With daily highs in the 90s, it feels like July is already here. And given how quickly time passes when it’s warm and sunny out, now’s a good time to figure out your Fourth of July plans.
So, without any further ado, let’s see what’s going on in the Carson Valley this year.
Star-Spangled Steam Up at Nevada Railroad Museum
Nevada’s Railroad Museum is putting on a multi-day event known as Star-Spangled Steam Up. Starting on Friday, July 4 and extending to Sunday, July 6, each day of this event is jam-packed with activities for all ages — train rides, games, museum tours and plenty of eats from local food trucks. For more details (including how to purchase tickets and the times it will be open), check out our page for the event.
Photo above: The Star-Spangled Steam Up will feature three operating steam locomotives including a special steam-powered guest. Photo: Nevada Railroad Museum Facebook
4th of July FUNdraiser
The annual VIP donor-supported event, the July Fourth FUNdraiser, is returning to the Eagle Valley Golf Course. This golf and dinner event is known for being a stylish extravaganza with many of Carson’s prominent community members in attendance. The food is sure to be delicious, and the fireworks display will dazzle all of the Carson Valley.
The golf tournament starts at 2:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m., and the evening ends in bangs and crackles when the VIP firework viewing starts at 9:30 p.m. Attendees can come for all three events or just dinner and fireworks.
Prices start at $75 for adults and $25 for children, but tickets are sure to sell out fast. This is a unique opportunity to give back to local, rural communities while celebrating our nation’s founding.
Minden July 4th Celebration
At the far end of the Carson Valley, Minden will have its own Independence Day event in Minden Park. Complimentary hamburgers and hot dogs will be served during this casual town BBQ open to all — it doesn’t get much more American than that!
Drinks will be available for purchase, with proceeds going to help fund the event, and popsicles, balloon creations and bounce houses will be available to entertain children. The climax of the day will be a kids’ bike parade around the park.
July 4th Genoa Americana Celebration
Genoa, a small historic town within 20 minutes of downtown Carson, is putting on its annual Americana Celebration this Fourth of July.
The town’s historical museums will be open to the public during the day — and the whole little town will be alive with people walking around the quaint boutiques and restaurants.
The main focus will be the center stage in the park. At 10:30 a.m. the children and pet parade kicks off, followed by live music from a variety of local bands, before ending in the grand finale: the Carson City Symphony playing patriotic tunes at 3:45 p.m.
We hope this list helps you have a fun and entertaining July 4 in the Carson Valley!
To see daytime and nightlife events going on in Carson City all summer long, see our Events listings.
About the Author Dan Bablinskas
Dan Bablinskas is a relentlessly curious person with a passion for travel, foreign languages, affordable food and lodgings, well-fashioned cappuccinos and refreshing craft brews. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in creative writing, he traveled through Europe and South America while working as an English teacher and travel blogger. After trying a number of different careers, he settled into technical and content writing for his day job. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the Reno-Tahoe area by foot, car, bike and ski. He lives in Reno with his wife and two kids. 
