Sizzling Summer Events in Carson City
It’s summertime, and Carson City is always bustling with an eclectic lineup of events. Discover what lies ahead and let the good times roll at one or more of the following events.
Taste of Downtown – June 18, 2022
A Taste of Downtown is a marquee event for Carson City and is now in its 30th year. More than 40 local restaurants participate and provide samples or “tantalizing tastes,” at their individual booths. The event includes live music with seven different bands performing throughout the event. Additionally, 15 vendors and galleries will be in attendance and allow attendees to purchase distinctive items.
This year’s event will take place Saturday, June 18. The festivities kickoff at 4 p.m. with tasting starting at 5:30 p.m. In addition to being delicious, A Taste of Downtown is a fundraiser for the local nonprofit, Advocates to End Domestic Violence. The nonprofit has been serving Carson City since 1979 and continues to provide services for survivors of domestic violence. Tickets are limited and cost $45.
Father’s Day Pow Wow – June 18 and 19, 2022
The Father’s Day Pow Wow at Stewart Indian School allows visitors to experience Carson City’s Native American heritage. The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 18 and 19.
What started in 1990, continues to be one of Carson City’s major and most well-received events. American Indian dancers, drummers, artists, and craftsmen from all across the northwestern Nevada region gather at the historic Stewart Indian School every June to celebrate their tribal heritage while honoring their spirits and ancestors. Throughout two days of festivities, get in on all
kinds of dancing, arts and crafts, food, and stories from the hundreds of tribal representatives that are part of Stewart’s alumni. Attendees are encouraged to also visit Stewart Indian School’s Cultural Center and Museum. The event is free and open to the public.
The Levitt AMP Concert Series – Saturdays, June 25 – Aug. 27
The Levitt AMP Concert Series welcomes music lovers and anyone looking for a lively family-friendly event. The concert series is set to deliver stellar live performances from 7-10 p.m. every Saturday from June 24 – Aug. 27 at the Brewery Arts Center.
All concerts are free, and a new ensemble will be featured every week along with a new opening act. The artists vary in musical style from the Brazilian group, SambaDa’ to current Grammy-nominee Rocky Dawuni and the Celtic Rock group, Young Dubliners. A full list of musicians is available online.
Don’t miss out on talented artists and mark your calendar early. The concert series is free thanks to the generous support from the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a national funder of free musical concerts.
Capital City Brewfest – June 25, 2022
Enjoy a variety of local and craft beers and beverages, all for charity, at the Capital City Brewfest, which takes place from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at McFadden Plaza. This event is sponsored by the Carson City Rotary Club and the proceeds benefit their scholarship program, youth leadership projects, and additional community projects.
This year’s Capital City Brewfest will include more than 30 brewers, two distillers, a plethora of food trucks, kombucha, and cider makers – oh my! Several Nevada microbreweries will be in attendance such as Fox Brewpub, Tonopah Brewery, and Pigeon Head Brewery. The Third Street Stage on Bob McFadden Plaza will have plenty of old-fashioned, rocking, live music!
Tickets can be purchased in advance and cost $35 in advance and $40 on the event day.
The Great Western Steam Up – July 1 – 4, 2022
All aboard! The Great Western Steam Up brings classic steam trains, craft vendors, food trucks, live music, and entertainment to Carson City. The event begins at 10 a.m. every day from July 1-4. 
Train enthusiasts, history buffs, and families are welcome to help mark the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. Travelers will get to see more than 10 classic, mighty, steam locomotives fully operational and ready for action throughout the course of the weekend at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Get a glimpse into Nevada’s railroading past. Trains rides will be offered and visitors will even see a locomotive pageant, a rolling display of steam locomotives. Early bird tickets are $29 for people 12 and up and $10 per day for children aged 4-11.
The Carson City Ghost Walk – Through October 2022
Those looking for an entertaining way to learn about Carson City’s rich historical legacy are in for a real treat. The Carson City Ghost Walk makes history come alive through the aid of local ghostly spirits!
The Ghost Walks are led by the friendly ghostly spirit, Madame Curry, a fictitious character named after the widow of Carson City founder, Abe Curry. Ghost walking tours include additional community spirits that will engage in theatrics and guide participants through the haunted and historic west side of Carson City. This experience is entertaining and highlights Carson City’s Victorian era and distinct, local history.
The Carson City Ghost Walk is now in its 29th season and will run through late October. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Evening tours begin at 7 p.m. Private tours may be available upon request. Pro tip: dress for the weather and bring a flashlight for the evening tours. Fun and spooky times are ahead!
The Downtown Vintage Market – June 4 – Sept. 25, 2022
Get ready to shop until you drop at The Downtown Vintage Market, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, June 4 – Sept. 25.
Shoppers will have the chance to buy rare and distinctive items from vendors who specialize in antiques, arts & crafts, collectibles, furniture upcycling, and general swap merchandise.
Make a weekend of it!
While one or more of these events are a great reason to visit Carson City, make a weekend of it and explore the many great lodging properties, restaurants, and activities available in Nevada’s state capital. For a complete list of events throughout the year, be sure to check back as the online calendar is always up-to-date.