Reno at Night: 12 LEGENDARY Things to Do in 2025

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Look, if you think Reno’s just a sadder, smaller Vegas, you’ve got it all wrong. I spent a wild weekend here that totally changed my mind. Sure, there’s gambling…but there’s also this incredible moment when the whole city lights up at dusk, and suddenly you’re part of this buzzing, electric atmosphere that’s uniquely Reno.

Want to know the best things to do in Reno at night? I’ve got you covered, from bar hopping through the surprisingly cool Midtown district to catching shows that’d cost triple in Las Vegas. The Biggest Little City might sound like a cutesy nickname, but trust me, Reno knows how to party after dark!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this ghost tour through downtown Reno! They take you to creepy spots like the haunted Washoe Courthouse and mysterious Levy Mansion, plus you’ll hear spine-tingling local legends at each stop. The quick one-hour format keeps the spooky stories coming. This ghost tour is absolutely a must-do on a Reno itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Reno at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Reno in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Reno after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Reno at night!

Whatever you’re planning to do once the sun sets, Reno, one of the top places to live and visit in Nevada, can accommodate your needs. Here are all the best things to do in Reno at night that you should know about.

1. Rev up your night at Reno’s National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno is way cooler than you’d expect for a nighttime activity. They’re open until 5 pm daily (9 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am – 4 pm weekends), so you can catch the tail end of your afternoon here before dinner. At $15 for adults and $10 for military and kids 6-15, it’s honestly a steal for what you get.

I spent about two hours wandering through their collection of 240+ vintage cars, and the whole place comes alive with these authentic street scenes complete with period sounds. The 1938 Phantom Corsair alone is worth the visit – that thing’s valued at over $2 million. They’ve got everything from James Dean’s Mercury Coupe to Elvis’s custom Cadillac, plus you can actually dress up in vintage gear and sit in some of the cars for photos. The museum’s right on the Truckee River with free parking, making it super easy to hit before you explore downtown Reno‘s bar scene. It’s not your typical museum experience, and the dramatic lighting actually makes it feel pretty atmospheric for an evening visit.

2. Eat your way through Midtown Reno’s restaurant scene

Midtown Reno has become the food destination in town, and honestly, it’s where locals actually hang out instead of just tourists. The whole district runs along South Virginia Street and Center Street, packed with everything from Korean fusion to craft breweries. Most places stay open until 9 or 10 pm, so you’ve got plenty of time to hop around.

Arario Midtown does incredible Korean fusion dishes that’ll blow your mind – their bulgogi is the best I’ve had outside of Seoul. Two Chicks is perfect for a more casual dinner with their creative takes on comfort food, while Brasserie Saint James combines a brewery with European-style dishes. I always end up at Noble Pie Parlor for their East Coast-style pizza made with that 9th generation Sicilian dough recipe. The vibe here is way more authentic than the casino restaurants, and parking can be a pain but it’s worth dealing with. You’ll spend about $15-25 per person for most spots, and the whole area has this cool artsy feel with murals everywhere. It’s definitely where Reno‘s food scene actually lives.

• Discover the best local dining spots at Visit Reno Tahoe’s restaurant guide.

3. Dance the night away at LEX Nightclub

Since Edge Nightclub closed, LEX Nightclub at Grand Sierra Resort has become the undisputed king of Reno nightlife. This place is seriously impressive – 25,000 square feet with a glass dance floor over a water feature and a sound system that’ll make your chest vibrate. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights, and cover usually runs $20-40 depending on the DJ.

The venue rivals anything in Vegas with three full bars and 40 VIP tables if you want to go all out. I’ve seen some massive names here like Steve Aoki and The Chainsmokers, and the production value is legit. The dress code is strict – no athletic wear, hats, or sneakers – so dress to impress. Drinks run about $10-15, which is pretty standard for a high-end club. The crowd is a mix of locals and Lake Tahoe visitors, mostly mid-20s to 30s, and it gets packed so get there early or text for the guest list. It’s easily the best nightclub experience you’ll find north of Vegas, and the energy here is electric when they bring in big-name DJs.

