Free, cheap events in Reno-Tahoe, May 7-10
Free, cheap events in Reno-Tahoe, May 7-10
Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette JournalThu, May 7, 2026 at 12:02 PM UTC
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Warm weather has arrived in Northern Nevada, and along with it there's a bumper crop of concerts and family events in the region.
The lineup of $20-and-under events this week includes the Mountain West Softball Tournament, a celebration of the TV series "Bonanza," a poetry workshop and a wheelie dog race, plus 15 concerts ranging from classical to indie rock to shoegaze.
Here are our favorite 27 free and cheap events this weekend, along with a look at the weather forecast through Sunday.
12 free and cheap events in Northern Nevada, May 7-10
Mountain West Softball Tournament, May 7-9: Nevada hosts the 2026 conference tournament, with the title game(s) set for Saturday afternoon. Games are at Christina M. Hixson Softball Park, 100 Dolly Drive. Tickets are $10. For the full schedule and details, visit themw.com/softballchamp.
DJ Trivia, May 7: Show off your smarts at this weekly trivia competition at Reno Public Market. It runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at 299 E. Plumb Lane. For details, visit renopublicmarket.com.
“The Wild Robot” and “Freaky Friday,” May 8-9: Two family films return to the big screen this weekend: the animated “Wild Robot” and the 2003 edition of “Freaky Friday.” It’s happening at 71 S. Maine St. in Fallon; admission is $1 for each. For schedule and details, visit fallontheatre.com.
Reno Improv, May 8-9: Local improv troupes have two performances on the schedule this weekend, with showtimes at 8 p.m. each night. Admission is $10. It's all at Reno Improv, 695 Willow St. For details, visit renoimprov.org.
Bonanza Days, May 9-10: A celebration of the classic TV series "Bonanza," this two-day event includes a mock gunfight, look-alike contests, kids activities and episode screenings. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. For details, visit visitvirginiacity.com.
Back Roads Vintage Market, May 9-10: Fallon’s Rafter 3C Arena hosts this marketplace of farmhouse antiques and other vintage novelties. It runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10 on Friday, $5 on Saturday at 227 Sheckler Rd. in Fallon. For details, visit backroadsvintagemarket.com.
Honey Yoga, May 9: A one-hour yoga class with no experience needed — and admission includes one cocktail by event sponsor Ketel One Vodka. The event runs from 10 to 11 a.m.; tickets are $20. It’s at Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Ln. For details, visit renopublicmarket.com.
Kids Crafts with Doodle Your Soul, May 9: Doodle Your Soul returns to Reno Public Market for three hours of arts and crafts from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It's free, but please RSVP to ensure that there are enough supplies. It's at 299 E. Plumb Lane. For details, visit renopublicmarket.com.
Begin Anywhere: Poetry Workshop, May 9: It’s the first Saturday for this two-part poetry workshop with Max Stone, for poets at any part of their journey. Admission is $10. It’s at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Shakespeare Animal Fund Sharing Happy Tails, May 9: The charity which helps pet owners with emergency vet bills is sharing its success stories at this free event, which includes a raffle and giveaways. It’s from 1 to 3 p.m. at Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Ln. For details, visit renopublicmarket.com.
Wag N’ Wheels, May 9: Wheelie dogs will race at Reno Public Market during an afternoon filled with raffle prizes, vendors, a dog ice-cream-eating contest and more. Donate and vote on which dog you think will be fastest at renomidtown.com/wag-n-wheels, and attend the event from 3 to 7 p.m. at 299 E. Plumb Ln. For details, visit renopublicmarket.com.
Boot Skootin' Good Times, May 10: Take free country line dancing lessons from 12 to 3 p.m. at Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Details at renopublicmarket.com.
15 free and cheap concerts in Northern Nevada, May 7-10
Cruz Control featuring Whitney Myer, May 7-9: A group that blends soul, hip-hop, Latin and rock music performs at 7 p.m. the first night and 8 p.m. subsequent nights at Terrace Lounge, Peppermill Resort Casino, 2707 S. Virginia St.Admission is free. Details at peppermillreno.com.
Davey and the Midnights, May 7: This country-meets-psychedelic rock combo from Indiana plays as part of the NMA’s First Thursdays series with Loud As Folk. The show starts at 5 p.m. at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty St.Admission is $15, or free for NMA members. Details at nevadaart.org.
