Things to do in Reno–Tahoe

Written for people who have to drive a mountain road to get there — so every page tells you which road, and what it does in winter. What is on now comes first.

Going to the lake: things to do in Lake Tahoe, shore by shore, and the lake in winter, in November and in December.

On now and coming up

• Halloween Reno: Events, Trick or Treat, and Nightlife

  On now

  Schedule, admission prices, and dates for 2026 Halloween trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and downtown events across Reno and northern Nevada.

• Lake Tahoe in November: Weather, What's Open, 2026 Events

  On now

  Lake Tahoe in November 2026 — the normal highs and lows, what has shut for the season, ski opening days, Thanksgiving and the first tree lightings.

• Nevada Day Parade: Carson City Schedule and Logistics

  On now

  Plan your trip to the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City. Includes parade start time, event schedule, and road conditions for the drive from Reno.

• Reno Golf Courses: Layouts, Practice Greens, and Elevation

  On now

  Guide to Reno and Sparks public golf courses, including Washoe County, Lakeridge, Wolf Run, Sierra Sage, and Red Hawk facilities.

• Wolf Pack Football Game Day: Viewing, Activities, and Travel

  On now

  Plan your Nevada Wolf Pack game day with information on local viewing spots, pre-game activities, and essential road conditions for travel.

• Reno Snow Storms: Road Conditions and Emergency Preparedness

  1 November

  Real-time road status, chain controls, and emergency preparedness tips for driving and living in Reno during winter snow storms.

• Winter Driving Sierra Chains: What to Carry

  1 November

  California chain requirements, what gear to carry across Sierra passes, and official rules for driving I-80 and Lake Tahoe corridors.

• Reno Veterans Day Parade: Dates and Transit Information

  11 November

  Details for the annual Reno Veterans Day Parade on November 11, including free transit options and regional road access information.

• Beginner Ski Resorts Near Reno

  15 November

  Beginner terrain, ski school programs, and highway routes from Reno to Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, and South Lake Tahoe resorts.

• Ice Skating in Reno and Lake Tahoe: Rinks and Locations

  15 November

  Find current public ice skating rinks in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe. Includes facility details, pricing, and links to mountain road conditions.

• Lake Tahoe in December: Christmas Events, Snow, Weather

  15 November

  Lake Tahoe in December 2026 — Santa cruises, tree lightings, skating rinks, New Year's Eve, the normal snowfall, and the passes you need open.

• Reno Airport Winter Delays Tips and Snow Storms

  15 November

  Reno-Tahoe Airport winter flight delay advice, TSA security hours, highway closure checks, and tips when Sierra storms hit I-80.

• Reno-Tahoe Winter Sports: Skiing, Tubing, and Snowplay

  15 November

  Current road status and guide to winter activities in Truckee and Lake Tahoe, including tubing, Nordic skiing, and shuttle services.

• Ski Resorts Near Reno Compared

  15 November

  Drive times, elevations, terrain splits, and road corridors for ski resorts reachable from Reno, including Mt. Rose, Northstar, and Heavenly.

• Tahoe Ski Resort Webcams and Road Conditions

  15 November

  Access live webcams for Northstar, Sugar Bowl, and Diamond Peak. Check road conditions, chain controls, and resort status for Tahoe ski travel.

• Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Winter: Prices and Roads

  15 November

  Lake Tahoe in winter by activity — sightseeing lifts, tubing, Sno-Parks, snowmobiles, cross-country trails and rinks — with prices and the road to each.

• Christmas Lights Reno Sparks: Displays and Parades

  25 November

  Guide to 2026 holiday light displays, tree lightings, and festival dates across Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe.

• Thanksgiving Dinner Reno: Menus and Events

  26 November

  Reno and Sparks Thanksgiving restaurant menus, buffet seatings, holiday dining options, and Tahoe events for holiday weekend travel.

• Thanksgiving Reno Tahoe: Dinners, Menus & Travel

  26 November

  Thanksgiving dining in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe. Casino buffets, prix fixe menus, mountain dinners, and Sierra pass travel details.

• Reno & Tahoe Holiday Markets & Tree Lightings

  29 November

  Dates, schedules, vendor counts, and winter driving routes for 2026 holiday craft fairs and tree lightings in Reno, Sparks, Carson, and Tahoe.

• Christmas Events Reno Tahoe 2026 Schedule

  1 December

  Schedules, prices, and locations for 2026 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events across Reno, Mt. Rose, Incline Village, and Tahoe Donner.

• Reno With Kids: Winter Driving and Childcare

  1 December

  Essential information for families in Reno this winter, including childcare programs, public transit to ski resorts, and road safety protocols.

• Snow Play Areas Near Reno Tahoe: Sledding and SNO-PARKs

  1 December

  Find snow play, sledding hills, and SNO-PARK sites near Reno and Lake Tahoe. Check permit costs, tubing parks, and highway camera links.