4. Wine and dine at the Riverwalk District

The Riverwalk District along the Truckee River is Reno‘s attempt at waterfront dining, though it’s hit or miss depending on where you go. Wild River Grille is the main draw, open 11 am – 9 pm daily (until 9:30 pm on weekends) with a great riverside patio. Fair warning though – it’s pricey as hell. I paid nearly $100 for one entree, an appetizer, and two beers, which is pretty steep for Reno.

The location is unbeatable if you can snag a patio table, especially when they have live music. The food’s decent but you’re definitely paying for the atmosphere and river views. The Eddy is another option with yard games like oversized Connect Four, plus they usually have a food truck on site. Hub Coffee Roasters is perfect for starting your day with locally roasted coffee and river views. The whole district has potential but honestly feels a bit empty – lots of spots seem to have closed down. If you do go, bring your wallet and maybe lower your expectations a bit. The river walk itself is beautiful and free, so at least there’s that.

• You may also like: 12 Scenic Destinations in Nevada You Need to See

5. Play your best hand at Eldorado Resort Casino

Eldorado Resort Casino in downtown Reno brings that classic casino energy without being as overwhelming as some of the bigger places. The gaming floor buzzes 24/7 with everything from penny slots to high-stakes blackjack tables, and I actually like the vibe here better than the massive Grand Sierra sometimes.

They’ve got several bars and restaurants inside, plus Brew Brothers – which doubles as a restaurant by day and nightclub by night with live music and eight custom microbrews. Novi Lounge is where you go if you’re into country music and line dancing, with lessons Saturday nights from 9 pm to midnight. The whole place has that authentic casino atmosphere with the dings and flashing lights, but it doesn’t feel as tourist-trappy as some spots. Parking is easy in their garage, and you’re right in the heart of downtown so you can walk to other bars easily. It’s not the fanciest place in town, but it delivers that classic Reno casino experience that locals actually enjoy too.

• For more reading: 12 Secret Spots in Las Vegas That Are Totally Worth the Trip

6. Gaze into the cosmos at Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center

The Fleischmann Planetarium at UNR offers one of the more unique nighttime experiences in Reno. They typically have evening shows, though you’ll want to check their current schedule since times vary by semester. Adult admission usually runs around $8-10, making it an affordable alternative to pricier entertainment options.

I went to one of their “Music Under the Stars” shows and it was actually pretty trippy – they sync up music with visuals of galaxies and nebulae on the dome ceiling. The whole experience lasts about an hour, and honestly, it’s way more engaging than I expected. They also have interactive exhibits about space exploration, and you can even touch a real meteorite. The planetarium is on the University of Nevada campus with decent parking nearby. It’s perfect if you want something different from the usual bar or casino scene, and it’s educational without being boring. Plus, there’s something romantic about stargazing together, even if it’s artificial stars. Just don’t expect a party atmosphere – this is more of a chill, contemplative experience.

• For more one-of-a-kind experiences, read: The 63 Most Unique Places to Visit in the US

7. Enjoy the spotlight at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

The Pioneer Center is Reno‘s main performing arts venue, and that distinctive gold dome makes it impossible to miss downtown. With 1,500 seats and shows ranging from touring Broadway productions to Reno Philharmonic concerts, ticket prices typically run $50-200+ depending on the show and seats. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

I caught “The Sound of Music” here last year and the acoustics were fantastic – every seat in the house has a good view. The venue itself is from 1968 and has this cool mid-century vibe that’s actually on the National Historic Register. The “Broadway Comes to Reno” series brings legitimate touring productions that would cost way more in San Francisco or Vegas. There’s also Reno-Tahoe Comedy in the smaller Pioneer Underground theater downstairs if you’re looking for something more casual. Parking can be tricky downtown, but there are several lots within walking distance. It’s definitely the most sophisticated night out you’ll find in Reno, and the productions are usually high quality.

8. Take a hot air balloon ride with Sierra Adventures

Sierra Adventures offers hot air balloon rides that give you incredible views of Reno and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, though these are typically dawn flights rather than nighttime. However, they do offer sunset flights during certain seasons that extend into twilight hours. Expect to pay around $200-300 per person for the experience.

