Events and
Tours

Coming Soon…

Explore our neon collection with guided museum tours where our knowledgeable staff will share the fascinating stories behind some of Nevada’s most iconic neon signs. Rather than overwhelming you with every sign at once, we will offer rotating, themed tours (like mid-century motel culture, Nevada cocktail culture, and the art of neon) supplemented with historic visuals and insights to immerse you in the era.

Step outside the museum walls with our Reno walking tours to experience vintage neon still shining in the wild. Thanks to our prime downtown location, it’s an easy walk through city streets to view neon landmarks, including both iconic Reno Arches and the Cal Neva. These walking tours are designed to turn visitors into true “sign spotters,” with all the details and insights to give you a fresh perspective on the glowing history located just a few blocks from our front doors.

Join us for our special film events, where we celebrate the intersection of cinema and neon culture. We plan to host regular movie screenings that feature Nevada’s iconic landscapes and neon signs, in both the museum space and the theater in the National Bowling Stadium. A major highlight will be our annual Academy Awards night, offering a seasonal tradition for film fans to gather for the glow of the silver screen.

Dive deep into the Silver State’s vibrant past through our specialized history events. We will host lectures, panels, and celebrations dedicated to preserving Reno’s rich history, including annual Nevada Day festivities in October and commemorations for historic landmarks like the 100th anniversary of the original Reno Arch. These events are designed especially for history buffs looking to understand the deep cultural context and architectural heritage that shaped our city.

Get an up-close look at the craft behind the glow during our dedicated neon maker events. We will offer interactive programming such as live neon glass-bending demonstrations, sign-painting workshops, and hands-on hand-lettering classes. The Light Circus will also proudly serve as a host venue for the 2026 Neon Speaks Festival, bringing together neon makers, artists, preservationists, and followers from across the country for symposiums, tours, and celebrations.

Calling all cameras! While standard museum visits restrict photography to cell phones, our scheduled Photographer Hours are designed for professionals and others who want to bring their own chosen equipment into the museum (including tripods and video cameras). During these exclusive, limited-capacity sessions, you will have the time and space to capture the perfect shot of our collection without the crowds.

Make your memories glow by booking time during our scheduled Portrait Hours. Perfect for a professional photoshoot for engagement photos, family portraits, or a graduation portrait. A dedicated portrait hour allows you to bring in a hired photographer to use our spectacular neon signs as your backdrop. You’ll get a relaxed, uninterrupted photo session while the museum is closed to regular visitors.