While summer may be winding down, travelers anticipating fall can look forward to the season’s spooky celebrations, cooler activities and outdoor adventures, with views of the season’s best colors. Carson City, Nevada is prepped and ready for numerous events happening nearly every weekend throughout September and October.
For Halloween lovers of all ages
The Carson City Ghost Walk officially celebrates 30 years of bringing supernatural sightseers together to hear intriguing lore about the city’s haunts and history. Led by Madame Curry—a historically fictional character named after the widow of the city’s founder, Abe Curry—and her Spirit Wranglers, tour goers are guided through the city’s Victorian-era architecture to many historic stops along the Kit Carson Trail. Evening tours are available Saturdays, Sept. 9-30, Oct. 7 and a special daytime tour is available Saturday, Oct. 21. Tickets may be purchased in advance online for $15 per person or at the door for $20 per person.
The annual Harvest Train rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum are available from 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14 – Sunday, Oct. 15 and the Trick O’ Treating event on Halloween at the Nevada Governor’s Mansion also offer fun for all ages.
A contemporary capital dedicated to arts and culture
For art-lovers, the Carson City Murals and Music Festival at the Brewery Arts Center will bring more than a dozen artists to create murals throughout Carson City Thursday, Sept. 28 – Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Brewery Arts Center. Attendees can watch the artists at work all weekend. The Silver State Art Festival will be held Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10 at Fuji Park and will feature award-winning gourd artists, painters, photographers, jewelry artists and more.
For Silver State superfans
Nevada Day Weekend brings Nevadans and visitors together each year for a grand celebration of state pride to mark the founding of Nevada on October 31, 1864. This year’s festivities are happening Friday, Oct. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 29 as Carson City will ring in the Silver State’s anniversary with a lively and colorful parade, a beard contest, hot air balloons, the Nevada Day Powwow, free admission at the Nevada State Museum, the Nevada State Railroad Museum and more.
Other events and festivities to enjoy in Carson City this fall:
Saturday, Sept.16: The Sassabration Pride Event
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Sunday, Oct. 1: Bonanza Kennel Club Dog Show
Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Saturday, Oct. 7: The Bronco Super Celebration
Thursday, Oct. 26: BOO-nanza trick-or-treating
For the outdoor enthusiasts
“Each season brings a world of enjoyment and interest in the watching of its unfolding,” former Carson City resident Mark Twain once said.
This sentiment rings true in Carson City and there’s no better place to see fall unfold than the east side of the Sierra Nevada. Nevada’s capital city is in the middle of the action making it the perfect place to watch nature put on a vibrant show. Coupled with cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect destination to hike, bike, kayak or fish as the days start to get shorter but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. Designated by the Division of Forestry, Carson City is also a Tree City USA for its successful urban forestry program that improves the health and longevity of its trees.
One fantastic spot where everyone can immerse themselves in fall colors is Carson River Park, which features walking paths, a fishing pier and a river access area. Enjoy a fall colors-themed wagon ride at Silver Saddle Ranch between 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22. Tickets will be available online.
Additionally, hikers can take a moderate climb to the top of C-Hill to get an incredible leaf-peeping view from above town. The Ash to Kings Canyon trail takes hikers and bikers along 13.4 miles of smooth, twisting track between two scenic Carson City canyons.
Experience the season’s celebrations, arts and culture activities and go full-out for fall in Carson City. Plan your adventure at visitcarsoncity.com.