June 12–15, 2025 | Minden & Gardnerville, Nevada

There’s something special about a town that still shuts down its main street for a parade, fires up the grills in the park, and welcomes neighbors and visitors alike for a weekend of music, laughter, and old-fashioned community spirit. This weekend, we’re inviting you to experience just that at the 115th Annual Carson Valley Days Festival, hosted by the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club #85.

This Year’s Theme: Jurassic Valley

Get ready for a prehistoric party in the heart of the Sierra. This year’s theme, “Jurassic Valley,” promises dinosaurs at every turn—whether they’re on parade floats, carnival banners, or t-shirts in the crowd. Expect creative costumes, dino-sized fun, and plenty of smiles for all ages.

Whether you’re a lifelong local or just discovering the Carson Valley for the first time, this is a perfect weekend to explore the charm and character of one of Nevada’s most welcoming communities.

Carson Valley days

Festival Highlights

Lampe Park Activities – All Weekend

  • Free live music on Friday night and all-day Saturday
  • Carnival rides for kids and thrill seekers alike
  • Craft and food vendors from across the region
  • Face painting, children’s games, and family-friendly attractions
  • Horse Shoe, Basketball, and Cornhole Tournaments
  • Raffle drawing Sunday at 3 p.m. in Lampe Park

Saturday Morning Parade – 9:00 a.m.
A community favorite, the Carson Valley Days Parade begins in downtown Minden and travels south on Highway 395 into Gardnerville. Join the crowd early for a community breakfast in Minden Park, then grab a spot along the route and enjoy the creativity and camaraderie on display.

A Legacy That Runs Deep

First held in 1910, Carson Valley Days began as a way to showcase the agricultural bounty and community pride of Minden and Gardnerville. Over a century later, that legacy is still alive. For more than 60 years, the Carson Valley Active 20-30 Club #85 has led the way in organizing the event, continuing the tradition while adapting and evolving along the way.

Even during the pandemic in 2020, when many public events were canceled, the club kept the spirit going with a vehicle-only parade—preserving a 75-year-old tradition in a new form. That kind of resilience defines this community.

Why We Still Show Up

At Sierra Rec Magazine, Carson Valley isn’t just a feature story—it’s our home base. It’s where kids still ride their bikes to the park, where the streets close for parades instead of traffic, and where friends turn into family under the cottonwood trees of Lampe Park.

This weekend is a celebration of what makes small-town America great: connection, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. So bring the kids. Explore the booths. Cheer for your favorite float. And maybe, just maybe, ride the Ferris wheel for old time’s sake.

Carnival ride

Festival Details and Contact Info

We’ll be there for the parade, the breakfast, and all the small-town fun in between. Hope to see you in the crowd.

– Sierra Rec Magazine