Remote Surveillance Trailer in Sparks, NV

Moisture pushing into Northern Nevada is bringing unsettled weather, with storms expected across Reno-Sparks and much of the region Monday. Parts of California may also be affected.

Flash flood warning issued near Storey–Washoe county line along I-80

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of Storey and Washoe counties until 6:45 p.m. Monday. Forecasters urged residents to move to higher ground and avoid flooded roadways. The warning covers the I-80 corridor just east of Patrick.

Wind gusts, hail possible in Reno-Sparks

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for Reno and Sparks until 3 p.m. Monday. Forecasters warned of wind gusts up to 40 mph and the chance of pea-sized hail. People are advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings as storms move through the region.

The weather service also issued a similar advisory until 3:15 p.m. for Truckee, California, along the Interstate 80 corridor.

Reno, Sparks under flood watch

Moisture moving into Northern Nevada is bringing a stretch of thunderstorms, with multiple showers predicted this week.

A stronger storm is expected today, with weaker showers later this week. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Reno from noon to 9 p.m.

Here's a closer look at what weather is expected for Reno this week.

Reno weather this week

Burning Man 2025 weather

Burning Man organizers lifted their advisory against traveling from Reno to Black Rock City. Wait times for the final 8 miles to the gate were 6–8 hours as of 7:30 a.m. Weather is expected to mirror Sunday with afternoon rain possible through Wednesday. The Burner Express Bus is running on schedule.

You can keep up to date on Burning Man weather at our breaking news story about the topic at rgj.com.

One of the ugliest buildings in Reno-Sparks could be replaced. The other has remained a community staple since 2000.

Reno is full of historic buildings that recall the Old West and the city’s role in Nevada’s casino boom.

From the Fleischmann Planetarium to the Lake Mansion to the Silver Legacy, Reno is full of buildings unique in architecture and history. But not every structure is a winner.

A July survey from the New Jersey Real Estate Network listed two Reno-Sparks sites among the nation’s “ugliest” public buildings.

"These aren't tourist sites or architectural darlings — they're everyday buildings people interact with when paying a bill, contesting a fine or renewing a license," read a blog post from the network. "They're workhorses, not showpieces."

"But as this survey makes clear, design still matters to residents."

Here's what to know about the ranking.

What are the ugliest buildings in Reno, Sparks?

The Fitzgerald Student Services Building on the University of Nevada campus and Sparks City Hall were among the ugliest buildings in the U.S.

Fitzgerald Student Services Building (No. 64): Opened in 2000, the building houses financial aid services, admissions and academic records. The Fitzgerald features a step-like design with angled sections and a rounded front entrance. At the ground level, a Panera Bread serves students on their way across campus.

Sparks City Hall ranked No. 69 in the survey. Many people have driven by the building, with its mix of concrete and brick. It looks like an average government building.

The City of Sparks said the city hall also has "chronic maintenance problems, inadequate security, and overburdened, obsolete office and meeting spaces."

These significant structural problems mean maintaining city hall open would require using "scarce general fund dollars that could be better invested to maintain and improve services for the Sparks community," the city said.

Those are among the reasons Sparks is considering buying about eight acres of land near the Sparks Marina for a new city hall.

Is Sparks getting a new city hall?

The City of Sparks Redevelopment Agency will consider using restricted Redevelopment Area 2 funds to purchase the eight acres in the Sparks Marina district for a new city hall at a proposed price of $10 million. The matter is scheduled immediately after the Sparks City Council meeting on Aug. 25.

Survey ranks the top 10 ugliest public buildings in US, with courthouses dominating list

The survey found that more than half of the top 30 ugliest public buildings in the country were courthouses or judicial centers.

That trend wasn't unexpected, the findings said, as many of the structures were built during the mid- to late 20th century, a period dominated by brutalist and utilitarian designs.

"While they were designed to convey authority and efficiency, today they often come off as cold and fortress-like," the network said.

The survey focused on visual appeal but also noted how public perception of a building’s look often overlaps with its functionality and upkeep.

A "drab building" may be tolerated if it delivers reliable service, but when it’s also deteriorating and difficult to navigate, dissatisfaction tends to rise, said the network.

Here are the top 10 ugliest public buildings, according to the survey:

What do you think are the ugliest buildings in Reno?

Now is your chance to have your voice heard. What do you think the ugliest building is in Reno?

Methodology

To determine the ugliest public buildings in the U.S., the real estate network conducted an online panel survey of 3,003 respondents based on age, gender and geographic location.

