GPAA of Northern Nevada, Reno
Events
Join us at any of our upcoming events where we give back to our community. Some events are education-oriented to introduce the youth to gold prospecting, some are open to the public to learn gold panning basics or new techniques.
Fernley STEM Festival
Thursday, 2/26, 2026
Times: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Fernley High School, 1300 US-95 ALT, Fernley, NV 89408
More Information: The Fernley STEM Festival is a free, family-friendly community event that celebrates science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities, student projects, and interactive exhibits. Hosted at Fernley High School, the festival brings together students, educators, local businesses, and community partners to spark curiosity, showcase innovation, and encourage learning for all ages.​ We will need volunteers to help staff our booth during the event.
Nevada Outdoor Experience
June, 2026 (more details to come)
Times: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Capitol City Gun Club, 3590 Arrowhead Drive, Carson City, NV
More Information: Sponsored by the Wild Sheep Foundation: https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/youth-programs/nevada-outdoor-experience. This is a FREE event where families and the community come to this event to get excited about and get inspired by the outdoors. This event serves to encourage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts with over 30 outdoor organizations, each with their own perspectives and opportunities to learn.
Set up for vendors: 7:00 am - 8:30 am. Please drop off gear at the front, then park your car. Please check in at the registration area. (Click here to see a map of the event.)
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This event includes archery, wildlife conservation, duck calling, leave no trace ethics, trap and skeet, nature crafts, gold panning, metal detecting, rock climbing wall, and so much more! ​
Click here for Event Flyer
Jackpot of Gems
September, 2026 (more details to come)
Times: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Location: Grand Sierra Resort, Silver State Pavillion, 2500 E. Second Street, Reno, NV 89595. The event is inside downstairs, in the southeast corner of the resort.
More Information: This is a great event that showcases gems and minerals, gold specimen opportunities, and a variety of vendors! The GPAA area will have volunteers helping guests learn how to pan for gold. There are also lots of rocks to see and purchase, demonstrations, a silent auction, and over 30 vendors.
We'll need help setting up for the event on Friday
Members who volunteer for this event and help at our booth will get in to the event for free; otherwise, admission is $10.
Fernley School - Panning event
October, 2026 (more details to come)
Times: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Fernley Intermediate School, 320 Falcon Dr, Fernley, NV 89408.
More Information: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Our group will be helping students learn how to pan for gold. More details to come.
