Reno / Tahoe Memorial Day Weekend

If you are one of the fortunate people living in or visiting the Reno / Tahoe region, you don't have to go far (or maybe nowhere at all) to enjoy a fine Memorial Day holiday weekend. As a reminder, most government offices will be close on Monday, May 31.

Go To Lake Tahoe

Incline Village on Lake Tahoe's north shore is a mere 35 miles southwest of Reno. Just visiting this part of the lake is outstanding, but if you want to explore further, read my article with directions for driving around Lake Tahoe and other information and facts about this High Sierra scenic wonder and playground. Be prepared to share the road with lots of other drivers if you opt for the circumnavigation; the Lake Tahoe Basin gets plenty of visitors on holiday weekends.

Opening Day at the Lake

Taking place Memorial Day weekend from May 27 through May 31, this Lake Tahoe event features activities like kayaking, biking, big band dance parties, historic tours, and restaurant deck opening parties. The event is sponsored by Tahoe's West Shore Association, so that's where most of the action will be. See the schedule of events to find out what is happening and where.

Black Rock Rendezvous: May 29 - 30

Here's your chance to learn more about the incredible Black Rock Desert, located within the BLM-administered Black Rock Desert High Rock Canyou Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area (or just NCA for short). This is two days of environmental workshops, tours of significant area features, history, camping, food, and live music under starry desert skies. Friends of Black Rock High Rock are the main organizers, with assistance from organizations such as the Bureau of Land Management, Desert Research Institute, Burning Man Earth Guardians, Nevada Outdoor School, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and several others.

Everything starts on Saturday, May 29, 100 miles north of Reno in Gerlach, Nevada. A schedule of events, directions, and maps are available at the Black Rock Rendezvous website. Basic admission is free, but there is a fee for some activities like the BBQ dinner on Sunday evening. If you plan on doing the campout, be sure to read this information about camping at Cassidy Mine. See some of the fun with my Black Rock Rendezvous pictures.

Things To Do Nearby

Memorial Weekend at Squaw Valley USA
Families and friends looking for something exciting to do this Memorial Day weekend (May 29 - 31) can ride the cable car up to High Camp and have lunch at the Poolside Café or enjoy a drink at the Umbrella Bar. Music for all ages will be playing on the pool deck from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The High Camp Lagoon and Spa will be open all weekend for mountaintop swimming and sunbathing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cable car will operate from 10:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information about Memorial Day lodging deals, call (866) 366-7261.

Celebration of Heroes Parade in Virginia City
The parade starts at noon on Saturday, May 29 and will travel down C St., Virginia City's main drag. The parade celebrates the heroism and sacrifice of those Americans who have died defending our nation. Anyone wishing to be a part of the Celebration of Heroes Parade can call (775) 847-4386 for more information. For parade line-up, be at the Fourth Ward School on the South End of C Street at 11:00 a.m. All entries are welcome.

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Ride a real steam train on the restored Comstock route between Virginia City and Carson City. Most of the line opened in 2009 and will be running round trips again starting on May 27. The final third of the route has yet to be completed. Trains will run Thursday through Sunday until October 31. You can get tickets online for this route and also for the excursion train listed below.

Ride the Virginia & Truckee Excursion Train
Come ride the Queen of the Shortlines on Memorial Day weekend. The 2010 season of diesel train excursions between Virginia City and Gold Hill starts on Saturday, May 27. There are departures all day from the depot at F Street and Washington in Virginia City, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets are $$9, children 5 to 12 are $5, kids under 5 free. An all day pass is $15. For more information, call (775) 847-0380. (Note: This is an excursion train, not the V&T that runs round trips all the way to Carson City.)

Parks and Recreation Areas

Our Reno / Tahoe region has excellent public parks suitable for everything from a quiet walk to big family gatherings. We are also surrounded by public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, offering a multitude of possible outdoor adventures.

Reno Aces Baseball
Our Reno Aces will be playing four home games against the Sacramento River Cats, from Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31. The Friday and Saturday games start at 7:05 p.m. On Sunday and Monday, first pitch is at 1:05 p.m. Check the Reno Aces schedule for game times.

Wild Island Family Adventure Park
Wild Island Family Adventure Park in Sparks will be open over the weekend, including on Memorial Day. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information about rates and all the things you can do, visit the Wild Island Family Adventure Park website. The park phone number is (775) 359-2927.

Continue to Memorial Day Services, Memorial Parks, and Cemeteries.