From a party with the stars and over-the-top music festivals to hot air balloon races, locals and visitors alike are in for an exciting season this summer in Nevada. The following are five of this season’s can’t-miss festivals.
June 24: Lake Tahoe is For Lovers Festival
Lake Tahoe
Presented by Hawthorne Heights, Lake Tahoe is For Lovers Festival is coming to Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena on Saturday, June 24. The nostalgic lineup of bands includes headliners like Jimmy Eat World, Yellowcard, Plain White T’s, Hawthorne Heights, Mom Jeans, Emery, Just Friends and Bug Bath. When guests aren’t dancing the night away, they can enjoy a lineup of food trucks, beverage tents and more.
Cost: General admission starts at $79.50.
Tickets: ticketmaster.com.
June 24: Capital City Brewfest
Carson City
There is no better way to kick off summer in Nevada than by sipping some ice-cold beers from your favorite local breweries at Capital City Brewfest in Downtown Carson City. The event takes place June 24, 3 to 8 p.m., and guests will stroll down McFadden Plaza and sample from over two dozen local breweries and a variety of food trucks. Live music performances will also be taking place throughout the evening on the plaza’s main stage. Proceeds from Brewfest will benefit the Rotary Club of Carson City’s scholarship and youth leadership programs.
Cost: $35.
Tickets: eventbrite.com.
Sept. 8 to Sept. 10: Great Reno Balloon Race
Reno
A time-honored tradition since 1982, Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free hot-air ballooning event. Every year an average of 150,000 spectators gather to watch as 100-plus hot air balloons take flight and illuminate the sky at dawn. The sea of glowing colors is breathtaking and a unique sight to see to close out the summer in Nevada. Be sure to don your favorite pajamas, bring a blanket and a cozy drink to enjoy as the event unfolds over the horizon. For those looking to elevate the experience, opt for the Cloud 99 VIP Club ticket, granting attendees access to heated indoor patio seating on the field; a catered breakfast featuring Champagne, Bloody Marys and mimosas; and VIP parking with an optional shuttle to take you from your car to the warm tent.
Cost: General admission is free. Cloud 99 VIP Club passes start at $125.
Tickets: renoballoon.
Sept. 14 to Sept. 16: Astronomy Festival
Baker, Great Basin National Park
Famous for its pristine night skies, Great Basin National Park is hosting its second Astronomy Festival this summer in Nevada, taking place Sept. 14 to Sept. 16. Though a full lineup of 2023 events is not available just yet, the 2022 experience featured talks by astronomy experts, photography workshops, unbeatable stargazing from the renowned telescopes and more. Plus, guests received a Deep Space Certificate after completing the ranger-led presentations and arts and crafts. This memorable evening is free and open to the public.
Cost: Free.
For more information: nps.gov.
Sept. 22 to Sept. 24: Life is Beautiful Festival
Las Vegas
Celebrating 10 years this season, Life is Beautiful Festival is back this summer in Nevada with three days of music from your favorite artists. This special Las Vegas event is one of the largest to take place every year and will feature performances by The Killers, FLUME, Goth Babe and Bebe Rexha on Friday; Kendrick Lamar, The 1975, Cigarettes After Sex and Omar Apollo on Saturday; and ODEZA, Khalid, Nelly, Kim Petras and Snakehips on Sunday. Over 50-plus artists will be taking the stage, in addition to special guest performances from Cirque Du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Magic Mike Live and much more. Guests can also expect to venture into immersive art exhibits from Meow Wolf and indulge in a variety of food trucks.
Cost: General admission starts at $165.
Tickets: www.lifeisbeautiful.com.
Looking for more summer fun?
Click here for 2023 Pride events in Nevada.