Plan your Parade Day: Nevada Day Schedule of Events 2023

The countdown continues, and the day of days — the 85th Nevada Day Parade — will be this very Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 in Carson City. Take a look at all of the events happening throughout the weekend.

Saturday's parade begins at 10 a.m.

NEVADA GIFT SHOP & OFFICE

The Nevada Gift Shop is a gift shop with all things Nevada. From shirts and sweats to coasters and postcards, they have unique items, works by local artists, jewelry, books and so much more! Located at 1013 S Carson St. (by Red’s Old 395), open Monday-Friday (and Saturdays in October) from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nevada Day, Inc. is a 501(c)3 that works year-round to put on the Nevada Day Celebration. For more info visit www.NevadaDay.com, or call (775) 882-2600.

Friday Oct. 27, 2023

HISTORICAL EAST-SIDE TOUR

Join Bernie Allen and Donna McLaren on Friday, Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. as he guides you on a two mile walking tour of the historical east side of Carson City. This free tour begins at the Capitol steps and continues to the location of the former children’s home, which was also the site of the 1897 Corbett Fitzsimmons heavyweight title fight. The tour also includes a visit to the site of the former V&T Railroad shops as well as many other historic locations. For more info, call Bernie at (775) 315-7616.

TIE-A-THON

The Carson Fly Fishing Club is holding a Tie–A-Thon to tie flies for charity, Friday, Oct. 27. The flies will be used by the High Sierra Fly Casters to help cancer patients and veterans through their programs Reel Kids, Reel Recovery and Reel Vets. This event will take place at the Silver City RV Resort, 3165 US 395 N. in Minden, from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. For more information contact Stan (775) 671-2151.

NEVADA STATE MUSEUM

Nevada State Museum, located at 600 N. Carson Street, will offer free admission on Nevada Day, Oct. 27 and the following day, Oct. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Coin Press No. 1 minting demonstrations and interpretive talks in the historic Mint from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 28. Vouchers for half-ounce .999 fine silver planchets sold in the Museum Store starting at 11 a.m. The Friends of the Nevada State Museum will be serving hot chocolate and baked goods during the Nevada Day Parade. See www.carsonnvmuseum.org. Call (775) 687-4810.

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28, 2023

NEVADA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM

The Nevada State Railroad will be offering free admission on Nevada Day, Oct. 27 and the following day, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As a special Nevada Day Weekend treat, the museum will be operating the McKeen Motor Car. Fares for the McKeen Motor Car are $8 for ages 12 and over, $4 ages 4-11 and museum members, and free for ages 3 and under. McKeen Car rides operate from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day. The museum is located at 2180 South Carson Street. (775) 687-6953 www.carsonrailroadmuseum.org

Spirits & Spirits: Presentation by Janice Oberding on Folklore and Ghosts

This lively presentation covers the importance of the railroad to the Silver State’s history and the state’s folklore and ghosts on Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m. $35 general admission ticket, $30 Friends of the NSRM ticket. Tickets are for sale at Nevada State Railroad Museum, all proceeds go to the Friends of the Nevada State Railroad Museum. For more info, call (775) 687-6953 or visit www.carsonrailroadmuseum.org.

GREAT BASIN BEER GARDEN AND BOUNCE HOUSE FOR KIDS

Proctor Street will be closed on Parade Day for a beer garden and kids activities as well as live music by the band Jakota. Kids activities include a bounce house, outdoor games, and there will be food on site.

Friday - Sunday, Oct. 27-29, 2023

NEVADA DAY TREASURE HUNT

The medallion this year has been found! The Nevada Day Treasure Hunt is a time-honored tradition for many families throughout the Silver State, who set their minds together to decipher clues metered out each day leading to the secret location of buried treasure: The Nevada Day Treasure Hunt Medallion, which if found before Oct. 31 will lead to a $1,000 cash prize! To keep up to date with Treasure Hunt news and clues, visit www.nevadadaytreasurehunt.org or our Nevada Day Treasure Hunt Facebook page.

NEVADA DAY POWWOW

The Nevada Day Powwow will be Oct. 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, 1860 Russell Way, Carson City. Admission is free.

