Saturday
July 11, 2026

Concert 8:00 PM
Gate 5:00 PM

Rancho San Rafael Park
1595 N Sierra Street
Reno, NV

Join the Reno Phil for the 31st annual fundraising concert, Pops on the River! Recently named Best of the West Event of the Year by the American Advertising Federation, the evening will feature costume contest & table decorating contests, extravagant raffle prizes, a live auction, and an unforgettable performance from the Reno Phil led by Music Director Laura Jackson.  

Get ready to relive the decade that defined fun. This high-energy, can’t-sit-still concert is a nonstop joyride through the biggest #1 hits of the 1980s—packed wall-to-wall with songs you know by heart and love to sing out loud. From the heart-soaring romance of The Power of Love and Time After Time to the unapologetic attitude of Material Girl, the anthemic groove of Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and the pure feel-good rush of Higher Love, I’m Still Standing, and Addicted to Love, every moment is pure throwback bliss. Featuring music made famous by iconic artists like Madonna, Debbie Gibson, Huey Lewis & The News, and Phil Collins, this concert is basically a greatest-hits mixtape brought to life onstage. Taking it to the next level are powerhouse vocalists Paul Loren, Brie Cassil, and Colin Smith, delivering hit after hit with jaw-dropping energy, backed by electrifying arrangements from Grammy-winner Jeff Tyzik. 

POPS ON THE RIVER 
BACK TO THE 80s

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026
RANCHO SAN RAFAEL PARK

Download Sponsorship Information

TICKETS AND TABLES ON SALE FEBRUARY 9!

STAY TUNED

TAKE NOTE: All purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances after June 1, 2026.
Any refund requests made prior to June 1, 2026, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but no refunds will be processed after this date.

RELIVE THE FUN

  • $9,250 tax deductible

    • Table included (seating for 10)

    • First choice of table location

    • Access to special sponsor parking at the venue – 5 passes per table

    • Meet & greet with Maestro Laura Jackson prior to the concert

    • 2 bottles of complimentary wine per table – 1 bottle red, 1 bottle white

    • Access to VIP bar & cocktail waitresses (not hosted)

    • Special commemorative gift for the table

    • Company logo or name displayed on video wall at event

    • Recognition in the Pops on the River program guide

    • Access to VIP restrooms 

  • $4,250 tax deductible

    • Table included (seating for 10)

    • Priority table location

    • Access to special sponsor parking at the venue – 4 passes per table

    • 2 bottles of complimentary wine per table – 1 bottle red, 1 bottle white

    • Access to VIP bar & cocktail waitresses (not hosted)

    • Special commemorative gift for the table

    • Company logo or name displayed on video wall at event

    • Recognition in the Pops on the River program guide

    • Access to VIP restrooms 

  • $1,750 tax deductible

    • Table included (seating for 10)

    • Best available table location in sponsor section.

    • Access to special sponsor parking at the venue – 3 passes per table

    • 2 bottles of complimentary wine per table – 1 bottle red, 1 bottle white

    • Access to VIP bar & cocktail waitresses (not hosted)

    • Special commemorative gift for the table

    • Company logo or name displayed on video wall at event

    • Recognition in the Pops on the River program guide 

    • Includes (1) 8’ table, seating for 10 

    • Pricing increase May 1, 2026 to $1,000

    • New this year - includes (1) 6’ table for 4 (limited availabilty)

  • Bring your own lawn chair or blanket! No seating provided.

STAY TUNED

TABLE DECORATING & COSTUME CONTEST

Remember, Pops on the River is the perfect opportunity to showcase the creativity of our city! Whether you choose to dress according to the theme or go with your own style, just be sure to dress to impress. Judging will focus on creativity and table participation, not necessarily the theme—unless, of course, you're competing for the Best Theme category, in which case we'll be judging based on that. There are no rules for the table decorating and costume contest, but please be respectful of your neighbors. You may be asked to remove anything offensive from your tables or costumes. Tall decorations need to be taken down prior to the start of the concert so as not to block your neighbors view.

JUDGING CATEGORIES

  • Most Historic

  • Most Elegant

  • Most Outrageous

  • Most Memorable

  • Best 80’s Theme

  • Best of Show

Tables are 8 ft long x 30″ wide x 30″ tall 

Judging starts at 6:00 p.m.

Special notes on decorations:

NO GLASS is allowed—please do not bring glass of any kind to decorate your table.
DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN TABLES TO FIT IN NEXT TO YOUR ASSIGNED TABLES. There is not space for this.
PLEASE REMOVE DECORATIONS FROM THE VENUE WHEN YOU LEAVE.

PAST WINNERS

A fundraiser with history

"Pops on the River" – Still on the River in Spirit!

We know, we know. “Pops OFF the River” has become a popular phrase in the crowd these days. And while we can't deny it’s catchy, we want to assure you that the heart of Pops is still the same—just a little further from the water’s edge.

For over 31 years, Pops on the River has been a tradition, a celebration, and a blast on the banks of Wingfield Park. While construction may have temporarily moved us off the river (trust us, we wish we were back, too!), the name remains. It’s a legacy. It’s history. It’s the spirit of Pops that we can’t let go of.

