The way we see it, if you’re going to spend a weekend enjoying cowboy poetry, authentic Western music, Chautauqua actors portraying Legendary Nevadans, and other family fun, Nevada’s oldest permanent settlement ain’t a bad place to do it. Great food, charming accommodations, and proximity to Nevada’s Oldest “Thirst Parlor” sweeten the deal for this three-day festival cherished by history buffs and live music lovers alike.
Every April, hundreds of visitors and locals alike flock to Carson Valley, where the historic town of Genoa devotes an entire weekend to honoring Nevada’s place in the legacy of the American West. On Saturday, the free, all-ages festival spans the entirety of Genoa. Amble around and enjoy live music, cowboy poetry, Chautauqua performances, a Civil War camp, and a horse parade through downtown.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Western artists, makers, and vendors set up in a variety of locations. Food and drink options will also be spread throughout town, as will children’s activities and demonstrations by the Truckee Meadows Pioneers and Douglas County Farm Bureau. Sunday morning kicks off with Cowboy Church, too.
Attending the beloved Genoa Western Heritage Days is free, but some special events do require ticketed admission. On Friday and Saturday nights, Genoa Town Hall concerts (that often sell out in advance) are put on by award-winning Western musicians, and Saturday’s Progressive Dinner is $40 for food and drink at four Genoa eateries. Click here for more ticketing details.