Carson City, Nevada – This weekend, as autumn sets fire to the Sierra Nevada, Nevadans roll up their sleeves and turn out in droves to celebrate something sacred: Nevada Day. And let’s face it, folks, there’s nothing quite like Nevada Day. For a state born out of grit and gold, this annual celebration is more than a holiday – it’s a chance to honor the spirit that makes Nevada unique.
The journey begins with a bit of history. It was October 31, 1864, in the midst of the Civil War, that Nevada became the 36th state to join the Union. With the country at war and Lincoln in need of resources and votes, Nevada’s silver-rich land and unwavering Union loyalty made statehood a strategic necessity. That’s why Nevada is forever known as the “Battle Born State.” Add the Comstock Lode, one of the richest silver strikes ever discovered, and you’ve got a frontier story with all the elements – risk, resilience, and reward. Nevadans don’t just celebrate this heritage; they embody it every day.
A Weekend of Festivities
In Carson City, Nevada Day festivities begin Friday and run all weekend, bringing locals and visitors together for events that span history, family fun, and a bit of good-natured spectacle. Friday morning kicks off with a historical walking tour of the east side of Carson City, taking participants through Nevada’s past one step at a time. By midday, the Nevada Day Powwow and the Carson Fly Fishing Club’s Tie-A-Thon are in full swing. For history buffs, the Nevada State Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum offer free admission, while the adventurous can enjoy tethered hot air balloon rides.
Saturday, though, is when the party truly begins. The day starts early with the Nevada Day Classic Run/Walk at 6 a.m. and a pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion at 7. From there, it’s a feast for the senses – the sky fills with hot air balloons at 8, followed by the big Nevada Day Parade at 10, a sight that draws people from all corners. And no Nevada Day would be complete without the Single Jack Rock Drilling Contest, a rugged tradition honoring Nevada’s mining roots. From a chili feed at noon to live music at 2, the day is packed with events, capped off by the Nevada Tea Festival and a block party in Telegraph Square.
For families and history enthusiasts, the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum and the Enchanted Storybook Train promise activities that bridge past and present. With free concerts, a vendor plaza, and seasonal festivities, Carson City feels like a living celebration of everything Battle Born.
Looking for a thorough guide to Nevada Day Weekend straight from the locals? Check out this blog! If you want a snapshot of some of the main events happening, we’ve got you covered:
Friday, October 25
- Historical East-Side Walking Tour – 10am
- Nevada Day Powwow
- The Carson Fly Fishing Club’s Tie–A-Thon
- Free admission to both the Nevada State Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum
- Free tethered hot air balloon rides – 8-11am
Saturday, October 26 | Main Events
- 35th Annual Nevada Day Classic Run/Walk – 6am
- Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion – 7am
- Metcalf Way Breakfast Buffet @ Red’s 395 Grill – 7am
- Hot air balloon launch – 8am
- Nevada Day Parade – 10am
- World Championship Single Jack Rock Drilling Contest – 11am
- 40th annual Chili Feed 12-2pm
- Nevada Day Free Concert -2pm
- Tours at the Governor’s Mansion – 2pm-4pm
- USAF Mobility Band Performance ~2:30pm
- Nevada Tea Festival
- Telegraph Square Block Party – 3pm-6pm
- Enchanted Storybook Train – 1:30-5pm
- Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum Activities
- Free admission to both the Nevada State Museum and Nevada Railroad Museum
- PLUS, free concerts, a vendor plaza, Carson Mall activities, Fall Fest at the Carson Nugget, Carson Chamber Singers performance, and so much more! Click here to view the entire lineup of events including more details and times.
Sunday, October 27
- Post-Nevada Day Clean-Up
- Nevada Day Powwow
- Enchanted Storybook Train – 11am-3:30pm
- Fall Wagon Rides at Silver Saddle Ranch – 1pm-4pm
Thursday, October 31
- Trick or treat on the Historic West Side in Carson City at dusk
Friday & Saturday, November 1-2
- Dia de los Muertos Celebration at the Nevada State Museum and Brewery Arts Center
The Spirit of Nevada
But beyond the balloons, parades, and hearty breakfasts, Nevada Day reminds us of who we are as Nevadans. It’s a state forged in independence and unshakable pride, marked by its people’s adaptability and, yes, a streak of defiance. Our lives here are shaped by the mountains and the water that flows from the Sierra Nevada, the lifeblood of our communities. Like our rivers, Nevadans are persistent and flow forward despite whatever obstacles lie ahead.
Nevada Day celebrates more than just statehood; it’s a celebration of resilience and unity. We are a people who honor our heritage and hold our freedom close. So whether you’re here to watch the parade, savor the chili, or take a scenic wagon ride at Silver Saddle Ranch, remember that you’re part of something bigger – a community that celebrates its past while facing the future with open arms.
And when Sunday comes around, we’ll pick up the streamers and pack up the floats, but the pride remains. This weekend, Nevada stands as one, bound by history, a love of freedom, and a legacy that’s as vast as the Sierra itself.
