For one weekend in late April or early May, Genoa, Nevada honors its place in the history of the state and the west by presenting the Genoa Western Heritage Celebration. This year’s event will be taking place April 28th– April 30th, 2023.
As the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada and home to the state’s oldest thirst parlor, the three-day festival celebrates Genoa with demonstrations, live music, cowboy poetry, food events, a western art show, vendors and more. While the event’s name has changed over the years, the passionate volunteers behind this annual spring event have not. Hosted by the non-profit organization Friends of Genoa, this celebration is a loved and time-honored tradition, and fun for the whole family!
Friday Night Concert
The weekend begins Friday, April 28th at 7:30 p.m. with the musical talents of Ryan Fritz and Kristyn Harris at the Genoa Town Hall (located at 2287 Main Street).
Ryan Fritz – Ryan’s music is inspirited by the western and ranching lifestyle he has experienced. He has released seven albums to date and received a Wrangler Heritage Award for his song, “Keeper of the West”. His latest album is Cow Pony, released in 2021.
Kristyn Harris – Kristyn is the 2022 Female Performer of the Year and Entertainer of the Year for the International Western Music Association. She is known for her western swing spin on original and classis songs of the western and rural lifestyle, as well as her powerful voice, yodeling and energetic stage presence.
Tickets for the concert are $45 and can be purchased here.
Saturday Free Daytime Activities
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can roam throughout beautiful Genoa for demonstrations, western music, cowboy poetry, western vendors, western art show Chautauqua actors portraying historic characters, Civil War Reenactments, children’s activities, Ag in the Classroom with the Douglas County Farm Bureau, and much more. Events and daytime performances are free and family friendly!
Saturday Progressive Dinner
The progressive dinner runs 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday evening and is a timed rotation at all five local restaurants. Enjoy a drink and set menu in a fun and unique way! Those participating in the dinner will be divided into multiple groups and rotate between restaurants on a scheduled timeframe. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here. Be sure to pick up your wristbands on Saturday at the Genoa Gazebo, located on the corner of Genoa Lane and Main Street.
Saturday Night Concert
Saturday night begins at 7:30 p.m. and features Cowboy Poet Floyd Beard and the Cowboy Way at the Genoa Town Hall.
Floyd Beard– A lifetime cowboy and sixth generation rancher, Floyd received the 2016 and 2017 IWMA Male Poet of the Year. Drawing from his own experiences of the western way of life, he delights audiences with humor and by bringing alive original, classics and contemporary cowboy poetry.
The Cowboy Way is a western music trio from New Mexico comprised of members Jim Jones, Doug Figgs, and Mariam Funke. They have been named the International Western Music Association’s Group of the Year five times. Their family friendly shows feature harmonies and high energy, as they honor the traditional cowboy songs and southern rock tunes.
Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here.
Sunday Morning Cowboy Church
Sunday, April 20th at 9 a.m., the weekend wraps up with Cowboy Church (free) at the Genoa Town Hall with Doug Figgs of the Cowboy Way.
For more information, follow Genoa Western Heritage Days on Facebook.