Artown Festivities Start on the First of July

It's the first of July and that means a month-long tradition has returned to the Biggest Little City. The 21st annual Artown is kicking off with different events around the area. 

For the next 30 days, Reno will become all things art. Artown is a month long festival, giving you and your family a chance to experience art and music. 

Beth MacMillan, the Executive Director of Artown said, "Rollin' on the River is every Friday in July. It kicks off about 5:30 p.m. with an opening act and a headliner following."

This year, local bands are playing over at Wingfield Park. 

On Friday night, the Sextones played to a crowd. John Franey and his family came out to enjoy the music. 

"We've got family, friends all meeting down here. It's just a great place to meet on a Friday night," said John  Franey, a Reno resident. "We almost count on it every year. We know it's coming, we plan for it. We build our schedules around it. And you know, it's has got better and better every single year."

Down at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater in Bartley Ranch, airmen with the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast took the stage.

"There's something about these men and women in uniform, especially over the Fourth of July, playing music of our country that really stands apart from anything else," said MacMillan.

If you missed out on Friday's performances, there are many more to come this month. Every day has a whole list of options and over 70 percent of them are free to the public. There will be 500 different events at more than 100 different locations this year.

"Bring out the whole family, there's something for everyone to do. Connect with your families and friends and just come on out," said MacMillan. 

Complete Artown Schedule: http://www.renoisartown.com/