The State Fair of Nevada is set to return to the Nevada State Fairgrounds in Reno from June 11 to June 13, marking its comeback after a 16-year break, according to an April 24 announcement. The event will feature food vendors, entertainment, and activities focused on agriculture and community.
The fair aims to bring together families and highlight the importance of agriculture in Nevada. Key attractions include the Nevada Junior Livestock Show and Sale, University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H State Expo, an opening night ceremony with a concert by bluegrass/country artist Caleb Montgomery, the Governor’s Sale of Champions, a drone show, carnival rides, the Made in Nevada Pavilion Farmers’ Market, Next Generation Junior Bull Riding, among others.
University of Nevada, Reno Extension is sponsoring the fair and will participate by offering produce from its Desert Farming Initiative at the farmers’ market. Items such as meat from Wolf Pack Meats and Rafter 7 wool garments will also be available for purchase.
“Sponsors are doing more than just supporting the official State Fair of Nevada, they are helping build Nevada’s future,” said J.J. Goicoechea, director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture. “Their contributions allow youth to learn and grow, bring communities together and ensure our state agriculture is celebrated and preserved.”
University President Brian Sandoval said he was excited about both the university’s involvement and the fair’s return: “The State Fair of Nevada represents a unique opportunity for the community to enthusiastically embrace the revival of one of our state’s most cherished cultural and educational events,” he said. “There are many of us who can remember our first visits to the State Fair… With the return… we have the chance to experience that wonder anew…”
Tickets for opening day on Thursday are $12 for kids and $15 for adults; this includes access to Caleb Montgomery’s concert. Friday and Saturday admission costs $7 for kids and $10 for adults; add-on tickets for Friday’s bull riding event are $15 (kids) or $25 (adults). All-inclusive wristbands covering all days start at $30 (kids) or $50 (adults). Early bird discounts offering 20% off are available through May 1 at statefair.nv.gov using code “EarlySFNV.”
Organizers encourage those interested in attending or participating in special events like Next Generation Junior Bull Riding or shopping local products at farmers’ markets not to miss this revived tradition.