When looking for fun things to do in Reno, Nevada, this weekend, you have many great options available to you. While Reno may not be as famous as some other cities in the state or surrounding area, it is a destination many consider to be horrifically overlooked. This is because it provides plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment, without having to worry about the massive crowds found at the more famous destinations.
With that in mind, allow me to show you 8 fun things to do in Reno, Nevada, this weekend, to make your stay in the city as enjoyable as possible, or convince you to go in the first place, if you are still on the fence.
Reno, Nevada: At A Glance
Reno was established in 1868 and is the largest, most populous city in Nevada not located in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area. Part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Area, the vast majority of the state’s population resides in one of these two statistical areas. Affectionately nicknamed “The Biggest Little City In The World”, Reno was named after Civil War Union General Jesse Lee Reno.
Situated in the northwest section of the state, just 10 miles from the California border, Reno is well-known for its casino and gambling industry. This was established to take advantage of the fact that gambling was legal in Nevada but not in California. The city features numerous establishments that provide a wide range of gaming and entertainment options that closely resemble Downtown Las Vegas (as opposed to the strip).
Best Time To Visit Reno, Nevada
The best time to visit Reno is from mid-May to early July. During this period, you should find all of the attractions open, while avoiding the large crowds and blistering high temperatures the city experiences at the height of summer, and the risk of wildfires it experiences during late Summer and early Fall.
8 Fun Things To Do In Reno, Nevada, This Weekend
Explore The Nevada Museum Of Art
The Nevada Museum of Art is the only art museum in Nevada accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Established in 1931, it features a collection of almost 2,000 pieces, making it one of the best attractions in the state for art enthusiasts. Whether you want to see the best art the region has to offer or are just an art aficionado in general, this is a stop you simply have to make.
Its collection boasts works by local, national, and international artists, and it features mediums including photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and digital media and mixed media installations. There is also a specific emphasis put on landscape photography, Western art, ethnic American art, and works focusing on the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada region and landscapes.
Spend Some Time In The Casinos
Outside of Las Vegas and perhaps Atlantic City, New Jersey, there is nowhere in the United States more famed for its casinos than Reno, Nevada. This makes it a gambler's dream destination, with everything from table games to slot machines and sports betting available within a small area, often under a single roof.
At the heart of the city is THE ROW, an interlinked chain of 3 casinos operated by the legendary Caesars gambling corporation, which includes Circus Circus, Eldorado, and Silver Legacy. These are far from the only options for gamblers in the city, though, with 10 more casinos on offer to try, with options suitable for people on all budgets. The casinos you will find include:
· Atlantis Casino Resort
· Bonanza Casino
· Club Cal Neva
· Diamond’s Casino
· Gold Dust West
· Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
· J Resort
· Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
· Siri’s Casino
· Tamarack Casino
As if that wasn’t enough choice, those willing to travel just a little further (we’re talking less than 10 miles from Reno) will find an additional 9 casinos to choose from in the neighbouring towns of Bordertown, Sparks, Sun Valley, and Verdi.
Catch A Show
Another similarity between Reno and Las Vegas is the incredible quantity and quality of performances on offer in the city. From concerts and magicians to musicals and plays, Reno has evening entertainment on offer to suit people of all tastes and interests.
Whether you want to see a world-famous performer on one of the big stages, like the Eldorado Showroom, Grand Theater, Nugget Event Center, or Reno Events Center, or enjoy intimate performances and lesser-known performers at locations including The Laugh Factory Reno, Cellar Stage, or Cargo at Whitney Peak Hotel, make sure to check the listings to see what’s on, to make sure you don’t miss out.
Go On A Ghost Tour
While it doesn’t boast quite the morbid past that Las Vegas does, due to a lack of connections to the Mafia, Reno is still a city with a reputation for haunted locations. It is therefore not surprising to learn that there are some fabulous ghost tours for visitors with an interest in the paranormal to enjoy. This is why it is one of the best Halloween travel destinations for a ghost tour in 2025.
One tour does stand head and shoulders above the rest, though, and that is the tour offered by Reno Ghosts.
A walking tour that takes place each night, attendees will be taken to some of the most haunted locations in Reno, with stops at infamous spots like The Lake Mansion, The Levy Mansion, and the Washoe County Courthouse. Along the way, you will hear lessons on the history of these and other spooky locations in Reno from the experienced and well-informed tour guides, enabling you to learn about the dark past of what you are seeing while trying to spot a ghost for yourself.
Stop By The National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum was established in 1989, primarily to display parts of the world’s largest collection of automobiles, which was stored at various warehouses in Reno. Owned by William F. Harrah, the founder of the Harrah’s Casino & Hotel chain (which was founded in Reno), the collection featured roughly 1,450 vehicles.
Despite efforts by both the Nevada Government and other private collectors, the collection was not kept intact after he died in 1978, but 175 of the vehicles were donated to the museum’s trust. Another 60 were then added to the collection by private collectors and petrolania enthusiasts.
