Experience other cultures at 11 upcoming festivals in Nevada

Nevada is a multi-cultural state with vibrant communities from around the world, including some that are indigenous to the area.

If you’re interested in learning more about the diverse people who comprise the Silver State, one of the best ways is to immerse yourself in their heritage at cultural festivals in Nevada, some of which are free. These festive gatherings often provide traditional foods, activities, art, entertainment, and other elements that just might expand your palate and perspective.

From Native American tribes dancing and drumming to rough and tough cowboys reading poetry, here are 11 cultural festivals in Nevada taking place over the next six months.

August

37th Annual Numaga Indian Days Powwow

When: August 29-31

Where: 501 Many Nations Road, Sparks

Cost: Free

Celebrate Native American culture with dance competitions, performances, and traditional food at the Numaga Indian Days Powwow over Labor Day weekend. Named after Chief Numaga, a famous Paiute chief known for peace, the festival is hosted by the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony. Not only can you watch powwow dancing, you can also try it out for yourself. Indigenous champion dancers come from all over the country to compete at this event. Along with dancing and drums, vendors will sell Indian tacos, traditional Native food, handcrafted silverwork, beadwork, baskets, and other American Indian art.

September

Afrobeat Festival Las Vegas

When: Sept. 13

Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza at Lorenzi Park, 770 Twin Lakes Dr., Las Vegas

Cost: $50

Feel the beats of African cultural music at the city’s first African Music Festival, Afrobeat Festival Las Vegas. This lively event will feature live music performances and dance challenges in various musical genres, including Afrobeats, world music, Ethiopian music, and Senegalese music. Enjoy African fashion while savoring food and drink, and then browse the vendors offering natural health products.

The San Gennaro Feast

When: September 17-21, 2025

Where: M Resort

Cost: From $10; ride and food sold separately

The bi-annual San Gennaro Feast is billed as the best Italian heritage celebration this side of Naples, with food, carnival fun, live entertainment, and vendors. You’ll be stuffed after eating authentic Italian and other ethnic foods like sausage and peppers, cannoli, and zeppoles. Dance it off to live music or watch cultural showcases from Italy and the Las Vegas Strip. There is plenty of fun for the whole family, including carnival rides, arts and crafts, and face painters.

Las Vegas Greek Festival

When: Sept. 26-28

Where: 5300 S. El Camino Road, Las Vegas

Cost: From $10

The largest food festival in Nevada, the Las Vegas Greek Festival is a 10-acre celebration of Greek culture. It features food, music, shopping, and dancing outside the Byzantine-style St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Bring the whole family and come hungry so you can try authentic Greek dishes like pastichio, lamb, souvlaki, and gyro sandwiches, as well as pastries like baklava. There will also be kids’ games and cultural exhibits. Be sure to visit the marketplace to buy handmade crafts and imported goods from Greece.

October

16th Annual Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival 

When: October 11

Where: Water Street Plaza

Cost: Free

The Japanese Festival Association of Nevada celebrates Japanese culture at the 16th annual Aki Matsuri Japanese Festival. This family-friendly event immerses you in authentic Japanese food, vendors, music, and cultural activities. There will be live performances and demonstrations on multiple stages, including singers and dancers, authentic Japanese food and goods, and kids’ activities.

43rd Annual Great Italian Festival

When: Oct. 10-11

Where: Downtown Reno

Cost: Free entry

Downtown Reno transforms into Little Italy for the Great Italian Festival, celebrating Italian culture and traditions with a sauce cooking contest, pasta, grape stomping, an Italian farmers market, live entertainment on two stages, and foods like chicken Parmigiana, laspgna, gnocchetti pesto, and mushroom ravioli with porcini rceam sauce, as well as wine and dessert. Kids will stay busy playing cornhole, riding the big slide, and having their faces painted.

November

24th Annual Life in Death Festival

When: Nov. 1-2

Where: Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive

Cost: Free

The Life in Death Festival is a light-hearted Day of the Dead celebration with dancing, poetry, and memorial altars, as well as tons to do. There will be traditional Mexican folkloric dance performances by local and touring groups, demonstrations of traditional embroidery, workshops on bread-making, sugar/clay skull decoration, and kids’ activities. You’ll also have the chance to hear calaveras, funny poems read in memory of the living; explore elaborate ofrendas (altars) built in memory of the deceased; and check out a Day of the Dead art exhibit. Be sure to get a free sample of Day of the Dead bread. It’s only made once a year.

Dia de los Muertos Festival 2025

When: Nov. 1-2

Where: Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza, 770 Twin Lakes Drive

Cost: Free

The City of Las Vegas and Nevada Arts Council are putting on the Dia de los Muertos Festival 2025, a celebration of Mexican and Latin American cultures. The lighthearted and joyful event is a tribute to the memory of family and friends who have passed away. There will be entertainment by local and guest artists, interactive children’s activities, artisan vendors, food, face painting, special décor, and an exhibition of ofrendas, created by community organizations and groups. Activities on Nov. 1 are in honor of children who have passed, while Nov. 2 is in honor of adults who have passed.

Dia de Muertos at Springs Preserve

When: Nov. 7-9, 2025

Where: Springs Preserve

Cost: $15 adults, $9 children (ages 3-17), discounted for members

Considered the city’s largest and most authentic cultural Day of the Dead, the family-friendly Día de Muertos takes place outdoors at the Springs Preserve. Enjoy activities for all ages, including live theater, dance performances, music, mariachis, games, arts, crafts, and food. Ofrendas made by local artists, residents, and community groups will be on display, and event attendees get to vote for their favorite.

26th Annual Pahrump Social Powwow

When: Nov. 21-23

Where: Petrack Park, 150 NV-160, Pahrump

Cost: Free

Geared for both Native Americans and non-natives, the Pahrump Social Powwow features three days of dancing and drumming by the Western Shoshone and Paiute tribes. Once called Pahrump’s largest cultural event, it brings Native American tribes together to preserve their cultural heritage. In addition to drummers and dancers in elaborate Native American regalia, the event will feature musicians and craftspeople from tribes throughout the West. Visitors to the powwow experience colorful tribal dances as well as an intertribal dance. You’ll even get to try Native American food.

January

41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

When: January 26-31, 2026

Where: Several venues in Elko

Cost: Day passes from $40; prices for events vary

Cowboy culture waxes poetic at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a weeklong event held annually in Elko. The event features Western poets, musicians, and artists, as well as cowboy-related events, shows, exhibitions, films, open-mics, and workshops for all ages in the small and friendly Northern Nevada town of Elko.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related: 7 groups helping Indigenous tribes in Nevada keep their traditions alive