What's Happening in Reno This Weekend — April 17-19, 2026
By Ask Reno
Spring has officially hit the Biggest Little City and this weekend is packed. RenoFest opens with 10 days of free-admission carnival fun, two major rock shows land at GSR, community theater is in full bloom across three venues, and the Aces wrap a homestand against Las Vegas. Let's get into it.
The Headliner: RenoFest 2026 Opens Friday
Where: Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, North Lot (1350 N Wells Ave) When: April 17 – 26 (Opening night: Friday 6–9 PM) Cost: FREE general admission
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This is the big one. RenoFest kicks off a 10-day spring carnival with rides by Brass Ring Amusements, gourmet food trucks, a vendor village, and themed daily events — Pet Day on Mondays, Tasty Tuesday food deals, College Night karaoke on Thursdays, and more.
Opening night features Nevada 445 playing rock and country hits. Saturday brings a cheer and dance performance by TNT & PDC plus the first Funnel Cake Eating Contest.
Ride wristbands: $30 + $2 fee if you buy early (before April 16) or $35 + $2 at the gate. Save $5 and buy ahead.
Friday Night: Wet Leg at GSR
Where: Grand Sierra Resort (Grand Theatre) When: Friday, April 17 — Doors at 7 PM Vibe: Indie rock
The Isle of Wight duo behind "Chaise Longue" and "Wet Dream" brings their infectious, deadpan energy to the Grand Theatre. If you missed them on their first US run, this is your shot. Their self-titled debut won the BRIT Award for Best Group — and the live show is even better than the record.
Saturday Night: Chevelle at GSR
Where: Grand Sierra Resort (Grand Theatre) When: Saturday, April 18 — Doors at 7 PM Vibe: Alt-metal / hard rock
Chevelle has been delivering crushing riffs for over two decades. "The Red," "Send the Pain Below," "Vitamin R" — if any of those hit your playlist, you know what you're in for. Heavy, tight, and loud.
Sunday: Dancing with the Stars — Live!
Where: Grand Sierra Resort (Grand Theatre) When: Sunday, April 19 — Doors at 7 PM Vibe: Dance spectacular
The hit TV show comes to Reno with fan-favorite pros performing choreographed routines and audience interaction. A totally different Sunday night vibe — glitzy, fun, and a great date night or family outing.
Live Music at Reno Public Market
The market continues its run of great live acts this weekend:
- Friday: Daniel Rodriguez LIVE
- Saturday: Arizona Jones LIVE
Both are free to attend. Grab a bite from the market's food hall and enjoy the music. Great casual Friday or Saturday night vibes.
More Live Music at Cargo Concert Hall
- Friday: Unplugged Parties: Reno — a social, phone-free party experience
- Saturday: Ahee — electronic/bass music
Community Theater: Three Stages, Three Shows
Reno's community theater scene is having a moment this weekend.
What the Constitution Means to Me — Brüka Theatre **Running:** April 10–25 Heidi Schreck's acclaimed play explores the Constitution through deeply personal stories. Powerful, funny, and thought-provoking. If you haven't seen it, the New York Times called it "not just the best play on Broadway — it might be the most important."
¡Qué Linda! A Celebration of Linda Ronstadt — Brüka Theatre **When:** Sunday, April 19 A musical tribute to the Tucson-born, Grammy-winning legend. Perfect Sunday afternoon/evening plans.
Hir by Taylor Mac — UNR Redfield Studio Theatre **Running:** April 10–19 (closing weekend!) Taylor Mac's sharp, surreal family drama about a soldier returning home to find everything has changed. Catch it before it closes.
Reno Aces vs Las Vegas Aviators
Where: Greater Nevada Field When: Friday–Sunday, April 14-19 (series wraps this weekend) Cost: Tickets from ~$15
Spring baseball at Greater Nevada Field is one of Reno's best-kept secrets. Cold beer, mountain views, $2 Tuesday leftovers in your system. The Aces wrap a homestand against the Aviators — Friday and Saturday games tend to be the liveliest.
Something Different: Dead Plant Society — Tomatoes 101
Where: Urban Roots (1700 E. 2nd St.) When: Saturday, April 18, 10 AM – 12:30 PM Cost: $10 – $25
A gardening workshop on growing tomatoes in Northern Nevada's high desert climate. Covers top varieties, frost protection, fertilization, and fruiting. Everyone goes home with tomato seedlings. It's genuinely one of the more delightful things on the calendar this week. Register here →
Also Happening This Weekend
Don't sleep on these ongoing events:
- USBC Open Championships — The world's largest bowling tournament continues at the National Bowling Stadium. Free to watch. Guide →
- Cirque Alice — The acrobatic spectacular at Eldorado Casino. Running through July.
- NCVA Far Western Volleyball — Weekend 2 — 15s and 16s divisions at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (April 17-19). Another big tournament weekend.
- Reno Phil: Carmina Burana — Carl Orff's legendary cantata performed at Pioneer Center (April 17-19). Three performances only.
- Reno Off-Road & Motorsports Expo — Sunday-Monday at the Convention Center.
- Sunday Jazz: Jordan Taylor Organ Trio — Reno Little Theater, Sunday afternoon.
The Verdict
This is a legitimately stacked weekend. RenoFest alone gives you 10 days of free entertainment, but pair it with Wet Leg, Chevelle, community theater, Aces baseball, and a tomato workshop? That's the kind of weekend that makes you glad you live in Reno.
See you out there.
Have something we missed? Let us know and we'll add it.
Related: Full Events Calendar → | What to Do in Reno Today → | RenoFest 2026 Guide → | Family-Friendly Events →