Every year in late April or early May, the town of Genoa, Nevada honors its place in the history of the state and the west by presenting a weekend-long celebration known as Genoa Western Heritage Days.
As the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada and home to the state’s oldest thirst parlor, Genoa puts on this three-day festival dedicated to local history, featuring demonstrations, live music, cowboy poetry, food events, a western art show, vendors, and more. Having started as a collaboration between the Town of Genoa and the Carson Valley Arts Council in 2010, it’s evolved quite a bit since then. While its name has changed over the years, the passion and enthusiasm of the volunteers behind this annual spring event have not. Hosted by the non-profit organization Friends of Genoa, it has become a beloved and time-honored tradition, and is fun for the whole family!
But what can visitors who may be attending Genoa Western Heritage Days for the first time expect to see and do? While there are some unique variations from year to year, typically the event does have a relatively consistent schedule of both free and ticketed activities.
Concerts
Perhaps the most well-known element of Genoa Western Heritage Days is the live music. The event features two nights of concerts, usually on Friday and Saturday, with an impressive lineup of established and rising musicians. The concerts are ticketed, and almost always sell out well in advance, so it’s best to reserve your tickets early! Information about the concerts, including how to purchase tickets online, can be found on the Town of Genoa website.
Saturday Festival & Horse Parade
The most popular day of the event for families is definitely Saturday, during which Genoa comes alive with an entire slate of free activities that appeal to a wide range of interests. The town is open for attendees to roam throughout and view unique demonstrations and Civil War reenactments, hear bouts of western music and cowboy poetry, and purchase western art and keepsakes. Chautauqua actors bring historic characters to life in immersive performances, and there are plenty of children’s activities and games throughout the day, including Ag in the Classroom and other special programs.
A particular highlight of the free festival takes place in the afternoon, around 2:00pm, when the main street is cleared for a Horse Parade showcasing equestrian organizations and groups.
Progressive Dinner
Saturdays have yet another ticketed event, and this one is for the foodies—a Progressive Dinner with participating local restaurants in Genoa. Ticketholders for the Progressive Dinner are assigned groups and rotate between restaurants on a scheduled timeframe, enjoying a specially prepared dish and beverage that represents the very best each eatery has to offer.
Cowboy Church
Traditionally, the weekend wraps up on Sunday with Cowboy Church at the Genoa Town Hall. Free to attend, and eclectic in its simplicity, this laid-back approach to worship blends core non-denominational Christian beliefs with a focus on western culture.
Every year is slightly different, and there’s always something new and interesting to explore. We can’t wait to see you there; just be sure to dress for the occasion in your finest western apparel!
For more information on current and upcoming Genoa Western Heritage Days events, visit their official page on Facebook.