Travel Nevada Invites Visitors to Discover Seasonal Adventures Across the Silver State This Fall and Winter
Carson City, NV – As temperatures cool and the seasons change, communities across Nevada come alive with events that showcase the state’s diverse offerings, from beloved fall festivals and holiday celebrations to uniquely Nevada events that capture the Silver State’s adventurous and out-there spirit.
“Nevada’s fall and winter events bring together rich traditions, small-town charm, and plenty of unexpected adventure,” said Tracie Barnthouse, chief communications officer at Travel Nevada. “From exploring haunted towns and celebrating the holidays in historic mining communities to embracing cowboy culture beneath wide-open skies, these events offer a chance to see a different side of Nevada.”
Here’s what’s happening around the state from September 2026 through February 2027:
Eureka Art, Wine & Music Fest | Sept. 19, 2026 | Eureka
Celebrate the character and history of Eureka during this citywide festival, which raises funds to preserve the 1860s-era mining town’s historic Main Street. Browse local artwork, then sip your way along historic stops, including Eureka Opera House, Eureka Sentinel Museum, and Jackson House Hotel. Free timed tours also offer a rare glimpse into the tunnels beneath Eureka. The festivities continue with a silent auction, raffle, Basque dinner in the park, and live music.
Carson City Ghost Walks | Sept. 19 & 26 and Oct. 3 & 24, 2026 | Carson City
Discover the haunted history of Nevada’s capital with Madame Curry and her Spirit Wranglers for 90-minute Flashlight Tours on Saturday evenings in September (Sept. 19 & 26) and October (Oct. 3), as they lead guests through the historic West Side with tales of lingering spirits and Wild West history. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 24, enjoy a special daytime Ghost Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring indoor tours of haunted spaces and encounters with costumed characters.
Pahrump Fall Festival | Sept. 24–27, 2026 | Pahrump
A treasured tradition in southern Nevada, the Pahrump Fall Festival transforms Petrack Park into a four-day celebration of rustic simplicity and fun. Enjoy a carnival with thrilling rides, classic games, food, live music, and a sprawling arts and crafts fair. The heart of the weekend is the themed parade along Highway 160 on Saturday that features festive floats, marching bands, and local performers. With nightly rodeo action, a car show, and entertainment for all ages, it’s the perfect way to welcome fall just beyond the Las Vegas Valley.
Lattin Farms Fall Festival | Sept. 26–Oct. 31, 2026 (Fridays & Saturdays) | Fallon
Celebrate harvest season at Lattin Farms, a family-owned, 400-acre farm that’s been hosting visitors for generations. The festival features Nevada’s largest corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay wagon rides, farm-fresh treats, and kid-friendly attractions like the cow train and scarecrow factory. Open Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31, it’s a wholesome, hands-on way to experience autumn in rural Nevada.
Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire | Sept. 26–27, 2026 | Genoa
A Nevada tradition dating back to 1919, the Genoa Candy Dance transforms the state’s oldest town into a lively marketplace each fall. This two-day event draws more than 400 artisan booths, live music, food vendors, and the town’s famous homemade candy. Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada, Genoa offers the perfect cozy mountain backdrop for a weekend of shopping, strolling, and community spirit.
Hauntober in Virginia City | Oct. 1–31, 2026 | Virginia City
Each October, Virginia City embraces its haunted heritage with a month-long celebration known as Hauntober. Enjoy haunted saloon crawls, candlelit cemetery tours, paranormal investigations, and eerie hotel stays. Hop aboard the Pumpkin Patch Steam Train, join a Bats in the Belfry tour, or brave a late-night séance. Costumes are welcome all month, with themed events like the Goblin Parade and the Spirits Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl rounding out the frightful fun.
Main Street Gardnerville Annual Coffin Races & Fall Festival | Oct. 3, 2026 | Gardnerville
Main Street Gardnerville’s Annual Coffin Races & Fall Festival returns to Heritage Park from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The free, family-friendly festival features coffin races, scarecrow building, harvest activities, live music and performances, more than 60 arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and plenty of fall fun for the whole family.
37th Annual World Championship Outhouse Races | Oct. 3-4, 2026 | Virgina City
Outrageous outhouse-themed races, creative costumes, and lively entertainment come together in one of Nevada’s most out-there events. Drawing participants and spectators from around the world, this family-friendly event features live music, games, and local food vendors, plus unique handmade goods from local artisans.
