UPDATE: Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City May 10-12 with changes, new event partners
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Mon, 04/01/2024 - 9:32am
Event Date:
Repeats every day until Sun May 12 2024 .
May 10, 2024 (All day)
May 11, 2024 (All day)
May 12, 2024 (All day)
Mark Twain Days Festival is back this year, May 10-12, with some big changes. Visit Carson City approached the Brewery Arts Center and asked them to partner for the planning of the second year of the festival, which is held in honor of Mark Twain, our region’s most famous writer.
Last year was the inaugural year of the festival which featured a number of events in the downtown area including a community-wide mustache photo, writing contest, rocking chair art projects, vendor fair, and much more.
Many of the events will remain the same, but this year, the festival is also partnering with Virginia City and will be connected by the Twain Train, which will take event goers from Carson City to Virginia City on the Virginia Truckee Railroad. Tickets are available beginning April 1. Go here for information.
Also highlighted is the return of the Bow Tie Ball. Dust off your top hats and break out the feather boas, this is your chance to get dolled, gussied up and dressed to the nines. Come prepared to let the cares of the world float away as a sense of wonder takes you back to the care-free high society of the 1860’s, this year the ball will be held at the Nevada State Museum.
Organizers say the second annual Bow Tie Ball will dazzle senses with live music, dancing, enthralling performances, drinks, bites, and a museum wide scavenger hunt.
Go here for registration and information.
There will also be a pivot to a more literary focus for the event, highlighting Twain’s large body of work.
“Think cowboy poetry, but delving into all different elements of literature,” said BAC Deputy Director Valerie Moore. “We wanted to open it up to all types of writing and experiences.”
More than 30 different writing workshops are planned throughout the city, including the Brewery Arts Center, downtown Carson City locations, the Western Nevada College campus, and more.
A book fair will also be held in addition to the vendor fair, along with wagon rides held at the BAC.
“The museums are also partnering with us for the event and will be offering free museum days on Saturday, May 11 at the Children’s Museum, the Nevada State Museum, and the Capitol building,” Moore said.
The Bowtie Ball will also be held at the Nevada State Museum later that evening.
Live music will be found throughout the event both in Carson City and Virginia City.
For vendors looking to be involved, Moore is still accepting vendor applications for the vendor fair. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, please click here to find the vendor inquiry application.
Volunteers are also being sought for those who want to help create this original, annual event. Help is needed in the following areas:
— 5/9 - VIP Reception to kick off the event at Nevada State Museum
— 5/10 - Volunteers needed for various events around Virginia City
— 5/11 - Volunteers needed at Brewery Arts Center to assist with vendor fair, book fair, and wagon rides. Costumes encouraged, but not required.
— 5/11 - Bowtie Ball, which will take place at the Nevada State Museum.
— 5/12 - General presence around downtown Carson City and Virginia City.
Go here for more information, including the full schedule of events when posted.
