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May 2026 Events and Activities in the Reno Region

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May is Older Americans Month
	Events and activities for seniors all month.

Reno Aces Baseball
	Fun at the ballpark with the Reno Aces.

Restaurant Inspections
	Check scores on restaurants and other food establishments before deciding where to dine out.

Big events during May, 2026 include...

• May is Older Americans Month
• Mother's Day
• Memorial Day Weekend
• Farmers Markets
• Summer Camps

May is Older Americans Month - May, 2026. Older adults are a vital part of our society. Since 1963, communities across the country have shown their gratitude by celebrating Older Americans Month each May. The theme of the 2025 celebration is "Flip the Script on Aging."

Sci-On! Science + Fiction Film Festival - May 1 - 3, 2026. Science and science-fiction film screenings will be at the Fleischmann Planetarium on the UNR campus. Tickets are available online. (775) 830-5295.

Galena Creek Visitor Center - Summer hours starting May 1, 2026, are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours in effect until October 15, 2026. The surrounding Galena Creek Regional Park is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration - Friday and Saturday, May 1 - 2, 2026. Come to THE ROW to enjoy traditional dancers and strolling mariachis. Enjoy lots of food offerings, plus a big selection of vendors. There will be bright festival colors throughout the Eldorado, Circus Circus, and Silver Legacy. THE ROW casinos are in downtown Reno. There is another Cinco de Mayo festival in Carson City on May 3. There are other Cinco de Mayo happenings around the area - check out "Reno celebrates Cinco de Mayo."

Bike Month - May, 2026. This month long bicycle awareness campaign is put on by the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance and Northern Nevada Public Health. The event focuses on promoting healthy living and physical fitness through active transportation. Key things include commuter challenge, educational and informational presentations, promoting partner events and rides and elevating community organizations and businesses. Visit the website for details about each of these.

KTMB Great Community Clean-Up - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Join Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) for the annual Great Community Cleanup. This event focuses on the cleanup of illegal dump sites and noxious weeds in the open spaces surrounding the Truckee Meadows. Every year hundreds of volunteers come together to clean up our community. You will be able to choose from over 20 sites throughout the Truckee Meadows open-spaces. There will be a volunteer appreciation picnic after the clean-up with free food and drink. Go to KTMB Volunteer Sign-Ups to sign up and pick a work site.

Reno Aces Baseball - Friday to Sunday, May 1 - 3, 2026. The Reno Aces start May with the final three of a six game homestand against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Greater Nevada Field. Another six game series against the Las Vegas Aviators runs from May 12 to 17.

"Rhythm of the Night" at the Pioneer Center - Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 7 p.m. Presented by the Reno Dance Company. Experience pop culture through a world beat of music and dance. Journey to Paris and the joie de vivre, shuffle through the exotic lands of Asia then explore the mystique of Arabian nights before stopping to enjoy the heat and color of the Latino beat. Finally, experience the diverse pop cultures of our own America, where Country meets Gospel and Swing opens the door to the pulsating energy of Big City life. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets online. The Pioneer Center is at 100 S. Virginia St. in downtown Reno.

Hands ON! Second Saturday at the Nevada Museum of Art - Saturday, May 9, 2026. Come to the Nevada Museum of Art for fun for the whole family, including storytelling, art activities, live performances, and all current exhibits. This month the theme is "My Museum," inspired by International Museum Day in the month of May. Admission to the Museum is free for all on Second Saturdays.

May Arboretum Society Spring Plant Sale - Friday and Saturday, May 8 - 9, 2026. Friday is the member's only preview from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday is for everyone. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come stroll Burke and Plaza gardens where there will be over 5,000 plants and 300 different varieties for sale that will include Plant Select, Native Plants, and new varieties for this year. All plants will be zoned for our area and most you will not find in local garden shops. You will find a variety of shrubs, flowers, succulents, and more. At the Wilbur D. May Arboretum in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra St. in Reno.

Hot August Nights Spring Fever - Friday and Saturday, May 8 - 9, 2026. This annual festival will get the engines warmed up and ready for the main event as we Show-n-Shine for two days with classic vehicles, live entertainment, vendors featuring art and craft vendors, memorabilia, and a variety of food vendors. At the Atlantis Casino Resort in Reno. Visit the website for an application and details about the event.

