NEWS PROVIDED BY
Palau
Aug. 26, 2025

RENO, Nev., Aug. 26, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ — After more than two years of preparation and collaboration, Reno-Tahoe CityFest—presented in partnership between Palau and over 120 local churches—filled Rancho San Rafael Park this past weekend (August 23-24) with thousands of people celebrating community, family, and a message of hope.

The free festival featured food trucks, BMX and FMX demonstrations, a Family Fun Zone, kids stage shows, and live music from nationally known artists, including Lecrae, Colton Dixon, Rhett Walker, Jon Reddick, CAIN, and Marisol Park. The event was hosted by special guest emcee Akbar Gbajabiamila from American Ninja Warrior, adding to the energy and excitement.

A Movement Beyond the Festival

CityFest was the culmination of a larger movement that touched communities across the region in the weeks leading up to the park celebration:

• Native Outreach in Hungry Valley
More than 200 people gathered for the Festival of Hope with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, sparking new friendships and connections. “Andrew Palau and CityFest, they came alongside us to bring an event from our own native people to their own community. And it was this amazing success. We were able to make connections with over 200 people here in Hungry Valley that we never have a chance to meet,” said Pastor Tim Lucas of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony.

• Stories of Hope Women’s Dinner
A crowd of 336 women attended an evening of uplifting stories and connection, led by Wendy Palau with music from Rachael Lampa.

• Men’s BBQ at Rancho San Rafael Park
Nearly 407 men—across generations—shared an evening of food, laughter, and encouragement with Andrew Palau, comedian Dustin Nickerson, and Nike design pioneer Wilson Smith.

• Prison Outreach
Teams were welcomed into two major Nevada prisons, reaching a combined 143 men and women in Carson City and Las Vegas through music, stories, and encouragement, with local prison ministries stepping in to provide ongoing support.

• Family Fun Zone
At the festival itself, families filled the park with energy and joy. “As a kid’s pastor, I just have a heart for families and kids, and I think that this is something that our community has needed. It’s long overdue,” said Pastor Mari Callahan, Family Fun Zone Chairperson.

• Sharing Hope Online
In addition to the week’s in-person festivities, the team orchestrated a geo-targeted digital campaign on social media, inviting people to begin a relationship with God and receive a free, 50-day email devotional and e-book. Digital ads were sent to over 45,000 people in the region over several weeks.

A Unified Effort for the Good of the Region
CityFest was made possible by the unified efforts of more than 120 local churches, coming together across traditions and backgrounds for the good of the Reno-Tahoe community.

“This truly is a movement of God, and it’s been such an exciting process just to be on a two-and-a-half year listening tour to try to understand how churches see God moving in their presence and in the community at large,” said Allen Batts, Reno-Tahoe CityFest Executive Co-Chair.

“If all you do is meet people’s physical needs without meeting really the more important needs—the needs of the soul—it’s very temporary. In the end, if they don’t know Jesus, they still have no hope,” added Mike Alger, Reno-Tahoe CityFest Executive Co-Chair.

All of these events culminated in a powerful message of hope found in Jesus Christ from Andrew Palau, global author, speaker, and evangelist. More than 20 years ago, his father, the late Luis Palau, led a similar outreach effort in the region—and its effects are still remembered today. Reno-Tahoe CityFest builds on that legacy, showing a new generation the impact of faith, unity, and community coming together.

About Reno-Tahoe CityFest
Reno-Tahoe CityFest is a large-scale, family-friendly festival produced in partnership with Palau (formerly called Luis Palau Association) and a coalition of 120+ local churches. Featuring renowned musicians, action sports athletes, and activities for all ages, the festival serves as the culmination of a multi-year campaign of service, outreach, and unity in the Reno-Tahoe region.

The Palau ministry stretches around the globe, reaching millions with a message of hope each year. Before the year is over, Palau teams will hold large-scale festivals in Harare, Zimbabwe; Rosario, Argentina; and Cairo, Egypt—each one in deep partnership with local churches of diverse denominations.

About Andrew Palau
Andrew Palau has been instrumental in developing the organization’s model for citywide evangelistic outreach, engaging every sector of society. Andrew has led hundreds of citywide campaigns across six continents, with notable festivals in Washington, DC; New York City, New York; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Manado, Indonesia; Cairo, Egypt; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Bogotá, Colombia; San José, Costa Rica; Kingston, Jamaica; Lilongwe, Malawi; Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; and Manchester, England.

Passionate about raising up the next generation of evangelists, Andrew mentors and equips emerging evangelistic voices through a global network of thousands of evangelists. His weekly radio broadcasts and digital Gospel campaigns reach millions of people in nearly every country, extending the message of hope and salvation far beyond physical events.

Andrew is the author of multiple books, including The Secret Life of a Fool, the compelling retelling of his journey to faith in Christ, and What is Christmas?, a groundbreaking evangelistic book published in China in 2012. He is also a regular contributor to national publications, addressing issues of faith, and is a sought-after speaker at conferences and gatherings worldwide.

Andrew and his wife, Wendy, live in Portland, Oregon, near Palau’s world headquarters. They have three children, Christopher, Jonathan, and Sadie.

PHOTO ASSETS: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uodrf7swbwcdnu56mnibr/AE1lCdh8fzFt6l3QDY7JdSU?rlkey=cslo2pszm2iv0b6xzw9193a8n&dl=0

Photographer credit: Ryan Hoppes

SOURCE Palau

CONTACT: Charlotte Sanchez, 503-614-1500, charlotte.sanchez@palau.org