About the Festival
Festival of Hands is Reno's inaugural celebration of craft, artisanship, and the people who make things with their hands. Born from a simple belief: the world is better when people make things.
Why We Exist
We started Festival of Hands because we kept seeing the same thing — incredible makers working in isolation, without a stage, without a community, without a place to share what they do with the people who would love it most.
Reno has always been a city of builders. Miners, ranchers, engineers, artists. The hands-on spirit is in the DNA of this place. We wanted to honor that — and give it a home.
So we built a festival. Two days, downtown, free to attend. Fifty-plus makers from across the Great Basin. Live demos, workshops, music, food, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you watch someone make something beautiful right in front of you.
Craft First
Every decision we make starts with the makers. Their work, their stories, their community.
Radically Open
Free admission, always. We believe access to art and craft shouldn't depend on your wallet.
Rooted in Reno
We're not a touring festival. We're a Reno institution in the making — built by and for this community.
Hands On
We prioritize participation over observation. Touch things. Try things. Get your hands dirty.
The People Behind It
Maya Reyes
Festival Director
Former gallery director and lifelong maker. Maya has spent 15 years building arts programming in Northern Nevada.
Jonah Whitfield
Operations & Logistics
Event production veteran with roots in the Burning Man community. Jonah makes the impossible happen on time.
Priya Nair
Maker Relations
Ceramicist and community organizer. Priya is the reason our maker lineup is the best in the region.
Our Sponsors
Festival of Hands is made possible by the generous support of local businesses, foundations, and individuals who believe in craft and community.
Presenting Sponsor
$10,000+- ✓Named presenting sponsor in all festival materials
- ✓Prominent logo placement on stage, signage, and website
- ✓10 VIP passes + private maker meet-and-greet
- ✓Dedicated booth space in prime location
- ✓Social media feature campaign (5 posts)
- ✓Speaking opportunity at opening ceremony
Gold Sponsor
$5,000- ✓Logo on festival website and printed program
- ✓6 VIP passes
- ✓Booth space in marketplace
- ✓Social media feature (2 posts)
- ✓Logo on main stage banner
Community Sponsor
$1,000- ✓Logo on festival website
- ✓2 VIP passes
- ✓Name in printed program
- ✓Social media mention
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring Festival of Hands? We'd love to talk.
Sponsorships are available at all levels. Custom and in-kind arrangements are welcome — reach out and let's find something that works.
We respond to all inquiries within 2 business days.