The Nevada Day Parade is held in downtown Carson City on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The event commemorates the state's admission to the Union on October 31, 1864.
The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of William Street and North Carson Street. A military flyover signals the start of the procession, which includes marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, and classic cars. The parade route travels through the center of Carson City. Official road closures and detours are managed by local authorities; visitors should anticipate restricted access on and near North Carson Street throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Travel and Access
Access to Carson City from the Reno area typically requires travel via US-395. Traffic volume increases significantly before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Drivers should monitor US-395 road conditions for potential congestion or delays. Those traveling from the Lake Tahoe area may use US-50 road conditions or SR-28 road conditions to reach the capital. For those departing from Reno, Reno city cameras road conditions provide visibility on local traffic flow.
Cameras on the drive south from Reno.
Event Schedule
Events in Carson City occur throughout the day on November 1:
- 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: The Carson City Republican Women’s Club hosts a pancake breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion. The menu includes pancakes, eggs, ham, orange juice, and coffee. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children 10 and younger. Proceeds fund scholarships for Carson and Dayton High School seniors.
- 8:00 a.m.: The RE/MAX Nevada Day Balloon Launch takes place on Carson Street. Balloons generally remain inflated for approximately one hour, weather permitting.
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: The Carson Mall on South Carson Street hosts festivities, including live music, a car show, food vendors, and an indoor kid zone.
- 11:00 a.m.: The World Championship Single Jack Drilling Contest occurs in the Carson Mall parking lot. This event recreates mining techniques from the Comstock era. Contestants use 4.5-pound hammers and 3/4-inch steel bits to drill into a 4,320-pound block of Sierra White Granite from the Yosemite area. Participants have 10 minutes to drill the deepest hole.
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, named "Silver Bell," will be displayed at Carson City Toyota. The public may take photos and sign a banner that will accompany the tree to Washington, D.C.
- 2:00 p.m.: The Nevada Day Beard Contest is held at the main stage at McFadden Plaza on 3rd Street. There is no entry fee. Categories include longest, fullest, reddest, whitest, best groomed, scruffiest, blackest, salt-and-pepper, and most bearded community.
For additional event details and schedule updates, visit the official Visit Carson City Nevada Day page.