09/25/2026
Enjoy a free afternoon of fall activities, local food, hands-on science and family fun at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Valley Road Field Lab and Greenhouse Complex.
WHERE: University of Nevada, Reno, Experiment Station, Valley Road Field Lab and Greenhouse Complex, Reno, Nevada
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
TIME: 2 p.m.
COST: Free and open to the public
PARKING: The main entrance is at the intersection of Sadleir Way and Southworth Drive.
NO Pets Allowed!
A free fall festival for the whole community
Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo brings together more than 60 booths featuring University experts, students, Nevada producers and community partners.
Visitors can explore a corn maze, shop at a farm stand, taste Nevada-grown food, participate in family activities and discover how University research affects agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, health and everyday life in Nevada.
The event is hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, including its Experiment Station, Extension and Extended Studies units. Nevada Field Day is also part of the University’s Nevada Family Weekend.
What can you do at Nevada Field Day?
Enjoy fall and family activities
Activities for children and adults include:
Exploring a corn maze
Playing the Where’s Wolfie scavenger hunt
Competing in a 4-H inflatable archery activity
Trying the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s life-size automated milking cow
Visiting live insect displays
Enjoying children’s face-painting
Entering raffles and giveaways
Everyone who completes the Where’s Wolfie game can claim a prize. Each attendee will also receive one free raffle ticket, with additional tickets available for purchase.
Shop for Nevada-grown food and plants
The University’s Desert Farming Initiative will offer certified organic seedlings, pumpkins, produce and fall plants for sale. Adult visitors can also participate in a complimentary tasting of Nevada-grown wines.
Visitors can sample free local steak bites and purchase beef jerky and other locally produced meats from Wolf Pack Meats. Holiday preorders will be available for leg of lamb, smoked ham and prime rib.
Blankets, beanies, sweaters and other products made with wool from the University’s Rafter 7 sheep will also be available.
Local vendors will offer foods made with University-grown and Nevada-grown ingredients, including pizza, savory pies and snow cones.
Experience science through hands-on activities
University researchers will make science approachable through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and presentations.
Featured activities and topics include:
Extracting DNA from strawberries
Learning how to remove ticks safely
Testing your ability to identify different smells
Discovering how to obtain water, soil and plant testing
Watching fiber being turned into yarn
Exploring soilless growing methods for urban agriculture
Seeing how drones support agriculture and natural resource research
Learning how plant peels can help strengthen crops
Exploring irrigation and sensing technologies that reduce water use
Discovering possible food and biofuel uses for cactus pear
Learning how sorghum and maize research could improve food security
Exploring efforts to grow culturally significant Tribal food and medicinal plants
Learning about the Mediterranean diet and taking home recipes
Discovering Nevada native plants, seeds and succulents
Enter to win fun prizes from:
Coconut Bowl at Wild Island
Galaxy Theaters Legends Sparks
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Moana Nursery
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Reno Aces
Reno Sparks SCHEELS
Rick’s Pizza, B**r & More
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum
University of Nevada, Reno Athletics
University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station’s Desert Farming Initiative
Explore Nevada’s poisonous side
Just in time for Halloween, visitors can investigate toxic plants, minerals and other substances found in Nevada.
Hands-on displays will explain how poison hemlock, arsenic, lead, botulinum toxin, sweet clover and other substances affect agriculture, livestock, wildlife and human health. Visitors can also learn how biochemistry helps scientists understand both poisons and medicines.
Researchers studying ticks and mosquitoes will explain how insect hormones and the insects’ sense of smell could lead to safer insecticides, improved pest-management practices and fewer insect-transmitted diseases.
Learn how University research serves Nevada
Nevada Field Day offers an opportunity to meet University researchers, educators and students working to:
Advance health and family well-being
Strengthen agricultural, horticultural and food systems
Support community and economic vitality
Protect Nevada’s natural resources
Prepare future learners and leaders
Prospective students and their families can also learn about undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, professional development and industry-specific training offered by the University.
Plan your visit
Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo takes place at the Valley Road Field Lab, 1000 Valley Road in Reno.
Free general parking is available. Drivers should enter at the intersection of Sadleir Way and Southworth Drive. Accessible parking is available through the parking attendants at 920 Valley Road.
Visitors participating in Nevada Family Weekend may also use the event shuttle.
Accessibility accommodations
People who require accommodations or assistance should submit their request at least five days before the event.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo free?
Yes. Admission and parking are free, and the event is open to visitors of all ages.
When is Nevada Field Day 2026?
Nevada Field Day & Ag Expo is Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Where is Nevada Field Day held?
The event is at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Valley Road Field Lab and Greenhouse Complex, 1000 Valley Road in Reno.
Is Nevada Field Day suitable for children?
Yes. Family activities include a corn maze, face-painting, Where’s Wolfie, inflatable archery, science demonstrations and interactive agricultural exhibits.
Will food and plants be available?
Yes. Visitors can purchase local food, meat, pumpkins, produce, seedlings, native plants, succulents and products made with wool from the University’s Rafter 7 sheep.
