• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Fourth of July events lined up in Carson City, Virginia City, Douglas and Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Tue Jul 05 2022 .
July 1, 2022 (All day)
July 2, 2022 (All day)
July 3, 2022 (All day)
July 4, 2022 (All day)
July 5, 2022 (All day)

Hello Carson City! Are you looking forward to the upcoming long weekend? So are we! Check out the events happening throughout the weekend leading up to Independence Day on Monday which includes fireworks, parties, music, trains, and much more.

As always, it is important to note that all unauthorized fireworks are illegal in Nevada and using them could result in prosecution or worse, a massive wildfire. Please enjoy the designated fireworks shows that are happening safely throughout the region.

UPDATE: A July 4 parade that had been planned for Dayton has been canceled due to a death in the family of the main organizer.

All Weekend Long

The Great Western Steam Up, a four-day Fourth of July celebration happening this Friday through Monday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City will not only give families a look back in history, but an opportunity to immerse themselves in it. The event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the completion of the rail line that connected Virginia City and San Francisco for passenger service via the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. It includes an unprecedented “reunion” of V&T locomotives from the heyday of the railroad – nicknamed the Queen of the Short Lines.

The Great Western Steam Up includes an exciting pageant of steam locomotion engines, train rides, food, live entertainment, “lost art” demonstrations, food trucks and children’s activities. Events happen daily, Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nevada Railroad Museum, 2180 S Carson St., Carson City. Go here for tickets.

Saturday

Carson Mall to host July 2 Fun Festival, hot dog eating contest, bounce house and more

Carson Mall will be hosting their July 2 Fun Festival with their annual Hot Dog Eating contest. Make sure to bring the kids and enjoy a carnival-themed day!

Local musician Kingwhistler celebrates 10th anniversary with July 2 show.

Carson City Wine Walk happening July 2

Sunday

Silver Palooza Music and Art Festival

Silver City Arts and the Silver City Preservation Society present the Silver Palooza Music and Art Festival. Join us on the Comstock at the Silver City Park for a day of live music, interactive art, exhibitions, lawn games, a cake walk, food, drink and fun!

Independence Day

— The Sons of the American Revolution Battle Born Patriots Chapter will host a July 4 celebration at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City on Monday, highlighted by the ringing of a replica Liberty Bell to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 246 Years of American freedom.

All are encouraged to join the Sons of the American Revolution at their patriotic ceremony, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence and the ringing of the Liberty Bell. The free event is Monday, July 4th, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Carson Street courtyard at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., Carson City.

— Carson City fireworks will take place as usual at Mills Park, located at 1111 E. William Street in Carson City, hosted by RSVP. There is not a carnival this year. Instead the event features a stunning display of Fireworks on July 4th at sundown and new VIP Pavilion Experience, live music from The Grimtones, and great food! The Grimtones are a two piece rock n roll band from Reno, featuring Michelle Belle (guitar, keys, vocals), and Carter Stellon (drums, ukelele, harmonica, vocals). The celebration runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with fireworks after sundown.

The fireworks event is free, but always looking for sponsors with a number of sponsorship packages.

Carson City Sheriff's Office urges motorists to follow traffic signs and to watch for pedestrians, especially along William and Saliman streets. There will be sign and advisory boards along the roadways.

  • Virginia City

Each year, Virginia City hosts a number of Fourth of July events, including Fourth of July on the Comstock and the Fourth of July Parade. In addition, numerous businesses and non-profits are hosting viewing events for the fireworks. For more information.

— Enjoy live music by Milton Merlos, appetizers and cocktails, art gallery exhibitions, silent auctions, and one of the most spectacular views of the Virginia City fireworks show from a stunning 1876 historic former hospital. This is a relaxing, limited seating event for maximum enjoyment away from the crowds. Tickets include free on-site parking.

Date: July 4th, 2022, 7pm – 10pm
Price: $35 - $100 - Tickets available on Eventbrite
Location: 55 North R Street, Virginia City, NV
Questions: Arika Perry, Executive Director: 561.339.4554 or aperry@stmarysartcenter.org

St. Mary’s Art Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to arts and culture. Funding is provided in part by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment of the Arts, a federal agency.

  • Lake Tahoe, Truckee

Incline Village, Crystal Bay 'Fireworks' Spectacular

Formerly Red, White & Tahoe Blue, the Incline Village Crystal Bay Fireworks Spectacular will be hosting an inaugural "drone skyshow" in place of traditional fireworks, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Incline Village Middle School Ball Field.