GREAT BASIN NATIVE ARTISTS GALLERY

The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 28. We will have a beading demonstration that day by Dale Bennett, Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California. In addition, the current exhibit in our Great Basin Native Artist Gallery is titled “Creating Story: Artwork of the Stewart Indian School.” The exhibit runs Sept. 15 - Feb. 2.

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION

A Nevada Day tradition, the pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion (606 N. Mountain St.) is hosted by the Carson City Republican Women’s Club and takes place from 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. on Parade Day. Cost is $7 for adults and $4 for kids 10 and younger. Proceeds go towards a scholarship of $2,000 to a deserving senior from Carson or Dayton High School. Breakfast includes: pancakes, eggs, ham, orange juice and coffee. The Governor is often available for photos. You might even spot surprise celebrities and famous political guests at this annual Carson City tradition! For more info visit www.ccrwclub.com

THE METCALF WAY BREAKFAST BUFFET AT RED’S OLD 395 GRILL 23rd Annual Nevada Builders Foundation hosts The Metcalf Way Nevada Day Breakfast Buffet at Red’s Old 395 Grill. Saturday, Oct. 28 6 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Red’s Old 395 Grill is located at 1055 S. Carson St. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet of pancakes and scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages and potatoes and much more. Be sure to treat yourself to Red’s famous Bloody Marys and mimosas. They are available at the bar. Early Bird Special tickets are $8 purchased in advance and $10 at the door. Hurry and get your tickets now at www.NevadaBuilders.org/Nevada-day-breakfast-buffet/

JOIN NEVADA BUILDERS FOUNDATION

Come support Nevada Builders foundation at 603 S. Carson St. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Food and drinks available. Proceeds will support the Foundation's mission to help local youth seeking a fulfilling career in the construction industry.

35th ANNUAL NEVADA DAY CLASSIC

Thirty-five years running. We are excited and thankful, as always, to put on one of our signature races and be part of the Nevada Day weekend. This is a classic road course through the streets of west Carson City. Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged. This year's theme is Home Means Nevada so be creative and be part of the fun. An annual event since 1989, the Nevada Day Classic is an 8K run and a 2-mile run/walk that kicks off Nevada Day and sends runners/walkers through the beautiful, historic West Side of Carson City and a finish down the main drag with spectators lining the way. All runners of all distances will receive a custom wooden medal. The first 300 runners that register are guaranteed a t-shirt. The Nevada Day Classic is organized by the Tahoe Mountain Milers in partnership with Guide Dog for the Blind, Kaia Fit, Delta Gamma, and Lynn Mentzer Timing. All net proceeds will go to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Email tahoemtnmilers@gmail.com for more.

RE/MAX NEVADA DAY BALLOON LAUNCH

Watch the majesty of hot air balloons launching right on Carson Street near the Carson Mall beginning at 8:00 a.m. on parade day (weather permitting). The balloons fly for about an hour and are usually down before the parade starts. The launch operates under the assistance of the Great Reno Balloon Race. Team RE/MAX flies their signature hot air balloon, along with many other balloons. Sponsors can ride in a balloon and hang their banner from the balloon’s basket.

NEVADA DAY PARADE

The military fly-over will signal the start of the parade, which begins at William Street and N. Carson Street, and ends 4 hours later at the intersection of Stewart Street and S. Carson Street. The parade features marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, historical displays, Burning Man art cars, and much more. View a list of parade entries in the parade program or online at Carson Now.

NEVADA DAY BEARD CONTEST

Hosted by Cipriani’s Downtown Barber Shop and Paradise Salon - Spa - Wellness. Held immediately following the parade, the Beard Contest takes place on the main stage at McFadden Plaza (3rd St.) There is no entry fee, the contest is open to anyone with a beard. Award categories include: best overall winner, longest, fullest, reddest, whitest, blackest, best salt and pepper, best groomed, scruffiest, and most bearded community.

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLE JACK DRILLING CONTEST

The World Championship Single Jack Rock Drilling Contest takes place Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Carson Mall Parking lot on Carson Street. The competition begins around 11 a.m. where contestants use 4 1/2 pound hammers and a 3/4” bit of steel to drill as deep and as fast as they can in a 4,320 pound piece of Sierra White Granite from the Yosemite area (the hardest known granite in the region).

