Each October, Nevadans focus on Carson City, the home of the “official” Nevada Day Parade. Since 1938, this parade has celebrated Nevada’s heritage and the founding of our great state on October 31, 1864! Organized by a dedicated team of unpaid volunteers, these board members work tirelessly year-round to ensure the parade’s success.
To fund the events, we receive minimal grant funding from Carson City, operate a year-round gift shop featuring items created by board members and local artists, and rely heavily on community support.
Here you will find all the information you need to enjoy the Nevada Day Parade, the Balloon Launch, the World Championship Single Jack Rock Drill Competition, and the Beard Contest. We’ve also included an archive of past parades and programs. As new information becomes available, we’ll update the relevant pages.
8:00 am – RE/MAX Balloon Launch
takes place from Fairview to downtown Carson Street. You can’t miss the balloons as they fly overhead starting our annual celebration in style!
10:00 am – Nevada Day Parade
begins with a military flyover and 200 + entries marching down Carson St. from William (Hwy 50) to Stewart. Expect it to take about 4 hours to complete.
11:00am – World Championship Single-Jack Rock Drill Competition begins at the Carson Mall. This unique and historic event celebrates 51 years in Carson City at the Nevada Day Celebration!
2:00 pm(or immediately after parade ends) The Beard Contest starts in McFadden Plaza. Anyone with a beard can enter, this is a lot of FUN!
3:00pm till 6:00pm – Post Parade Celebration takes place on Telegraph, Curry and Proctor Streets. Come visit our downtown vendors and enjoy the many bands playing in our street festival!
9:00am till 3:00pm: The Nevada Gift Shop will be open for all your Official Nevada Day apparel, buttons, stickers and other items. Come see us at 1013 S. Carson Street near Red’s 395 Grill.
The parade is organized by Nevada Day Inc. a not for profit 501c3 business.
The modern parade started in 1938 in Carson City but the history on commemorating our statehood predates the 1938 parade by more than 60 years thanks to the Society of Nevadans who hosted smaller celebrations throughout the state.
Grants from our local city government, donations, sponsorships, parade entry fees and lots volunteer hours.
Entry fees go directly to conducting the parade and back into the community through vendors, permits, insurance, and operating costs, etc.
Desert Tortoise
Home Means Nevada
Single-Leaf Piñon and Bristlecone Pine