What to do at the Genoa Cowboy Festival

Lawmen - Jay Aldrich

Carson Valley's annual Genoa Cowboy Festival blends star studded entertainment and Western cowboy heritage with our beautiful mountain and valley setting. Extending over three days, the Genoa Cowboy Festival gives you the chance to step back in time, unplug, experience the old west and relax!


Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada in the beautiful Carson Valley, historic Genoa is the site of the Nevada’s first settlement. To this day there are working cattle ranches mere steps from the town center. Since the 19th century, cowboys have shared their work, music and stories in Nevada’s oldest town.

Borges Carriage Ride

Stroll the historic Genoa streets while enjoying the festival. All activities (with the exception of bus tours) are located within a few blocks.

Genoa or Bust!

Planning Your Genoa Cowboy Festival Trip


Celebrate the unique forms of Cowboy Music, Cowboy Poetry, Old West history, and the Western lifestyle by planning your Carson Valley trip in advance.

Nightly concerts feature up and coming acts, as well as legendary Western artists.

During the day you’ll find educational classes like dutch oven cooking and harmonica lessons. Chautauqua performers with inspiring first person stories, will introduce you to well known historic figures from bygone eras. Check out craft vendors and artisan booths throughout town and take home a piece of Western culture.  

Cowboy cooking

In addition to food vendors, there are always great restaurants in Genoa to tempt your palate. You can’t miss the chance to have a drink at the Genoa Bar and Saloon, Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor.  

Genoa Bar - Paige Turnipseed

Buy your tickets here, and be sure to make your room reservations before it's too late!