Nevada Day Parade and celebration returns Oct. 28 for 85th year
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Wed, 10/11/2023 - 1:54pm
Event Date:
October 28, 2023 (All day)
The Day of Days, the largest celebration of Nevada within the Silver State, returns for its 85th consecutive year Oct. 28, 2023 in Carson City.
This year, the theme is “Home Means Nevada,” courtesy of our beloved state song.
The fun begins at 8 a.m. on parade day with the ReMax Balloon Launch which will take place all the way from Fairview to downtown Carson Street.
At 10 a.m., the parade will begin with a military flyover, with entries beginning from E. William to Stewart Streets.
At 11 a.m., the World Championship Single-Jack Rock Drill Competition begins outside of the Carson Mall. This year marks its 50th year in Carson City at the parade, so be sure to stop by to cheer for the competitors!
Immediately following the end of the parade around 2 p.m., the Beard Contest will begin at McFadden Plaza, and is welcome to anyone with a beard!
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the post-parade celebration will take place on Telegraph, Curry and Proctor Streets, including downtown vendors, live music, food, and even bounce houses for the kiddos!
From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. the Nevada Day Gift Shop will be open for your Nevada Day apparel, buttons, stickers, flags, and more, located in front of Red’s Old 395 Grill at 1013 S. Carson Street.
Other Nevada Day activities
The Nevada Day Powwow will run from October 27, 28, and 29 with a Friday Grand Entry beginning at 7 p.m., Grand Entry at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday at the MAC center in Carson City, NV. Admission is free.
From 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. the annual Pancake Breakfast will be hosted at the Governor’s Mansion by the Carson City Republican Women’s Club on parade day. Cost is $4 for 10 and under and $7 for adults.
On parade day from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. head down to Red’s Old 395 for the Metcalf Way Nevada Day Breakfast Buffet. Early bird tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City will be offering free admission on Nevada Day, Oct. 27 and parade day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and as a special treat, will be operating the McKeen Motor Car.
The 35th Annual Nevada Day Classic is an 8k run and a 2 mile run/walk that takes place before the parade begins and sends participants through the historic west side of Carson City. Proceeds from the race will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The Downtown Vintage Market will host family friendly activities throughout Parade Day at the corner of Telegraph and Stewart Streets. Activities include a fair and market, face painting, mini golf, a kids chalk area, panning for gold, bubbles, and much more, with over 50 vendors and a beer trailer for adults.
The Carson Nugget will host Fall Fest in Arlington Square at 507 N. Carson Street from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. where participants can shop local crafters, food trucks, local businesses, candy, raffles, and more.
In addition, the 39th annual Chili Feed will also take place at the Carson Nugget in the upstairs Banquet Center from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Visit the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum on Saturday, Oct. 28. The cultural center and museum will be open from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. There will be a beading demonstration from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by Dale Bennett, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, who attended Stewart Indian School from 1969-1973.
The current exhibit in the Great Basin Native Artists Gallery is Creating Stories: Artwork of the Stewart Alumni curated by Melissa Melero-Moose (Fallon Paiute/Modoc) . This exhibition features paintings, drawings, basketry, and more made by former students of the school. Visitors can walk the .6 mile self-guided trail with a recorded audio tour connected via cell phone with recordings that describe the buildings and the history.
The Capital City Community Band opens its 46th concert season with a free concert of patriotic and Halloween favorites on Sat., Oct. 28th, at 2 p.m. at the Amphitheater in the Legislative Mall in Carson City (weather permitting.) The concert is free to the public. Parents are encouraged to bring their children. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
The Governor’s Mansion will be hosting tours from 2 to 4 p.m. on parade day, which includes the upstairs of the mansion.
Post-Nevada Day
Join Muscle Powered on Sunday, Oct. 29 for the Post Nevada Day Trash Mob to help clean up downtown the morning after the parade. Meet at the parking lot at 3rd Street and Curry by 8 a.m.
For these events and more, be sure to pick up the free official Nevada Day Magazine and Program along the parade route day-of!
