As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, Reno and the surrounding areas come alive with fall events that capture the season’s spirit. Whether you’re chasing ghosts, carving pumpkins, or cheering at a parade, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate autumn in Northern Nevada. Here are some of the highlights you won’t want to miss this season.

Step Into the Shadows: Virginia City Ghost Tours

Virginia City’s history is as colorful as it is chilling. Once a booming mining town, its saloons, homes, and tunnels now echo with stories of restless spirits. On a Virginia City Ghost Tour, guides lead you through historic sites where murders, mining accidents, and local legends have left their mark. It’s part haunted adventure, part living history, and a must-do for anyone who loves a good scare with a side of storytelling.

Family Fun at Ferrari Farms Pumpkin Patch

If you’re looking for classic fall fun, Ferrari Farms delivers in spades. Their pumpkin patch is free to enter and brimming with family-friendly activities. Stroll through sunflower fields, test your navigation skills in the corn maze, feed friendly animals at the petting zoo, or simply pick the perfect pumpkin to take home. Evening hours on weekends make it an ideal spot for cozy fall photos and relaxed nights under the stars.

Celebrate the Season at the Great Pumpkin Festival

Held at Reno’s Idlewild Park, the Great Pumpkin Festival is a true community celebration. Over 100 local artisans and vendors gather for a weekend of carnival rides, live music, food, and of course, pumpkins. This family-forward event brings together the best of fall—festive fun, seasonal treats, and a welcoming atmosphere. Best of all, admission is free, making it an easy choice for an afternoon out.

Face Your Fears: Dark Prison Haunted House

For thrill-seekers, the Dark Prison Haunted House in Carson City is as intense as it gets. Set inside the historic Nevada State Prison, this immersive haunted attraction combines chilling storytelling with Hollywood-style effects. Expect fog, strobe lights, loud noises, and tight spaces as you journey through two separate haunted houses. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s perfect for those who want their Halloween season with an extra dose of adrenaline.

Join the Undead at the Reno Zombie Crawl

One of Reno’s most iconic Halloween traditions, the Reno Zombie Crawl transforms downtown into a sea of the walking dead. Thousands of participants dress as zombies (or survivors) and make their way through more than 40 bars, all offering drink specials and themed fun. Named one of USA Today’s “10 Best Costumed Halloween Parties,” the event runs late into the night and brings the community together for a ghoulishly good time.

Nevada Day Parade: Pride and Tradition

Every fall, Carson City hosts the Nevada Day Parade, honoring the state’s admission into the Union. Stretching across downtown, the parade features marching bands, floats, equestrian units, and even Burning Man art cars. The celebration extends beyond the parade, with hot-air balloon launches, beard contests, vendors, and races making it a full weekend affair. It’s a vibrant mix of history, culture, and community spirit that unites Nevadans year after year.

Wrapping It All Up

Whether you’re searching for family fun, spooky thrills, or a chance to connect with Nevada’s history, Reno and its neighboring communities offer something for everyone this fall. From ghost tours in Virginia City to the joyful energy of the Nevada Day Parade, these events remind us why autumn in Northern Nevada is truly special.

So grab your sweater, pick out your pumpkin, and get ready to make some memories this season.