The 4th Annual Mark Twain Days Literary Festival
Join us October 13-17, 2026 to celebrate one of America's most prolific, witty, wise (and wise cracking) writers, Mark Twain. Learn more about his work, life, and contributions to the fabric of the wild west.
Bringing history to life
Come Celebrate a Local Legend
Join us for Mark Twain Days, presented by the Brewery Arts Center & Visit Carson City! Celebrate Twain’s wild Nevada adventure with a weekend full of art, music, literary events, historic ghost tours, the Twain Train, and more in Carson City at the Brewery Arts Center and Virginia City. Experience the spirit of the West and rediscover yourself—just like Twain did.
JOIN US! OCTOBER 13-17, 2026
Download the Festival Program
Click below to download the official programming.
A Capital City Cocktail Competition
Picon Punch Off
The Picon Punch is officially Nevada's state cocktail and we want you to come out and help us choose the best in the west!
Join us for an evening of tasting the best picon punches around along with a delicious Basque buffet, authentic music and an all around family style good time.
Each ticket holder will receive a ticket to taste each of the competing cocktails and access to the Basque dinner. Additional picon punches and a full bar will be available for purchase.
This event is 21+
2026
FEATURED EVENTS
Poetry Open Mic
Kick off the festival with Spoken Views Collective and Poet Laureate Emeritus Jesse James Ziegler for BAC’s regularly scheduled monthly poetry night.
Picon Punch Off
An evening of tastings from bars and mixologists across the silver state along with a delicious Basque buffet, music, and an all around family style good time.
Twain Train
All aboard for an unforgettable journey through Nevada history, scenery, and storytelling. The Twain Train returns for a spirited new take on this signature rail excursion.
BAC Vendor Fair & Author Talks
Bring the whole family for a day of adventure including author talks, poetry readings, live music, rare and exotic books, vendors, kids activities, and more.
Ticketed Events
Many events are free, but ticketed events can be purchased by clicking here. McAvoy Lane Performance, Low Brow Social, and more!
Museum Activities
Medallion printing, kids activities, and more!
Live Music
Enjoy live music at Nashville Social Club and around town all weekend long!
Fox Brewery & Pub Special Mark Twain Lager
That's right, enjoy a crafted Mark Twain Lager inside the very building he once stepped foot in.
All Aboard
The Twain Train
When: Friday, October 16, 2026
Where: Departs Eastgate Depot, Carson City
Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
All aboard for an unforgettable journey through Nevada history, scenery, and storytelling. The Twain Train returns for the fourth annual Mark Twain Days Festival, departing Eastgate Depot on Friday, October 16, at 4:00 p.m. for a spirited new take on this signature rail excursion.
Settle in for an epic three-mile round trip into the Carson River Canyon. Sip a handcrafted elixir from a keepsake souvenir glass, savor specially curated snacks, and feel the vibrant power of the steam engine as breathtaking canyon views and brilliant fall colors unfold outside your window.
Along the way, roaming entertainers will fill the railcars with music and larger-than-life tales inspired by the wit and adventurous spirit of Mark Twain. Seats are limited—reserve yours and experience an autumn outing unlike any other.
VENDOR INQUIRY
If interested in becoming a vendor for Mark Twain Days please check back soon.
Volunteers
As we continue planning the festival's events, we are actively searching for costumed ambassadors and event volunteers.