Its current collection of more than 200 vehicles is spread across 4 galleries, split into groupings based on their era of production. It even includes cars formerly owned by celebrities like Elvis Presley, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, and John F. Kennedy.
Recognised as one of the top 10 museums in the world by Car Collector magazine, and one of the top 5 museums in America and top 16 museums in the world by AutoWeek, it is regularly ranked as the best museum of any kind in Northern Nevada. This makes it an absolutely must-visit destination for any automobile fans and petrolheads visiting Reno.
Take A Trip To Virginia City
While this entry is technically not “IN” Reno, it is located just 30 minutes away, which is a journey more than worth taking while you are in the area, given what’s on offer. That’s because Virginia City is one of the best-preserved Wild West towns remaining anywhere in the United States, as well as one of the most historically important.
Best known for being where the Comstock Lode, the first major silver deposit in the United States, was found in 1859, the entire city has been a National Historic Landmark District since 1961. It was also the hometown of writer Samuel Clemens, who is better known by his pen name of Mark Twain.
Visitors will be greeted by beautiful, restored buildings, wooden sidewalks, and sites to explore like Piper’s Opera House, the Bucket Of Blood Saloon, Brass Rail Saloon, Delta Saloon, Ponderosa Saloon, Red Dog Saloon, Silver Queen, and the Washoe Club. There are also historic cemeteries and churches to explore, plus 17 museums, including the Fourth Ward School Museum, Way It Was Museum, Silver State Police Officers’ Museum, and Fireman’s Museum.
From exploring its attractions on foot to enjoying horse-drawn carriage tours, trolley tours, and trips on the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Virginia City is a destination not to be missed for anyone with even a slight interest in the Old West.
Walk The Truckee Riverwalk Trail
The Truckee Riverwalk Trail is a trail that runs for roughly half a mile along the north bank of the Truckee River. Starting at the Lake Street bridge, opposite the Old Reno Arch, and concluding at the west side of Bicentennial Park, it’s a wonderful walking route that offers stunning views, which people of all fitness levels will be able to complete.
Beyond the river itself, you will also be treated to sights and attractions like:
· City Plaza and its collection of monuments that includes the Believe Sculpture, The Space Whale, and the Historic Street Clock of Reno
· Riverwalk Art Gallery
· Wingfield Park (a beautiful park on an island in the Truckee River)
· The Portal Of Evolution Sculpture
· Bicentennial Park
Throw in the selection of bars, stores, and other businesses that can be found along the route, and the Truckee Riverwalk Trail is a fabulous and relaxing way to explore a side of Reno that is very different from what the city is known for.
Visit The Nevada State Capitol
Another attraction not technically located “IN” Reno, this one is found 30 minutes away in Carson City, Nevada. Founded in 1858, Carson City is the oldest city in Nevada and has served as the state capital since 1864. This makes it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area who is interested in the history of Nevada.
The current State Capitol building was constructed between 1869 and 1971 in the Neoclassical Italianate style by Pennsylvanian architect Joseph Gosling. It has served as the primary office of every Governor of Nevada, except for the inaugural Governor, Henry G. Blasdel, whose term concluded 4 months before the building was completed.
Beyond the stunning architecture of the building itself, visitors who tour the inside of the Nevada Capitol will be greeted by sights like muralled walls, portraits of all the former governors of Nevada, and historical displays dedicated to groups like the historical women and natives of the region, complete with attractions like documents and artefacts.
Best Place To Stay In Reno, Nevada – Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW
The Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW is a fabulous, 4-star casino hotel and one of the three resorts in The Row, along with the Silver Legacy and Circus Circus. Perfectly situated in the heart of Downtown Reno’s entertainment hub, it is a stylish and well-equipped resort from which to enjoy all that Reno has to offer.
From a lively casino floor filled with slot machines, table games, and sports betting, and 9 restaurants covering fine dining to casual eateries and buffets, to venues hosting live music and Broadway-style shows, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, wellness and fitness centres, and a bar, this is a property that has something to offer for everyone.
Every room is stylishly decorated and furnished, provides stunning views of Reno or the Sierra Nevada mountains, and boasts amenities such as a flat-screen cable TV, a safety deposit box, a work desk, and a coffee machine, as well as air conditioning and Wi-Fi, which are also present throughout the resort. There are plenty of disabled facilities available, too, and all guests receive complimentary access to a parking garage and an airport shuttle.
Final Thoughts On The Top Fun Things To Do In Reno, Nevada, This Weekend
Reno is a great little city, and some may even say “The Biggest Little City In The World”. Whether you are visiting to enjoy a spot of gambling, learn about the city’s history, or tour some of the other towns and natural locations in its vicinity, this guide to the 8 top fun things to do in Reno, Nevada, this weekend will hopefully have given you plenty with which to fill out your itinerary for the trip.
A popular destination for a road trip from Las Vegas to Reno, while it bears many similarities to its big brother down south, there are still plenty of differences that more than make Reno worth checking out for itself if you are still on the fence.
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