May 16–18, 2025
If spring in the Sierra had a calling card, this would be the weekend it delivered it with a stampede of color, community, and adventure. From hot air balloons rising over Carson Valley, to kayaks slicing across Lake Almanor, and the bold bite of chili cook-offs in Virginia City, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
Looking for an excuse to hit the road? Maybe it’s time to drive your favorite Sierra Scenic Pass and take on your own version of the Sierra Triple — one festival, one trail, and one wild card. Balloon launches at dawn, bass fishing by noon, and wild west chili by sunset? Challenge accepted.
Here’s your guide to an unforgettable weekend in the Sierra:
🎈 Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival
📍 Lampe Park, Gardnerville, NV
🕔 Morning Launches: Friday & Saturday ~5:30 AM
🕗 Evening Glows: Friday & Saturday at Sunset
Start your weekend with wonder. Hot Air for Hope returns to Carson Valley with over 30 colorful balloons and two days of inspiring community celebration. The sunrise launches are jaw-dropping, but it’s the mission behind the event — supporting the Center for Hope & Healing and igniting curiosity in local students — that lifts it to another level.
👀 Don’t Miss: The “Fire It Up” evening glow event, meeting the pilots, and exploring Carson Valley’s local history and trails after the balloons rise.
🎧 Listen to the podcast with co-founder Amanda Johnson
📖 Full event preview here →
🎣 BAM Kayak Series – Lake Almanor Stop
📍 Plumas Pines Resort, Canyondam, CA
🕔 Saturday, May 17 – Launch at sunrise, Awards ~3:00 PM
On Saturday, the BAM Kayak Series brings high-stakes bass fishing to the clear waters of Lake Almanor. This one-day qualifier is the second stop on the tournament trail — and while the competition is fierce, the setting is pure Sierra serenity. Come meet the anglers, check out their rigs, and enjoy food, drink, and fun lakeside at Plumas Pines Resort.
👀 Local Tip: Pair the tournament with a paddle, lakeside lunch, or a scenic hike to Humbug Summit or Last Chance Creek.
📖 Read the full article →
🌶️ Comstock Chili Festival & Craft Beer Tour
📍 Virginia City, NV
🕔 Saturday & Sunday – All Day
Spice things up in the historic hills of Virginia City, where chili cook-offs, craft beer tasting, and Wild West charm collide. Sample dozens of chili recipes from across the West, stroll wooden sidewalks, and dive into a festival weekend full of character, costumes, and maybe even a gunfight or two.
👀 Sierra Rec Tip: After your fill of fire, explore the Comstock Trail, check out the Ponderosa Mine tour, or take a scenic detour over Geiger Grade for breathtaking valley views.
📖 More on Virginia City events →
🌄 Your Sierra Triple Challenge
Not sure how to choose just one event? You don’t have to.
Try this:
- Morning: Balloons at Lampe Park
- Afternoon: Hike the Fay-Luther Trail or grab the clubs and hit the links.
- Evening: Sample chili and brews in Virginia City
Or make your own mix: museum, meadow trail, and music. Golf, gallery, and glow show. The Sierra is wide open this weekend — and full of surprises.
🗺️ Where You’ll Find Sierra Rec This Weekend
We’ll be there with camera in hand, capturing stories and adventure as we:
- Join the Hot Air for Hope launch in Carson Valley Friday morning
- Head north for the BAM Kayak Series at Lake Almanor on Saturday
- Spend Sunday exploring Plumas County trails and lakes
Thanks to our tourism partners at Visit Carson Valley and Plumas County Tourism for helping bring these experiences to life.
📣 Share Your Weekend
Attending one of these events? Tag us at #SierraRecMagazine or drop us a message and photo — we love sharing real Sierra stories.
