Free Exhibits and Museums
Fleischmann Planetarium Exhibit Hall - Stellar displays and interactive exhibits are free and open daily (closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). There are both permanent and rotating features. The Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center is on the UNR campus at 1650 N. Virginia St. in Reno. Call (775) 784-4812 for information.W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum - The W.M. Keck Museum is in the Mackay School of Mines Building at the University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 N. Virginia St. The museum features an outstanding collection of minerals, ores, fossil specimens, photographs, and mining related relics. You can explore early Nevada mining history with samples from famous mineral districts such as the Comstock Lode, Tonopah, and Goldfield. The museum is also home to some of the spectacular Mackay Silver Collection, created by Tiffany & Co., for Comstock millionaire John Mackay. The W.M. Keck museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (775) 784-4528.
Wilbur D. May Arboretum - The Wilbur D. May Arboretum is a wonderful part of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The arboretum's 12 acres include wetland habitats, groves of trees, walking paths, native plants, and various outdoor courtyards. Visiting the arboretum is free. There is a small entry fee to the Wilbur D. May Museum next door.
Nevada Historical Society - The Nevada Historical Society has several free features, as well as exhibit halls with minimal admission fees. The foyer and main hallway have rotating exhibits, such as historic photography, that are always free. It's here you will also find a nice gift shop. High Noon is a free documentary film series at noon on the fourth Monday of each month. The Atomic Movie Series is a free film series of Nevada-themed movies, showing at 2 p.m. on select Saturdays. The Nevada Historical Society is at 1650 N. Virginia Street, on the UNR campus just north of the Fleischmann Planetarium. For more information, call (775) 688-1190.
Artown - Artown takes over Reno and the Truckee Meadows each July with almost 400 art exhibits, hands-on workshops, concerts, and shows by world famous entertainers. The best part is that most of what there is to see and do is free. The bad part is that Artown only lasts a month. Still, it's well worth the wait because Artown is a fabulous event to be enjoyed by everyone who lives here and all those who visit the Reno / Tahoe area during July.
Big Events, Free Admission
It's free to attend most of Reno's big events. For example, at the Reno River Festival and Hot August Nights there is plenty to see and do without spending a dime. If you want to buy food, drink, and trinkets, go for it, but it's not mandatory.- Earth Day
- Cinco de Mayo
- Reno River Festival
- 4th of July
- Artown
- Tour de Nez
- Hot August Nights
- Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off
- Great Reno Balloon Race
- Eldorado Great Italian Festival
- Street Vibrations
- Nevada Day
Find Cheap Gas
Gas prices vary around the Truckee Meadows, sometimes enough to make it worthwhile to go a little out of the way to get the best deal. My Gas Prices in Reno article gives you the information needed to save some money with today's expensive fuel prices.Free Bus Rides
RTC Sierra Spirit - You can get around Reno's downtown core and up to UNR on Sierra Spirit, the free bus line serving the area. Just find the Sierra Spirit sign at any of numerous locations along the main streets and wait for your ride to arrive. Buses run about every 10 minutes, every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The rest of the RTC bus system isn't free to ride, but there some discounts available. Learn more about it from Bus Fares in Reno.Save Money at Home
A home energy audit helps Reno residents determine where their utility energy dollars are going, helps you zero in on energy hogs, and offers help in determining how to lower your energy costs. Our local purveyor of home electricity and gas, NV Energy, offers their free, online Home Energy Audit as a program customers can do themselves.Recycling in Reno and Washoe County gives everyone an opportunity to contribute to environmental quality, save money, and lessen our dependence on imported oil. It's easy to make recycling a habit in the Truckee Meadows.
