5 Things to Do in Reno This August
One of my favorite things about living in Reno is that August doesn't force you into a single kind of weekend. One day you can be hiking through the Sierra, the next you're wandering Midtown with a good cup of coffee, listening to live music under the trees, or relaxing along the Truckee River.
While plenty of visitors come here looking for casinos or the biggest annual events, I think some of the best experiences are the ones that feel a little more local. They're the places you find yourself returning to year after year because they're simply enjoyable ways to spend a Saturday.
Whether you've lived in Northern Nevada for years or you're visiting for the first time, here are five experiences I'd genuinely recommend before summer starts winding down.
1. Spend a Day at the Bowers Bluegrass Festival
If your idea of a good summer event involves live music, mountain views, and room to spread out on the grass, the Bowers Bluegrass Festival is a much better way to spend an August weekend.
The festival returns to Bowers Mansion Regional Park in Washoe Valley on August 22 and 23, 2026, for its 40th year. Set beneath the mountains just south of Reno, it brings together bluegrass musicians, food, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere that feels distinctly Northern Nevada.
You do not have to be a devoted bluegrass fan to enjoy it. Bring a chair or blanket, find a spot on the lawn, listen to a few bands, and explore the park between performances.
Live Bluegrass Performances
The festival features a full weekend of traditional and contemporary bluegrass acts. It is the kind of music that works especially well outdoors, whether you are sitting close to the stage or listening from a shady spot farther back.
Explore Bowers Mansion Regional Park
The setting is part of the appeal. The park has mature trees, open lawns, picnic areas, and views across Washoe Valley, making it easy to spend more than a few hours there.
Tour Bowers Mansion
While you are there, check the mansion's tour schedule. The historic home offers a glimpse into Northern Nevada's Comstock-era history and adds something different to the day beyond the music.
Local Tip
Bring a folding chair or picnic blanket, sunscreen, water, and an extra layer. Washoe Valley can be warm during the day, but the temperature and wind can change quickly.
Before you go: Check the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association's website for the performance schedule, tickets, parking information, and festival rules.
2. Hike Above the City
One of the biggest reasons people choose to live in Reno is how quickly you can trade city streets for mountain trails.
Within 30 minutes, you can be hiking through alpine forests, climbing granite peaks, or standing beside a waterfall. August is one of the best months to explore because most high-elevation trails are snow-free, the mornings are comfortably cool, and the views stretch for miles.
If you're only visiting for a weekend, these are the three hikes I'd recommend first.
Mount Rose Summit Trail
If you don't mind earning your views, Mount Rose is hard to beat.
Climbing to more than 10,700 feet, this trail rewards hikers with panoramic views overlooking Reno, Washoe Valley, and Lake Tahoe. It's definitely a workout, but reaching the summit is one of those experiences you'll remember long after your legs recover.
- Distance: Approximately 10.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Best for: Experienced hikers looking for incredible views
Hunter Creek Trail
Hunter Creek is probably the hike I recommend most often.
It's close to town, offers steady elevation gain without being overwhelming, and finishes at a waterfall tucked into the mountains. It's a great introduction to Reno hiking if you've never explored the area before.
- Distance: About 6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Waterfall lovers and visitors wanting a half-day adventure
Tahoe Rim Trail
The Tahoe Rim Trail is more than 170 miles long, but you don't have to tackle the entire thing to appreciate it.
Several trailheads along Mount Rose Highway provide access to alpine meadows, towering pines, granite outcroppings, and expansive views toward Lake Tahoe. You can hike for an hour or spend the entire day exploring.
- Distance: Flexible
- Difficulty: Easy to challenging
- Best for: Anyone wanting classic Sierra scenery
Local Tip
Start your hike early.
By 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning, temperatures are comfortable, wildlife is often more active, and you'll beat both the afternoon heat and the busiest trail traffic.
Bring more water than you think you'll need. Reno's dry climate has a way of surprising visitors.
Before you go: Review current trail conditions, weather forecasts, wildfire information, and seasonal closures before heading into the mountains.
3. Spend an Afternoon Exploring Midtown Reno
If someone asked me where to spend an afternoon in Reno, I'd probably send them to Midtown.
Over the last several years, Midtown has become one of my favorite parts of the city. It's walkable, creative, and full of locally owned businesses that give Reno its personality. You won't find giant shopping malls or chain restaurants on every corner. Instead, you'll discover restaurants, outdoor gear stores, public art, craft beverages, and some of the best food in town.
The best part is that you can park once and spend several hours exploring on foot.
Here's how I'd spend an August afternoon in Midtown and nearby downtown Reno.