The Truckee 4th of July Parade will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. along Donner Pass Rd. near Truckee High School, located at 11725 Donner Pass Rd. Free to spectators and fun for the whole family.

South Lake Tahoe
The nationally recognized “Lights on the Lake” entails 20 minutes of bright lights and colors that illuminate the night sky to celebrate Independence Day by pairing sounds of American classics and today’s top hits to perfectly executed pyrotechnics.

Besides being in a boat, viewing spots include Nevada Beach, Lakeview Commons, and Van Sickle Bi-State Park; area officials advise viewers to plan ahead, consider alternative modes of transportation and take all trash/belongings when the show concludes. The show is from 9:45 pm - 10:05 pm. Go here for more information.

  • Douglas County

July 4th in Genoa

The Carson City Symphony, under the direction of David Bugli, the Carson Chamber Singers, under the direction of Ricky Hutton, and the Joyful Noise Carson Children's Choir, under the direction of Michelle Powers, will be performing at the Genoa Americana Celebration event at Mormon Station State Park, Genoa, starting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4, 2022. The orchestra will be joined by a guest vocalist Kevin Milburn. The concert is free and open to the public.

The program includes show tunes, Sousa marches, pops music, and Kevin Milburn's original songs, arranged for orchestra by David Bugli. The Carson Chamber Singers will sing Dos Oruguitas from Disney's "Encanto" by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Down by the Riverside arranged by John Rutter, and Homeland by Gustav Holst. The Joyful Noise will perform "Music is Always There" with the Symphony. There will also be patriotic music, including "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Armed Forces Salute."

The Genoa Americana Celebration will start earlier in the day with a children's parade at 10:00 a.m. and the presentation of four smaller ensembles, starting at 11:00 a.m. The event is put on by Friends of Genoa in cooperation with the Town of Genoa. Bring low backed chairs or blankets. Please, no set up before 8:00 a.m. Chicken dinners will be available for purchase from the Genoa Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD), or visitors can stop by a Genoa food establishment or bring a picnic. Bring a towel or change of clothes for the children for the water games. No glass containers, please.

For more information, call 775-883-4154.

Gardnerville Freedom 5K Fun Run

Head down to Heritage Park at 8 a.m. for the 9th annual Freedom 5K Run for the Wreath Fun Run, which is a partnership between Main Street Gardnerville and Wreaths Across America to honor all 218 Military Veterans laid to rest at Garden Cemetery. $5.00 from every registration will go towards purchasing a wreath for these veterans.

Post-July 4

Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup scheduled for July 5

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below if there are any Fourth of July events that may have slipped past our notice in Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County or at Lake Tahoe!

Top Stories

... or see all stories

The Nevada National Guard will host its 26th annual Flag Day Ceremony and the U.S. Army’s 249th Birthday celebration at 10 a.m. this Friday, June 14, at the Veterans Memorial on the Capitol Grounds, 101 N. Carson St. in Carson City.

On Saturday, June 15, at 10 a.m., historian and author Mark McLaughlin will return to Dangberg Historic Park to speak on Charles F. McGlashan who was an American writer, historian, journalist, educator, lawyer, amateur entomologist and astronomer.

Students at Western Nevada College performed exceptionally well in the classroom during the Spring 2024 semester.

In fact, 442 students have earned academic recognition for making the Dean’s List. The total number of academic achievers is only exceeded by the 487 students on the Fall 2023 Dean’s List and the 461 students on the Fall 2022 Dean’s List.

The Bureau of Land Management is advising residents living within the Carson City District, which encompasses 5.3 million acres of federal public lands in 11 counties in western Nevada and eastern California, to be aware of wildfire prevention. In addition, prepare their homes and property for the advent of wildfire season.

Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) announces three executive leaders were appointed to new positions, including Jen Treadway, who has been named chief people officer; Shaz Wiltowsky, who will now serve as vice president of people resources; and Christy White, who has been named vice president of engagement.

The Rise 8 Basketball Academy scored a few additional points at Carson Middle School when youth teams gathered for a community service project to clean the outdoor courts and common areas.

The Nevada State Fair Carnival returns to Mills Park this Thursday in Carson City.

The carnival will continue through Sunday. The event includes carnival rides, food vendors and craft vendors, as well as carnival games.

The Friends of the Nevada State Museum are hosting a white elephant sale at the Nevada State Museum on Saturday, June 29. This event will run concurrently with a Museum Staff Show & Shine Car Show. Proceeds from the events will support the restoration of a 1967 Chevrolet pickup truck for the State Museum.

