October has arrived, and Northern Nevada is alive with crisp autumn air, golden leaves, and just the right amount of spooky spirit. From harvest festivals and concerts to haunted happenings and Halloween thrills, the month is brimming with ways to celebrate the season. I bring you THE WEEKEND WARRIOR each month to keep you connected to it all—whether you’re already part of our Northern Nevada community or envisioning this vibrant region as your future home. Let’s dive in and make this October one to remember!
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Cheers!
~Denise Hallerbach
Associate-Broker, Better Homes and Gardens Drakulich Realty
OFFBEAT MUSIC FESTIVAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025
4TH STREET BREWERY DISTRICT
Calling all fearless music explorers! OffBeat Music Festival is back and ready to shake up Reno’s Brewery District with a jam-packed schedule of live music. At OffBeat, you’ll find 60+ performances across multiple venues, blending homegrown talent and national acts across genres from psychedelia to outlaw country. It’s like a musical scavenger hunt, as you hop between stages to discover your new favorite bands, and soak in interactive art, food trucks, and community vibes at the block party happening on Saturday from 1-6 pm. Don’t miss out on all the fun… Your ears and adventurous spirit will thank you. Find the schedule, the bands, and all the fun details at OffBeatReno.com!
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OUTHOUSE RACES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025 (12-4 pm) VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA
Get ready to flush your expectations! The World Championship Outhouse Races in Virginia City turns C Street into a potty-powered speedway of silliness. Teams pushing ornately themed outhouses down the street, racing to reach the toilet-paper finish line. It’s free to watch, absurd to imagine, but disturbingly fun to attend. If you ever wanted to witness a “world champion” event where the bathrooms sprint instead of the athletes, this is it. Don’t clog your weekend plans… flush out all details at VisitVirginiaCitynNVcom.
DRAGON LIGHTS RENO: Odyssey of Waves and Woods
NIGHTLY THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2025 (6-10 pm) RANCHO SAN RAFAEL PARK – WILBUR D. MAY ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN
Let the fall evening sweep you away into a radiant realm of amazement at Dragon Lights Reno. The winding paths of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden will guide you through a magical wonderland of more than 40 glowing lantern displays. You’ll stroll through themed zones under the “Odyssey of Waves & Woods,” snap dreamy photos, and wander at your own pace through this dazzling glow show. Combine your dinner plans with the lantern experience on the main lawn at the garden. Here, you’ll choose from a wide variety of food and beverages to satisfy your evening cravings. Kids, and all kids at heart, are invited to explore the interactive lantern playground, and a lantern marketplace rounds out the Dragon Light experience. Learn more about this memorable experience, and purchase your tickets in advance at DragonLightsReno.org.
Comedian Becky Robinson, best known for her outrageous alter ego Entitled Housewife, delivers bold, high-energy comedy packed with wild characters and sharp wit. A Portland native now based in L.A., she’s gained viral fame for skewering mom culture and golf-obsessed suburbanites. On stage, Robinson will keep you rolling with her fearless humor and unforgettable energy. Catch one of her YouTube videos HERE… “Entitled Housewife Golfs Long Summer Rounds.” Buy your tickets to see her at CNTY.com.
RuPaul’S DRAG RACE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025 (8 pm)
GRAND SIERRA RESORT
When it comes to drag shows, RuPaul’s Drag Race holds nothing back… Well, that’s not 100% accurate. 😉 The show struts into Reno with fierce queens, dazzling performances, and the over-the-top glamour only drag fans adore. Expect jaw-dropping looks, sharp wit, and show-stopping numbers like those seen in the Las Vegas show video HERE. Visit GrandSierraResort.com for your tickets.
JAY MOHR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025 (8 pm)
ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT
With a career spanning Saturday Night Live, hit films, and uncanny celebrity impressions, Mohr sets himself apart by blending sharp stand-up with spot-on mimicry and storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to see this uniquely versatile comic light up the stage at Atlantis. Check out Mohr HERE for a laugh-out-loud preview of his show and purchase your tickets at AtlantisCasino.com.
CHARLIE SHEEN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
GRAND SIERRA RESORT – GRAND THEATRE
Charlie Sheen is bringing his larger-than-life persona to the stand-up stage, and Reno is in for a wild ride! Known for his unapologetic honesty, outrageous stories, and Hollywood legend status, Sheen’s show blends comedy with the kind of unpredictability only he can deliver. Buckle up — when Charlie Sheen grabs the mic, anything can happen! Visit GrandSierraResort for tickets to Charlie’s show.
