Every May, the Reno River Festival signals the beginning of summer, as it has come to be recognized as the first big event of the warmer months. Events that have become synonymous with the Reno River Festival include a whitewater kayaking competition, a 2.5-mile two person relay called Run Amuck, and the very popular Biggest Little Homebrew Challenge where festival goers are encouraged to enter their home-brewed beer in a hotly competitive showcase.
Reno's downtown area is rife with historic buildings and architecture; to enjoy it while staying relatively cool, take a walk along the historic The River Walk District. The walkway winds through downtown and is not only scenic in its own right, it highlights the whole downtown area giving it an added touch of natural beauty amid the busy commercial landscape.
Galena Creek Park is a favorite of nature lovers, and it doesn't matter if the weather is warm or cold. During the warmer months, the walking trails lead the way for outdoor exploration and open areas make it an ideal place to take the family or commune with the park's natural beauty. In the winter, cross-country skiing is the order of the day, and many ski buffs and snow bunnies make Galena Creek Park their home away from home.