Virginia City is a living time capsule that whisks visitors back to the colorful era of the 19th-century American West. This historic mining town, perched on the Comstock Lode, once thrived as one of the nation’s richest silver strike locations, bustling with prospectors, saloons, and the legends of the Wild West. Today, it retains the charm of yesteryear, with its preserved wooden storefronts, Victorian architecture, and a spirited atmosphere that pays homage to its bygone days. Strolling its historic streets, you’ll feel like a pioneer, immersed in the legacy of the Comstock mining boom, while exploring museums, saloons, and witnessing reenactments that vividly bring the town’s rich history to life.
There’s something about spring in the Sierra that pulls you outside—and sometimes, it pulls you straight into a crowd with a bowl of chili in hand and a cold drink to wash it down. That’s exactly what’s happening May 16–17 as the 44th Annual Chili on the Comstock returns to Virginia City. This isn’t just … Read more
If you’ve ever spent a spring weekend wandering the wooden boardwalks of Virginia City, you know the town leans fully into its historic character — and St. Patrick’s Day might be its most spirited celebration of the year. On Saturday, March 14, the historic mining town will once again turn green for a full day … Read more
Special holiday events include The Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Parade of Lights, holiday shopping and more Virginia City, Nev. – Throughout December, Virginia City invites the community for a feel-good holiday season with its annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration. With four weeks for events, visitors are encouraged to enjoy holiday-themed activities, shopping … Read more
Event features specialty cocktails, sweet pairings and scavenger hunt through historic saloons Virginia City, Nev. – Virginia City hosts the Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 1-5 p.m., offering 21 or older participants a tasting tour through the town’s historic saloons and merchants. The event is part of Hauntober™, Virginia … Read more
By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine Eighteen years ago, when I first moved to the Sierra Nevada, I made it my mission to experience every quirky, wonderful, and unforgettable festival this region had to offer. One of the first stops? Virginia City. And two events in particular have shaped the way I see fall in … Read more
Friday & Saturday – August 1–2, 2025 | Sparks, Nevada If the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber under the Nevada night sky sound like your kind of welcome party, then you’re in for a weekend of pure adrenaline. Hot August Nights 2025 officially kicks off Friday, August 1, and all eyes … Read more
August 1–2, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day | Virginia City, Nevada The rumble of vintage V8s and the shimmer of polished chrome are about to echo through the canyons of the Comstock. Hot August Nights, Nevada’s iconic celebration of classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll, kicks off its 2025 festivities with … Read more
Kickstarting Adventure Season in the Eastern Sierra As the Sierra Nevada shakes off its winter coat and spring sunshine starts to hint at adventure season, Virginia City, Nevada, offers the perfect way to dive into the festivities with its 34th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Nestled just a scenic drive … Read more
Outhouse Races nominated in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice list for Best Cultural Festival in the nation Virginia City, Nev. – Virginia City, a living testament to the rich history of the American West, is proud to announce the nomination of the World Championship Outhouse Races in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for Best Cultural … Read more
Virginia City is a destination where history comes alive, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a magical wonderland brimming with festive cheer. On this week’s episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sits down with Todd Tuttle, the Director of the Virginia City Visitors Center, to uncover the heart and soul … Read more
Grand Opening of the Reno Tahoe Indoor Track, Comstock Christmas, and Mount Rose Skiing Reno is pulling out all the stops this weekend, offering a dynamic mix of events and activities for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re a track and field enthusiast, a holiday spirit seeker, or a powder hound, this is your perfect … Read more
Virginia City spreads holiday cheer with annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration Virginia City, Nev. – This December, Virginia City spreads holiday cheer with its annual Christmas on the Comstock celebration. The month-long festivities blend the historic charm of the 1860s mining town with modern holiday magic. Starting Dec. 1, the city welcomes visitors to enjoy … Read more
Visitors can experience ghost tours, trick-or-treating, paranormal adventures and more Virginia City, Nev. – As the days grow shorter and the nights grow spookier, Virginia City transforms into a haunted destination for its annual Hauntober ™ celebration. Throughout the month of October, locations throughout town will host various Halloween-themed events that are perfect for families looking … Read more
