post-Nevada Day Trash Mob
Post-Nevada Day Trash Mob meets at 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in the parking lot at 3rd and Curry streets. Volunteers gathered to help clean up downtown after the parade yesterday. Gloves and bags are provided. Everyone is welcome.
Events happening all weekend long
Don’t miss this year’s theme
The Nevada Day, Inc.’s Board of Directors has announced that the theme for Nevada Day 2025 is—drumroll, please—”The Wild Wild West Nevada Day Parade”!
Come spend the Nevada Day Weekend with us in Carson City to see how we’ve made Nevada our home since 1864 and enjoy all of the ongoing festivities.
For more information about most of these events or to see the comprehensive schedule for Nevada Day Weekend, please visit nevadaday.com.