Saturday
July 12, 2025

Concert 8:00 PM
Gate 5:00 PM

Rancho San Rafael Park

1595 N Sierra Street
Reno, NV

POPS ON THE RIVER 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025
RANCHO SAN RAFAEL PARK

Join the Reno Phil for the 30th anniversary of our annual fundraising event, 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. This high-energy show celebrates the legendary musicians who have left an indelible mark on the world. Starring Capathia Jenkins & Ryan Shaw, this unforgettable program will feature songs by iconic artists - Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and many others.   

This year’s event is respectfully dedicated in memory of Todd Felts.

On Sale Monday, March 10 at 10:00 AM

TAKE NOTE: All purchases are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances after June 1, 2025. Any refund requests made prior to June 1, 2025, 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 

  • Available March 10-April 30. Table prices increase to $1,000 on May 1, 2025.

    • Includes seating for 10 

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

remembering todd felts

Pops on the river co-chair

Todd Felts, EdD, APR, was a dedicated educator, leader, and advocate who left a lasting impact on the field of public relations and the Reno community. As an associate professor in the Reynolds School at the University of Nevada, Reno, he shared his nearly three decades of experience in public relations, event planning, and public engagement with countless students and professionals. He was an accredited professional with the Public Relations Society of America and earned a doctorate in leadership from Drexel University, a Master’s in International Communications from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University.

From 2022 to 2024, Todd served as the co-chair of Pops on the River, where his leadership and passion made a tremendous impact on the event’s growth and success. His commitment to the arts and community engagement was evident in everything he did.

Beyond his contributions to Pops on the River, Todd’s career was marked by his dedication to public service. He served as press secretary for Gov. Jim Hunt of North Carolina, the Director of Community Relations for the Special Olympics World Summer Games, and the Public Information Officer for the NC Zoo. Since 2015, he served on the Board of Trustees for Northern Nevada HOPES, where he was recognized as Board Member of the Year by the Human Service Network of Northern Nevada in 2022. His expertise and generosity extended globally, conducting training in Algeria, Malaysia, and Brazil, and coordinating academic programs with the Northern Nevada International Center. Because of his work in Reno and beyond, Todd was honored as Distinguished Outreach Faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno.

His legacy of leadership, mentorship, and community impact will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know and work with him.

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

  • Most Iconic

  • 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

Celebrating 30 years

"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 30 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!

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 one of our partner caterers 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! 

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 scheduled for 4:30PM-8PM. A break for dinner will be provided.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Assist with setting up the raffle table and tent. 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.

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.

In addition to being an Adjunct Professor in the College of Professional Studies, teaching sports, entertainment and event management courses for Johnson & Wales University, Mr. Stewart is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Reno South as well as the Rotary-sponsored Achievement Beyond Obstacles scholarship program.

Co-Chair: Pat Cantwell 

Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at Emerson college in Boston.  He then began a 35 year career in the Radio and Television industry.  He’s currently a Senior Marketing Specialist at KTVN, 2 News Nevada, where he works with local businesses and non-profits in developing successful marketing campaigns.  Pat has been a volunteer with on the Reno Phil and Pops on the River Committee since 2009.  Pat is also a current board member of Historic Reno Preservation Society, past board member of WIN and is an Ambassador with The Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce. Pat was the 2024 recipient of the Reno Phil’s Distinguished Volunteer Award. 

Members at Large

Skip Benton**
Skyler Bunn*
Grace Chou
Celia De Benedetti - Amber
Virginia Evans*
Joy Heuer
Evelyn Klatt*
Charlie LaPalme
Dominic Martin
Manuel Mederos
Rachel Morris*
Linda Newberg
Tracey Oliver
Nick Pulito* 

*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 Rachel Morris, Director of Development at rachel@renophil.com.