VISIT A PUMPKIN PATCH &/OR HARVEST FESTIVAL IN NORTHERN NEVADA
EVERY DAY IN OCTOBER
MULTIPLE VENUES
Looking for the perfect excuse to soak up crisp fall air, mug of cider in hand, and slow your pace? Whether you’re out with your best buds or wrangling little adventurers. At spots like Ferrari Farms and Andelin Family Farm you’ll find not just rows of pumpkins, but a sprawling corn maze that turns your casual stroll into a playful quest. Toss in hayrides, friendly farm animals, and picture-perfect spots at every turn, and you’ll have yourself and your loved ones a memorable Autumn day! Discover all the best pumpkin patches and harvest festivals in Northern Nevada at NVMoms.com.
Every October (this one not excluded), the historic streets of Virginia City transform into a haunted playground for Hauntober, a month-long celebration of the supernatural. Shadows creep through saloons, restless spirits stir in the cemeteries, and ghostly whispers echo through old hotels and opera houses. From eerie Bats in the Belfry ghost tours to bone-chilling rides aboard the Haunted Halloween Train, every corner of town promises a brush with the otherworldly. Dare to sip with specters during the “Spirits Made Me Do It” Saloon Crawl, or waltz with phantoms at the Victorian All Hallows’ Eve Ball. As Halloween night approaches, the haunted parade and trick-or-treating bring both thrills and chills for all ages. Enter if you dare—Hauntober in Virginia City is where legends awaken, and the dead refuse to rest. Get all of the gory details at VisitVirginiaCity.com.
Click on the performer’s name in GREEN for a link to purchase tickets to the show!
REIK: Friday, Oct 3 @ Silver Legacy Grand Exposition Hall
Mixing Latin pop and emotive balladry with a modern urban twist, Reik gives audiences both vulnerability and radio-ready hooks. Their hit “Me Niego” showcases that balance perfectly.
BREAKING BENJAMIN:Saturday, Oct 4 (6 pm) @ Nugget Event Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Dark alt-metal intensity meets melodic hooks in a Breaking Benjamin concert — expect soaring choruses and brooding energy under the open sky. Their smash song, “The Diary of Jane” epitomizes their ability to blend heavy riffs with emotional resonance. If you like rock that feels both cathartic and anthemic, this night’s for you.
RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC:Tuesday, Oct 7 (8 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort
With meticulous attention to detail, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac resurrects the essence of Fleetwood Mac’s most significant era, from Stevie’s wails to Lindsey’s guitar flourishes. Their tribute to “Say You Love Me” captures the spirit and nuance of the original. This is more than a cover show… It’s a theatrical flashback to rock’s golden moment.
THE DEAD SOUTH:Wednesday, Oct 8 (8 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort
Banjo‑driven, gritty, and full of dark humor, The Dead South fuse bluegrass and folk with an edge, a wild ride for those who like acoustic music with a bite. Their live set is equal parts rowdy and intimate. Don’t miss the chance to hear their most beloved tracks ring out through fan favorites like “In Hell I’ll Be Good Company.”
DIRTY HEADS:Saturday, Oct 10 (6:15 pm) @ Nugget Event Center Outdoor Amphitheater
Sunny reggae-rock, rap‑inflected grooves, and beach vibes collide in a Dirty Heads show — expect laid-back energy, crowd participation, and good times. Their song “Vacation” is a feel-good anthem that defines their sound. This is the kind of concert where you’ll walk away smiling and humming.
RUSSELL DICKERSON:Saturday, Oct 11, (8 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort
Bring the dance moves and a drinking buddy… Russell Dickerson blends pop-country with electrifying hooks and heartfelt storytelling. His major hit “Yours” is a romantic bombshell that gets crowds singing at top volume. His live sets always feel like a party and a confessional in one.
DARYL HALL w/ GLENN TILBROOK:Sunday, Oct 19 (7:30 pm) @ Grand Sierra Resort
Hall’s silky, blue-eyed soul, paired with Tilbrook’s power-pop legacy, makes for a rare collision of timeless voices and songcraft. Their collaborative set will touch on Hall & Oates classics and Tilbrook’s Squeeze favorites. Expect pristine harmonies, hit after hit, and a nostalgic trip through multiple catalogues.
AEGIS:Saturday, Oct 25 (7:30 pm) @ Silver Legacy Grand Exposition Hall
Filipino rock/pop band Aegis delivers soaring ballads, powerful voices, and dramatic flair. Their performances during songs like “Luha” are sweeping and emotionally rich. With passionate vocal delivery and resonance that lingers, they make each song an experience. Their live show isn’t just a concert. It’s a connection.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS
THREE DATES, SIX PERFORMANCES IN OCTOBER 2025 NUGGET CELEBRITY SHOWROOM – SPARKS, NV
Let the soft flicker of candlelight and the tender strains of live strings set the mood for your next date night. Candlelight Concerts offer an intimate escape where music and ambiance entwine. With six concerts to choose from this month, it’s the perfect chance to turn a night out with your honey into an unforgettable experience. Choose your concert and visit Feverup.com to purchase your tickets.
