Nevada Day was originally observed on October 31 each year. Since 2000, it is observed on the last Friday in October. On this holiday all state, county and city government offices are closed, along with most schools and libraries. Some private businesses, like banks, also closed at their discretion. In Nevada's capital, Carson City, a parade is held through the heart of downtown, as well as a carnival and several other events. In 2000, the Nevada Legislature decided to celebrate the holiday on a Friday, hoping that a three-day weekend would generate more interest. Nevada Day is now observed on the last Friday in October. But most of the big events in Carson City, including the parade, occur on the following Saturday. This was shortly followed by Las Vegas and Henderson adding up to three Nevada Days throughout the year in addition to the actual holiday which are determined by city council vote during the first week of each legislative year. Until 2000, Halloween was observed in Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County, and Storey County on October 30, so as to not conflict with the holiday. during the Nevada Day parade. Since 2000, Carson City's newspaper, Nevada Appeal, has sponsored a month-long "treasure hunt" each year in October to celebrate Nevada Day. Beginning on the first Monday, a clue is posted each weekday on a web site set up for the contest which helps narrow down the search area. The clues all have to do with Nevada history so it encourages people to study the state's history in order to find the "treasure". Upon finding it, the treasure can be redeemed for up to $1000. In 2003, 2008, and 2014 the legal holiday for Nevada Day fell on October 31, the actual day of admission. In 2018, the state's first major professional sports team, the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights, observed Nevada Day with a matinee game.
In 2006, Nevada Day, and the Nevada town of Pahrump, were central to the plot in "Nevada Day", a two-part episode of the Aaron Sorkintelevision dramaStudio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Part One was originally slated to air on Nevada Day, October 31, but was delayed a week and aired on November 6. Part Two followed a week later on November 13. The 2010 Nevada Day celebration was mentioned on the in reference to Colbert's "March to Keep Fear Alive Insanity Bus" held on the same day as the 2010 Nevada Day parade.
