For an entire month each summer, the city of Reno transforms into a vibrant cultural hub, buzzing with performances, exhibitions, and creative energy. This transformation is known as Artown, a nationally recognized arts festival that has become synonymous with the city’s identity. When people say reno is artown, they are pointing to this incredible immersion where art spills into streets, parks, and venues, offering something for everyone. The 2025 festival promises to continue this rich tradition, featuring a diverse lineup of headliners alongside hundreds of other events that underscore Reno’s commitment to the arts.
Artown festival banner in Reno, showcasing why reno is artown
Artown isn’t just a collection of shows; it’s a city-wide celebration that activates public spaces and fosters a sense of community through shared cultural experiences. It’s this pervasive presence of creativity throughout July that truly makes reno is artown a fitting description. The festival encompasses a vast spectrum of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, and more, often featuring free performances that make high-quality art accessible to all residents and visitors. This accessibility is a core tenet of the Artown philosophy, breaking down barriers and inviting participation from every corner of the community.
The history of Artown is deeply intertwined with the modern evolution of Reno itself. What started as a smaller initiative has grown into a major cultural event, drawing attention both regionally and nationally. This growth reflects Reno’s broader efforts to revitalize its downtown and establish itself as a destination for arts and culture, not just gaming. The success of Artown highlights how cultural festivals can be powerful engines for urban development and community building, solidifying the phrase reno is artown in the minds of locals and tourists alike. The festival’s longevity and expansion over three decades are testaments to its impact and appeal.
The 2025 lineup of headliner artists showcases the festival’s commitment to bringing world-class talent to the Biggest Little City. These featured performances are often highlights of the month, drawing large crowds and generating significant excitement. They represent just a fraction of the hundreds of events that take place, but they set a tone for the festival, reflecting Artown’s diverse tastes and high artistic standards. Exploring the headliners gives a glimpse into the quality and variety that attendees can expect when reno is artown comes alive in July.
Spotlighting the Artown 2025 Headliners
The headliners for Artown 2025 present a compelling mix of genres and styles, promising unforgettable evenings. These artists were selected to appeal to a wide range of musical preferences, from the globally-influenced sounds of Pink Martini to the rootsy authenticity of Rhiannon Giddens and the sheer musicality of Michael Kaeshammer. Each performance offers a unique window into the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines Artown each summer.
July 3 – Pink Martini
Kicking off the headliner series and celebrating their own 30th anniversary alongside Artown, Pink Martini returns to Reno. This “little orchestra” is renowned for its multilingual repertoire and fusion of classical, pop, and jazz sounds from around the world. Their performances are known for being sophisticated, joyful, and entirely unique, living up to bandleader Thomas Lauderdale’s vision of being the “house band” for a hypothetical 1962 United Nations. Their enduring popularity in Reno speaks to the city’s appreciation for global sounds and lively performances, perfectly embodying the spirit of why reno is artown. It’s a musical journey that transcends borders and genres.
Pink Martini performing at Artown 2025, part of the vibrant reno is artown event
Listening to Pink Martini live is an experience that transports you through different eras and cultures, blending swing, samba, classical, and pop into an intoxicating mix. Their return for Artown’s 30th anniversary is a fitting celebration, highlighting the festival’s roots and its ongoing evolution. Their music is accessible yet complex, appealing to serious music lovers while making everyone want to dance. This blend of high art and popular appeal is a hallmark of the Artown festival.
July 20 – Michael Kaeshammer
Michael Kaeshammer, a master pianist and songwriter, takes the stage for Artown’s Donor Appreciation Event. Kaeshammer is celebrated for his ability to coax a dazzling array of sounds from his instrument, blending jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, and pop into something entirely his own. His music is described as “eclectic yet accessible,” a testament to his technical skill and songwriting prowess. This performance is not just a concert but a showcase of profound musical talent, offering a sophisticated soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners. It underscores the breadth of talent that comes to Reno during Artown.
Michael Kaeshammer on piano, a headliner for Artown 2025 in Reno
Kaeshammer’s “Turn It Up,” his 15th album, exemplifies his continuous exploration of musical boundaries. Attending his performance offers an opportunity to witness a musician at the peak of his craft, someone who can tell stories and evoke emotions simply through the manipulation of 88 keys. His inclusion as a headliner reflects Artown’s commitment to showcasing instrumental mastery and innovative musical expression, further solidifying the reputation that reno is artown for diverse artistic experiences.
July 24 – Rhiannon Giddens
Rhiannon Giddens is an artist who defies easy categorization. A two-time GRAMMY Award winner, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, and composer, Giddens has built a career on exploring and expanding folk and traditional music, often with a focus on highlighting underrepresented histories and voices, particularly those of African Americans in American roots music. Her work spans singing, playing multiple instruments, and composing for opera, ballet, and film. Her mission to lift up people through her art makes her a powerful and meaningful voice on the Artown stage.