Twen, May 7: Riding the lines between post-punk and shoegaze, this Nashville group with East Coast roots performs at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.Tickets start at $18. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
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Twen
Restless Romantics, May 8: It will be the final show for this Reno indie rock band, with locals Evening Spirits and Silent Giant also playing. It takes place at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.Tickets are $10. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Glitter Bomb, May 8: This '70s disco tribute band plays from 7 to 10 p.m. at Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Details at renopublicmarket.com.
Dave Masud, May 8: Masud has been in the Reno punk/indie music scene for decades with groups such as The Vampirates and Suckapunch. He’s formed another band to play songs from his latest solo record, “Three Quarter Life Crisis,” at this show. It also features local melodic punk bands Sad Giants and Nosebone. It all begins at 8 p.m. at The Alpine, 324 E. 4th St.Tickets are $15-$20. Details at thealpine-reno.com.
Drowning In Blood, May 8: Montreal is home to this crossover thrash band, who will play at 8 p.m. at Alturas Bar, 1044 E. 4th St.There is a $12 door charge. Details at facebook.com/alturasnv.
Sickie J’s Mentors, May 8: Steve Broy (aka Dr. Heathen Scum) is the only original member left of this shock-rock-meets-punk band. They play at 8 p.m. at Club Underground, 555 E. 4th St.Tickets start at $20. Details at clubundergroundreno.com.
Reno Philharmonic: The Orchestra Moves, May 9: A more unusual performance, as the orchestra encourages participation and dancing from children and families while they show how music is put together onstage. It begins at 10 a.m. at the Pioneer Center, 100 S. Virginia St. Admission is free. Details at pioneercenter.com.
Meat Blanket, May 9: This Reno punk band headlines a night that’s also a fundraiser for the Wild West Fund for Nevada Abortion Access. Other locals on the bill include MySpace Girlfriend, Orrral Fixation and a duo version of Snub. It all starts at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St. Tickets are $10. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Down the Rabbit Hole, May 9: A rock-and-roll musical journey through the ’60s and ’70s is set for from 7 to 10 p.m. at Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane. Details at renopublicmarket.com.
ViceGrip, May 9: This Lake Tahoe group mixes funky rock with psychedelia and heavier rock sounds at times. They play at 8 p.m. in the Red Room at Crystal Bay Club Casino, 14 State Highway 28, Crystal Bay. Tickets are $15. For details, call 775-833-6333 or visit crystalbaycasino.com.
Poison Grove, May 10: This Reno indie rock band headlines an all-local bill, including The Zines and Over The Counter, at 5 p.m. at Coffee N’ Comics, 1235 Baring Blvd., Sparks. There is a $7 door charge. Details at instagram.com/coffee.n.comics.
Clarion, May 10: The more groove-heavy side of post-punk and shoegaze gets its due with this excellent trio from Los Angeles. They play at 7 p.m. at Holland Project, 140 Vesta St.Tickets are $15. Details: 775-742-1858 or hollandreno.org.
Lucas Arizu, May 10: A jazz/classical guitarist from Reno performs at 6 p.m. each night at Terrace Lounge, Peppermill Resort Casino, 2707 S. Virginia St.Free shows are May 10-13. Details at peppermillreno.com.
Reno-Tahoe weather, May 7-10
Thursday: Sunny with afternoon breezes; highs 79-84 in the valleys and 66-76 at higher elevations. Clear and breezy overnight; lows 43-53 in the valleys and 32-42 at higher elevations.
Friday: Sunny and breezy; highs 80-85 in the valleys and 66-76 at higher elevations. Clear overnight; lows 43-53 in the valleys and 34-44 at higher elevations.
Saturday: Sunny; highs 78-83 in the valleys and 71-81 at higher elevations. Clear overnight; lows 45-55 in the valleys and 38-48 at higher elevations.
Sunday: Sunny and warmer; highs 88-93 in the valleys and 74-84 at higher elevations. Clear overnight; lows 50-60 in the valleys and 41-51 at higher elevations.
Mark Earnest contributed to this report.
Brett McGinness is the engagement editor for the Reno Gazette Journal. He's also the writer of The Reno Memo — a free newsletter about news in the Biggest Little City.Subscribe to the newsletter right here. Consider supporting the Reno Gazette Journal, too.
This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: Free, cheap events in Reno-Tahoe, May 7-10
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