What's Happening in Reno This Weekend — April 10-12, 2026
By Ask Reno
In town for NCVA Far Western volleyball? Wondering what else there is to do between matches? You're not alone — this weekend brings 500+ teams and over 10,000 visitors to Reno for Weekend 1 of the largest regional volleyball qualifier on the West Coast.
But here's the thing: Reno has a lot more going on than just volleyball. Whether you've got a 3-hour gap between pool play and bracket matches, or you're a local trying to navigate around the tournament traffic, this guide has you covered.
The Big Three This Weekend
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NCVA Far Western Volleyball — Weekend 1
Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center & satellite venues When: Friday–Sunday, April 10-12 Who: 12s, 13s, and 14s divisions
This is it — the tournament that fills every hotel room within 30 miles and turns the Convention Center into organized chaos. If you're a volleyball family, you already know the drill. If you're a local, be aware that traffic around the Convention Center will be heavy all weekend, especially Saturday morning.
Tournament survival tips: - Parking fills early. Arrive 45+ minutes before your first match. - Tow warning: The old Sports Authority lot near the Convention Center is privately owned — cars get towed every year. Don't risk it. Use official Convention Center parking or the lots at Atlantis/Peppermill. - The food options inside are limited and expensive. See our restaurant guide for nearby alternatives. - The Peppermill and Atlantis are the unofficial "volleyball hotels" — expect packed lobbies and team dinners everywhere.
Pete Davidson — Saturday Night
Where: Silver Legacy Casino When: Saturday, April 12 Vibe: Stand-up comedy from one of the most talked-about comedians of the last decade
Pete Davidson brings his raw, confessional comedy style to Silver Legacy. Love him or not, the guy sells out everywhere he goes. If you can snag tickets, it's a legitimate Saturday night option — especially if you need a mental break from screaming "SIDE OUT!" all day.
Pro tip: Silver Legacy is downtown, about 10 minutes from the Convention Center. Grab dinner at Midtown restaurants before the show — way better options than the casino food court.
Swan Lake at Pioneer Center — Saturday & Sunday
Where: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts When: Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm matinee
AVA Ballet Theatre teams up with the Reno Philharmonic for a full production of Swan Lake. This is Reno's premier classical performance of the spring — gorgeous choreography, live orchestra, the whole experience.
Perfect for: families looking for something cultural, date night, or anyone who wants to see Reno's arts scene at its best.
Friday, April 10
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| NCVA Far Western (Day 1) | Convention Center | All day |
| Hir by Taylor Mac | UNR Redfield Studio | 7:30pm |
| LP GIOBBI | Cargo Concert Hall | 9pm |
| Comedy Night | Midnight Coffee Roasting | 8pm |
| Reno Fest | Livestock Events Center | All day |
Our pick: If you're done with volleyball by evening, LP GIOBBI at Cargo is a high-energy DJ set that'll help you forget you spent 9 hours in a convention center.
Saturday, April 11
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| NCVA Far Western (Day 2) | Convention Center | All day |
| Swan Lake | Pioneer Center | 7pm |
| Baby Animal Days | Andelin Family Farm | 10am-4pm |
| Wine Walk | Reno Riverwalk District | 2-6pm |
| It's A 2000's Party | Cargo Concert Hall | 9pm |
Family pick: If you've got younger siblings who didn't travel for volleyball, Baby Animal Days at Andelin Family Farm is the move. Baby goats, lambs, and chicks — guaranteed to make any kid's day.
Date night pick: Riverwalk Wine Walk from 2-6pm, then dinner at Liberty Food & Wine, then Swan Lake at 7pm. That's a properly curated Saturday.
Sunday, April 12
| Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| NCVA Far Western (Finals) | Convention Center | All day |
| Pete Davidson | Silver Legacy | 7pm |
| Swan Lake (Matinee) | Pioneer Center | 2pm |
| Made in Nevada Festival | Downtown Reno | 10am-4pm |
| Farmers Markets | Multiple locations | Morning |
Farmers market rundown: Riverside (Idlewild Park), Midtown, Sparks Victorian Square, Shirley's at Rancharrah, and more. If the weather's nice, grab coffee and hit a market before bracket play starts.
Where to Eat Between Matches
The Convention Center food situation is... not great. Here are better options within 10 minutes:
Quick & affordable: - In-N-Out (Kietzke Lane) — 7 minutes, you know what you're getting - Super Burrito — Fast, huge portions, feeds a hungry volleyball family
Sit-down but fast: - BJ's Restaurant (Legends) — 10 min, good for groups - Reno Public Market — Food hall with 10+ vendors, something for everyone
Worth the drive: - Midtown Reno — 12 minutes from Convention Center, legitimately good restaurants. See our full guide.
The Locals' Take
Volleyball weekends change the energy of Reno. The restaurants are busier, the hotels are packed, and you'll see club jerseys everywhere from airport to Atlantis.
For locals: if you want to avoid the crowds, stay away from the Convention Center corridor and the Peppermill/Atlantis area. Midtown and downtown will be more chill.
For visitors: Reno is more than a volleyball venue. If you've got downtime, check out the Riverwalk, grab food in Midtown, or catch one of the shows listed above. You might be surprised.
More to Explore
- Full April Events Calendar — 103 events this month
- NCVA Far Western Survival Guide — Tournament tips for families
- Best Restaurants in Reno — Skip the convention center food
- What to Do in Reno Today — Updated daily
Ask-Reno is built on what locals actually say — not tourism board talking points. No paid placements. No sponsored content. Just honest intel for people trying to figure out what to do in Reno.