Internal data sources were used to obtain population data sets.

The network team used a two-step method to ensure the survey results represented the broader population.

Long live summer and that means enjoying the Waterpark at Wild Island! We are sharing everything you need to know about your visit to the Waterpark at Wild Island including costs, what to pack, our tips, and full review.

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Wild Island is an outdoor waterpark and fun for all ages! They have over 10 waterslides, wave pool, lazy river, and even a great area designed for younger kids with slides. They also have plenty of seating, sand box, bubble machines, and more for your family to enjoy!

Tiny Tides is a brand-new kids zone perfect for guests 54″ tall and under so your little ones can have fun, too.

250 Wild Island Ct., Sparks NV 89434

Food and beverages are available for purchase at an additional cost. There are 8 different locations inside the waterpark at Wild Island you can purchase food or beverages from!

Check out our tips below for your visit so you can have the best visit to the Waterpark at Wild Island.

We have been going to the waterpark at Wild Island since my oldest was 18 months! It is easy to say it is a summer tradition for our family. It has been been so much fun to watch my kids every Summer grow into new experiences. Sometimes we spend 2 hours and some days we spend 6.

The area for younger kids is perfect for ages baby-7. My kids are just now tall enough to go on some of the bigger water slides but we enjoyed so many seasons in that area.

I recently saw some local mamas go to the waterpark for a moms night out and I think that sounds like such a fun idea, it would also be a fun date night!

I definitely recommend every experience Wild Island Waterpark to see if it is an activity your family loves as much as mine!

This article will be updated throughout the pumpkin patch season as more business release details of their events!

Pumpkin patches are a great family activity and can be fun for adults and kids of all ages. We’ve put together a list of pumpkin patches in Reno and the surrounding areas that your family can enjoy this season.

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Pumpkin Patches in Reno, Sparks and Beyond

Location: Al Seeliger Elementary SchoolDates: October 11, 2025 from 9am -2pm

Carnival games, fall fun, bake sale, crafts, face painting, pumpkins, wagon ride, raffle, and more!

Location: 166 F Street Virginia City, Nevada 89440Dates: Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26, 2025Cost: Starting from $8

The pumpkin patch is fall’s ultimate playground, so it’s the perfect time to catch a train to the Gold Hill pumpkin patch and pick your special pumpkin to carve or cook in the fall sunshine. These trains are a delightful tradition for kids of all ages. It’s fun for the whole family and a good value too. Toddlers and kids 4 and under ride for free and you can buy them a ticket so they can pick their own pumpkin. Children 5-12 also get a special rate.

Location: 1955 McLean Rd. Fallon, NV 89406Dates: Sep 27, Oct 3-4, Oct 10-11, Oct 17-18, Oct 24-25, Nov 2-3Cost: $9 (kids 3 and under are free)

Enjoy the pumpkin patch, corn maze, scarecrow making, hayride, cow train, and so much more. The hours and cost of those activities vary.

Location: 859 US Highway 395 N, Gardnerville, NVDates: September 27 – October 31 from 10am – 5pm

Cost: Weekend: $12/person | Ages 2 & under – Free

During the week not all activities are available. We recommend going on the weekend to enjoy all the fun. Included in the weekend admission price is the following: Hay Slide, Kiddie Land Straw Maze, Farm Animals, Miniature Golf, Pig Races, Hay Wagon Rides & the Corn Maze. Costs varies for additional fun.

Location: 4701 Mill Street, Reno, NVDates: September 27 – October 31Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10am – 8pm and Friday & Saturday 10am – 10pm

Cost: Free Admission, Cost of attractions varies.

Entry into the farm is free, but activities are individually priced. Over 40 different varieties of pumpkins, squash, gourds, and decorations are perfect for your harvest season. Attempt to navigate your way through our 5-acre corn maze. Take a hayride on our tractor-pulled trailer where you will get a beautiful view of the farm and the Truckee River. Haunted maze is Fridays and Saturdays only.

Location: 8100 Pyramid Hwy Sparks, NV 89436Dates: Wednesdays – Saturdays beginning, September 24 – October 31 Hours: Pumpkin Patch 10am – 5pm

Cost: Starting at $13

The pumpkin patch entry fee also includes hayrides, cow train, meeting the farm animals, a hay bale maze, slides, ziplines, and more. Some attractions including pony rides and gem mining available for an additional fee.

Corn maze and zombie paintball also available for additional costs and hours may very.