Dark Prison Haunted House - Friday to Sunday, May 8 - 10, 2026. This is a "Halfway to Halloween" event at the historic Nevada State Prison in Carson City (3301 E. 5th St.). From the creators of Dark Corner haunted house, step inside the next level of fear, where the walls remember and the shadows move. Set in the scariest place in Northern Nevada. Advance tickets recommended. According to organizers, the event will sell out. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Mother's Day - Sunday, May 10, 2026. Check this article for Mother's Day events and activities, including Mother's Day dining choices.

Reno Riverwalk Wine Walk - Saturday, May 16, 2026. The Riverwalk Merchants present this fun event every third Saturday of the month. Tickets are $30 and available online or at one of the start locations on the day of the event. This is a 21+ event. Pets and strollers are not advised. For more information, call 775-825-WALK(9255).

44th Annual Chili on the Comstock in Virginia City - Saturday and Sunday, May 16 - 17, 2026. This event has participants sampling chili and craft brews from various merchants and booths around Virginia City, giving visitors the chance to discover more of the historic mining town than ever before. Returning again this year; The Great Fire Hot Chili Pepper Eating Challenge. Ticket options give attendees the option of sampling from 10 chili booths including professional and local chefs, 12 craft beer samples, or for a better value and even more fun, a combination of the two. The event runs both days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the website for ticket details and online purchase.

Birding with a Park Ranger at Bowers Mansion - Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Special guest Jeff Bleam of the Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance will share tips on spotting and identifying local birds. Then, we'll head out on a guided birding walk through the park, check out taxidermy bird displays, and join a friendly team challenge to see who can spot the most species. All ages welcome. (775) 849-1825. Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Rd. in Washoe Valley. No pets - Pets are not allowed at Bowers Mansion Regional Park with the exception of service animals. This policy is due to the park's historical significance.

Black Rock Rendezvous - Friday to Sunday, May 22 - 26, 2026. Join Friends of Black Rock, our partners at the BLM and Friends of Nevada Wilderness on the Black Rock Desert playa for our annual event featuring camping, restoration, exploration, celebration and education. This is a Leave No Trace Camping Event taking place on the Black Rock Desert Playa during Memorial Day Weekend.

Idlewild Park Train - Memorial Day weekend (May 23 - 25) through Labor Day weekend (September 5 - 7), 2026. The Idlewild Park train begins 2026 operations during Memorial Day and continues running on until Labor Day. Open Monday to Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. This makes a fun family adventure and the fare is still just $2, with kids 2 and under free on an adult's lap.

Memorial Day Weekend - Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 25, 2026, with numerous activities and events around Reno during this first big holiday weekend of the year.

Reno-Tahoe Odyssey - Friday and Saturday, May 29 - 30, 2026. Besides the main relay run that goes up to Lake Tahoe, there are two other runs involved - the Capital Odyssey and the Comstock Odyssey. How all this works is a bit complicated, so visit the website for all the details on how to participate.

Reno River Festival - Friday through Sunday, May 29 to 31, 2026. The Reno River Festival is packed with all things summer for one unforgettable weekend. Idlewild Park will transform into an outdoor destination featuring local live music, local craft beer, and lots more. Entry tickets are $18.50 for the whole weekend. Kids 17 and under and dogs are free. Visit the website for more details.

Washoe County Library Booksale - May 30 - June 7, 2026. Book sales are a function of Friends of Washoe County Library. Sales are in the mall space next door to the Sierra View Library in the Reno Town Mall. Preview day for Friends members is on the Friday before each sale period, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you aren't a member, you can join Friends at the door. The sale is open to all every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Half-price (except specially priced books) day is the last Saturday of the sale. The final Sunday of the sale period is $5 bag day. Sales are cash or check only - credit cards are not accepted. The book sales feature a large selection of books, DVDs, CDs, and VHS tapes at bargain prices.

Programs on the Porch at Bowers Mansion - Wednesdays from June 3 to July 1, 2026, 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy this free series in front of historic Bowers Mansion. This series is free, however donations are happily accepted for the performers. The first presentation is "Coyote Crossing." Bowers Mansion Regional Park, 4005 Bowers Mansion Rd. in Washoe Valley. No pets - Pets are not allowed at Bowers Mansion Regional Park with the exception of service animals. This policy is due to the park's historical significance.

Reno Margarita Day Crawl - Saturday, June 6, 2026, noon to 6 p.m. Crawl around downtown Reno to 15 different venues with lots of food and drink specials. Free giveaways, no cover at all locations, live entertainment, and lots more. Start bar is Birdeez. Visit the website to buy cups online.

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