The Sullivan Fire in Sparks has burned an estimated 150 acres as of Wednesday morning.

Change of meeting place for Muscle Powered's Thursday evening hike

If you are planning to participate in the Muscle Powered Hike on June 13th at 5:30pm, please meet at Carson River Park. We will hike from Carson River Park to Mexican Dam and back. Make sure you have good hiking shoes, water and whatever you need for a great hike! Questions? Email Janet McDonnell at jmcdonnell@musclepowered.org

A 76-year-old man has been identified in the fatal June 1 crash involving a motorcycle rider on State Route 341 Geiger Grade.

Starting in mid-August, day-use reservations will be required on weekends and holidays at Lake Tahoe’s popular Sand Harbor State Park.

In August, 2023, several wildfires ignited on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The worst one occurred on August 8, 2023, when a brush fire ignited near the town of Lahaina. Hundreds of homes burned in a matter of minutes and ultimately over 100 people lost their lives. The Lions of Hawaii have helped address the needs of the survivors since then, but it will take years to recover from this major disaster.

Greater Nevada Credit Union (GNCU) recognized 75 years of service to Nevadans by awarding $75,000 in scholarships: $2,000 to 37 individuals pursuing their undergraduate, technical or trade school education goals, along with an additional $1,000 applied to programs supporting high school students in their graduation endeavors.

Nevada State Police have identified a 30-year-old Dayton man in a fatal crash that happened June 2 on Six Mile Canyon Road and San Clemens in Lyon County, Nev. One person has been arrested for suspicion of DUI.

The Northern Nevada Exotic Pet Expo is coming to the capital city this weekend, June 15-16 at the Carson City Community Center.

According to organizers, exotic pet vendors from all over the western U.S. join the expo each year bringing reptiles, exotic pets, supplies, and much more.

Billiards is a family tradition for Crystal Sandoval. While she was born and raised in Carson City, as well as a Carson High graduate, her parents are immigrants: her father was born in Honduras, and her mother in Nicaragua, and they had run a billiards hall in Nicaragua for years before coming to Carson City.

"When the whole family came over to the states, they brought the idea to me to continue the family business, since they had it for a long time," Sandoval said.

Engineering and welding students from Carson High School collaborated with the Carson City Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class to design and create metal artwork for their effort to renew Mills Park Amphitheater and Memorial.

Carson City Trails Challenge

Join us this Tuesday, 8 a.m. for a hike on the Centennial Park Loop Trail. Meet at the north end, across from the ball fields for a 4.5 mile hike. Come on out and enjoy the morning.

Social media awareness and the dangers that may be imposed on youth will be the focus of a parent and youth education night happening Tuesday, June 11 and again June 25 in Carson City.

Election Day has arrived for the June 2024 primary elections, which will take place Tuesday, June 11 throughout the Silver State.

A total of five teens have been arrested for crimes ranging from possession of stolen firearms to allegedly committing a rash of vehicle burglaries in the Gardnerville Ranchos during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 26, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday June 11 at 1:30 p.m., the Carson City Senior Center presents a Chautauqua performance of James and Margret Reed, hero’s and survivors of the infamous 1846 Donner Party.

Looking for a place to take your little ones this week? Look no further! Here is a list of family-friendly (and fun!) activities and events happening this week around Carson City.

The next Carson City School Board meeting will take place Tuesday, June 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Crowell Board Room of the Community Center locate at 851 E. William St.

Trustees will discuss policy changes, test results, partnerships and more.

A 31-year-old man was arrested Friday for felony possession of explosive device components, two counts child neglect and two counts elder neglect among the alleged offenses, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Sierra Nevada Realtors on Monday released its May 2024 report on existing home sales in Washoe, Storey, Lyon, Douglas, and Churchill counties, along with Carson City.

Tammy Westergard, with the Nevada Governor’s Office for Economic Development, will be the speaker at the next Rotary Club of Carson City meeting.

There is nothing more pleasing to mine ear than the music of children at play, and yet that gladdening music is scarce today, as mortgages and rents push potential parents away from our mountain redoubt. Why not let AI take over the humdrum jobs, and free folks to create art, make music, author books, make babies, because at bottom that’s what we all want to do.

What about peonies?” my friend Kristen asked me recently. She wanted to purchase some for her daughter’s new home. I love peonies, their look and fragrance. I tried to grow them years ago, but failed, probably because of their need for rich, fertile soil. They didn’t grow even with get six hours to eight hours of sun per day.