Artown, recipient of three consecutive National Endowment for the Arts grant awards, highlights the arts in Reno each July with a packed calendar of events. Artown captures the imagination and brings with it a celebration of distinguished artists from around the world, across the country, and those that live in our community all for the sake of cultural diversity and artistic innovation. To experience the best and the latest in visual and performing arts, Artown features more than 400 events, from over 100 presenters designed to inspire, and yes, to impress the 350,000 people that experience our festival annually.
the Artown mission
Artown's mission is to strengthen Reno's arts industry, enhance our civic identity and national image, thereby creating a climate for the cultural and economic rebirth of our region.
Artown would not be possible without the funding from Reno Tahoe USA, the City of Reno and is sponsored by U.S. Bank, Grand Sierra Resort, NV Energy, International Game Technology, Waste Management, Forever Yours, JLH Inc., Basin Street Properties, Reno Gazette-Journal, KOLO 8 News Now, KTHX-FM and KNPB with additional support from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Artown is supported by Stimulus Funding through the Nevada Arts Council’s SNAP Grant Program.
Number of Events
In July, nearly 400 events with 63 percent free. Six ticketed performances October through April for the Encore series.
Encore
Free Events
It doesn’t get much better than free. More than 63% of Artown’s programming is free and includes live music at events including Opening Night with Tiempo Libre, Monday Night Music Series, Rollin’ on the River, the World Music Series and Closing Night with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Free festival favorites continue throughout the month and include Dancing in the Park, Discover the Arts, Movies in the Park and the Family Series.
Family Events
Mondays in July bring the family spirit to life with fun-filled performances ranging from music to marionettes with Artown’s Family Series in Wingfield Park. Additional family events throughout the month include Discover the Arts programs each weekday in July, theater including a workshop and performance by Missoula Children’s Theatre, summer art camps and more.
Ticketed Events
In addition to its numerous free events, Artown produces performances each July and during Encore that are nothing less than phenomenal and feature some of the world’s most notable dance, music, theater and performance groups. Highlights during the 15th annual Artown festival included Joan Baez, Missoula Children’s Theater- King Arthur’s Quest and Diavolo with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra.
Multi-cultural Events:
Each summer, Artown presents a variety of multi-cultural performances, events and celebrations including the World Music Series, the Basque Festival and the GospelFest, just to name a few.