• Tahoe in Winter Without Skiing: Routes and Activities

  1 December

  Non-skiing winter activities in Tahoe and Truckee, including snowshoeing, ice skating, stargazing, and winter transit connections.

• Reno Santa Crawl: Dates, Map, and Downtown Guide

  5 December

  Reno Santa Crawl guide: December 12, 2026 dates, commemorative cups, participating downtown bars, and the Reno Arch photo.

• Snowshoe Trails and Guided Hikes Near Reno and Tahoe

  15 December

  Locate guided snowshoe tours at Diamond Peak and Sugar Pine Point. Check local road conditions for SR-89 and SR-431 before heading to the mountains.

Any time of year

• Carson City Day Trip From Reno: Routes, Museums, and Parks

  Plan a day trip from Reno to Carson City. Learn about driving routes, museums, local parks, and seasonal events in Nevada's capital city.

• Casino House Edge: Odds Across Reno and Lake Tahoe

  Real house edge math, Nevada Gaming Control Board win data for Reno and Tahoe, and exact costs per hour for blackjack, craps, roulette, and slots.

• Downtown Reno Parking: Tickets, Appeals, and Services

  Parking rules in downtown Reno. Learn how to pay tickets, file appeals, and handle DMV registration holds for parking citations.

• Driving to Ely and Great Basin National Park from Reno

  Practical details for the drive from Reno to Great Basin National Park, including route context, park elevation, and astronomy resources.

• Gambling in Nevada: Reno and Lake Tahoe Guide

  Essential rules, local tax thresholds, casino hubs, and revenue numbers for gambling across Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe.

• Hiking McCarran Ranch Preserve: Access and Information

  Information on McCarran Ranch Preserve, its location on the Truckee River, and regional transportation context for Reno and Sparks.

• Hiking Near Reno By Difficulty: Trail Conditions and Access

  A guide to hiking trails near Reno and Lake Tahoe, categorized by difficulty, with elevation and distance data.

• Historic Preservation and Walking Tours in Reno and Truckee

  Reno has run a preservation program since 1993 and Truckee grades its downtown A to D. Who to call, what the categories mean, and how to walk both.

• Hot Springs Near Reno and Lake Tahoe

  Practical guide to geothermal springs near Reno and Tahoe, including water temperatures, access notes, and safety tips for the drive.

• Hunter Creek Trail: Access, Parking, and Trail Conditions

  Information on the 5.8-mile Hunter Creek Trail in Reno, including trailhead location, parking options, and terrain details.

• Lake Tahoe Day Loop Drive: Route and Road Conditions

  A guide to the 72-mile Lake Tahoe loop drive, including road status, essential navigation, and seasonal travel considerations for the Tahoe Basin.

• Mountain Biking Trails in Reno and Lake Tahoe

  A guide to mountain biking trails in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe, including elevation data, trail access, and seasonal riding information.

• Moving to Reno: What to Sort Out First

  Reno sits at 4,505 ft with about 283,000 people, no state income tax, and a DMV that will not accept your out-of-state insurance. The practical list.

• Mt Rose Summit Trail: Access and Conditions

  The Mt Rose trailhead sits at 8,900 ft on SR-431. What the road has to do before you can reach it, and what the hike is once you do.

• National Championship Air Races: Status and Future

  The National Championship Air Races concluded their final event at Reno-Stead Airport in 2023. No future events are scheduled in Reno.

• Nevada Gambling Rules: Age, Taxes, and Apps

  Key Nevada gambling regulations for 2026, covering the 21+ age limit, sportsbook app setup, online poker, W-2G thresholds, and state taxes.

• Nevada Museum of Art: Regional Exhibitions and History

  Explore the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno, focusing on regional history, Washoe basketry, and the drive from the Lake Tahoe basin.

• Parks in Reno and Lake Tahoe: Access and Facilities

  The City of Reno runs 87 park facilities, and the Tahoe basin parks are state-managed with a drive over a pass. What each one needs before you go.

• Pets and Dog Parks in Reno, Tahoe, and Truckee

  Find off-leash dog parks in Reno, summer pet policies at Palisades Tahoe, and adoption resources through the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

• Public Transit in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe

  Transit options in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe, including regional connectors, on-demand services, and winter travel resources.

• Radio Stations and Weather Alerts for Reno and Lake Tahoe

  Essential radio frequencies for weather alerts and road updates in the Sierra Nevada. Learn about NOAA Weather Radio and SKYWARN.

• Reno Airport Guide (RNO) and Travel Information

  Reno-Tahoe International sits at 4,415 ft, three miles from downtown. What the drive out to Tahoe and Truckee actually involves, and what is in the terminal.

• Reno and Lake Tahoe Casinos Guide

  Compare Reno, Sparks, Stateline, and North Lake Tahoe casinos. Floor sizes, poker rooms, sportsbooks, amenities, and mountain driving routes.

• Reno and Lake Tahoe Event Venues Guide

  Event venue capacities and specifications for Reno and Lake Tahoe, including Palisades Tahoe meeting spaces and local event resources.

