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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Nevada has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Nevada celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of our favorite  events taking place during 2014.

Reno River Festival

May 10-11, 2014  in Reno, Nevada

Attracting more than 32,000 spectators each year, America’s premier whitewater event, the Reno River Festival, takes place at the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno. Known for enticing the world’s top whitewater athletes for an action-filled weekend, the event features professional competitions, competitions open to amateur paddlers, whitewater clinics, and an expo with all of the latest, hottest gear for whitewater athletes. Other events at this year’s festival include mountain bike speed trials and the Run Amuck relay race.  Visit: www.renoriverfestival.com

Reno Rodeo

June 19 - 28, 2014  in Reno, Nevada

The "Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West," the Reno Rodeo is a 10-day event. The Reno Rodeo is a PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) sanctioned sporting event. Reno Rodeo is a non-profit organization made up over 400 volunteers. Over 140,000 fans will be in attendance for the 4th richest PRCA tour rodeo. The event impacts the Reno/Sparks area economy with $42 million going to hotels, casinos, restaurants and retail. The Reno Rodeo has been nationally televised on CBS Sports, Fox Sports Net, Versus, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Classic.  Visit: www.renorodeo.com

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

July / August  in Lake Tahoe, Nevada

For more than 35 years, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival has drawn visitors to come and relax on Lake Tahoe’s pristine beaches in Sand Harbor State Park with wine and cheese to enjoy the Bard at his best. Now one of the state’s most popular summer cultural events, the festival, performed on an open-air stage, attracts more than 30,000 attendees each year. Visit: www.laketahoeshakespeare.com

Burning Man

August 25 - September 1, 2014 in Black Rock Desert, Nevada

Nevada is the host to one of the country’s (or world’s) biggest counterculture festivals every year. Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to com-munity, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever. With over 40,000 people in attendance, the city created by attendees, named Black Rock City after its location on the Black Rock Desert, is one of the ten largest cities in the state. Visit: www.burningman.com

Best of the West Nugget Rib Cook-off

August 27- September 1, 2014 in Sparks, Nevada

The country's favorite free rib festival is back! The 26th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off will run Wednesday, August 27 through Monday, September 1, 2014. Come out and enjoy the country's best rib competition and enjoy the Best Ribs in the West!  The cook-off continues to be one of the largest outdoor barbecue events in North America, with more than 500,000 visitors and more than 100 tons of ribs served. Large activities within the event, including a world-championship rib-eating contest, and top-notch entertainment – not to mention the best BBQ in the country – all come together to draw massive amounts of people to Victorian Square in Sparks.  Visit: www.nuggetribcookoff.com

The Great Reno Balloon Race

September 5-7, 2014 in Reno, Nevada

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot air ballooning event in the Nation. From its humble beginnings in 1982 with just 20 balloons, The Great Reno Balloon Race has taken flight with more than 100 balloons each year. Attracting an average of 140,000 visitors each year, The Great Reno Balloon Race has won many awards over the years including 'Best Special Event in Reno' and 'Best Special Event in Northern Nevada.' Visit: www.renoballoon.com

Nevada Day

October 25, 2014 in Carson City, Nevada

Highlight of Nevada Day is the parade in Carson City - a huge celebration to salute the state and look ahead to its future, to remind visitors and citizens alike how and when Nevada became a State. In fact, Nevada is the only state to continue celebrating their historical entry into the Union in the Nation. The parade began in 1938. Visit: www.nevadaday.com

Pahrump Powwow

November  in Pahrump, Nevada

Since 1998, Pahrump Valley has celebrated the spirit and culture of the region’s earliest American Indian inhabitants with its annual social powwow. Festivities include tribal dancers resplendent in native dress, traditional songs, arts and crafts, tribal booths, and authentic Indian teepees. There are also cash prizes of $6,000 each awarded to the winners of a dance competition and drum competition. The Grand Entry is scheduled between 11:30 a.m. and noon both Saturday and Sunday.  Visit: www.powwows.com

Wrangler Western National Finals Rodeo

December 4-13, 2014  in Las Vegas, Nevada

Organized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the National Finals Rodeo, held at the Thomas & Mack Center at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, is the grand finale of the modern professional rodeo circuit. It has been held in Las Vegas since 1984,Known as the Super Bowl of Rodeo, this ten-day event puts the talents of the nation's top fifteen money-winners to the test and they compete for championship titles. Visit: www.prorodeo.com