67th Annual International Camel & Ostrich Races
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The International Camel and Ostrich Races returns to the track September 11-13, 2026, for its 67th year of good-old fashioned Virginia City fun! Get up-close to camels, ostriches, zebras, emus, and more as professional and amateur jockeys gallop, swerve, and falter their way to the finish line. The family-favorite event features quirky races, entertainment, surprises, fan contests, food trucks serving up carnival-style treats, craft and artist vendors, a wide variety of beverages at the event bars, official Camel Races merch, and camel rides for that must-have photo-op.
This Nevada tradition is one of the must-see events in the West and the shows sell out quickly. Get your tickets and guarantee your seat now!
In Partnership With
The Shows
With four shows across three days, this is fantastic fun you won’t want to miss. You may even get your chance to ride on a camel!
Friday Sept. 11th
5p.m. Hot Camel Nights, a special Friday evening performance
Saturday Sept. 12th
10a.m. Show
12:30p.m. – 1:30p.m. Camel Hump to C Street
2p.m. Show
Sunday Sept. 13th
12p.m. Family Day Show
First 100 kids ride a camel for FREE!
Tickets and Packages
VIP Experiences
$65-$450
- VIP Bleacher Seating
- VIP Interior Table
- VIP Front Row Table
Premium Seating
$30
- Shaded Bleacher Seating
- Food, Vendors and Event Bar Access
General Admission
$14-$20
- Bleacher Seating
- Adult Tickets
- Kids & Senior Tickets
Race a Camel
$500
- Race a Camel
- 2 VIP Bleacher Seats
- Lunch and Drink Coupons
Upper Reserved Arena Parking
$35
- Reserved Parking Spot Next to the Arena
Know Before You Go
- Kids 2 and under are FREE! They must sit on a lap.
- Parking is available at the Virginia City Fairgrounds & Arena and in town. A complimentary golf cart runs from the Fairgrounds parking lot to the arena to assist the elderly, the disabled, and those with limited mobility.
- No pets are allowed inside the venue because they spook the animals. The event complies with all state and federal laws regarding service animals. If you require a service animal, the animal must stay away from the arena fence.
- No umbrellas are allowed inside the venue because they block the view for other race fans.
- No outside food or drink is allowed inside venue.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed inside the venue.
- Event is rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable.
The Legend
One of Nevada’s most iconic events started because of a prank war between Virginia City’s Territorial Enterprise and the San Francisco Chronicle. In1959, the editor of the Enterprise wrote a fake story about camels racing in Virginia City. The Chronicle didn’t realize it was a hoax and printed it. Thefollowing year, they borrowed camels from the San Francisco Zoo and took them to Virginia City to race them. And that’s how a tradition was born.
Just looking for rooms?
Plan ahead and book before lodging options sell out. View Virginia City’s lodging options here.
Become a Vendor
nterested in becoming a vendor at the legendary Virginia City International Camel & Ostrich Races? Don’t just watch the madness—be part of it. Download the vendor application, fill it out, and get ready to set up shop at one of the wildest weekends in the West.
