Reno Tahoe Announces Summer Events, Hotel Upgrades, and New Flight Routes

RENO, Nev. (June 22, 2023) – Building on a successful start to 2023, Reno Tahoe is announcing new business developments and expansions to set the stage for continued growth in tourism for the destination. These updates include elevated summer events, award-wins, and new hotel and culinary offerings.

“Reno Tahoe comes alive in the summer with fun events, outdoor adventure, art festivals, and more that make our region unique and constantly evolving for new and loyal visitors,” said Reno Tahoe Board Chair Charlene Bybee. “We always look forward to welcoming new businesses that add to our destination’s eclectic character and provide dynamic offerings for visitors. Local treasures are what we strive for, and our partners consistently exceed expectations on elevating the destination.”

Reno Tahoe’s dynamic mix of summer events are a top attraction for visitors and residents alike and many have added new elements and expanded schedules for 2023:

• The Reno River Festival expanded its schedule this year to three days, which took place from June 9-11. This year’s event included over 100 food vendors, a music festival that showcased more than 20 headliners, craft beer and hard seltzer tours, an adventure park, and two new additions: the Great Reno River Rally, a private, professionally guided rafting tour, and a Y2K themed Coors 150 Celebration to kick off the weekend’s festivities.
• The Downtown Reno Partnership announced the launch of the monthly ‘Downtown Tuesdays’ series featuring live music, local favorite food trucks, and engaging yard games. The event will take place on the second Tuesday of each month from May 9 through September 12.
• The Reno Rodeo kicks off its first-ever Tailgate Party on June 23-24, complete with a cornhole tournament and various festivities with proceeds benefitting the Special Kids’ Rodeo. This event was recently spotlighted in the 10 Top U.S. Rodeos by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
• The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival will return for its 51st anniversary at the scenic Sand Harbor State Park, welcoming audiences to enjoy a delectable musical comedy and other live entertainment events from June 30-August 20.
• Dragon Lights Reno will once again illuminate the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park from June 30-August 13. This exhibition showcases over 40 larger-than-life lantern sculptures and 2023’s collection is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Asian culture and biodiversity.
• Artown, a month-long culture festival held throughout July, will shine a spotlight on Reno’s local talent while showcasing works from renowned artists worldwide. This festival will offer a diverse program of over 500 art events, including concerts, educational workshops and inspiring exhibits.
• For the first time, the Bass Camp Festival is making its way to Reno on July 28-30, 2023, featuring headliners deadmau5 and Madeon. Over 40 artists are performing in this year’s festival, featuring three stages across Wingfield Park on the Truckee River and select venues around downtown Reno.
• After nearly 60 years, the last National Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport will take place from September 13-17. The farewell event will showcase over 150 planes, along with interactive displays and hands-on experiences.

Hotel properties in Reno Tahoe are continuously introducing new offerings and enhancing the guest experience. Recent developments include:

• The Sands Regency Hotel in downtown Reno is now known as J Resort. The property’s rebranding comes nearly six years after Jacobs Entertainment acquired the resort for $30 million. The first phase of the J Resort remodel includes an upgraded casino with more than 600 new gaming positions, two new restaurants, and a 24/7 digital art wall.
• Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has been named the No. 1 resort and hotel in Reno by U.S. News & World Report.
• Whitney Peak Hotel launched a major guest room renovation to enhance the guest experience, with expected completion this summer.
• The on-site adventure program at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino is unveiling its 2023 schedule of wellness experiences for groups including hiking, meditation, archery, and more.

As travelers get ready for their summer travels, Reno Tahoe is preparing with updated flight paths and new initiatives:

• Reno-Tahoe International Airport is announcing the return of three highly anticipated seasonal nonstop flights, enhancing connectivity for travelers from June through early September. JetBlue Airways will offer service from New York (JFK), while Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines will provide nonstop flights from Minneapolis (MSP). Additionally, United Airlines will offer nonstop service from Chicago (ORD).
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport is transforming the travel experience in Northern Nevada with its multi-year infrastructure program, MoreRNO. In efforts to meet the growing demand for air travel in our region, Reno-Tahoe International Airport is bringing approximately $1 billion in infrastructure investments, including a ticketing hall expansion, loop road improvements, a ground transportation center and new concourses.
• The Reno Tahoe tourism and convention sales teams have refreshed their all-inclusive tours into the Reno Tahoe Experience (RTX), occurring three days and 48 hours respectively. RTX unites meeting planners and tour operators from across the nation to immerse themselves in local attractions and events. Equipped with firsthand knowledge and an action-packed itinerary, these attendees will share their immersive experiences.

Reno Tahoe’s culinary scene continues to grow with new openings and award-wins:

• Perenn Bakery, a local favorite cafe in Reno’s Village at Rancharrah, has introduced a new dinner service. The flagship location now offers a dinner menu featuring dishes such as flank steak with fries and Parisian gnocchi – complemented by a curated selection of French and Italian wines.
• Celebrity British chef Gordon Ramsay is set to make his debut in Reno with the opening of two new restaurants inside Silver Legacy Resort Casino later this year. The establishments, Ramsay’s Kitchen and Ramsay’s Fish and Chips, will mark Chef Ramsay’s 16th and 17th restaurants with Caesars Entertainment
• Reno’s brewery scene has received international recognition as Schussboom Brewing and IMBIB Custom Brews brought home gold medals from the highly prestigious 2023 World Beer Cup. IMBIB also expanded its taproom into a restaurant at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks.

To learn more about all that Reno Tahoe has to offer, visit: https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/