NORTHWESTERN
VisitCarsonCity.com; @VisitCarsonCity—Carson City, the state capital, offers a captivating blend of history, charm, and modern amenities, making it an exceptional destination for hosting meetings and events. David Peterson, executive director of Visit Carson City, says the destination isn’t just for history buffs but everyone. “Carson City has award-winning trails, a variety of attractions, stunning art galleries, a thriving theater scene, and delicious cuisine for all to enjoy,” he says. “In addition, Carson City is located 30 minutes or less from top northern Nevada destinations like Lake Tahoe, Reno, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and Virginia City. Carson City is positioned to be the center point of attendees’ northern Nevada meeting experience. The destination is also less than four hours from the San Francisco Bay Area by car and less than three hours from Sacramento (Calif.), with flights being even shorter.”
Carson City offers a variety of accommodations with a total of 1,400 guest rooms, all free of resort and parking fees, and many also feature meeting space, notes Peterson. For those seeking easy access to local attractions and meeting facilities, the 85-guest room Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City provides a central location near Silver Oak Golf Course, Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park, and medical facilities. The hotel also features one meeting room with 625 square feet of event space. The 94-guest room Staybridge Suites Carson City is perfect for both relaxation and exploration, offering two meeting rooms with a total of 1,200 square feet of event space, alongside convenient access to Lake Tahoe and local parks.
For business travelers, the 100-guest room Courtyard by Marriott Carson City is ideally located in the city’s bustling business district, with easy access to attractions like Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park and Stewart Indian School. This hotel offers one meeting room with 750 square feet of space, and it is currently undergoing a renovation, set to be completed this month. Additionally, the 166-guest room Plaza Hotel & Event Center features meeting and event space capable of hosting up to 300 guests, making it ideal for larger groups. For those seeking a more intimate atmosphere, the 91-guest room Federal Hotel Downtown Carson City offers convenient access to cultural landmarks and dining. Renovations to the hotel also are expected to be completed this month. The 142-guest room Gold Dust West Carson City, also expected to complete renovations this month, offers a spacious 4,000-square-foot meeting room with a capacity of 120 guests. Carson City will also welcome a new Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel, with 91 suites and an expected completion in fall 2025, Peterson adds.
Carson City offers a variety of unique, stand-alone venues perfect for hosting meetings and conferences, each bringing its own character and amenities. For smaller events, the 1864 Grand Ballroom at Brewery Arts Center provides a stylish space with 1,512 square feet and a capacity of approximately 100 people. The adjacent Performance Hall offers a more immersive experience, with seating for 244.
For larger gatherings, Bob Boldrick Theater is an ideal choice, accommodating up to 580 guests in a well-equipped setting for plays, lectures, concerts, and more. Those looking for a unique and intimate atmosphere can consider Nashville Social Club Swan Room, which can accommodate more than 200 guests for events and concerts, all while enjoying the restaurant’s delicious offerings. For a blend of business and leisure, Silver Oak Golf Course’s Cadillac Room offers a stunning 3,800-square-foot space with a 1950s ambiance, complete with a private bar and patio seating for up to 300 guests, alongside additional meeting rooms with audiovisual support.
Casino Fandango’s Grand Ballroom is the largest event space in Carson City, offering 6,000 square feet and seating 383 guests or more for standing events. With versatile room configurations, this venue is ideal for large conferences, banquets, and other major events.
Carson City offers many activities to enhance any meeting or conference, whether built into the agenda or as pre- and post-event experiences for attendees and their families. Groups can take a step back in time with a private excursion aboard the historic V&T Railway, a fully narrated 24-mile round-trip journey from Carson City to Virginia City. On this all-day trip, participants can learn about the area’s rich history as they travel through tunnels, canyons, and old mining towns aboard a restored 1914 Pullman coach pulled by a 1916 Baldwin steam locomotive. The stop in Virginia City offers a charming mix of museums, saloons, shops, and historical sites, perfect for exploration. For history enthusiasts, Carson City is home to numerous fascinating museums, such as Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum, Nevada State Museum, Nevada State Railroad Museum, and Nevada State Prison. These venues offer a deep dive into the region’s diverse past, from Native American heritage to the days of frontier living.
For those looking for family-friendly experiences, Carson City has plenty to offer. The Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada and Nevada State Railroad Museum both feature interactive exhibits to engage young visitors, while the nearby Nevada State Museum and Capitol building provide rich educational experiences for all ages.
“Carson City is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, making it perfect for families who enjoy hiking, biking, and outdoor exploration,” Peterson adds. “The nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe provide opportunities for everything from skiing and snowboarding in winter to kayaking and paddleboarding in summer. Plus, our family-friendly attractions, charming and slow-paced downtown, and numerous year-round events make the capital city fun for all. Enjoy the small-town charm with all the big-city amenities.”
