Reno, Nev. Aug 26, 2026. The countdown is on as the majestic Sparks Marina takes center stage for the 2026 FAM Fest Family Movie Night at the Sparks Marina, presented by KOLO 8 News Now to offer an evening of fun for everyone.
FAM Fest and Movie Night offer plenty of activities for children and adults alike, from face painting, carnival games, various vendors, raffle prizes, and delicious food. FAM Fest brings with it a fun twist this year, featuring a summer evening under the stars with the showing of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
In partnership with Family Respite Care of Northern Nevada, FAM Fest is a community-focused event, aimed at bringing families together to raise awareness about the urgent need for more foster and adoptive families, while also celebrating and supporting the youth and families currently involved in our foster care system. Currently, Washoe County has fewer than 150 foster homes, yet we care for an average of 600 children in foster care at any given time. FAM Fest is a unique opportunity to bring the community together to highlight the need and show our youth that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Who: Washoe County HSA Children’s Services Division, Family Respite Care of Northern Nevada and KOLO 8 News Now.
What: 2026 FAM Fest Family Movie Night at the Sparks Marina.
When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Sparks Marina, located at 1200 E Lincoln Way, Sparks.
Website: https://bethefam.washoecounty.gov/
This year’s FAM Fest will feature an exciting variety of FREE activities that kids and adults alike will love:
- Movie in the Park!
Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie. - Meet Mario and Luigi!
Everyone’s favorite duo will be making special appearances for photos and hugs—don’t forget your camera! - Face Painting and Carnival Games.
Let imaginations run wild with colorful designs and endless entertainment. - Food Trucks & Treats.
Enjoy local food vendors serving up delicious eats, drinks, and sweets for all appetites. - Raffle Prizes & Giveaways.
Grab a FAM Fest Passport, visit info booths, and be entered to win exciting raffle prizes! - Interactive Booths & Vendors.
Learn more about fostering, adopting, mentoring and vendors through fun and engaging stations hosted by community partners.
Foster
While HSA honors hundreds of foster parents for providing a supportive, nurturing, and safe home for vulnerable children, Washoe County is also facing a severe shortage of homes and families. There are currently more than 600 children in care and fewer than 150 foster families. A foster parent provides a safe, stable and loving home for children who must live away from their parents, due to neglect or abuse. HSA works tirelessly to reunite children with their families whenever possible and foster parents assist the agency in achieving that goal, whenever possible. Learn more about fostering on our website at FAM – Be Part of The FAM.
Adoption
Providing a child a forever home through adoption is a great way to change the course of a child’s life as well. Adopting a child into your family provides love, care, and protection that is critical to human development. The main purpose of the Adoption Program is to find families for children, not children for families. The application and approval process is a family-friendly, child-centered approach that focuses on developing potential adoptive families. Those interested in adopting can begin the process now by clicking here to watch a short information session video.
Mentoring
For those unable to foster or adopt, mentoring can change a child’s life for the better. Our Mentor Program takes only one hour a week. Mentors become a role-model and a friend to a child by doing something fun or taking a child to various events and activities.
To learn more, take-a-look at our new, interactive, state of the art website.
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