Reno Events in May 2026

17 events in May

Summer Preview & Memorial Day Weekend

May brings the official start of summer event season. The Reno River Festival kicks off Memorial Day weekend, farmers markets are in full swing, and Hot August Nights Spring Fever gives a taste of what's to come.

Reno River FestivalMemorial Day WeekendHot August Nights Spring FeverFarmers Markets

Pick a vibe

Highlights

🚗
FestivalMay 8 - 9FEATURED

Hot August Nights Spring Fever

Reno

Spring preview of Hot August Nights — classic cars, cruising, and rock 'n' roll.

🚗
FestivalMay 16 - 17FEATURED

Hot August Nights Spring Fever Revival

Downtown Reno

The spring preview of Hot August Nights — classic car shows, live music, and nostalgia in downtown Reno. A taste of the main summer event.

🎸
MusicMay 20FEATURED

Claypool Gold: Primus, Les Claypool's Frog Brigade & The Claypool Lennon Delirium

Reno Events Center

Triple bill featuring Primus and Les Claypool's side projects. 7:00 PM.

🏖️
FestivalMay 23 - 25FEATURED

Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off summer at Lake Tahoe. Beach openings, boat launches, outdoor events, and the unofficial start of lake season. 45 min from Reno.

🎸
MusicMay 27FEATURED

Alabama Shakes

Grand Sierra Resort

4x Grammy-winning rock band. Brittany Howard's incredible vocals live!

🚣
FestivalMay 29 - 31FEATURED

Reno River Festival

Idlewild Park

3 days, 30 acts, 2 stages at Idlewild Park. Friday & Saturday headliners TBA. Larger food fest, 100+ vendors, Reno Tahoe Adventure Park Carnival, whitewater rafting, 18-hole bucket golf course, coed softball tournament, expanded Hops & Happiness beer tour, sing-along bar, Dog Jog 5K/K-9K, bark park, art classes, yoga, and kickboxing. Summer begins here.

All Events

🏔️
FestivalMay 1 - Sep 27

Incline Village Farmers Market

Incline Village Library (Lake Tahoe)

Incline Village Farmers Market at the library near Lake Tahoe. Local produce, baked goods, crafts. Combine with a beach day at Sand Harbor.

🎨
EntertainmentMay 2

Hoofbeat Heroes Paint & Sip Fundraiser

The Potentialist Workshop

A Paint & Sip fundraiser for Hoofbeat Heroes Equine Rescue. 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at The Potentialist Workshop.

🎊
FestivalMay 3

Reno Cinco de Mayo Festival

Downtown Reno

Reno's annual Cinco de Mayo celebration — live music, authentic food, dancing, family activities, and community spirit.

😂
EntertainmentMay 8

Comedy Night at Midnight Coffee Roasting

Midnight Coffee Roasting

Monthly Friday comedy show at Midnight Coffee Roasting. 8:00 PM. Craft coffee and food available. Local comics perform in an intimate setting.

🚗
FestivalMay 8 - 9FEATURED

Hot August Nights Spring Fever

Reno

Spring preview of Hot August Nights — classic cars, cruising, and rock 'n' roll.

🏃‍♀️
SportsMay 10

Moms on the Run 5K

Downtown Reno

Mother's Day weekend 5K run/walk. Family-friendly event celebrating moms. Proceeds support local charities.

🌸
FestivalMay 10 - 11

Tahoe City Spring Festival

Tahoe City

Annual spring festival in Tahoe City — live music, food vendors, craft booths, and outdoor activities. 45 min from Reno.

🎵
MusicMay 16

UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell

Reno Events Center

Reggae legends. 'Red Red Wine' live! 7:00 PM.

🚗
FestivalMay 16 - 17FEATURED

Hot August Nights Spring Fever Revival

Downtown Reno

The spring preview of Hot August Nights — classic car shows, live music, and nostalgia in downtown Reno. A taste of the main summer event.

🍺
FestivalMay 17

Reno Craft Beer Crawl

Downtown Reno

Walk between Reno's best breweries and bars sampling local craft beer. Wristband event with exclusive pours and specials.

🎸
MusicMay 20FEATURED

Claypool Gold: Primus, Les Claypool's Frog Brigade & The Claypool Lennon Delirium

Reno Events Center

Triple bill featuring Primus and Les Claypool's side projects. 7:00 PM.

🎤
ComedyMay 22

Ron White

Grand Sierra Resort

Blue Collar Comedy Tour legend. 'Tater Salad' himself!

🏖️
FestivalMay 23 - 25FEATURED

Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off summer at Lake Tahoe. Beach openings, boat launches, outdoor events, and the unofficial start of lake season. 45 min from Reno.

🍷
FestivalMay 24

Reno Riverwalk Wine Walk (May)

Reno Riverwalk District

Second spring wine walk along the Riverwalk District. Sample wines from local and regional wineries with live music and food.

🎭
ArtsMay 26 - 31

Shucked (Broadway)

Pioneer Center

Tony-winning Broadway musical comedy.

🎸
MusicMay 27FEATURED

Alabama Shakes

Grand Sierra Resort

4x Grammy-winning rock band. Brittany Howard's incredible vocals live!

🚣
FestivalMay 29 - 31FEATURED

Reno River Festival

Idlewild Park

3 days, 30 acts, 2 stages at Idlewild Park. Friday & Saturday headliners TBA. Larger food fest, 100+ vendors, Reno Tahoe Adventure Park Carnival, whitewater rafting, 18-hole bucket golf course, coed softball tournament, expanded Hops & Happiness beer tour, sing-along bar, Dog Jog 5K/K-9K, bark park, art classes, yoga, and kickboxing. Summer begins here.

Plus: Every Week in May

Monthly1st Thursday, 5-7 PMFREE

First Thursday at Nevada Museum of Art

160 W Liberty St

WeeklySundays, 9 AM - 1 PMFREE

Riverside Farmers Market

Idlewild Park

WeeklyMultiple shows per week

Laugh Factory at Silver Legacy

Silver Legacy (The ROW), Downtown

WeeklyWednesdays, 7 PMFREE

Trivia Night at The Brewer's Cabinet

475 S Arlington Ave

WeeklyMar - Sep (check schedule)

Reno Aces Home Games

Greater Nevada Field

WeeklyVarious (check UNR calendar)FREE

UNR Campus Events & Lectures

University of Nevada, Reno