Nevada Day Weekend and Día de los Muertos Followed by The Ferris 50

The Sierra is showing off this time of year. Golden cottonwoods line the Carson River, crisp mornings give way to bluebird afternoons, and the peaks above Carson Valley are dusted with early snow. It’s that rare overlap when fall color meets winter promise — and Carson Valley is at the center of it all.

Nevada Day and a Short Drive South

After the Nevada Day Parade wraps up in Carson City this Saturday, keep the celebration rolling with a short, scenic drive down Highway 395 to Gardnerville for one of the valley’s most colorful cultural events.

Día de los Muertos Festival – Saturday, November 1

Location: Heritage Park, Gardnerville
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free

Presented by Main Street Gardnerville, Douglas County Community Services, and the Carson Valley Arts Council, the 4th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival is a family-friendly celebration of life, remembrance, and community.

Enjoy live Mariachi music, folkloric and Aztec dancers, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, and colorful altars honoring loved ones. Kids will love the face painting and art booths, while the whole family can marvel at the 12-foot Catrina doll created by Latino Arte and Culture of Reno.

It’s a vibrant day filled with music, laughter, and cultural connection — the perfect way to round out Nevada Day weekend in true Carson Valley style.

For more information, visit MainStreetGardnerville.org or the event’s Facebook page.

Next Weekend: The Ferris 50 – Saturday, November 8

Theme: Run Where Grit Meets Greatness
Distances: 50K, 25K, and 10K | Location: Foothills of Carson Valley

The following weekend, the energy shifts from festival to finish line with the inaugural Ferris 50 Endurance Run, celebrating Carson Valley’s legacy of innovation and determination.

Named for George Washington Gale Ferris, the inventor of the Ferris Wheel who once called this region home, the Ferris 50 combines single-track trails, OHV paths, and open foothill terrain into a challenge worthy of its namesake. Runners will trace the base of the Carson Range with panoramic views of Job’s Peak and the Sierra — an unforgettable way to experience the valley’s rugged beauty.

Whether you’re running for a podium spot or just exploring the course, the Ferris 50 is a celebration of grit, community, and the enduring spirit of Carson Valley.

Register or learn more at Ferris50.com.

Stay and Explore

Between the festivities, take time to explore the open spaces that make this valley so unique.

  • Watch for wild horses roaming near Fish Springs or along the Pine Nut foothills.
  • Hike or ride the Fay-Luther Trail System in Genoa for peaceful views of the Carson Range.
  • Visit Genoa for a cozy meal and a step back in time at Nevada’s oldest bar.
  • Or simply drive Highway 395 through the valley and take in the golden trees, open pastures, and mountain backdrop.

Two Weekends, One Valley Worth Celebrating

From the cultural rhythm of Día de los Muertos to the endurance and history of the Ferris 50, Carson Valley offers two unforgettable weekends that blend celebration, tradition, and adventure.

After the parade in Carson City, head south and experience Nevada’s heart — where community thrives, the mountains shine, and every mile tells a story.

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