Truckee River and Virginia Street placemaking updates and events

by Mike Van Houten / May 15, 2025

This is an update on various tidbits, I cover Locomotion plaza,, new events coming to downtown Reno, new Riverwalk wayfinding signs coming, West Street Plaza improvements and more.

Event Series 

First up, a summary of events coming to both West Street Plaza and Locomotion Plaza:

House by the River: A live music & art experience.
Wednesdays | 6PM-9PM | West Street Plaza

Harmony on the River: Community concerts by the Reno Philharmonic
Tuesdays | 6PM-8PM | West Street Plaza

Reno Antique Faire: A vintage and antique market.
3rd Sundays June-October | 10AM-4PM | Locomotion Plaza & Virginia St.

Off the Rails: Concerts featuring a variety of musical genres presented by OffBeat Music Festival.
6/27, 7/18 & 8/29 | 6PM-10PM | Locomotion Plaza & Virginia St.

House Party Plays the Tracks: A live music & art experience.
7/19, 8/16 & 9/20 | 5PM-10PM | Locomotion Plaza & Virginia St.

Flicks on the Bricks: A community outdoor movie night hosted by Cordillera Film Festival.
1st Fridays August-October | 8PM-10PM | West Street Plaza

A second Rolling Recreation trailer dedicated to downtown, and the Riverwalk will also help activate plazas, the Greater Nevada Field lawn, and river-adjacent parks this summer.

ARPA-funded Improvements - Downtown Reno Riverwalk

Trash Cans and Pet Stations

You might notice new trash cans and pet stations lining the Riverwalk on your next journey downtown. As someone who loves playing simulation games like Planet Coaster and Roller Coaster Tycoon, I can tell ya that these will help cut down on litter and pet waste downtown. 

Fresh Paint

Painting of the railings and other metal features along the Riverwalk began in April 2025 and is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Safety Lighting Improvements

New solar lights have been installed on the Riverwalk from Fisherman’s Park #1 to John Champion Park. The remaining hard-wired lighting improvements are expected to be complete by the end of May 2025.

Wayfinding Signage

The first phase of wayfinding signage installations is expected to begin in summer 2025.

West Street Plaza Improvements

New furniture has been installed, including bistro tables and chairs, shade umbrellas, and lounge chairs. Additionally, interactive seating pieces called “Pebbles,” inspired by the natural environment, have also been added. Murals were completed in April 2025 by artist Anthony Ortega. Inspired by the intersection of downtown Reno’s natural and urban landscapes, the murals reflect the unique character of the area.

Locomotion Plaza Transformation Begins

Plaza improvements, including the installation of six multi-functional shipping container buildings, lighting, electrical and fencing upgrades, and new furniture and shade umbrellas are expected to be completed in June 2025. Murals will begin in June 2025. Artist Brad Carney will carry forward the spirit of his previous ground mural in the plaza onto the sides of the new container buildings.

Rollin' Reno coming to the Believe Plaza for the summer

When: June11 through August 9

Five nights a week, there will be Rollin’ Reno at Believe Plaza in front of City Hall. The grand opening will take place on Saturday, June 14 with skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and live music, local artisans, a classic car display, family friendly activities and attractions and food and drink trucks.

Each night of operation will include:
Live entertainment, performers, musicians, local artists
Food and drinks for purchase
$5 skate rental (credit card or Apple Pay)
FREE if you have your own skates

Location:
Believe Plaza
Address: 30 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501

Parking:
City Hall Parking Garage (First and University)
Washoe County lot (corner of Virginia Street and Court Street) is free on weekdays after 5 p.m.; all day on the weekends
Street parking

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