The best and top-rated local clubs in Reno, Nevada

TL;DR:

LEX at Grand Sierra is Reno’s premier nightclub with weekly DJs.
Cargo Concert Hall books touring EDM and live acts downtown.
The BlueBird hosts dance shows and special events on East 4th.
Virginia Street Brewhouse brings rock, raves, and theme nights.
5 Star Saloon is the go-to LGBTQ+ dance bar with late hours.

Reno’s club scene blends big-room casino energy with gritty downtown rooms. You can catch a touring DJ, a Shrek-themed rave, or a drag party in one night. This guide rounds up active, well reviewed venues with current calendars as of 2025-10-15.

How we picked

We looked for venues with current event calendars, consistent programming, and positive guest feedback. We checked official venue sites and the Visit Reno Tahoe guide, then cross-checked with event listings.

Headliners and big rooms

LEX Nightclub at Grand Sierra Resort

LEX is the city’s flagship nightclub. It runs a steady schedule of guest DJs, viewing parties, and holiday blowouts. The official event calendar shows weekly bookings through fall, plus special Halloween programming. LEX enforces an upscale dress code, and offers tickets and table reservations online.

Good to know: Dress smart. Hats, athletic wear, and sneakers are not allowed. Lines grow near headliner time, so arrive early.

Context: Grand Sierra is also building a 10,000-seat arena set to open in 2027, which could increase nearby nightlife traffic.

Downtown dance and live music

Cargo Concert Hall

Cargo books touring EDM, hip hop, and alt acts. The calendar shows late-2025 dates like Kompany and LAYZ, plus themed shows. The room works for both rail-riders and casual fans, with bars at the back and sides.

Tip: Check whether your show is GA or assigned seating, and confirm set times day-of.

Virginia Street Brewhouse

This downtown venue leans rock, pop-punk, and party events. The 2025 schedule includes acts like D.R.I. and meme-friendly nights such as Shrek Rave. Expect an energetic floor and quick bar lines during openers.

The BlueBird

The BlueBird on East 4th Street runs club nights and concert bookings in a warehouse-style room. Listings vary by season, so check the week’s slate. Songkick tracks recent 2025 shows at the address, which signals an active calendar even when the official site is quiet.

LGBTQ+ mainstay

5 Star Saloon

5 Star Saloon is Reno’s longest-running LGBTQ+ bar. It opens late and often runs dance-heavy weekends, theme parties, and community nights. The bar lists daily hours that stretch to 3 a.m., with regular social updates. Expect a friendly door, strong pours, and a mixed crowd.

What closed or changed

Edge Nightclub at Peppermill shows as closed on recent listings, and the resort now highlights lounges and live-music bars instead of a dedicated nightclub. If you saw older “Edge” tips, they are out of date. Head to LEX or downtown instead.

Quick picks by mood

Big-room EDM with production: LEX Nightclub.
Touring DJs or bands downtown: Cargo Concert Hall.
Indie dance and warehouse vibe: The BlueBird.
Rock shows and theme raves: Virginia Street Brewhouse.
Inclusive dance floor till 3 a.m.: 5 Star Saloon.

Planning basics: cover, dress, and timing

Reno clubs vary by night. Some shows are 18+, most are 21+. Covers range from free before 8 p.m. to $25+ for headliners. LEX posts a clear dress code. Downtown rooms are more casual, but clean sneakers and jeans still play it safe. Always check the event page on the morning of your show.

Handy checklist

Item	What to do	Where to confirm
Age limits	Bring a passport or license. Some 18+ shows occur.	Event page or ticketing.
Cover price	Look for presale to save money.	Venue ticket pages.
Dress code	LEX is strict, downtown is flexible.	LEX dress code page.
Getting around	Use rideshare or walk between downtown venues.	Venue sites and maps.
Afterparties	Cargo and BlueBird often run late sets.	Event listings.

Sample one-night plans

Casino-to-club Saturday

Start with dinner at Grand Sierra. Head into LEX for the headliner. If you want more after, catch a late downtown set at Cargo. Factor rideshare time between the resort and downtown.

Downtown dance crawl

Begin at Virginia Street Brewhouse for the early show. Walk to The BlueBird for a club set. Close the night at 5 Star Saloon for a friendly dance floor. All three stops are in the core.

Common mistakes to avoid

Relying on old lists. Some casino clubs closed or rebranded. Check current pages.
Ignoring dress codes. LEX turns guests away for hats and athletic wear.
Assuming free entry. Big nights use timed pricing or presales.
Forgetting ID. Security checks are consistent across venues.

Why it matters

Reno’s club map shifts. New events pop up, and old tips expire. This guide focuses on rooms with live calendars today, plus one major development at Grand Sierra that could lift the whole scene by 2027. Use it to plan smarter nights with fewer surprises.