A festival is an event that is filled with music, laughter, and games, bringing people together to celebrate and experience joyful rides and making memorable memories with family and friends.
Reno recently celebrated an 11-day festival with amusement rides, beverage vendors, and handmade goods. The Reno Fest Carnival started on Thursday, April 17, 2025 and ran through Sunday, April 27, 2025. It took place in the north parking lot of the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, 1350 N. Wells Ave, Reno, Nevada. The gates opened at 1 p.m. and closed at 10 p.m. Admission was free, but $10 for parking and the wristbands were $32, so I say it was a good deal.
Food & Fun
As you walked through the grounds of the festival, you felt joy, you heard laughter, and you could see the colorful booths and smell the delicious foods. Who doesn’t like the smell of corn dogs or deep-fried Oreos and to see the amazing handmade goods created by talented people, all coming together and creating a wonderful event for the community?
And how about having the time of your life playing the games, winning prizes, and taking them home to remind you every time you look at them to see how much fun you had that day with the people you care about. Another great time is having fun competitions with your friends playing ring toss or basketball to see who wins.
Rides
The rides! Who doesn’t like the feeling of waiting in line to get on the Ferris wheel? It might be long, but it’s worth it. I had heard that they brought 3 Ferris wheels this year at Reno Fest—even one that spins, so I wanted to get on that ride!
The rides are exciting, the feeling of your heart beating fast when you’re on the ride… They might be scary (for some), but once you get off, the excitement you have and wanting to wait in line and go again, the whole view of Reno when you’re on the swings, the sun going down and fresh air you feel makes it even better!
Seeing the kids having the time of their lives, running around, being there for the first time, getting their faces painted, and seeing the joy and smiles on their faces is something everyone should experience. As I watch the rides from a distance, I notice the children and teenagers’ laughter and excited screams. While you’re waiting in line hearing the screams of others, however, you feel anxious and you grow fearful to get on the ride, but you only live once, so why not embrace every moment of your time and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime?
I recommend attending Reno Fest, even if it may only last a couple of days. But each day you spend there will remind you of the beauty of living in the moment.
There will be another carnival soon, in case you missed this one, on June 19, 2025 through June 28, 2025. I hope everyone has a chance to experience the excitement that only a carnival can bring!