I did one of their sunset flights last summer and the views were absolutely insane – you can see the whole Truckee Meadows spread out below with the city lights starting to twinkle as darkness falls. The whole experience lasts about 3-4 hours including setup and the traditional champagne toast afterward. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing, and surprisingly peaceful once you’re up there floating above everything. Safety is their top priority, so flights depend on weather conditions. You’ll want to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. It’s pricey but honestly worth it if you’re celebrating something special or just want bragging rights about floating above Reno at sunset.

• Book your Sierra Nevada hot air balloon ride directly at Sierra Adventures’ official site.

9. Browse art galleries at the Nevada Museum of Art

The Nevada Museum of Art is the only accredited art museum in Nevada, and they occasionally host evening events and exhibitions. Regular admission is around $12 for adults, with evening events typically costing more. They’re usually open until 6 pm Wednesday through Sunday, but special evening programs can extend later.

The building itself is pretty striking with its modern architecture, and their rotating exhibitions cover everything from contemporary pieces to regional artists. I went to one of their “Third Thursday” evening events and it had this cool social vibe with wine, live music, and people actually talking about the art instead of just walking through quietly. The museum focuses heavily on art from the American West, which gives it a unique regional flavor you won’t find in bigger cities. Their rooftop offers decent views of downtown Reno when they have outdoor events. It’s definitely more of a sophisticated crowd, but the evening events have a relaxed, social atmosphere that makes art feel accessible rather than intimidating.

10. Sail under the stars aboard M.S. Dixie II

The M.S. Dixie II operates out of Lake Tahoe, about 45 minutes from Reno, offering sunset dinner cruises that extend into the evening. Tickets typically run $60-80 per person for dinner cruises, with the boat running from Zephyr Cove on the Nevada side of the lake.

The paddle wheeler cruise lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a buffet dinner while you cruise around Lake Tahoe‘s crystal-clear waters. The sunset views are honestly spectacular, especially when the alpenglow hits the surrounding mountains. I took my parents on this when they visited and even my dad, who hates touristy stuff, admitted it was pretty awesome. The narration covers Lake Tahoe‘s history and local legends, which is more interesting than you’d expect. The upper deck is perfect for photos and getting some fresh mountain air. It’s definitely touristy, but sometimes touristy things are popular for good reasons. Just dress warmly since it gets chilly on the water after sunset, even in summer.

11. Wander and wonder at Reno’s vibrant Midtown Art Walk

The Midtown Art Walk happens monthly (usually the first Friday) and transforms the Midtown district into an open-air gallery experience. It’s completely free and typically runs from 6-9 pm, with local galleries, studios, and businesses opening their doors to showcase art, live music, and performances.

The whole Center Street and Mill Street area comes alive with street performers, food trucks, and pop-up art installations. I stumbled across this amazing mural being painted live last time I went, plus there were musicians set up on random corners. It’s way more accessible than traditional gallery hopping, and you’ll see everything from paintings and sculptures to weird experimental art that actually makes you think. The crowd is super diverse – families, college students, local artists, and regular folks just checking out what’s happening. Parking is free after 6 pm on most streets, and you can easily grab dinner or drinks at any of the Midtown restaurants between gallery stops. It’s become one of Reno‘s coolest monthly traditions.

• Get the latest Art Walk schedule and participating venues at Reno’s official arts events page.

12. Play and party at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

Grand Sierra Resort is Reno‘s version of a Vegas mega-resort, and it actually delivers on that promise. Beyond the massive casino floor, they’ve got LEX Nightclub, multiple bars, restaurants, and even a movie theater all under one roof. It’s open 24/7, so you can literally spend an entire night here without leaving.

The casino is huge with everything from penny slots to high-limit tables, plus a sports book that’s perfect during football season. LEX is their crown jewel for nightlife, but there are plenty of other bars if you want something more chill. Center Bar in the middle of the casino is great for people watching, and their restaurants range from casual to upscale. I always end up spending way more time here than planned because there’s just so much to do. The resort also hosts concerts and events in their various venues throughout the year. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown Reno with tons of free parking, making it easy to get to. If you want that full Vegas experience without actually going to Vegas, this is your spot.