Quirky, Classic and Historical Events Return to Virginia City for 2018
All things historic, quirky and downright fun return to Virginia City, Nevada for 2018. From events like the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry to the International Camel & Ostrich Races and just about everything in between, the Comstock calendar offers a family-friendly lineup unlike anywhere else. Rounding out the calendar are six saloon crawls through some of the most historic places in the west and literally a parade for every occasion.
Once known as the richest place on earth, Virginia City is no stranger to history. People like Mark Twain and the Mackay family once called Virginia City home and each event pays homage to the town’s storied past. “You could say history is in our veins,” Deny Dotson, tourism director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “At each event, folks get an opportunity to learn a bit more about our town and the people that make it what it is. We’re quirky, little off beat and everyone is different, just like our events.”
Virginia City’s 2018 special events, for which tickets are on sale now, include:
Devil Made Me Do it Saloon Crawl, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Whether you’re single, taken or open for suggestions, let the historic Virginia City saloons be your backdrop to celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with the Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl.
Father-Daughter Day & Dance, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Fathers, treat your daughter like a Victorian princess with a day-date to Virginia City for the Father-Daughter Day & Dance. Ticket packages include attractions in Virginia City, lunch and more followed by a charming dance at the historic Piper’s Opera House.
27th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, March 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: This St. Patrick’s Day, Virginia City gives an excuse to go nuts during the 27th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry where tasty testes are prepared by chefs competing for all out bragging rights. Wash down those tasty testes with a refreshing beverage as part of the Ball Breaker Saloon Crawl. The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is guaranteed to have you green with envy.
Virginia City Grand Prix, April 28 and 29: This world-famous outlaw motorcycle race starts on the main drag of our historic mining town and then winds its way through the surrounding rocky hills for 4½ hours of rugged racing, with speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. For more information or to register, visit VCGP.com.
35th annual Chili on the Comstock, May 19 and 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Chili on the Comstock hosts the best chili cookers in the west featuring tantalizing red and green chili flavors prepared for the competition, along with family-friendly activities. On Saturday, Virginia City also hosts the Fireball Saloon Crawl. Enjoy flavorful varieties of chili and of course plenty of cold, refreshing beer to wash it all down.
A Taste of the Comstock: Food, Whiskey and Single Jack Competition, June 9, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Historic Virginia City, Nevada, offers up a chance to get a taste of the town’s heritage from mining history to delicious food and from educational museum tours to whiskey and cigar tasting. Savor the history of the Comstock and relish the way it was during the town’s heyday.
Cowgirl Saloon Crawl and Line Dancing Competition, June 16, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Giddy-up on over to Virginia City’s historic saloons for the Cowgirl Saloon Crawl. Enjoy drinks themed for the occasion and top it off with a good ‘ol fashion line dancing competition Comstock style.
Fourth of July Celebration, July 4, all day: The streets are lined with red, white and blue, as Virginia City celebrates our nation’s independence. Embrace Americana with a parade and firework spectacular that creates booms and pops that are felt and heard.
Hot August Nights Kick-Off, Aug. 3 and 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Step back in time with Hot August Nights as the Comstock comes alive with rumbling engines to kick off the region’s most prominent classic car gathering. With free live music, a poker run, nightly cruises and a celebrity Show-n-Shine, the more than 300 cars that line the main street make for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of the automobile.
Virginia City Rodeo and Mexican Charreada (Rodeo), Aug. 25 and 26, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Saddle up and ride into Virginia City’s Arena & Fairgrounds to see the best rodeo promoter in the country, Cotton Rosser and the Flying U Rodeo bring their A-list acts. On Sunday, a Mexican Charreada, or Mexican Rodeo, takes over the arena for traditional Mexican rodeo events.
Civil War Days, Sept. 1 – 3: The weekend brings history to life as the Great Civil War Reenactors recreate epic battles in Virginia City. Over the weekend, they even battle on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad with special train performances. Monday is the annual Labor Day Parade.
59th annual International Camel & Ostrich Races, Sept. 7 – 9: Camels, ostriches, zebras and Virginia City. A perfect spectacle of excitement, fun and sidesplitting laughter for the whole family. The races take place at the Virginia City Arena & Fairgrounds and has become a true staple in northern Nevada.
Street Vibrations Fall Rally, Sept. 28 – 30: Virginia City plays host to a raucous celebration of music, metal and motorcycles with Street Vibrations Fall Rally. The roar of motorcycles literally shakes the ground as thousands of bikers descend on the Comstock.
Hauntober, month of October: No place gets you into the Halloween spirit like one of the most haunted towns in the United States. All month long, Virginia City plays host to events including family-friendly trick-or-treating, a zombie run, ghost tours, a goblin parade and more.
29th annual World Championship Outhouse Races, Oct. 6 and 7, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: It’s potty time! Legend has it that when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City, angry residents took the streets with their outhouses in protest. These days, Virginia City honors this tradition with teams of three racing down the street to claim the top latrine title.
Redrun, Oct. 13: Taking place in one of America’s most haunted towns, Redrun is the most authentic zombie event on the planet. Virginia City is transformed into the site of the Zombie apocalypse. Will you survive? For more information, visit RedrunVC.com.
Christmas on the Comstock, month of December: Christmas on the Comstock offers a Victorian-style holiday celebration in historic Virginia City. Have some spirited fun on the Grinch Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, watch the Parade of Lights, attend the Comstock Cowboys Christmas in the Sierra concert and shop throughout the month for handmade and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Tickets for all of Virginia City’s 2018 events are on sale now. Go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com to purchase tickets and for more information. For a full, detailed list of the 2018 Virginia City events, visit online.
