4th of July 2020 in Reno and Sparks

If you're visiting northern Nevada this summer and want to celebrate America's birthday in style, there are plenty of events in Reno/Sparks and the surrounding area—including Carson City, Lake Tahoe, and Virginia City—where you can watch fireworks or join in the festivities for a day of family fun.

From a Reno Aces game at the city's ballpark to the small-town parade of Virginia City, this stretch of cities celebrate Independence Day in style. Keep in mind though, especially if you're traveling from out of state, that fireworks are illegal in Reno and Washoe Counties except for approved public fireworks displays, so you can't bring your own sparklers to any of these events.

Many of these events have been altered or canceled in 2020. Check the websites of the organizers for more information.

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Reno

All of these events have been canceled for 2020.

Ballpark hot dogs are quintessential Fourth of July food, and watching America's pastime could not be more appropriate on this holiday. On July 4 you can usually catch a Reno Aces game on July 4 at the Greater Nevada Field in Reno's Freighthouse District. After the game, a big blowout of a fireworks display fills the sky over the stadium.

Alternatively, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus usually performs a patriotic program from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno. A firework show follows the grand finale of "American Salute," and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic for this free event when the park opens at 5 p.m.

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Sparks

This event has been indefinitely postponed in 2020. Check the casino's website for more details.

Star Spangled Sparks is the biggest Fourth of July celebration in the Reno area, with fireworks shot off from the roof of the Nugget Casino Resort. The event usually starts at 4 p.m. on Victorian Square with live music, food and craft vendors, a bike parade, and activities for kids. While you can view it from Victorian Square and the surrounding streets, the best place to watch is from the viewing areas like the VIP viewing party inside the Nugget Casino Resort, which features a picnic-style buffet and excellent views of the show.

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Lake Tahoe

This event has been canceled for 2020.

The fireworks show at Lake Tahoe is so special that it's been written about in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes Traveler as a must-see celebration of our nation's birth.

The fireworks are shot from barges in the lake for a spectacular show that reflects off the surface of the water, and the whole show is choreographed to music. You can either watch from boats with special dining and viewing packages or on land anywhere along the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Nevada Beach State Park is great for barbecues while Regan and El Dorado Beaches offer up-close views but seats fill up fast. Families can head to Bijou Community Park, and the more adventurous can hike up to the top of Mount Tallac for a view unlike any other in the region—just remember to bring a headlamp for when you're heading back down.

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Carson City

This event has been canceled for July 2020, but could potentially be postponed to Labor Day Weekend. Check the Visit Carson City website for details.

About a half hour's drive from Reno, Carson City offers an annual Fourth of July celebration that includes a full-on carnival, live music, and food vendors. The celebration takes place at Mills Park throughout the week, with the largest crowd expected on the holiday itself to catch the finale fireworks show set to patriotic music.

Along with carnival rides, concessions, and attractions, there are craft vendors and live music by local bands. While the fireworks show and concert is free to attend, the carnival does charge a one-time fee for entry and unlimited rides.

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Virginia City

If you're looking for a more casual way to celebrate the holiday, you'll feel right at home at the small-town Fourth of July festival in Virginia City, about a half an hour's drive from Reno.

Although stores and shops around the city will host celebrations starting at 10 a.m., the noon parade officially kicks off the day's events with a red, white, and blue procession through the streets. Check out Old West-style cowboy shootouts, the Comstock Cowboys Amendment concert, raffles, auctions, and train rides throughout the day.

As night falls, a concert in conjunction with fireworks will light up the night to end your celebration. For a special treat, you can ride the V&T Railroad from Carson City to Virginia City and arrive just in time for the big Fourth of July parade.