Location: 2493 State Route 208, Smith, NV 89430Dates/Hours: September 27 – November 2nd. Maze Hours – Tuesday -Wednesday-Thursday 12-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12-9 p.m., Sunday 12 noon – 7:00 p.m.

Cost: 2023 prices: $4.00 per person including the corn maze, hayride, and bounce house during hours. Night maze is Friday and Saturday nights until 9:00 p.m. $6.00 per person. 2025 prices have not been updated on website.

Location: Placerville, CADates: Dependent on farm, some are open year-round, others only during select months.Hours: Most farms are open 5-7 days a week, hours vary by farm

Location: 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA 95692Dates/Hours: September 6-November 11

Cost: Admission is free with some activities included. Tickets available for purchase for other activities.

If you are looking for the ultimate pumpkin patch experience and dont mind a short drive this is the farm for you! Activities include Corn Maze, Coyote Mountain, carousal, train, zipline, petting zoo, and so much more! This farm also have movie nights, live music, puppet shows, food.

Location: 450-525 Wemple Ln, Milford, CA 96121

Dates: Oct. 1 – 31Hours: 9am – 5pm, Daily

Cost: Free Admission, purchases are separate.

Wemple’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned, family-run farm in Milford California. Since 1994 the Pumpkin Patch has been an annual tradition for families from all around.

They offer an old-fashioned farm experience for our customers that make memories for years to come. Enjoy hayrides, U-Pick pumpkins, squash and gourds, a country store, a cookhouse, a hay maze, and a corn maze. There are lots of animals to view and enjoy while you relax on a peaceful October afternoon.

Tips for Pumpkin Patches In Reno-Sparks and Beyond

I’ve been taking my kids to the pumpkin patches in Reno since my oldest was 8 months old. It has become an annual event and we always end up going more than once!

We have such a great time and the kids never want to leave any of the pumpkin patches in Reno and the surrounding areas.

Here are some tips for making the most of your trip at any of the pumpkin patches in Reno and beyond.

Story time is a family favorite and I am sure it is in your home too! Did you know that there are free story time locations in Reno and surrounding areas offered to local residents?

Our first Nevada Moms playdate included story time at one of our local libraries, so it is no secret that we think storytime is the best, especially when there are so many free options! Check out these recurring story time locations. We’ve included the location, days, time, and type of storytime offered.

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Sign Up Your Child for Their Own Library Card

Plus if you attend storytime with your kids at a local public library don’t forget to sign them up for a library card! It’s free and there are a lot of bonus perks that come with owning a library card.

A library card under a child’s name or an educator does not incur any late fees.

Yeah, you heard that right. No worrying about all of those misplaced books due last week that you just can’t seem to find. If you check them out under your adult library card, though, beware of those fees.

In addition, if you have a library card, you can gain access to a few apps like Libby and even the kid’s version called Tumblebooks . Tumblebooks offers audiobooks, picture books and even chapter books for early readers!

Story Time Locations In Reno, Sparks, and Beyond

We’ve also included an up-to-date calendar at the end of this post so you can see all storytime locations and activities happening near you at a Washoe County Library.

Carson City

Wednesdays | 6:30 – 7:30pm

Every Second Thursday of the Month | 10:15am – 11:15am

Tuesdays | 10:30 – 11:00am

Wednesdays | 10:30 – 11:00am

Thursdays | 10:30 – 11:00am

Saturday | 10:30 – 11:00am

Wednesdays | 10:30 – 11:00am

Thursdays | 10:30 – 11:00am

Every First Wednesday of the Month | 6:00 – 7:00pm

Every Second Saturday of the Month | 2:00 – 3:00pm

Wednesdays | 11:00 – 11:30am

Thursdays | 11:00 – 11:30am

Second Saturdays | 11:00 – 12:00pm

Every First Wednesday of the Month | 11:00 – 11:30am

Thursdays | 10:30 – 11:00am

Second Saturdays | 11:00 – 12:00pm

Fourth Saturdays | 10:30 – 11:30am

Mondays | 10:30 – 11am

Wednesdays | 10:30 – 10:50am

Thursdays & Fridays | 10:30 – 11am

Mondays | 10:45 – 11:15am

Tuesdays | 10:15 – 10:45am

Third Saturdays | 11:00am – 12:00pm

The Humboldt County Library System is made up of a Main Library in Winnemucca, two Branch locations in McDermitt and Denio, and a Bookmobile.

Where is your favorite place to attend storytime?

If we’ve missed your favorite storytime locations that’s recurring, leave us a comment below so we can get it added to our guide! Don’t forget it must be free.