The annual events in Gardnerville are just one of the many ways to enjoy the area and get to know your neighbors! Throughout the year, Gardnerville offers many events so you can celebrate with everything from street fests to wine tastings.

Whether you are considering a move to this area or have lived here for some time, there is plenty to learn about all of the ways to celebrate as a community.

Keep reading for more information on the annual events in Gardnerville and surrounding areas each and every year.

Annual Events In Gardnerville

Discover Downtown & Mingle 

Time of Year: February, May, August, and November

Location: Main Street Gardnerville; 1407 U.S. Hwy 395 N, Gardnerville, NV 89410

The Main Street Mingle is a terrific opportunity to network with other local businesses if you are a business owner or just want to meet some new people in town. Discover their future activities, promotions, and initiatives while contributing your own information.

This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with and exchange ideas with nearby companies. Be sure to bring any marketing materials you’d want to distribute to other participants.

Genoa Western Heritage Days

Time of Year: Spring – April, May

Location: Genoa Town Hall

For one weekend generally in April, Genoa, Nevada honors its place in the history of the state and the west by presenting the Genoa Western Heritage Celebration.

As the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada and home to the state’s oldest thirst parlor, the three-day festival hosts Native American demonstrations, live music, cowboy poetry, tours and food events. While the event’s name has changed over the years, the passionate volunteers behind this annual spring event have not.

Genoa Western Heritage Day showcases the area’s rich western heritage. Historic Genoa, Nevada, is nestled at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range, just 25 minutes east of beautiful Lake Tahoe and one hour south of Reno.

Third Thursday Wine Walk

Time of Year: Third Thursday of the Month – May through October

Location: Downtown Gardnerville

These wine tours aim to entice visitors to Main Street District so they may experience all the area has to offer. Each of the five wine walks attracts more than 50 businesses annually, providing a superb opportunity to discover the many distinctive, locally owned enterprises that are featured.

Some of the people who join us don’t sign up to be wine walkers. Instead, they come to stroll the streets and chat with friends and neighbors or to take advantage of the stores’ extended hours and make some unique purchases. You can enjoy one of these events between May and October.

Freedom 5K Fun Run

Time of Year: Summer – July 4

Location: 1447 Courthouse Alley, Gardnerville, NV US 89410

With some patriotic music and plenty of outside activities, your entire family can get your Fourth of July off to a great start. Every year on July 4th, Main Street Gardnerville and the Town of Gardnerville present the Freedom 5K Fun Run.

Participants dress in their finest patriotic attire in an effort to win the “Best Dressed” prize. With the 5K run/walk through Heritage Park and Martin Slough Nature Trail, you may spend a morning in the park. However, it is also worthwhile to stay for a performance of patriotic songs by the Sierra Choral Group and the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra.

Genoa Candy Dance

Time of Year: Fall – Last full weekend in September

Location: Candy Dance Lane in Genoa

The Genoa “Candy Dance” was started in 1919 in an effort to generate money for street lights for the pioneering but small town of Genoa, Nevada. Now, one of the most famous events in Gardnerville takes place each year in September.

This event draws nearly 50,000 visitors each year and relies on the support of volunteers to make over 4,000 pounds of candy. Since its start, the Genoa Candy Dance has added a craft fair to the festivities – making it the perfect way to welcome the fall season with loved ones and friends.

Main Street Fall Fest

Time of Year: Fall – October

Location: Heritage Park; 1447 Courthouse Alley Gardnerville, NV 89410

Fall in the Carson Valley wouldn’t be complete without the annual Slaughterhouse Lane Coffin Races, Scarecrow Festival, and Harvest Festival, which are organized by Main Street Gardens and East Fork Gallery. All of these are combined with music, entertainment, displays, and sellers at Heritage Park’s Main Street Fall Fest.

The festival is a free, locally organized event that honors the traditions and history of the area as well as the citizens’ ongoing skills, originality, and diversity. Head to the Pavilion to learn more about the events, concerts, arts, crafts, companies, and demonstrations there.

Gazebo Lighting at Minden Park

Time of Year: Winter, December

Location: Minden Park; 1610 Esmeralda Ave. Minden, NV 89423

The first lighting in Minden Park was organized in 1990 and the event has grown with the years.

The celebration will feature the Douglas High School Jazz Band, firepits and s’mores cookies and is held annually at Minden Park. This is one of those events in Gardnerville you don’t want to miss as the whole area comes out for fun!

NYE Candlelight Labyrinth Walk

Time of Year: Winter – December 31

Location: Heritage Park; 1447 Courthouse Alley Gardnerville, NV 89410

Establish a new family custom that focuses on building bright futures. Around the globe, people use labyrinths to calm their minds, find balance in their lives, relax, get insight, lessen stress, create, and rejoice.

As you take in this latest tradition in the Carson Valley, luminaries will light the route. On New Year’s Eve, there will be a family-friendly celebration called “Walk out the Old Year and Welcome the New Year.”

More Events In Gardnerville

There are so many other events in Gardnerville that take place throughout the year. While these are some of the most celebrated and long-standing traditions held by the town, there is truly no limit to enjoying Gardnerville and its community.

Take a look at some other events in Gardnerville area here.

These local events, along with many others, provide an opportunity to explore your community further while getting to know your neighbors and the history of Gardnerville.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your real estate professional while looking for some events to get better acquainted with your new home.