Art in the Park | Oct. 3–4, 2026 | Boulder City
One of the largest outdoor art festivals in the Southwest, Art in the Park takes over multiple Boulder City parks with more than 300 artist booths, live music, food trucks, demonstrations, and raffle prizes. This vibrant celebration of local creativity in a historic setting draws more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Mark Twain Days Festival | Oct. 13-17, 2026 | Carson City
This multi-day festival celebrates Mark Twain’s time in Nevada and his contributions to the state’s literary and Old West history. Activities including a Twain Train between Carson City and Virginia City; theatrical Mark Twain ghost walks; and literary talks, workshops, and discussions make for a perfect celebration for history buffs.
Ely Renaissance Faire & Pumpkin Festival | Oct. 16–17, 2026 | Ely
Medieval merriment meets pumpkin mayhem at Ely’s Medieval-Style Punkin’ Chunkin’ on Oct. 16–17, 2026, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Broadbent Park. The fall festival features pumpkin-launching contests, pumpkin drops, a pumpkin patch, a bounce house, carnival games, live music, food, and plenty of old-world festivities.
Inaugural Minden-Tahoe SkyFest | Oct. 16 –18, 2026 | Carson Valley
As the premier attraction of northern Nevada’s only air show, the Patriots Jet Team will showcase its signature formation flying, precision maneuvers, and high-speed aerobatics against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Comprised of former military and airline pilots, the team includes aviators who served with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and frontline fighter squadrons, flying aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 Warthog, F-117 Stealth Fighter, and F/A-18 Hornet. Formerly known as Aviation Roundup, Minden-Tahoe SkyFest will feature a special evening airshow and drone experience on Friday, followed by full daytime performances Saturday and Sunday.
Nevada Day Parade | Oct. 31, 2026 | Carson City
Since 1938, this tradition has honored Nevada’s 1864 admission to the Union and is the largest statehood celebration in the nation. Join the party as Carson City hosts the annual Nevada Day Parade—this year with a “Pumkin, Pioneers, and Tall Tales” theme.
Beatty Days Festival | Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026 | Beatty
Beatty Days Festival is an unforgettable weekend where offbeat fun and small-town spirit take center stage. From costumed characters and pets to chili cook-offs, bed races and the legendary Root Beer Belching Contest, the festival is packed with quirky entertainment, local traditions, pony rides, and plenty of surprises.
Santa’s Reindeer Flyer | Nov. 21–Dec. 26, 2026 | Ely
All aboard for a magical ride to the North Pole! The Nevada Northern Railway takes families on festive train rides where you can sip hot cocoa, snack on cookies, and meet Santa aboard. Offered on select dates from late November through December, it’s a tradition that sells out quickly every year and reservations are highly recommended.
Pahrump Social Powwow | Nov. 20-22, 2026 | Pahrump
Celebrate Nevada’s rich American Indian heritage at the Pahrump Social Powwow, a three-day celebration of traditional dancing, music, crafts, and food. Enjoy performances by dancers in colorful regalia, live drumming and singing, and a variety of Native-inspired arts and crafts at Petrack Park in Pahrump; free to attend.
Christmas on the Comstock | Dec. 1–24, 2026 | Virginia City
Step into a world where history meets holiday magic at Christmas on the Comstock, a month-long, Victorian-style celebration featuring an official tree lighting, parade, a saloon crawl, the Believe Again Christmas Giveaway, the V&T Candy Cane Express, the Electric Holiday Train O’ Lights, and lights so bright that even Santa Claus can see them.
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering | Jan. 25–30, 2027 | Elko
Saddle up for the 42nd annual celebration of Western cultural arts. The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is full of renowned poets, musicians, filmmakers, and artists. This unique event offers a blend of tradition, storytelling, and camaraderie that pays homage to Western heritage while embracing what is coming next.
Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend | Feb. 25–March 1, 2027 | Winnemucca
Watch real working ranch hands go spur-to-spur in events like Steer Stopping, Wild Mugging, Trailer Loading, and Ranch Doctoring. Nevada’s largest ranch hand rodeo also features a trade show, barbecue, live music, and nonstop fun.
For more information on Nevada’s offerings and events, visit TravelNevada.com.
EDITORS: High-resolution images of Nevada’s fall and winter events are available to download HERE (credits included in file names).
About Travel Nevada
The heart of Nevada shines through Travel Nevada, an organization focused on sharing the experiences, landmarks and living legends that make the Silver State a one-of-a-kind destination. Through community collaborations and strategic partnerships, we aim to connect with both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the sometimes-surprising, always-exciting treasures that keep people coming to Nevada. It’s theirs to explore—and ours to safekeep, from preserving our wild-at-heart way of life to our wide-open spaces. For more information, visit TravelNevada.com.