So, while we appreciate your creative suggestions to "rename" the event, just know that every year, we’re one step closer to returning to our riverside home. Until then, we promise the music, fun, and memories will continue—whether it’s on the river or just a stone’s throw away.

Thanks for sticking with us. We can't wait to pop back to Wingfield Park with you when the time comes!

Pops on the River FAQs

Wine ‘Cooler’ Just Got a Whole New Meaning! 

Back again, stock your wine collection with a YETI Tundra filled with wine, donated by Scheels. Enjoy a selection of champagnes, reds, whites, and rosé.

Don’t miss this opportunity to wine a luxurious wine haul while supporting the Reno Phil!

$20 – 1 ticket

$50 – 3 tickets

$100- 8 tickets 

FOOD & DRINK

A night of incredible music deserves an equally fantastic meal! While food and drink is not included with your concert ticket(s), we encourage you to sit back, relax, and let our partner caterer handle the cooking. Supporting them means supporting businesses that help keep the Reno Phil thriving! Prefer to bring your own feast? No problem! We do have some rules though. New this year – pre-order your wine for your table! 

Food and Drink Info
Wine Presale

EMCEES

Volunteer with the Reno Phil!

Pops on the River is the Reno Philharmonic’s largest annual fundraiser, and we rely on an amazing group of volunteers every year to make this event possible.

As a volunteer, you will:

  • Be provided a catered dinner!

  • Receive a seat at a table with other volunteers to watch the concert!

  • Meet the other wonderful individuals who support the Reno Phil!

  • Support the arts in Northern Nevada!

Volunteer shifts are approximatly four (4) hours long. A break for dinner will be provided.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Help us transform Rancho into a concert venue! Set up tables & chairs. At the end of the night, help us return Rancho better than
    we found it.
    *Must be able to lift 20lbs.

  • Sell, sell, sell as many raffle tickets as you can! During intermission, be an auction spotter for our live auction.

  • Monitor the gate as patrons enter. Make sure patrons have their wrist bands on and bags out and ready to be checked by security. Be prepared to answer questions patrons may have as they enter, or find someone who can help answer their questions.

  • Help direct traffic to the appropriate drop off zones, then to the appropriate parking zone. Help patrons unload their car.

Sound like fun? STAY TUNED FOR SIGN UP INFORMATION

Have any questions? Email our Patron Experience Manager, Skyler, at skyler@renophil.com.

POPS ON THE RIVER COMMITTEE

Co-Chair: Robert J. Stewart

After earning a Master of Arts degree from Arizona State University, Mr. Stewart began a thirty-year career in the management of sports, performing arts, and entertainment venues on four different university campuses: Arizona State University, University of Wyoming, Western Carolina University, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

As a member of the Reno Phil’s Pops on the River (POTR) Committee in 2020 Bob wrote and developed an Emergency Action Plan for the POTR concert. He has served as a Co-Chair of the POTR Committee since 2023. The POTR Committee raises approximately $75,000 annually for the Reno Phil’s youth orchestras and educational programs.

Bob joined Rotary in 1982 and is a 3-time Past President of the Rotary Club of Reno South as well as Treasurer of three (3) Rotary-related 501(c)3 organizations, including the Achievement Beyond Obstacles (ABO) scholarship program. Bob serves Rotary District 5190 as the Youth Services Chair, and is on the District Advisory Board as well as the Events and Facilities Coordinator. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Paul Harris Society, Polio Plus Society, and the Bequest Society. Bob has also been selected to serve as the District Governor in the 2028-29 Rotary year.

In his leisure time, Bob enjoys cooking, traveling, reading The New Yorker, and listening to NPR and classical music, especially the Reno Phil in concert. 

Co-Chair: Joy Heuer 

Joy is the Executive Director of Girls on the Run Sierras, where she is in her 9th year of inspiring leadership. Joy is passionate about empowering girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident, and her enthusiasm helps rally support from staff, volunteers, and the community. Before this role, she served as Chief Operating Officer of the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce, where she developed her skills in leadership and community engagement.

A distinguished leader, Joy has co-chaired Leadership Reno Sparks, served as President of the WIN Speaker Series board of directors, and was honored as the 2023 Nevada Women’s Fund Woman of Achievement. She is also a graduate of the Reno FBI Citizens Academy, currently serves as a Co-Chair for the Reno Phil Pops on the Rive fundraiser and a is Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, further reflecting her commitment to community service and mentorship.

Outside of her professional life, Joy enjoys traveling with her partner Eric and spending quality time with their pets, Winnie the Pug and Johhny and Apollo the cats. She has a passion for live music, exploring new destinations, and indulging in her favorite food—pizza!

Members at Large

Skyler Bunn*
Pat Cantwell
Celia De Benedetti
Virginia Evans*
Evelyn Klatt*
Lauren Gibbs*
Manuel Mederos
Linda Newberg
Zachary Alexander*
Lindy Deller**
Janet Lazarus
Jackie Shelton

*Indicates Reno Philharmonic Staff Member
**Indicates Reno Philharmonic Board of Trustee

THANK YOU TO OUR
POPS ON THE RIVER SPONSORS

Sponsorship opportunities still available. Please contact Lauren Gibbs, Director of Development at lauren@renophil.com