Contestants have 10 minutes to pound the drills into the solid stone, their only help is from an assistant who runs water into the hole so the loose stone chips are splashed out with every stroke of the hammer. The deepest hole wins. The contest harkens back to the Comstock mining skills of earlier times, when blast holes for dynamite were punched into ore bodies by hand. Contestants vie for a chance at a World Champion title. To learn more visit www.NevadaDay.com.

DOWNTOWN VINTAGE MARKET FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

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, a kids chalk area, panning for gold, bubbles, and much more, with over 50 vendors and a beer trailer for adults.

USAF MOBILITY BAND PERFORMANCE

Carson City Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 7-member USAF Mobility Band that will begin their show on Saturday, 10/28, at 5 pm on the McFadden Plaza Stage. They are a part of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West stationed at Travis Air Force Base and a high energy rock band that have become very popular in Carson City. This is their third appearance to help celebrate Nevada’s most popular holiday tradition. They also will be on the VFW Float to play during the parade.

FALL FEST AT THE ARLINGTON SQUARE

Join us Saturday Oct. 28 for the 8th annual Northern Nevada Fall Fest. Shop local crafters, reps, and businesses. Food Trucks, food booths, Kettle Corn, Raffles, candy and more! In Arlington Square (507 N. Carson St) from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

CARSON MALL ACTIVITIES

Thanks to the Carson Mall for their support of Nevada Day, Inc. hosting the Balloon Launch and the Rock Drill for us. Besides those events, the mall is also offering Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, live music at Bella Vita Bistro featuring Rich Green – 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and live music at Nashville Social Club featuring Left of Centre – 7:30 p.m. No cover charge!

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 the fun continues with Nevada Day Trading Post and Artisan’s Market – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Carson Mall 60th Anniversary Drawings will be held hourly from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Also, live Music at Nashville Social Club featuring Patrick Hansen 3-6 p.m.

SECOND ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Outside, the second annual Cornhole Tournament presented by Sierra Nevada Cornhole will take place next to the Rock Drilling Competition. Sign-in and raffle ticket purchases are at 1 p.m., and bags will fly at 2 p.m. There is a $15 buy-in, with a 100 percent payout plus an extra $100 added by the NV State Agricultural Fair. Bring your own chairs, water, bags, and warm clothes, and extra bags will be available on request.

39TH ANNUAL CHILI FEED

The annual Chili Feed in the Carson Nugget’s upstairs Banquet Center (507 North Carson St.) on parade day from Noon - 2 p.m. Admission is free, so arrive early for the popular event! Enjoy free chili with all the fixings. It’s a great opportunity to meet old and new friends, plus chat with federal, state, and local leaders.

POST PARADE TELEGRAPH AND PROCTOR CELEBRATION

Join old and new friends and dance to the music of Ev and the Electric Soup from 3 - 6 p.m. in Telegraph Square (at Telegraph & Curry Streets), sponsored by Nevada Day, Inc. Enjoy free live music, plus visit food and drink vendors and nearby businesses. West Proctor Street will be closed for Great Basin Brewery to host a beer garden with kids events and the band Jakota playing. For 2023, we’ve expanded the fun to the other side of Carson Street. Food, drinks and all sorts of vendors will line both East Telegraph and East Proctor streets, with live music. Come listen to Reckless Envy from 3 - 6 p.m. in Proctor Street by Jimmy G’s.

STEWART INDIAN SCHOOL CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM

Visit the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum on Saturday, Oct. 28. The cultural center and museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a beading demonstration from 11 a.m. – 4 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.

NEVADA DAY FREE CONCERT

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, NV (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.

TOURS AT THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION

The Governor's mansion will again be hosting tours this year on Nevada Day (which includes upstairs!) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to see the upstairs of the mansion and meet the Governor and first lady. Docents will do the tours in period clothing and they usually have a little treat to hand out as well.

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023

POST NEVADA DAY TRASH MOB

Meet at the parking lot at 3rd Street and Curry Street by 8 a.m. to help us clean up downtown the day after the parade. For more details, visit our website at nevadaday.com or give us a call at (775) 882-2600.

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023

TRICK-OR-TREATING IN CARSON CITY & THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION

The Official night for trick-or-treating in Carson City this year is Tuesday, Oct. 31. Stop by the Governor’s Mansion at 606 N. Mountain St. where the Governor and the first lady will hand out candy, and get a photo with them, from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. There will be entertainment for all ages.