Start with Perenn Bakery
Every good afternoon starts with good food, and Perenn Bakery is one of the best places in Reno to do exactly that.
Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, grabbing a pastry, or looking for a quality cup of coffee, Perenn has built a reputation for fresh bread, seasonal pastries, and thoughtfully prepared food. It's the kind of place that feels busy for all the right reasons.
Grab a table if you can. If not, take your coffee to go and enjoy the walk.
Stop by the Patagonia Outlet
One of the things that makes Reno unique is how connected the city is to the outdoors.
Just minutes after leaving downtown, you can be hiking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, or camping. That's why the Patagonia Outlet feels like such a natural fit here.
Whether you're replacing a worn-out hiking jacket, picking up gear for your next camping trip, or simply browsing, it's worth stopping in. Even if you leave empty-handed, you'll probably leave inspired to plan your next adventure.
Grab Lunch at Reno Public Market
By now, you've probably worked up an appetite.
Reno Public Market has become one of the city's popular gathering places. Instead of deciding between one restaurant or another, everyone can order something different and still eat together.
With a variety of food vendors, desserts, and craft beverages, there's enough variety that almost everyone can find something they enjoy.
Depending on when you visit, you may also catch live music, community events, or local pop-up markets.
Pick Up Something at Piñon Bottle
If you enjoy discovering new craft beer, wine, or cider, Piñon Bottle is worth a stop.
Rather than stocking its shelves with only the same bottles you'll find everywhere else, Piñon carries a carefully selected range of beverages from Nevada and beyond. The staff knows the inventory, so don't hesitate to ask for a recommendation.
Whether you're heading to a barbecue later that evening or looking for something new to try at home, it's an easy place to walk out with something interesting.
End the Day Along the Truckee River
No Midtown or downtown afternoon feels complete without spending a little time along the Truckee River.
Walk over to Wingfield Park and the Truckee River Whitewater Park and you'll quickly understand why this area is one of Reno's favorite gathering places during the summer.
On an August afternoon, you'll probably see kayakers surfing the standing waves, paddleboarders floating downstream, people reading in the shade, and friends gathering on the grass.
If you're not in a hurry, find a bench and simply enjoy the river. Sometimes the best way to experience Reno is to slow down for a while.
Local Tip
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is trying to drive from place to place.
Instead, park once and explore on foot. Some of the area's best murals, restaurants, patios, breweries, and local businesses are tucked between the main streets, and you'll discover far more by wandering than you will from behind the windshield.
Before you go: Check Reno Public Market's schedule for live music, pop-up markets, and community events happening during your visit.
4. Visit Animal Ark
If you're looking for something a little different, head about 30 minutes north of downtown to Animal Ark.
Unlike a traditional zoo, Animal Ark is a wildlife sanctuary that provides permanent homes for rescued and non-releasable animals. The focus is on education, conservation, and giving visitors a better understanding of wildlife.
One of the things I appreciate most about Animal Ark is that it feels intentional. The habitats are spacious, the educational displays are informative without being overwhelming, and you leave with a greater appreciation for the animals than when you arrived.
August mornings are one of the best times to visit. The temperatures are cooler, many of the animals are more active, and you'll enjoy walking the sanctuary before the afternoon heat settles in.
Meet the Predators
Animal Ark is home to wolves, bears, cheetahs, and other predators. Watching these animals up close while learning about their stories and conservation challenges makes for a memorable experience.
See the Birds of Prey
Keep an eye out for hawks, owls, vultures, and eagles throughout the sanctuary. Educational displays explain each species and the role it plays in the ecosystem.
Learn About Conservation
Throughout the park, you'll learn about habitat preservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and the work being done to protect threatened species. It's an experience that's both entertaining and educational.
Enjoy the Natural Setting
Animal Ark's habitats are designed to resemble natural environments. This creates a more comfortable home for the animals and a more interesting viewing experience for visitors.
Local Tip
Arrive shortly after the park opens.
Not only will the weather be more comfortable, but you'll usually find the animals more active before they retreat to shaded areas during the hottest part of the day.
Before you go: Confirm Animal Ark's seasonal hours, admission prices, special events, and animal presentations on its official website.
5. Explore the Nevada Museum of Art
When people think about Reno, they often picture mountain adventures, casinos, or the Truckee River. What surprises many first-time visitors is that Reno also has a thriving arts community, and nowhere is that more evident than the Nevada Museum of Art.
Located near downtown Reno and Midtown, the museum has become one of the city's cultural anchors. Whether you're escaping the afternoon heat, looking for a quieter experience, or simply enjoy discovering something new, it's an easy place to spend a couple of hours.
One of the reasons I recommend the museum is that it's never exactly the same twice. Alongside its permanent collections, the museum regularly rotates exhibitions, hosts guest artists, and offers community events throughout the year.
