Published June 27, 2025

Celebrating 30 years with Artown!

by  Beth Macmillan

The 30th Anniversary Artown festival begins July 1^st, and the best month to live, work, and play in Reno is upon us! We have many events and activities to share, so that your July is filled to the brim with exciting arts events. With around 600 events to choose from, there is something for everyone. Here we are highlighting some of the main attractions being offered during July. 

Throughout the entire month, we will feature the Monumental Spirit Animals from Mexico City, July 1 – 31 in downtown Reno, outdoors, at the nexus of Virginia Street and the Truckee River. The display consists of eight vibrantly colored, handcrafted statues which will stand over 20 feet tall on their bases. Through their sheer magnitude and striking visual grandeur, they will inspire curiosity and discovery and demonstrate the power the arts have to breathe new life and energy into public spaces.  

The 2025 Headliner Concerts at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park include Pink Martini featuring China Forbes on July 3^rd. Artown’s love affair with the Biggest Little Ensemble continues as we both celebrate our 30^th anniversary this year! Please join us and celebrate both birthdays with a unique summer show – Pink Martini style. 

We’re excited to once again bring master pianist Michael Kaeshammer to Reno on July 20^th. Kaeshammer isn't just a piano player; he's a piano whisperer—a master musician and songwriter who can elicit dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument like few others can. This remarkable talent is the driving force behind Turn It Up, Kaeshammer's outstanding 15^th album. It's broadly described as “eclectic yet accessible jazz-based pop,” but, as with all of Kaeshammer’s music, it encompasses far more than any single description can capture. This is also Artown’s Donor Appreciation event, a day when we thank and celebrate all who make this festival possible.

On July 24^th, we’ll present Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue. Giddens has made a singular, iconic career out of stretching her brand of folk music, with its miles-deep historical roots and contemporary sensibilities, into just about every field imaginable. A two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, and composer of opera, ballet, and film, Giddens has centered her work around the mission of lifting people higher. Join us to hear folk and root music at its finest, by one of today’s most accomplished and enlightened curators of music.

When it comes to contemporary bluegrass music, one band stands out: the SteelDrivers. Comprising a proficient group of musicians, the SteelDrivers have made a significant impact on the genre since their formation in 2005. With their soulful sound, captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics, they have gained a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. This group works hard, goes the extra mile to stay on top of their game, and it shows through in every one of their performances. This show will delve into who the SteelDrivers are and explore their unique style and contributions to the world of bluegrass. Join us on July 26^th to see these exceptional performers.

Concluding the Headliner Series on July 29^th, will be The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John Starring Michale Cavanaugh is the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook, and a charismatic performer and musician made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Discovered playing in a Las Vegas lounge, Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in Movin’ Out, The Musical. Cavanaugh evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. He appeared in the show for three years with over 1,200 performances and received multiple accolades. The show culminated in 2003 with both Grammy and Tony award nominations. We’ll hear Cavanaugh’s renditions of both Billy Joel and Elton John classics during this high-energy concert.

Along with these fantastic shows, Artown will be presenting an admission-free Global Music Series each Wednesday at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, a Monday Night Music Series at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, a Tuesday series on the Quad at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Monday Artown at Renown Series. To get the full picture of what’s in store for this year’s Artown, please pick up your free Little Book schedule at all Raley’s stores, all Washoe County Libraries, Port of Subs, and all Nevada State Bank Branches. You can also look over the full schedule of July events at Artown.org. There’s truly something for everyone, and I look forward to seeing you out and about during July! 

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.

Artown 30^th Anniversary Poster Created by Connor Fogal by Beth Macmillan — May 16, 2025

The Spirit (Animals) of Artown  by Beth Macmillan — April 4, 2025

How ARTEFFECTS Comes to Life!  by Beth Macmillan — February 21, 2025
 

Artown Encore Series: Entertainment and Discovery through Live Performances  by Beth Macmillan — January 10, 2025

Artown is celebrating its 30^th anniversary! Why not join us and present an event?  by Beth Macmillan — November 29, 2024

Approaching Artown’s 30^th Anniversary  by Beth Macmillan — October 18, 2024

Artown 2024 Tips and Tricks!  by Beth Macmillan — June 28, 2024

Artown 2023  by Beth Macmillan — June 30, 2023