Last year’s theme for the Carson City Rendezvous was the “Father of Nevada Statehood”, Abraham Lincoln! 
This year’s theme has not been determined as of yet, and will be announced at a later date. Stay Tuned!
There are many shows, exhibits, and attractions to see at the Carson City Rendezvous. You’ll want to bring the whole family for this unique, one of a kind celebration of living history.
While you’re there you can also browse through an array of crafters, vendor booths, and mercantiles while you enjoy a wide variety of delicious foods, beverages, and confections!
AT THE RENDEZVOUS YOU’LL SEE….(for details on a specific event, click on the title below if it’s in red)
Civil War Re-enactments and Military Camps: Uniformed soldiers and artillerymen of both blue and gray are dressed and ready for battle on the Big Field. Historic military camps and civilian villages featuring authentic sutlers, chaplain, field hospital, and more.
Mountain Men: Men and women depict frontier life of early Nevada settlers who pioneered their way across the west in the pre-Territorial days of the Silver State. Authentic campsites, teepees, lodges, and weaponry of the day will all be on display.
Gunfights: There’s nothing more thrilling than to see a fun and lively take of the Old West’s rugged banditos and rough riders who also made it across the west to find fame and fortune in the new world. You’ll see fun and exciting shows from some of the area’s most talented and colorful folks who ever strapped on a six shooter!
Musical Entertainment: Some of the finest Western performers anywhere appeared at the 2011 Carson City Rendezvous, some of them are returning favorites including Tom Hiatt, trick roper Karen Quest, Chris Bayer, and Sourdough Slim! The 2012 lineup will be announced soon!
Opening Ceremonies: Saturday morning at 10am in the big field. See all of the Rendezvous participants and encampments in one ceremonious pageant. The Brookfield Choraliers will sing, then lead us with the Pledge of Allegiance. Concluding the ceremony will be the presentation of winners for the 2012 Carson City Rendezvous Coloring Contest winners.
Native American Village: The traditional Native American culture of Nevada comes to life as dancers and drummers captivate you with an array of music, color, and symbolic representations of a rich and storied history. Come browse the Native American traders, listen to storytelling, and much more.
Traditional Traders and Sutlers: Some of the most authentic goods of the day are offered up to the general public by traditional traders who look and act every much the part of a merchant you’d meet in the high desert in the mid 19th Century! You won’t find a mall or shopping center anywhere like this!
Pony Express: The Pony Express is alive and well in Nevada and you’ll get a chance to learn how this method of mail and message delivery was so vital in the growth of our nation. Meet members of the Nevada Pony Express, see how a mochilla exchange was done, and even get a letter delivered to you via the Pony Express!
TNT Stagelines: This is one of the highlights of the event….a ride in a real authentic stagecoach! Hop aboard and experience the thrill of modern day transportation, circa 1880! This is a ride you won’t soon forget and an opportunity that is rare, if available at all, anywhere in the country.
Civil War Ball: One of the most popular and widely attended events of the era. Come to the Pony Express Pavillion (the large covered building on the park grounds ~ corner of Hwy 50 and Saliman Rd.) on Saturday at 9PM for a traditional Civil War Ball, complete with period ball attire, a dance master, and all of the traditional dances of the day.
Friday Night Round Up: This lively and fun filled kick-off party will take place from 7PM to 9PM, Friday, June 10th right inside the park at the main stage. Food, fun, music from Rick Hays & American Steel, costumed characters, and wild west excitement will be on the agenda for this evening!
Kids Coloring Contest: Every year the Rendezvous invites children to compete in a fun coloring contest for prizes. The winners of the contest are announced after the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday morning. Our artist is busy drawing up this year’s picture to be colored, but it will be modeled after this year’s theme which is Abraham Lincoln. Soon, we will be posting the picture here that you can download, as well as the rules and more information.