Rhiannon Giddens performing, bringing her unique folk sound to reno is artown 2025
Giddens is praised for her fearless exploration and deep historical roots, earning recognition as one of NPR’s 25 most influential women musicians of the 21st century. Her performance promises to be not just musically captivating but also culturally enriching, offering a connection to the deep currents of American musical history. Her presence is a perfect fit for the Artown ethos, which seeks to present art that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, contributing to the narrative that reno is artown is a place for meaningful cultural engagement.
July 26 – SteelDrivers
For fans of contemporary bluegrass with a soulful edge, the SteelDrivers are a must-see. Since forming in 2005, they have made a significant impact on the genre with their blend of bluegrass, blues, and country, characterized by captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their unique sound has earned them a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, including a GRAMMY Award. Their performance offers a chance to experience the raw emotion and virtuosity that define their music.
The SteelDrivers band performing bluegrass music at the reno is artown festival
Adele famously described them as “a blues, country, bluegrass, swagger band and they are brilliant,” a quote that perfectly captures their unique fusion and powerful stage presence. Their music feels both timeless and contemporary, rooted in tradition but delivered with a modern sensibility. Bringing the SteelDrivers to Artown provides a vital link to American roots music traditions, showcasing another facet of the diverse programming that makes reno is artown a comprehensive arts festival.
July 29 – The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John- Starring Michael Cavanaugh
Closing out the announced headliners is a dynamic performance featuring Michael Cavanaugh, known for his starring role in the Broadway musical “Movin’ Out,” which celebrated the music of Billy Joel. Handpicked by Billy Joel himself, Cavanaugh evokes the spirit and style of the Piano Man, earning Grammy and Tony award nominations for his work. This show is a tribute to two legendary artists, delivered by a performer uniquely qualified to capture their energy and musicality.
Michael Cavanaugh performing the music of Billy Joel and Elton John at reno is artown 2025
Cavanaugh is hailed as a captivating performer and musician, embodying the “new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook.” His ability to channel the iconic sounds of Billy Joel and Elton John makes this concert a high-energy, crowd-pleasing event. It’s a chance to sing along to classic hits performed by a true showman. Including such widely loved music demonstrates Artown’s appeal across different demographics and tastes, reinforcing the idea that reno is artown is for everyone, offering something familiar and exciting alongside new discoveries.
Beyond the Headliners: The Full reno is artown Experience
While the headliners draw significant attention, they are merely the tip of the iceberg for what Artown offers. The festival includes literally hundreds of other events throughout July, many of which are free and held in public spaces like Wingfield Park, theድን Riverwalk, and various community centers and galleries. These events range from dance performances, theater productions, film screenings, visual art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events celebrating diverse traditions.
The sheer volume and variety of events are what truly make reno is artown a transformative experience for the city. Attendees can wander through pop-up galleries, catch spontaneous street performances, participate in interactive art installations, or attend a classical music concert or a local theater production. The calendar is packed from morning until night, offering opportunities for engagement at every turn. This pervasive artistic presence changes the very atmosphere of Reno for the month, fostering a sense of excitement and cultural discovery.
The community aspect of Artown is also fundamental. It brings together local artists, organizations, businesses, and residents in a collaborative effort. The festival provides a vital platform for local talent while also attracting artists from outside the region, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas and performances. The Donor Appreciation Event, for instance, highlights the crucial role community support plays in making Artown possible. This deep community involvement is a key reason why the identity “reno is artown” feels so authentic and earned.
Planning Your Visit to reno is artown
For those planning to experience Artown 2025, arriving in July means arriving during a peak cultural period. Many events are free, but tickets for headliner performances and some other shows sell out quickly. Checking the official Artown calendar and purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Reno offers a range of accommodations and dining options, with many venues conveniently located downtown, easily accessible to the main festival areas along the Truckee River. The warm July weather in Reno is perfect for enjoying outdoor performances and exploring the city’s artistic transformation.
The calendar view provided by Artown offers a glimpse into the density of programming available daily. Planning a trip means deciding which events to prioritize, but also leaving room for spontaneous discovery, as part of the magic of Artown is stumbling upon an unexpected performance or exhibition while exploring the city.
In conclusion, reno is artown is far more than just a catchy slogan; it is an annual reality where the city fully embraces the arts for an entire month. The 2025 festival, with its exciting lineup of headliners like Pink Martini, Michael Kaeshammer, Rhiannon Giddens, SteelDrivers, and Michael Cavanaugh, promises another spectacular celebration of culture, creativity, and community. It’s an invitation to explore the dynamic relationship between a city and the art that thrives within it, offering rich experiences for everyone who visits.