As September takes shape in the Reno-Tahoe region, the excitement builds with a series of must-see events. After the awe-inspiring Reno Balloon Races, the fun continues with one of the Sierra’s most beloved fall family traditions. Families in Northern Nevada and the Reno-Tahoe area are in for a real treat as the 65th International Camel … Read more
Weekend events include firework show, parade and local merchant events Virginia City, Nev. – Virginia City celebrates Independence Day weekend with a series of events, from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7, welcoming visitors to enjoy a full schedule of patriotic activities. The highlight of the festivities, the Fourth of July on the Comstock, will … Read more
VIP Twain Train Rail Excursion returns as part of weekend of events in Carson City and Virginia City Virginia City, Nev. – Prepare for a phenomenal adventure as the Twain Train VIP Excursion makes its triumphant return to the second annual Mark Twain Days Festival. Departing from the Eastgate Depot in Carson City on Friday, May … Read more
Event will be held at historic Piper’s Opera House, open to community Virginia City, Nev. – Travel Nevada has chosen Virginia City, Carson City and Carson Valley to collaborate on a joint Cultural Corridor project aimed at bolstering the regional tourism economy while promoting and preserving local arts, culture, history and heritage. Virginia City is urging … Read more
Tickets on sale for 33rd annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and St Patrick Day Weekend Events in historic Virginia City Virginia City, Nev. – Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day in northern Nevada like Virginia City’s annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry. Tickets for the un-ball-lievable event as well as the St. Paddy Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl … Read more
Lacy J. Dalton set to perform at “A Valentine’s Night to Remember” along with David John Piper’s Opera House holds Valentine’s dinner co-hosted with 601 Vigilance Committee Virginia City, Nev. – Lacy J. Dalton and David John will grace the stage for “A Valentine’s Night to Remember” dinner at Piper’s Opera House. Co-hosted with the 601 Vigilance … Read more
Valentine’s event held on Saturday, Feb. 10 brings exciting twist to Cupid’s favorite holiday Virginia City, Nev. – Known for its rich history and one-of-a-kind events, Virginia City will kick off 2024 with the 11th annual Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl Saturday, Feb. 10 in the heart of downtown from noon until 5 p.m. … Read more
Virginia City NV – November 8, 2023 – This Saturday, Nov. 11, the historic town of Virginia City, Nevada, honors veterans at town’s annual Veterans Day Parade, taking place at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to attend and show support for our country’s brave men and women who served or are currently serving our country. More … Read more
Join a listening session Tuesday, Nov. 7 to learn about the Cultural Corridor project coming to Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City Oct. 25, 2023 (CARSON CITY, NEV.) – Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City have been selected by Travel Nevada to pursue a shared Cultural Corridor project that will help to build our regional … Read more
36th Year in Historic Virginia City This Friday and Saturday, July 28-29, 2023 Virginia City NV, July 25, 2023 – Get ready to rev up your engines and hit the historic streets of Virginia City, as the iconic event, Hot August Nights, returns for its 36th year! Prepare for a weekend filled with classic cars, live … Read more
Celebrate American Independence in the Wild West of Virginia City July 4th. Virginia City NV, June 29, 2023 – Each year, historic Virginia City, Nevada, hosts an Independence Day celebration all Americans can be proud of, complete with a parade, live concert, all the small-town Americana, waving flags, candy throwing and of course, a fireworks … Read more
VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. (Jan. 6, 2022) – As the National Weather Service anticipates an atmospheric river event in the western Nevada region starting Saturday evening into Sunday morning, Storey County officials are reminding all residents to prepare by having food, water, batteries, flashlights and alternative heating sources on hand as power may go out. The storm … Read more
Our First Visit to the Virginia City Camel Races Was a Hoot Virginia City NV, Sept10, 2022 – Virginia city is one of the first locations I visited some 15 years ago when I moved to the Carson City region of the Sierra. The Annual Outhouse Races for Halloween, that year was such a fun … Read more
Virginia City’s 63rd annual event is gearing up for some good family fun VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. (Sept. 7, 2022) – They’re back! Virginia City’s 63rd annual International Camel & Ostrich Races is happening Sept. 9-11, 2022 in the historic mining town. Camels, zebras and ostriches join professional and amateur jockeys in Virginia City, Nevada, putting … Read more
