What Are The Fun Things To Do In Reno? What Is Reno Famous For?
I was lucky to visit Reno last October and be a part of the Ferrari Farms Fall Festival. For me, the barn dance and watching a movie under the stars were the best attractions.
This year, again, is the time for the Ferrari Farms Fall Festival in Reno. Continuing for three decades now, this festival has a significant impact on local tourism. The festival, taking place at the 1800s barns, offers a diverse range of fall activities for visitors of all ages.
The homegrown and authentic experience at Ferrari Farms, one of the world’s oldest family-owned farms, makes the festival truly stand out.
However, the autumn festivities are not the only fun things to do in Reno. The casinos in the city maintain their tourism figures stable, even when Las Vegas experiences a decline in numbers.
Do you want to know more about what’s fun in Reno? Here is a detailed guide.
What Are The Fun Things To Do In Reno? Let’s Begin With The October Fun
A travel dupe for Las Vegas? Yes, this is how Reno is getting the biggest publicity. Furthermore, I talked to my friends who have been to Vegas recently or the locals of Nevada. Everyone has a similar issue about Las Vegas.
“The resort fees are too much, and even the casinos are expensive!” This is what I got to hear from most of them. However, Reno, the “Biggest Little City in the World,” offers a similar casino experience at a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, in this month of October, Reno welcomes you to music, farm festivals, great food, and more!
1. Don’t Miss The Dracula, A Comedy Of Terrors
Do you love classic vampire tales? How about seeing a fun version of the classic and bursting into giggles instead of getting goosebumps? The Good Luck Macbeth Theatre at 124 W. Taylor Street will be hosting “Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors” from 10th to 12th October 2025.
You can visit goodluckmacbeth.org to book your tickets for performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and 2:30 PM on Sundays.
2. Be A Part Of The Meyers Mountain Fall Festival
- A Vendor Village
- Beer Garden
- Pumpkin Patch
- Costume Contest
The Tahoe Paradise Park at 1011 E. San Bernardino Avenue in South Lake Tahoe is now gearing up for all these fun things to do and more. This festival will take place from 11th to 12th October 2025.
3. Have Fun At The Great Italian Festival
Virginia Street is now being set up for the Great Italian Festival on 11th and 12th October 2025. Visit any of the following casinos and be a part of the festivities.
- Silver Legacy Resort Casino
- The Row — the Eldorado Resort Casino
- Circus Circus Casino
On Saturday, the event will start from 10 AM and continue till 7 PM. On Sunday, the festivities will take place from 10 AM to 6 PM.
4. Try Your Luck At The Casinos
Lower strip prices and the authentic Nevada casino experience! This is where Reno is emerging as the casino lovers’ haven in Nevada. Furthermore, Reno Downtown is very walkable, and you get easy access to Lake Tahoe.
So, your casino experience here is like a package deal and a bit of everything great about Reno.
The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is the most iconic casino to try your luck. However, I also loved the old-world charm of the Eldorado Resort Casino, and you can even play online games at Las Atlantis Casino and earn real money.
So, it’s time to eat, drink, play, and party all night!
5. Listen To The Sierra Nevada Mountains Calling
Reno is not just a casino city with a great nightlife experience. It is also close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Visit the Mount Rose Wilderness Area and embark on a hiking adventure through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, taking in the most scenic trails. The surrounding valleys and peaks will bless you with the most amazing views.
Do you want some more adrenaline rush? I loved rafting at Whitewater Park. The autumn weather was just perfect for the adventure. You can even try kayaking.
6. Have Great Food In Reno
Reno is a place where diverse cultures meet. So, its cuisine has elements of Mexican, Italian, and Basque traditions. And despite the hotels and restaurants bearing the brunt of new tariff policies, the city continues to offer food worth traveling miles for.
Furthermore, I was traveling on a budget, and you can have a fortune to spend on your Reno trip. For both types of travelers, Reno offers local favorites and upscale dining places.
To be more specific, Midtown Reno was my go-to place whenever I needed to have the best Mexican or Italian dish. I also loved the craft breweries.
Moreover, Reno is a proud flagbearer of Nevada’s Farm-to-Table culture. So, you can taste the most authentic flavors here, and the items served are made with locally-grown ingredients.
7. Experience The Art Scene Of Reno
Sierra Arts Foundation is the place you need to be when you are in Reno. It keeps hosting events. Also, this October, the Sierra Arts Foundation is going to host many events, such as the following.
- Sierra Arts Book Fest – 11th October 2025
- Layers of Reiteration Reception at Riverside Gallery – 18th October 2025
- Haunting Members’ Exhibition Reception at Depot Gallery & Bookstore – 25th October 2025.
To have a more immersive experience of the art and cultural scene of Reno, you can also explore the Nevada Museum of Art and see the public artwork installations during a stroll in the Riverwalk District.
8. Rejuvenate At The Natural Hot Springs Of Reno
I had the most amazing time at Steamboat Hot Springs. The warm and mineral-rich waters there took all my fatigue away. Furthermore, the tranquil setting of these hot springs added to my relaxing experience.
Carson Hot Springs is another popular destination to relax and rejuvenate in the waters of the hot springs.
Fun Things To Do In Reno: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Reno.
Reno is called a Divorce City or the Divorce Capital of America. In the mid-20th century, people used to visit Reno to end their marriage quickly.
Even today, if the procedures are smooth, you can get an uncontested divorce decree in just 10 days.
Of course, casinos and spas are the places where you will find most couples in Reno. However, you can also enjoy a romantic walk along the Truckee River or enjoy a starry affair at the Fleischmann Planetarium.
Furthermore, if you are interested in art, you can explore the Nevada Museum of Art, where you can attend art classes or learn about contemporary art.
People are visiting Reno instead of Las Vegas to enjoy the most authentic Nevada casino experience. Furthermore, Reno is way cheaper and more walkable than Las Vegas.
Also, Reno offers an eclectic experience with great food, cultural events, and landmarks. So, it’s not about a great nightlife.
