Mark Twain Days Returns to Virginia City and Carson City
Mark Twain’s time in Nevada was brief, but his presence is still felt more than 160 years later.
When a young Samuel Clemens arrived on the Comstock in 1862, he came seeking adventure, reinvention, and a new voice—one that would soon become known around the world as Mark Twain. Nevada shaped Twain as much as he shaped it, and every year, Virginia City and Carson City come together to celebrate that shared legacy during Mark Twain Days, a multi-day festival filled with history, art, music, and a healthy dose of Twain’s famous wit.
“Mark Twain Days is a celebration of storytelling and transformation,” said Todd Tuttle, director of tourism for Storey County. “Just as Samuel Clemens discovered his true identity here on the Comstock, visitors can step into history, meet unforgettable characters, and maybe even discover a bit of Twain in themselves.”
This year’s festival runs Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, with a variety of events that bring the world of Twain to life. While Carson City will host activities on Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, Virginia City events extend through the whole weekend.
Visitors can start their adventure in downtown Carson City, then make their way up to Virginia City aboard the Twain Train on Friday afternoon (arriving to Virginia City by 3:30 p.m. and leaving by 5:30 p.m.) or by car. Once in Virginia City, attendees will find a schedule packed with experiences designed to transport them back to the 1860s.
On Friday, St. Mary’s Art Center opens its doors with the Mark Twain Photo Exhibition in the third-floor studio and a Mark Twain arts slideshow in the fourth-floor theatre. Both will be available during the free art reception on Saturday from 1–4 p.m., after which the center will charge its standard admission of $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, veterans, and children under six.
At the Mark Twain Saloon, visitors can sample Tarantula Juice, enjoy a slideshow, and even catch possible poetry readings. For those looking for a keepsake, there may even be Twain cigars for sale.
Saturday brings family-friendly fun across Virginia City, including Victorian fashion displays, storytelling sessions, and gallery exhibits. The Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) Scavenger Hunt kicks off Friday and runs all weekend, with winners announced Monday, Oct. 20.
In addition, the Storey County Fire Protection District will host a memorial event on Saturday, Oct. 18, commemorating the Great Fire of 1875. Vintage fire apparatus will be on display in the Delta Saloon parking lot for attendees to explore, giving visitors a glimpse into the history of firefighting in the region.
Whether you come for the history, the art, or simply the lively spirit of the event, Mark Twain Days is a weekend not to miss. Full schedules and ticket information are available at visitcarsoncity.com/mark-twain-days/.
To purchase tickets for the Virginia City events, please visit visitvirginiacitynv.com/events/mark-twain-days/.
