Join us this year for: The Wild Wild West Nevada Day Parade

Grand Marshal : Bob Tallman
Nevada Day, Inc. is proud to announce that legendary rodeo announcer and Nevada native Bob Tallman will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Nevada Day Parade on Saturday, November 1 in Carson City. Known worldwide as “the voice of professional rodeo,” Tallman’s five-decade career includes announcing more than 23,000 rodeo performances and earning 12 PRCA Announcer of the Year titles. A rancher, entrepreneur, and member of 11 Halls of Fame, Tallman’s deep roots and love for Nevada make him the perfect choice to lead this year’s celebration of statehood

Nevada’s Biggest Celebration of Statehood

Every year, Carson City comes alive with the Nevada Day Parade, a tradition since 1938 honoring our history and statehood. Enjoy the parade, balloon launch, rock drilling, beard contest, and more as the whole community comes together to celebrate Nevada.

Parade Day Flow

6:00 AM
Prepart & Balloons inflate: Hot air balloons light up as they prepare for the morning accent. Coffee and Champaign at the Carson Mall

8:00 AM
Balloon Launch: Hot air balloons fill the morning sky from Fairview to downtown.

Experience the breathtaking sight of hot air balloons launching on Carson Street near the Carson Mall starting at 8:00 a.m. on parade day (weather permitting). The balloons typically fly for about an hour and are usually grounded before the parade begins. The launch is conducted with support from the Great Reno Balloon Race. Sponsors have the opportunity to ride in a balloon and display their banner from the basket.

NEVADA DAY RUN A-THON – 8 AM

36th Annual Nevada Day Classic
Thirty-six years running!! We are excited and thankful, as always, to put on one of our signature races and be part of the Nevada Day weekend!

This is a classic road course through the streets of west Carson City. Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged!

An annual event since 1989, the Nevada Day Classic is an 8K run and a 2-mile run/walk that kicks off Nevada Day and sends runners/walkers through the beautiful, historic West Side of Carson City. All runners of all distances will receive a custom wooden medal!

The Nevada Day Classic is organized by the Tahoe Mountain Milers in partnership with Guide Dog for the Blind, Kaia Fit, Tangerine Design & Web, and Lynn Mentzer Timing. All net proceeds will go to Guide Dogs For The Blind. Click Here

10:00AM
Parade Begins!
200+ entries march down Carson Street in celebration.

The parade begins at William Street and N. Carson Street and continues for approximately four hours, concluding at the intersection of Stewart Street and S. Carson Street. The event features marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, historical displays, Burning Man art cars, and much more. You can view the full list of parade entries in the parade program or online at Carson Now.

11:00 AM
Single-Jack Rock Drill Competition
Watch skilled competitors in this historic mining tradition at Carson Mall.

The World Championship Single Jack Rock Drilling Contest returns on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Carson Mall parking lot. Contestants use hammers and steel bits to drill into a massive block of Sierra White Granite, competing to drill the deepest hole in just 10 minutes. This thrilling event honors the Comstock mining tradition and crowns the World Champion driller

2:00 PM
(or immediately after parade ends)
Beard Contest: McFadden Plaza hosts the bearded and the bold.

Hosted by Cipriani’s Downtown Barber Shop and Paradise Salon – Spa – Wellness. Held immediately following the parade, the Beard Contest takes place on the main stage at McFadden Plaza (3rd St.) There is no entry fee, the contest is open to anyone with a beard. Award categories include: best overall winner, longest, fullest, reddest, whitest, blackest, best salt and pepper, best groomed, scruffiest, and most bearded community.

3:00–6:00 PM
Post Parade Celebration: Live music, vendors, and street festival fun downtown.

Join old and new friends for live music, food, and drink vendors in Telegraph Square from 3–6 p.m., sponsored by Nevada Day, Inc. West Proctor Street will feature a beer garden, kids’ events, and live music by Jakota.