67th Annual International Camel & Ostrich Races Return Sept. 11-13

via Virginia City Tourism Commission

Virginia City, Nev. (Aug. 5, 2026) – Camels, ostriches, zebras and emus will race back into Virginia City as the 67th annual International Camel & Ostrich Races return to the Virginia City Fairgrounds Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 13. The three-day event features four shows, where professional and amateur jockeys saddle up and race in one of the longest-running and most distinctive traditions in Northern Nevada. Visitors can also enjoy carnival-style bites from local food trucks, browse artists and craft vendors and cool off with a variety of beverages at event bars throughout the weekend. Tickets for the family-friendly event are available online here. 

“It's remarkable to see an event that began more than six decades ago continue to bring new generations to Virginia City," said Todd Tuttle, tourism director for Virginia City. "Every year we welcome people who have been coming for decades alongside visitors experiencing the races for the very first time. We hope they take time to explore our museums, restaurants, shops and historic attractions because there's plenty to discover beyond the fairgrounds.”

The weekend features four race shows, each with its own mix of humor and unpredictability as riders attempt to steer their animals across the finish line. The schedule of events include:

• Friday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. - Hot Camel Nights (Locals Discount)
• Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Two shows
• Saturday, Sept. 12 at 12:30 p.m. - Camel Hump on C Street
• Sunday, Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. - Family Day with free camel rides for first 100 kids 

Multiple seating options are available, including open-air bleachers, shaded premium seating and an enclosed VIP Tent with tables and a private bar. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as this event typically sells out. Children age 2 and under are free when seated on an adult’s lap. 

Parking will be available at the Virginia City Fairgrounds and Arena and in town, with a complimentary golf cart service for the elderly, disabled and those with limited mobility. For overflow traffic, free shuttles will be running on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13 transporting guests to and from C Street and the fairgrounds. Visitors are encouraged to explore Virginia City before and after the races, enjoying local restaurants, unique shops, historic saloons, mine tours, ghost tours and museums. 

For more information on the 67th International Camel & Ostrich Races, visit their website at visitvirginiacitynv.com, call Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500 or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X.

THE LEGEND

One of Nevada’s most iconic events started because of a prank war between Virginia City’s Territorial Enterprise and the San Francisco Chronicle. In1959, the editor of the Enterprise wrote a fake story about camels racing in Virginia City. The Chronicle didn’t realize it was a hoax and printed it. The following year, they borrowed camels from the San Francisco Zoo and took them to Virginia City to race them. And that’s how a tradition was born.