RENO NIGHT MARKET: WESTERN NIGHTS FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025 (5-10 pm) IDLEWILD PARK
Get ready, Reno! Our beloved Western Lights Festival invites you to Reno Night Market, a vibrant, community-powered celebration designed to light the way to the 2026 festival. This fundraiser will bring together local artisans, food trucks, musicians, families, and art lovers for an unforgettable experience under the autumn sky. Expect a dynamic mix of local vendors, music, hands-on art, performances, tasty treats, mutant vehicles, and kid-friendly fun, all while we raise funds and rally support for one of Reno’s most exciting new events. Learn more about Reno Night Market at WesternLightsFestival.com.
AMERICAN MASTERS: COPLAND, GERSHWIN & PRICE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 (7:30 pm) & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 (4 pm) PIONEER CENTER for the PERFORMING ARTS
The Reno Phil opens the 57th season of Classix with some of the most celebrated American composers – Gershwin, Copland, and Price. In the pursuit of artistry, pianist Michelle Cann brings her breathtaking virtuosity to the irrepressible jazz rhythms of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which garnered immediate acclaim for breaking the boundaries between classical and jazz. Even more than 100 years later, it has still not lost its luster. This beloved work is the centerpiece of a journey through America’s musical heartland, also featuring the long-lost Piano Concerto by pioneering African American composer Florence Price—a jazzy, soulful masterwork Cann has championed since its remarkable rediscovery. Begrudgingly known as the “Dean of American Composers,” Copland’s well-known works will bookend the concert. Don’t wait, book your tickets to kick off the Classix Series at RenoPhil.com.
MY REAL ESTATE WORLD… The market is starting to pick up this Fall Season again. Check it out!
Nestled within a well-maintained gated community in the heart of South Reno, 1179 Tule Drive is a beautifully renovated, move-in-ready home waiting for its next owner. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or seeking a solid investment opportunity, this light-filled and stylishly updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in “The Meadows” is a must-see. Recent upgrades include an all-new kitchen with reconfigured quartzite countertops, new cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, and a single-basin sink. The entire home was finished with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, paired with 5” baseboards, fresh interior paint, a reimagined fireplace surround, matte black hardware, updated lighting, and new plumbing fixtures. Every detail has been thoughtfully selected to create a clean, cohesive, and contemporary living space. Visit Bit.ly/1179TuleSite for more photos, our property walkthrough video, floor plan drawings, and more! And if you want to see it, message me HERE. (Listed by Denise Hallerbach Lic.# BS.1001182)
13475 Evening Song Lane – Fieldcreek Ranch, South Reno
Recently under contract and scheduled to close Oct 22! … Elegant mountain living on over ½ acre in one of Reno’s most desirable neighborhoods. This 4,042 sq ft, 4-bed, 3-bath home offers abundant natural light, open flow, and thoughtful craftsmanship. The chef’s kitchen features hickory cabinets, granite counters, radiant-heated floors, and top-tier appliances. This lovingly maintained home features a main-level primary suite plus a massive upstairs bonus loft. Tech-savvy upgrades include 3 HVAC units, HEPA filtration, steam humidifiers, tankless water heaters, and a massive whole-house generator. Never go without power again! Garage lovers will swoon over the 5-car garage (with RV bay, AC/heat, EV-ready), plus a detached workshop. Fresh exterior paint, impeccably maintained—this home blends comfort, convenience, and character. Close to nearby hiking trails, 22 min to Mt. Rose Ski Resort, and 15 min to the airport! Explore photos and much more information on the property website at Bit.ly/13475EveningSongLn. Listed by Denise Hallerbach (BS.1001182).
This beautiful condo at 4702 Rio Poco Dr. in Donner Creek, Reno, NV will soon be the new home of my happy Buyer! Located in a serene setting with mature landscape that features lush greenbelts, a serene pond with walking paths, and abundant parking. This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bedroom home features updated flooring and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Donner Springs amenities are hard to beat, and offer tennis, a swimming pool, recreational center, landscape maintenance, snow removal, trash, water, and more!! Take a closer look at this great opportunity my buyer is taking advantage of HERE!
Golden, succulent Cornish game hens roast to perfection, then bathe in a silky mushroom-gravy that’s rich, earthy, and utterly irresistible. With tender meat that falls from the bone and savory mushrooms adding depth, this dish feels indulgent without being fussy. It’s a beautiful centerpiece you can prepare in your air fryer (yes… you need an air fryer if you don’t have one), ideal for impressing guests or transforming a weeknight dinner into something special. Ready for that first taste? Your kitchen, and your appetite, will thank you. Learn how to make this delicious concoction at DeniseHallerbach.com Realtor Recipe Blog!