From Camels to Outhouses, Count on Virginia City’s Wild Special Events in 2022

 

 

VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. (Jan. 24, 2022) – Virginia City, Nevada, has always been bold. Since its origins as a mining boomtown, claiming home to the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode, it’s a mountain town full of wild adventure, and always a good time. 

The World Championship Outhouse Races, October in Virginia City, Nevada | Virginia City Tourism Commission

In 2022, the good times continue as the town’s famous and world-renowned special event calendar is announced. Each event is rooted in history, bringing together themes from the past with hilarious and entertaining spectacles. Virginia City’s events calendar is as quirky and wild as its storied past. 

Fan-favorites and long-running events like the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, International Camel & Ostrich Races and the World Championship Outhouse Races, all return, along with events for food lovers, couples, adrenaline junkies and more.  

“If there’s one thing we want to let our fans know, is that you can count on Virginia City to provide a little escape from reality combined with the freedom to have a heck of a lot of fun,” Deny Dotson, tourism director for Virginia City Tourism Commission, said. “Our special events are not only important to our local shops and merchants, but they’re important to keep our history alive. Each event we hold has a tie to our history, which makes it fun and relatable so folks want to keep coming back for more.”

Highlighted events include:

9^th annual The Devil Made Me Do It Saloon Crawl, Feb. 12
Spend a romantic weekend away in the “richest place in the west” with this Valentine’s weekend getaway and tasting tour. Details.

31^st annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry, Mar. 12
Taking the phrase “have a ball” to the next level, this St. Patrick’s Day celebration in historic Virginia City unites daring revelers for a wild and outlandish festival featuring tasty testes, a Ballbreaker Saloon Crawl, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, costume contests and more. Details

8^th annual Father-Daughter Day & Dance, Apr. 9
Victorian princesses take over historic Virginia City as this special Father-Daughter day-date takes place culminating with a dance at this historic Piper’s Opera House. Package includes admission attractions in Virginia City, lunch and more. Details.

51^st annual Virginia City Grand Prix, Apr. 30 – May 1
The historic streets of Virginia City are transformed into a motorcycle arena as nearly a thousand off-road bikes gather for this competitive race. Races begin on C Street so spectators can get an up-close and personal view of this high-speed race before they zoom on to the off-road portions of the race. Details.

39^th annual Chili on the Comstock & Craft Brew Tour, May 21-22
Top chili cooks gather in Virginia City for the 39^th annual Chili on the Comstock. Combined with a Craft Beer Tour featuring pours from local saloons and award-winning craft breweries, it’s the most delicious and satisfying event of the year. Details.

Fourth of July on the Comstock, July 4
You’ve never felt more patriotic than visiting Virginia City on the Fourth of July. This historic town’s Independence Day celebration is pure Americana with a jovial atmosphere all day and night. With a candy-throwing parade, free patriotic concert, and a fireworks display you’ll feel in your bones, Virginia City’s Fourth of July is not to be missed. Details.

Virginia City Official Hot August Nights Kickoff Event, July 29-30
Step back in time and revel in the sights and sounds of yesteryear. The region’s most prominent classic car gathering, Hot August Nights, kicks off in Virginia City. The town comes alive with rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event with a classic parade of classics. Details.

Roundup Motorcycle Rodeo, Aug. 26-27
Motorcycles, bulls and broncs… that’s Chopper Magazine’s Virginia City Roundup Motorcycle Rodeo. A combination just as crazy as it sounds, this event brings a weekend of wild ruckus to the Comstock. Details.

63^rd annual International Camel & Ostrich Races, Sept. 9-11
What began as a prank between two newspaper editors more than 60 years ago has turned into one of the most beloved and hilarious family events in the west. The 63^rdannual International Camel & Ostrich Races bring the laughs for the whole family as jockeys, both professional and amateur, race their camels, ostriches and zebras around the track to the roars of the crowd. Details.

October – Hauntober 
As one of America’s most haunted towns, there’s no better place to spend October than immersed in events taking place all month long with most focused on our town’s haunted past. Highlight events include Cemetery Gin’s Hunt for Spirits, Bats in the Belfry Guided Ghost tours, the Hauntober Parade and many more spooky attractions and tours.

33^rd annual World Championship Outhouse Races, Oct. 1-2
This is one time and place where potty humor is accepted and encouraged – the annual World Championship Outhouse Races. This free event dates back when outdoor plumbing was outlawed in Virginia City and angry residents took to the streets with their outhouses in protest – and the tradition was born. Details.

December – Believe Again Christmas on the Comstock, All Month Long
There’s no place like historic Virginia City for that warm and fuzzy, traditional Christmas vibe. Virginia City goes all out in December. This Victorian-style holiday celebration features an official tree lighting, a merchant decorating contest, a saloon crawl, our Believe Again Shopping Spree, the V&T Candy Cane Express, the Train O’Lights and a magical Christmas fireworks display to top it all off. Prepare for this to be your new favorite holiday tradition. Details.

All tickets for these events are on sale now. Go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com to view more event details and purchase tickets or find out how to get involved as a sponsor or vendor.

 

A short 30-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes visitors to one of the largest historic districts in the Unites States - Virginia City, Nevada. Come experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800’s. Step back in time while visiting the numerous historic buildings, saloons, churches and museums or take a mine tour or even ride a real steam train. The Comstock Adventure Passes offer the best value with discounted attraction packages.  For lodging, event calendar or Comstock Adventure Passes, visit online or call 775-847-7500. The Visitor Information Center is located at 86 South C Street, Virginia City.