Artown’s 30th Anniversary – A Brilliant Celebration of the Arts!

Published August 8, 2025

Artown’s 30th Anniversary – A Brilliant Celebration of the Arts!

by Beth Macmillan

Now that Artown’s dazzling 30^th anniversary has come to a close, we joyfully reflect on a month brimming with artistic brilliance, community connection, and unforgettable moments.

Throughout July, venues pulsed with energy, packed with enthusiastic audiences who came out in droves to celebrate more than 600 spectacular events. Local media played a tremendous role in amplifying the festival's presence, showcasing performances, exhibits, and experiences to the entire region. The newly improved Artown website made navigating events easier than ever, and when paired with the beloved Little Book, it created a smooth, seamless path for festival-goers to dive into the vibrant calendar of events. It’s no surprise the crowds poured in!

This year brought a major shift—the relocation of our anchor venue from Wingfield Park to the lush, expansive grounds of Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, due to the Arlington Street Bridge construction. The change proved to be an extraordinary silver lining. Nestled in a natural grassy amphitheater bowl, the elevated stage offered flawless sightlines, even with swaying crowds dancing joyfully in front. Attendees enjoyed shaded seating, plentiful parking, and a comfortable atmosphere from the moment they arrived. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled that Washoe County is building a permanent amphitheater on this very site—an exciting gift to the entire community.

Each year, the question arises: “What was your favorite event?” And each year, the answer is just as elusive. With a lineup this strong, it’s nearly impossible to choose. That said, a few highlights gleamed especially bright:

The Artown Spirit Animals turned downtown into a luminous, otherworldly gallery. Towering at over 20 feet tall and meticulously hand-painted, these radiant sculptures came alive at night, glowing from within and captivating everyone who crossed their paths.
The Grand Opening featured a powerful and nostalgic reunion by Sol'Jibe, drawing longtime fans and new admirers alike. As a sudden summer cloudburst swept over the venue, the team quickly dried the stage, setting the tone for a vibrant performance—the very first at our new location.
Closing Night was a full-blown celebration with Clarence Bekker and the C-Bees, who lit up the stage with soul, fire, and passion. Clarence—an unstoppable force and lead singer of Playing for Change (our 2011 closer)—mesmerized a crowd of over 2,000 with his commanding presence and spellbinding voice.
A surprise thunderstorm transformed a Sunday evening into an impromptu indoor jam session as Damn Tall Buildings moved into Brasserie St. James, and the audience joyfully followed, creating an intimate, unforgettable moment among moved tables and happy hearts.
Stunning musical artistry from the likes of Rhiannon Giddens & The Old Time Revue, Pink Martini, Michael Kaeshammer, and Michael Cavanaugh kept audiences in awe, hanging on every exquisite note.
High-energy, infectious rhythms from The Halluci Nation, Ozomatli, Mariachi Acero de Las Vegas, Cha Wa, and Skerryvore had festival-goers on their feet, dancing beneath the summer sky.
Sweet nostalgia swept over the crowd during The Kingston Trio, bringing heartfelt smiles and tender memories.
Uptown’s performance lit up the stage with choreographic flair and musical brilliance, wowing audiences with every move.

Of course, this only scratches the surface. July overflowed with magic—from spontaneous standing ovations to serene sunset concerts, from unexpected moments of beauty to long-awaited reunions with beloved artists.

Artown’s impact goes beyond attendance. It resonates emotionally. July in Reno becomes a celebration of togetherness, culture, and creativity. Friends reconnect, strangers bond, and audiences leave feeling inspired, renewed, and full of joy. That’s the power of the arts—and the power of Artown.

Bravo to everyone whose spirits soared and whose hearts danced throughout July. Thank you for making our 30^th anniversary one for the books—and for the soul.

Beth Macmillan is the Executive Director of Artown, one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the western United States, offering over 500 events with a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, and more.