That's a Wrap: Artown 2026

That’s a Wrap: Artown 2026

by Beth Macmillan

As the saying goes, all good things must come to end, and with the 2026 Artown festival now behind us, I thought it would be a great time to reminisce about some of the spectacular shows and performances that were featured throughout July.

Filer image element — Live From Laurel Canyon Concert at Robert Z Hawkins Amphitheatre

Artown’s Opening Night Celebration showcased the well-known band Smash Mouth at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. On July 4, we were honored to be a part of America’s 250^th Birthday with a 500 Drone Light Show and concert of patriotic music by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra at Mackay Stadium.

We then had a fantastic lineup of Headline Concerts at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch including Direct From Sweden: The Music of ABBA, Michael Feinstein with his tribute to Tony Bennett, the reinvented classical sounds of Kronos Quartet, an intimate evening with jazz living Legend Wynton Marsalis, the Big Band hits of The Glenn Miller Orchestra which were followed by The Blind Boys of Alabama, who paid tribute to Stevie Wonder’s classic album “Songs in the Key of Life.” Closing out the series were the virtuoso Blue Grass sounds of North Carolina’s Steep Canyon Rangers.

The Cultural Connections Series, which was held at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, included Nahko from Medicine for the People, Ukrainian Folk Singers Yagody, Afro-Mexican folk band Las Cafeteras, and the high-energy, Colombian jazz, swing and pop music of Monsieur Periné. Our Monday Night Music Series at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater showcased America’s Sweetheart’s who performed classic American hits from the 1940s-60s, Live from Laurel Canyon: the music of Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Celtic powerhouse Next Generation Leahy, multi-instrumentalist siblings who sang Celtic, Irish, pop, country and swing music, and the Rhinestone Cowgirls, who performed the timeless and classic hits of our favorite female country music stars.

Artown 2026

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Las Cafeteras at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Las Cafeteras at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Las Cafeteras at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Opening Night Celebration with Smash Mouth

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Opening Night Celebration with Smash Mouth

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Opening Night Celebration with Smash Mouth

Photos by Luke Merlino

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Opening Night Celebration with Smash Mouth

Our Midtown Concert Series featured local favorite Drinking with Clowns, who skillfully fused Latin, Reggae and rock sounds for the enthusiastic crowd. Artown also invited Circus Bella back to perform three shows at Reno Public Market. Circus Bella’s mesmerizing performances highlighted skilled acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and clowns, all with a live, high-spirited, six-piece band.

On Sunday July 26, at Rancho San Rafael Park, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performed an early afternoon show to a delighted crowd. Each weekday morning during July we presented Discover the Arts, which are admission-free, creative arts workshops for young people. Our Closing Night Celebration at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park featured the band Playing for Change with lead singer Clarence Bekker, who played to a jubilant, capacity crowd.

Arts events were held throughout northern Nevada in locations such as Renown Regional Medical Center, the UNR Quad, and Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Additional locations included art galleries, museums, parks, neighborhoods, theaters, restaurants and shopping centers, nearly 600 events in all – offering something for everyone.

We’re so grateful for the many arts partners who make Artown a success and we appreciate the generosity of our community, local corporations and foundations. A sincere thanks go out to all, and we look forward to seeing you next July for the 2027 Artown festival and another month filled with music, art, dance, theater and creativity!

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.

That’s a Wrap: Artown 2026

Published August 21, 2026