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The First-Annual Mark Twain Days Festival

Join us April 21-23, 2023 to celebrate one of Nevada’s most prolific, witty, wise (and wise-cracking) writers, Mark Twain. Learn more about his work and how he helped to define Carson City.

Carson City is Circling the Wagons

Come Celebrate a Local Legend

Mark Twain’s time in Nevada was fast, furious, and left a lasting impact. The region and Twain were changed forever and the dust he kicked up has never quite settled. To carry on with what Mark Twain loved most about Nevada—the characters, the excitement, and the spirit of the west—we invite you to the Mark Twain Days Festival in Downtown Carson City. Discover yourself like Samuel Clemens did when he left Missouri to find his true identity in Nevada with art, music, treasure hunts, costume contests, the Twain "Cocktail" Train, and so much more.

Meet us in Carson City

Click play and enjoy all the reasons why you should be in Carson City for the Mark Twain Days Festival, April 21-23!

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APRIL 21

Twain Train: VIP Cocktail Excursion

Specialty Sips and Twain Tales from costumed performers on the historic V & T Railroad from Carson City to Virginia City.

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April 22

Bowtie Ball

"I talked in a snow-white fulldress, swallow-tail and all, and dined in the same. It's a delightful impudence. I think I will call it my dontcareadam suit." 

Join us for the Bowtie Ball, an event through the ages at the Governor's Mansion! Coming in costume from the 1860's era is highly encouraged, but not required, to honor the time in which Mark Twain lived in Carson City. Heavy appetizers and a cash bar will keep you going into the evening as you dance the night away. Music styles will progress through the centuries from Mark Twain era to current hits. 

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VENDOR INQUIRY

If interested in becoming a vendor for Mark Twain Days please fill out the form by clicking below.

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Volunteers

As we continue planning the festival's events, we are actively searching for costumed ambassadors and event volunteers.

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Featured Events

Mark Twain Days

Steampunk During MTD

A steam punk train, costumed runway show, and more! More details coming soon!

Nevada State Museum Mint Tour and Demonstration

Fri-Sun., Enjoy a tour of the historic mint and demonstrations coining a souvenir Twain Coin

Yours Dreamily, Mark Twain

Readings of prize-winning short stories from 6:30-7:30 in Mcfadden Plaza

ONGOING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

More details about these events will be released closer to event date.

Friday

  • City declares April 21st as the first annual “Mark Twain Day”, encourages everyone to participate in and enjoy the Mark Twain Days weekend-long festival.
  • “Art Rocks” Twain Rocking Chairs to be painted by local artists and displayed throughout the downtown area during the festival
  • Enjoy our Costumed Ambassadors – around town and McFadden Plaza
  • Twain-era street musicians - at selected downtown location(s) 
  • Downtown restaurants, merchants featuring Twain items and menus

Saturday

  • Nevada State Museum - family activities / Historic Mint Tour featuring Mark Twain Medallion
  • Literary readings – Comma Coffee and various locations
  • Costumed Ambassadors – around town
  • DBA Downtown Treasure Hunt
  • Twain-era vendors marketplace and musical performances in Arlington Square
  • Foreman Roberts House exhibits
  • Twain-themed film screening – various locations
  • Musical Performance at the Nashville Social Club - TBD

SUNDAY

  • Downtown restaurants, merchants featuring Twain menus
  • DBA Downtown Treasure Hunt
  • Costumed Performers and Ambassadors – around town
  • Twain-era vendors and music – Nugget parking lot (corner of N Carson St and Robinson St)
  • Nevada State Museum / Historic Mint Tour featuring Twain Coin
  • Foreman Roberts House exhibits