Skip to ContentSparks, next door to Reno, was built by Southern Pacific in 1903. This page links its rail history, Victorian Square and the big events held around the Truckee Meadows.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 1903Southern Pacific lots drawn
- 1905incorporated (Wikipedia)
- 4 mieast of Reno in 1902 (City of Sparks)
- ~10 minfrom downtown Reno (our estimate)
Sparks
Sparks Victorian Square And Rail History
How Southern Pacific built Sparks in 1903, and the downtown square that hosts annual events.
Rail town
Hot August Nights
The classic-car week, with a concert series at Victorian Square.
Event
Great Reno Balloon Race
A free September event at Rancho San Rafael Park.
Event
The Truckee Meadows
The Truckee Meadows is the valley that holds Reno and Sparks; the Reno hub covers the river, museums and parks on that side. The Truckee River runs through both cities.
Events
See the calendar for dated events.
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Sparks Heritage Museum details (not read).
- Dates of annual events (organizers).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sparks called the Rail City?
Southern Pacific built it for railroad workers; Wikipedia gives the nickname.
Sources
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Sparks and The Truckee Meadows,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.
Events in The Next 45 Days
Nevada Wolf Pack Men's Basketball vs. Utah Valley
Sat, Nov 14 · 7:00 PM
Lawlor Events Center · Reno & Sparks
Home game on the official Nevada Wolf Pack men's basketball schedule, listed with the weekday and 7 P.M. tip time. Price: See event page
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 3, 2026 on the organizer’s page
HOME for the Holiday's at Greater Nevada Field
Nov 27 - Dec 23 · 5:00-9:00 p.m. (Nov 27-29, Dec 3-6, 10-13, 16-23)
Greater Nevada Field, 250 Evans Ave · Reno & Sparks
A 360-degree stadium light show with Santa and Mrs. Claus photos, tree lightings and free hot chocolate. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Read on the Downtown Reno Partnership listing; the ballpark's own page was not read. Admission price is not listed.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Nevada Wolf Pack Men's Basketball vs. Cal Poly Humboldt
Sat, Nov 28 · 2:00 PM
Lawlor Events Center · Reno & Sparks
Home game on the official Nevada Wolf Pack men's basketball schedule, listed with the weekday and 2 P.M. tip time. Price: See event page
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 3, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Sierra Nevada Ballet Peanutcracker (Reno)
Sun, Nov 29
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts · Reno & Sparks
A short, family-oriented Nutcracker from Sierra Nevada Ballet. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Showtime and ticket prices are not listed on the ballet's page.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
39 North Pole (Sparks Hometowne Christmas village)
Dec 3-5 · Thu and Fri 4-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (Santa photos Sat 11-1:30 and 2:30-3:30)
Victorian Square · Reno & Sparks
Light displays, a crafters' village and Santa photos, part of the City of Sparks Hometowne Christmas weekend. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: The city page gives no street address and no price.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Silver & Snowflake Festival of Lights and Capitol Tree Lighting
Fri, Dec 4 · 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Nevada State Capitol grounds, 101 N Carson St · Reno & Sparks
Tree lighting with fifth-grade caroling, sleigh rides on Carson Street, Santa and the Grinch, a vendor market, live music and hot chocolate. Listed by the Brewery Arts Center. Price: Free
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Sparks Hometowne Christmas Tree Lighting
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:30-7:00 p.m.
Victorian Square gazebo, Victorian Ave and Victorian Plaza Circle East · Reno & Sparks
Live entertainment and free hot chocolate; the mayor lights the 60-foot Giant Sequoia. The City of Sparks lists it with the Hometowne Christmas weekend. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: No admission price is stated on the city page; free hot chocolate is the only price detail.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Santa Train at Nevada State Railroad Museum
Dec 5-20 · Saturdays and Sundays, Dec 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20; departures every 30 minutes, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S Carson St · Reno & Sparks
A 20-minute train ride; museum admission is not included. Price: $10 per seat ages 4+; lap riders 3 and under free
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Sierra Nevada Ballet Peanutcracker (Carson City)
Sat, Dec 5
Carson City Community Center · Reno & Sparks
A short, family-oriented Nutcracker from Sierra Nevada Ballet. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Showtime and ticket prices are not listed on the ballet's page.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Sparks Hometowne Christmas Parade
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00-2:30 p.m. (parade-day activities 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
Victorian Avenue, Victorian Square · Reno & Sparks
The 39th annual parade runs from Pyramid down Victorian Ave to Victorian Plaza Circle West. Price: See event page
Not confirmed: Admission is not stated on the city page.
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 4, 2026 on the organizer’s page
Nevada Wolf Pack Men's Basketball vs. Sam Houston
Sat, Dec 12 · 7:00 PM
Lawlor Events Center · Reno & Sparks
Home game on the official Nevada Wolf Pack men's basketball schedule, listed with the weekday and 7 P.M. tip time. Price: See event page
Add to Calendar: Google Apple (.ics) Outlook 365 Outlook.com Checked Nov 3, 2026 on the organizer’s page
11 events listed here, read on 6 organizer and venue websites. Every row shows the day we checked it. Dates change: check the organizer’s page before you go, and tell us if something is wrong.