Whatever the time of year, there is always something going on in Elko.
Check out our guide to upcoming events in the heart of Northeastern Nevada. Located halfway between Reno/Lake Tahoe and Salt Lake City, Elko is the perfect distance for a long weekend getaway to celebrate one of our many cultural events, regardless of season. From the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering to the National Basque Festival, the Elko Mining Expo, California Trail days and so many more, this is the place to celebrate and soak in the atmosphere of a vibrant cosmopolitan town that still pays respect to its past.
If you’re familiar with the term “cowboy poetry,” you have the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, NV to thank for that. If you’re not familiar with it, well, get ready for one heck of a wild ride, because you’re about to discover one of the West’s premiere cultural gatherings [...]
From wild animals to wild terrain, hear the exciting true stories of living on the trail and exploring Nevada on horseback. Since 2013, the Nevada Discovery Ride has logged tens of thousands of miles in Nevada's backcountry, living on the trail to ride across and around the state. Samantha (human), Sage [...]
Want to know more about upcoming events in Elko, NV? Let’s dig in.
In December, celebrate the season with a snowflake festival and parade of lights, then come back in January for some can’t-miss down-home storytelling from ranchers and cowboys at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. In the spring, party Old West style at the Halleck Bar Party where revelers raise a toast with Beefeater gin. It’s just one of many events in Elko that adhere to the area’s tradition.
Delve into history at the California Trail Days, where you’ll learn about the quarter of a million people who packed up their lives and headed west along the California Trail from the 1840s to the late 1860s and enjoy reenactments that bring history to life.
In summer, geek out on mining equipment and history at the annual Elko Mining Expo or earn your personal best in the Nevada Marathon Relay and Lamoille Canyon Half Marathon/5K. Gaze in wonder at the evening glow show at the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival or celebrate our nation’s independence over Fourth of July weekend. Or hop on your bike for the Ride Around the Rubies, a scenic “gravel ride” through the Ruby Mountains that’ll have you breaking away from the peloton for your very own leader’s jersey. Don’t forget about the National Basque Festival where Nevada’s Basque culture is celebrated with dancing, music, food and plenty of good times.
Come fall, enjoy a classic film fest, a classic car show, a Native American Pow-Wow, a pumpkin festival and plenty other unforgettable Elko events. Elko also hosts a pair of monthly farmers’ market and plenty of ongoing events at the Western Folklife Center.
If you think of Elko as just another quick stop along I-80, these upcoming events will have you changing your mind in no time. Come see us soon!
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