From Camels to Outhouses, Count on Our Wild Special Events in 2022
Virginia City, Nevada, has always been bold. Since our origins as a mining boomtown, claiming home to the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode, it’s a mountain town full of wild adventure, and always a good time. Here’s our lineup of 2022 special events, with tickets on sale now!
The World Championship Outhouse Races, October in Virginia City, Nevada | Virginia City Tourism Commission
This year the good times continue as our famous and world-renowned 2022 special event calendar is announced. Each event is rooted in history, bringing together themes from the past with hilarious and entertaining spectacles. Our events calendar is as quirky and wild as our storied past.
Fan-favorites and long-running events like the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, International Camel & Ostrich Races and the World Championship Outhouse Races, all return, along with events for food lovers, couples, adrenaline junkies and more.
Highlighted events include:
9th annual The Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Feb. 12
Spend a romantic weekend away in the “richest place in the west” with this Valentine’s weekend getaway and tasting tour.
31st annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, Mar. 12
Taking the phrase “have a ball” to the next level, this St. Patrick’s Day celebration in historic Virginia City unites daring revelers for a wild and outlandish festival featuring tasty testes, a Ballbreaker Saloon Crawl, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, costume contests and more.
8th annual Father-Daughter Day & Dance, Apr. 9
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.
51st annual Virginia City Grand Prix, Apr. 30 – May 1
The historic streets of Virginia City are transformed into a motorcycle arena as nearly a thousand off-road bikes gather for this competitive race. Races begin on C Street so spectators can get an up-close and personal view of this high-speed race before they zoom on to the off-road portions of the race.
39th annual Chili on the Comstock & Craft Brew Tour, May 21-22
Top chili cooks gather in Virginia City for the 39th annual Chili on the Comstock. Combined with a Craft Beer Tour featuring pours from local saloons and award-winning craft breweries, it’s the most delicious and satisfying event of the year.
Fourth of July on the Comstock, July 4
You’ve never felt more patriotic than visiting Virginia City on the Fourth of July. This historic town’s Independence Day celebration is pure Americana with a jovial atmosphere all day and night. With a candy-throwing parade, free patriotic concert, and a fireworks display you’ll feel in your bones, Virginia City’s Fourth of July is not to be missed.
Virginia City Official Hot August Nights Kickoff Event, July 29-30
Step back in time and revel in the sights and sounds of yesteryear. The region’s most prominent classic car gathering, Hot August Nights, kicks off in Virginia City. The town comes alive with rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event with a classic parade of classics.
Roundup Motorcycle Rodeo, Aug. 26-27
Motorcycles, bulls and broncs… that’s Chopper Magazine’s Virginia City Roundup Motorcycle Rodeo. A combination just as crazy as it sounds, this event brings a weekend of wild ruckus to the Comstock
63rd annual International Camel & Ostrich Races, Sept. 9-11
What began as a prank between two newspaper editors more than 60 years ago has turned into one of the most beloved and hilarious family events in the west. The 63rd annual International Camel & Ostrich Races bring the laughs for the whole family as jockeys, both professional and amateur, race their camels, ostriches and zebras around the track to the roars of the crowd.
October – Hauntober
As one of America’s most haunted towns, there’s no better place to spend October than immersed in events taking place all month long with most focused on our town’s haunted past. Highlight events include Cemetery Gin’s Hunt for Spirits, Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost tours, the Hauntober Parade and many more spooky attractions and tours.
33rd annual World Championship Outhouse Races, Oct. 1-2
This is one time and place where potty humor is accepted and encouraged – the annual World Championship Outhouse Races. This free event dates back when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City and angry residents took to the streets with their outhouses in protest – and the tradition was born.
December – Believe Again Christmas on the Comstock, All Month Long
There’s no place like historic Virginia City for that warm and fuzzy, traditional Christmas vibe. Virginia City goes all out in December. This Victorian-style holiday celebration features an official tree lighting, a merchant decorating contest, a saloon crawl, our Believe Again Shopping Spree, the V&T Candy Cane Express, the Train O’Lights and a magical Christmas fireworks display to top it all off. Prepare for this to be your new favorite holiday tradition.
All tickets for these events are on sale now. Go to our events page to view more event details and purchase tickets or find out how to get involved as a sponsor or vendor.