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, so visit the online Exhibit Hall information to find out what's available when you plan to visit. The Fleischmann Planetarium 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. After Dark: Films from the Vault is a free film series showing at 7:00 pm on the third Tuesday of each month. These are Nevada-themed movies from the 30s, 40s and 50s, and should be lots of fun. 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 over 350 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. The information phone number is (775) 322-1538.
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
Tour de Nez
4th of July
Artown
Hot August Nights
Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off
Great Reno Balloon Race
Eldorado Great Italian Festival
Street Vibrations
Nevada Day
