Get An Adventure Fix with Virginia City’s 2020 Events
Our 2020 special events have something for everyone!
Virginia City, Nevada, is rooted in history and adventure. Since 1859, when one of the largest silver strikes ever discovered was unearthed in this small mountain mining town, one could describe it as adventurous, perilous and all-out quirky. Today, we’re keeping true to our roots with an events calendar as quirky and wild as our storied past.
The event lineup includes major fan-favorites and long-running events like the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, the International Camel & Ostrich Races and the World Championship Outhouse Races, plus more wild west fun with the Virginia City Fiesta del Charro, a Hispanic rodeo.
Spectators gather to watch the Longhorn Cattle Drive, in Virginia City, Nev., on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018.
Photo by Cathleen Allison/Nevada Momentum
“Virginia City has always been a place for thrill-seekers,” Deny Dotson, tourism director for Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “Whether in the 1800s seeking the thrill of striking it rich, or today, seeking the thrill of a camel ride. We like to keep the history alive and make sure visitors understand the way it was around here, while still keeping our events fresh and relevant to our fans.”
Highlight events include:
7th annual The Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Feb. 8
Celebrate love in Virginia City with the Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl. Singles, couples and those who aren’t sure which category they fit into are all welcome to crawl back in time.
6th annual Father-Daughter Day & Dance, Feb. 22
Victorian princesses take over historic Virginia City as this special Father-Daughter day-date takes place culminating with a dance at this historic Piper’s Opera House. Package includes admission attractions in Virginia City, lunch and more.
29th annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, Mar. 14
Go “nuts” for St. Patrick’s Day in historic Virginia City as folks line up to sample tasty testes prepared by chefs competing for bragging rights. Top off the fun with a parade, saloon crawl and more.
49th annual Virginia City Grand Prix, April 25-26
The world-famous outlaw motorcycle race starts with hundreds of riders taking off in the heart of Virginia City then winds its way through the surrounding rocky hills in 4½ hours of rugged racing with speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.
37th annual Chili on the Comstock & Craft Brew Tour, May 16-17
The best chili cookers in the west gather to compete and win your vote. Wash down that delicious chili with craft brews from Virginia City and northern Nevada’s craft breweries with the Craft Brew Tour
Fourth of July on the Comstock, July 4
Historic Virginia City’s Independence Day celebration is pure Americana. The streets are decked in red, white and blue, the parade is a full of candy-throwing and classic cars and you feel the boom of the fireworks in your bones as they shoot into the clear night sky over the small mountain town. It’s a Fourth of July celebration to remember with live music, festive foods and a jovial atmosphere all day long.
Virginia City Official Hot August Nights Kickoff Event, July 31- Aug. 1
Step back in time to revel in the sights and sounds of yesteryear. This Comstock town comes alive with rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event’s 33rd year. Walk the historic streets to see an array of cars and enjoy free, daily entertainment and end of day cruise. hotaugustnights.net
5th annual Virginia City Fiesta del Charro, Aug. 22-23
Don your boots and cowboy hat for a fun-filled fiesta set in Nevada’s historic mining town. Explore the streets straight out of the 1860s before taking in the exciting charro tradition with a rodeo and live music.
Civil War Days and Battle Train, Sept. 5-6
History comes to life as the Great Civil War Reenactors bring epic battles to Virginia City. Hundreds of re-enactors battle out great scenes on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and even right in the middle of C Street as part of the Labor Day Parade.
61st annual International Camel & Ostrich Races, Sept. 11-13
This hilarious annual tradition dates back to the 1950s and features jockeys maneuvering camels, ostriches and zebras around a track in this historic mining town. A comical racing spectacle that’s a sure fire family hit.
October – Hauntober
The month of October celebrates all things spooky in one of America’s most haunted towns. From ghost tours and cemetery tours to pumpkin patch trains and a Goblin Parade, there’s no better place to be than in Virginia City this October.
31st annual World Championship Outhouse Races, Oct. 3-4
Back when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City, angry residents took to the streets with their outhouses in protest and a tradition was born. This hilarious event pits teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other in an all-out potty race.
December – Believe Again Christmas on the Comstock, All Month Long
This December will have you Believing Again with three-weekends of events and a month-long celebration for the entire family surrounded by a historic Victorian setting. Festivities include a parade, concerts, tours, a play, artisan craft fair, Santa Claus, the Grinch, carriage rides, Christmas trains, a town-wide Christmas Challenge activity and more. It’s a real-life vintage Christmas celebration embracing the slower pace and filled with lights and local shops decorated to the hilt all month long. There’s no place like historic Virginia City for that warm and fuzzy, traditional Christmas vibe.
All tickets for these events are on sale now. Go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com to view more event details and purchase tickets or find out how to get involved as a sponsor or vendor.