• Reno and Northern Nevada Museums

  A guide to museums in Reno, Carson City, and Truckee, including admission fees, operating hours, and travel context for Northern Nevada.

• Reno Beer Crawls and Festival Information

  Information on beer-focused events in Reno and the Lake Tahoe region, including seasonal tasting schedules and festival details.

• Reno Breweries and Craft Beverage Guide

  A directory of Reno and Lake Tahoe breweries, including details on local favorites, distillery operations, and regional road conditions.

• Reno Casinos For Non-Gamblers: Resorts and Amenities

  Explore non-gaming amenities at Reno resorts, including spas, pools, and arcades. Check current road conditions before driving to these locations.

• Reno Dog Parks: Locations and Regulations

  Official list of off-leash dog parks in Reno, Nevada, including park rules, licensing requirements, and seasonal closures for nearby areas.

• Reno Food Trucks: Weekly Schedules and Locations

  Find schedules and locations for Reno food trucks, including weekly events like Food Truck Friday and Wednesday gatherings at the RPD.

• Reno Inclusion Adaptive Programs

  Overview of City of Reno adaptive sports programs including wheelchair pickleball, rugby, sled hockey, and dance for individuals with disabilities.

• Reno to Las Vegas Drive via US-95

  Driving from Reno to Las Vegas via US-95 takes approximately 7 hours. View road conditions and recommended stops along the route.

• Shopping Malls and Outlets in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe

  A guide to shopping centers in the Reno-Tahoe region, including store listings, locations, and winter travel considerations for mountain driving.

• Swimming Pools in Reno and Sparks

  A guide to public and resort swimming pools in Reno and Sparks, including seasonal schedules and facility details.

• Things to Do in Lake Tahoe, Shore by Shore and in Winter

  What to do at Lake Tahoe on the south, north, west and Nevada shores, which highway each place is on, and what shuts for the winter. Cameras linked.

• Truckee Day Trip From Reno: Routes and Conditions

  Essential planning guide for a Truckee day trip from Reno, including I-80 road status, mountain driving tips, and local activity recommendations.

• Video Poker in Nevada: Paytables and Payouts

  How to read video poker paytables in Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe, spot full-pay 9/6 machines, and understand Nevada payout regulations.

• Virginia City Day Trip from Reno: The Drive and the Town

  23 miles and 40 minutes from Reno, at 6,200 ft, up a grade that tops 6,789 ft. What is open when, and why the drive decides the day.

• Why Nevada Has No Lottery and Where Reno Buys Tickets

  Nevada bans lotteries under its constitution. Find out why, where Reno and Tahoe residents buy Powerball tickets, and California border store rules.

• Wildfire Smoke and Outages: What to Check in Reno-Tahoe

  Monitor air quality indices, track utility power shutoff alerts, and verify road visibility before traveling through the Sierra.

Out of season

Still accurate about the roads and the parking — just not the time of year for them. The date on each is when it next comes round.

• New Years Eve Reno Tahoe: Fireworks and Events

  28 December

• Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month: Tahoe Lessons and Resources

  1 January 2027

• Valentine's Day Reno & Tahoe Restaurants and Specials

  14 February 2027

• St. Patrick's Day in Reno and Sparks: Events and Transit

  14 March 2027

• Easter Brunch and Egg Hunts in Reno and Lake Tahoe

  28 March 2027

• Reno Wildflowers: Where and When to See Blooms

  1 April 2027

• Senior Activities and Walking Events in Reno and Tahoe

  1 May 2027

• Summer 2026 Road Construction: I-80, US-50, and Local Routes

  1 May 2027

• Reno River Festival: Dates, Events, and Idlewild Park Guide

  9 May 2027

• Sand Harbor Parking Reservations and Access

  15 May 2027

• Tahoe Beaches from Reno: Access and Road Conditions

  15 May 2027

• Memorial Day Weekend: Reno-Tahoe Travel and Traffic Guide

  31 May 2027

• Farmers Markets: Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe Schedules

  1 June 2027

• Reno With Kids Summer: Safety and Planning

  1 June 2027

• Reno Rodeo Dates and Tickets 2026

  18 June 2027

• Artown Reno Schedule and Event Information

  1 July 2027

• 4th of July Fireworks and Parades: Tahoe and Placer County

  2 July 2027

• Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor: 2026 Guide

  10 July 2027

• Burning Man Logistics: Reno Airport and Driving to the Playa

  23 August 2027

• Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook Off: Parking and Transit

  26 August 2027

• The Great Reno Balloon Race: Dates, Parking, and Transit

  4 September 2027

• Labor Day Weekend: Reno-Tahoe Traffic and Travel Advice

  6 September 2027

• Street Vibrations Fall Rally 2026: Schedule and Details

  23 September 2027

• Great Italian Festival Reno: Schedule, Food, and Parking

  9 October 2027

The roads