The murals are almost done, the stage is set, and the Fernley ACES (Art, Culture, & Event Squad) are getting ready to throw the biggest party in Fernley.
It’s time for the 4th annual Music, Murals, and Margaritas festival, or M³ as it’s known.
This year promises to bring bigger music, more fun, and tons of flair than ever before. The festival happens in one incredible day on Fernley’s North Center Street on May 17 from noon-11 p.m. You’re invited to join this free festival of art, music, entertainment, food, activities, vendors, and more. There’s something for everyone at M³.
Started in 2022 by the Sierra Arts Foundation in cooperation with the City of Fernley and the Fernley ACES, this festival has grown into a beloved annual tradition. The Fernley ACES took over production in 2023, pouring their hearts, souls, and more volunteer hours than they can count into this festival.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Fernley Convention & Tourism Authority, support from the City of Fernley, and sponsors – Royal Floors, The Newtron Group, Burke Roofing, Hett Tree Service, and Fearless Authentic to name a few – this festival is truly a collaborative effort.
The festival has grown and evolved every year, and 2025 is no exception, bringing back local favorites (trash barrel painting!) and introducing a kids’ zone for maximum family fun. The kids’ zone features a rock climbing wall and bounce house provided by the Boys and Girls Club, an art tent with guided art classes, and is located near the expanded food court, which will include shaded seating. The maker’s market features over 50 vendors selling their wares, with a strong emphasis on handmade goods and local shops, making it a perfect place to find something unique.
Of course, the festival wouldn’t be complete without the legendary margarita competition. For just $5, patrons age 21+ can enter the margarita tasting tent and taste the creative concoctions. The competition winner gets bragging rights and the coveted golden blender for 2025. After the tasting, hit up the ACES bar for a cocktail or the Tap Wagon for a refreshing brew.
Then, there’s the music. This year’s lineup will have you dancing all through the night. The winners of the Yerington Battle of the Bands: In Another Life kick off the festival on the main stage. Noble Braddock will share his original acoustic tunes on the ACES stage. Deadly Gallows will have the pirate inside you longing for the sea as you dance to their tunes. Steven Blais will be rocking the ACES stage with his unique acoustic-driven songs, followed by Feral Heart, a trio fronted by powerhouse vocalist Kat Heart. Battleground, a Fernley favorite, will have your favorites rocking and will surely get you dancing. Cliff Porter’s Full Blast Collective is a soul-drenched explosion of rhythm and groove. Spike McGuire follows that act blending punk roots with folk storytelling. When the sun goes down, the sound turns up, with Vokab Kompany closing out the night with tunes which might just shake the murals right off the walls!
Between the bands, you’ll enjoy performances by Fernley Performing Arts, FHS Color Guard, and the FHS Jazz Band. Biggest Little Circus will wow the crowd with their daring aerialists and jaw-dropping jugglers. You may find a chance to interact with A Normal Mime as he elicits laughter and delightful play from the crowd. As darkness falls, the crowd favorite fire dancers, Controlled Burn, will light up the night with another stunning performance that you don’t want to miss.
The fun really kicks off the night before, with a free, rocking M³ kickoff party in the McHoppers parking lot on Friday May 16 at 6:30 p.m. Come for The Teacher Band, stay for the food trucks, a chance to meet the muralists, and a silent auction.
Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll be able to see new murals throughout Fernley. There are over 15 new public art pieces coming this year. So, take time to stop and see the murals, and come enjoy this free, family-friendly festival and all that M³ has to offer May 17 from noon-11 p.m. on North Center St, Fernley.
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