LGBTQ+ Travel Guide

Reno Tahoe always strives to be a safe and friendly destination for everyone. Here we celebrate love and the desire to pursue your most ambitious vacation goals. For us, that doesn’t just mean providing a great night out or hosting a family fun day, it starts at the foundation of our culture. The 2022 Municipal Equality Index gave Reno a score of 100/100 for its policies and inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Check it out below to see what that means for residents and visitors alike.

MEI 2022 Report

Where to Stay

In addition to the area’s TAG-approved hotels, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and Whitney Peak Hotel, our lodging properties offer a unique experience for all guests, no matter your pleasure. The downtown Reno properties include THE ROW and Renaissance Reno. Head further south and you’ll find Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on your way out to Virginia City or Mount Rose. Grand Sierra Resort is located in the heart of the city with an abundance of on-property adventure. Nugget Casino Resort is surrounded by a neighborhood of new food, drink and entertainment options. For Tahoe seekers, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is a stone’s throw away from the lake’s famous blue water. You can check out all of the lodging properties here.

Things to Do

Events and The Arts

Events in Reno Tahoe are back! Bookmark our events calendar, and plan your next trip to Reno around one of your favorite events.

Northern Nevada Pride takes place in Wingfield Park each summer in July. There is a parade through downtown Reno, concluding at Wingfield Park where the live entertainment and festival will take place. Northern Nevada Pride is produced by and supports the efforts of Our Center – the local LGBTQ+ community center.

For the entire month of July, Reno is Artown. There are concerts at beautiful Rancho San Rafael park just north of downtown, along with a variety of other live music, dance, culture and theatre events.

Burning Man returns to the Black Rock Desert, August 27-September 4. You can also find the spirit and art of Burning Man all year long in Reno Tahoe. Art pieces from Burning Man are sprinkled around Reno including Reno’s Neon Line, just west of downtown, and City Plaza, located in the heart of Reno along the beautiful Truckee River.

Each September, The Great Reno Balloon Race sends more than 80 beautiful hot-air balloons into the skies over Reno. It has been one of Reno’s most colorful and spectacular events for over three decades and is a world-renowned and locally beloved community tradition.

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts hosts several Broadway productions each season during “Broadway Comes to Reno.” It is also the home of the A.V.A Ballet Theatre and showcases the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra throughout the year. Please visit the Pioneer Center’s website for the most up-to-date list of scheduled events.

On the second Thursday of every month, The Emerson Bar presents Drag Bingo! Win fab prizes and the proceeds benefit a different charity every month.

Brunch and a show? Head to Cafe Whitney, inside Whitney Peak Hotel in downtown, on the third Saturday of the month for their Drag Brunch. Presented by the Haus of Does Moore, guests are treated to a delicious brunch and fabulous entertainment.

View our full events calendar here.

Nightlife

Whether you’re looking for a spot to kick off the night, or seeking the perfect nightcap, Reno’s LGBTQ bars have something for everyone.

Located downtown, 5 Star Saloon is Reno’s longest-running gay bar. They have a large dance floor with a stage and dance poles.

Carl’s Saloon will make you feel like you’re right at home. There are an awesome backyard patio and pool tables. They are located near the Peppermill Resort on South Virginia St.

Northern Nevada’s newest LGBTQ+ nightclub is Splash Bar Reno. They host weekly events like karaoke, Throwbacks and Noche Latina. You can find Splash Bar on Kietzke near the Grand Sierra Resort.

Faces NV Reno is continuing the nightlife legacy started by the original Faces Nightclub which opened over 30 years ago. Located in downtown Reno, this bar always has some kind of event going on.

Breweries, distilleries and wineries can be found all around the area. From award-winning pilsners to welcoming tasting rooms, there’s plenty of local taste to go around.

Check out even more of Reno’s nightlife scene.

Outdoor Activities

There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Reno Tahoe. We offer a wide range of hiking and biking trails, beautiful paved biking paths and a variety of water activities from beaching it to tubing down the Truckee River. Please help keep Reno Tahoe pristine and keep responsible recreation in mind when getting outdoors.

For picturesque views of both Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley, hike to the summit of Mt Rose, or for a more urban hike check out Hunter’s Creek or the miles of hiking trails located above Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

If you love mountain biking, then the Flume Trail, nicknamed America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, is a must-do. For a more leisurely bike ride, check out the new Tahoe East Shore Trail, which connects Incline Village and Sand Harbor, or the section of the Tahoe Pyramid Trail between Mayberry Park and downtown Reno.

In Reno Tahoe, you can kick it poolside with a cocktail at your favorite resort or cruise the Truckee River on your favorite flotation device. With Lake Tahoe less than an hour away, you can spend your day chilling on a beach or paddleboarding its clear waters.

Additional Resources

Our Center provides Northern Nevada’s LGBTQ community with access to advocacy, support, educational programs, services and resources. Their volunteers are the backbone of Northern Nevada Pride and they host smaller events throughout the year for anyone to join.

Weddings in Reno Tahoe can be as unique as your relationship. Elope or plan a destination wedding on the beautiful beaches of Lake Tahoe or find that perfect venue nestled in an eclectic neighborhood like Dickerson Road. Don’t forget the endless options for bachelor and bachelorette parties too!