Skip to ContentNot everything near Reno costs money. These seven places or events are free according to their own pages, and the next section lists the cheapest paid ones.
Checked November 3, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 7free things listed
- 24 hrRiverwalk access
- $1Mormon Station museum
- Sept 9-122027 balloon race
Every fact on this page was read on the linked It’s Reno place pages, which cite the official pages they came from. Hours, fees and dates change; the place page and the official site win.
Seven Free Things
“Free” appears only where the organizer or place page says it. Parking, fees at neighboring attractions and extras can still cost money.
| What | Where | What the page says |
|---|---|---|
| Truckee Riverwalk | Reno | Open 24 hours; the Holiday Lights Festival is free |
| Wilbur D. May Arboretum | Reno | Generally free during park hours; special events may charge |
| Great Reno Balloon Race | Reno | Free, per the organizer; dates Sept 9-12, 2027 |
| Mormon Station grounds | Genoa | Grounds always open and free; museum $1 |
| Museum of Truckee History | Truckee | No fees per the chamber listing; Friday to Sunday |
| Commons Beach concerts | Tahoe City | Free Sunday concerts in summer |
| Outhouse Races | Virginia City | Listed as a free event; 2027 dates not confirmed |
Almost Free
The Mormon Station museum is $1 with children 12 and under free. State parks charge per vehicle: Washoe Lake $5 for Nevada vehicles, Sand Harbor $10 and $15, Donner Memorial $10.
On The Map
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.
- Whether the Riverwalk Holiday Lights Festival dates are for 2026 (the posts print no year).
- Admission at special arboretum events (Washoe County).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Reno Riverwalk free?
Our page reads that it is open 24 hours; the district lists a free Holiday Lights Festival.
Is the balloon race free to watch?
The organizer describes it as a free event; check its page for any paid extras.
Sources
- Truckee River and Riverwalk
- Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
- Great Reno Balloon Race Guide
- Genoa and Mormon Station
- Downtown Truckee
- Tahoe City
- Virginia City and The Comstock
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Free Things to Do in Reno and Tahoe,” itsreno.com, checked November 3, 2026.