Rotating Exhibitions
The museum regularly hosts nationally and internationally recognized exhibitions featuring painting, photography, sculpture, and immersive installations. Since exhibitions change throughout the year, there's usually something new to discover.
The Altered Landscape Collection
If you've spent any time exploring Northern Nevada, you'll appreciate this collection. It examines the relationship between people and the environment, using art to explore how landscapes shape us and how we, in turn, shape them.
The Building Itself
Before you leave, take a few minutes to appreciate the architecture. Designed by architect Will Bruder, the museum's striking five-story building has become one of downtown Reno's most recognizable landmarks. Sometimes the building is just as interesting as the artwork inside.
Community Events
The museum regularly hosts First Thursday programs, Second Saturday activities, artist talks, workshops, lectures, and seasonal events. If your visit lines up with one of these, it's a great way to experience Reno's creative community beyond the galleries.
Local Tip
Plan your visit for the late afternoon, then walk a few blocks toward Midtown or the Truckee River for dinner. It's an easy way to turn a museum visit into a relaxing evening downtown.
Before you go: Check the Nevada Museum of Art's official website for current exhibitions, hours, admission prices, and special events.
A Few More August Ideas
If you have extra time, here are a few more ways to enjoy Reno before summer comes to an end:
- Spend an evening at an outdoor concert.
- Catch a Reno Phil performance if one is scheduled during your visit.
- Walk the Truckee River at sunset.
- Grab dinner on one of Midtown's outdoor patios.
- Take a scenic drive up Geiger Grade or toward Virginia City.
- Visit a local farmers market for fresh produce and handmade goods.
Sometimes the best days aren't built around one destination. They're simply spent exploring.
Wrapping Up
One of the reasons I enjoy living in Reno is that life here doesn't have to be complicated. Some of the best days start with a hike, include a great meal from a local business, and end with a walk along the river or an evening listening to live music.
That's what I hope this list encourages you to do. Explore a trail you've never hiked, stop into a business you've always driven past, visit a museum you haven't been to in years, or simply spend a little more time enjoying everything Northern Nevada has to offer.
I've found that the best memories here usually aren't made by checking off a list of tourist attractions. They're made by slowing down, trying something new, and appreciating the lifestyle that makes Reno such a great place to call home.
If you're considering making Reno your home instead of just your destination, I'd love to help you discover the neighborhoods, trails, restaurants, and communities that make this area so special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Reno in August?
Some of the best ways to experience Reno in August include hiking Mount Rose or Hunter Creek Trail, exploring Midtown's local restaurants and shops, visiting Animal Ark, touring the Nevada Museum of Art, and attending seasonal events like the Bowers Bluegrass Festival.
Is August a good time to visit Reno?
Absolutely. August offers warm, sunny weather, cool mountain mornings, and long evenings that are perfect for hiking, outdoor dining, festivals, and exploring Northern Nevada. It's one of the best months to enjoy both the city and the surrounding Sierra.
What is the weather like in Reno during August?
Expect hot, dry afternoons with temperatures typically in the upper 80s to mid-90s, and even the low 100s, while mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler. If you're planning to hike, head out early and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sun protection.
What are the best hikes near Reno?
If you're looking for incredible scenery close to town, start with Mount Rose Summit Trail, Hunter Creek Trail, or the Tahoe Rim Trail. Each offers a different experience, from waterfalls and alpine forests to panoramic views of Reno and Lake Tahoe.
What are some family-friendly things to do in Reno?
Animal Ark is a favorite for families, offering an opportunity to see rescued wildlife while learning about conservation. The Nevada Museum of Art, the Truckee River, local parks, and many seasonal community events are also great options for visitors of all ages.
Can you enjoy Reno without gambling?
Absolutely. While Reno is known for its casinos, many locals spend their weekends hiking, exploring Midtown, visiting museums, enjoying local restaurants, attending community events, and taking advantage of the area's easy access to the Sierra Nevada.
Where should I spend an afternoon in Reno?
If you only have a few hours, I'd recommend exploring Midtown. Start with a meal or pastry at Perenn Bakery, browse the Patagonia Outlet, grab lunch at Reno Public Market, stop by Piñon Bottle, and finish with a walk along the Truckee River at Wingfield Park.
Why do so many people love living in Reno?
For many people, it's the balance. Reno offers access to hiking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, and lakes, while still providing great local restaurants, arts, entertainment, and a growing downtown. It's easy to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle without giving up the conveniences of city living.
Event schedules, business hours, museum exhibitions, trail conditions, admission prices, and seasonal access can change. Check each attraction's official website before your visit.
