Lake Tahoe has festivities taking place all through the year including concerts, festivals, fairs and sporting events.
The list below presents an overview of the major events in the Lake Tahoe area.
January
USASA Snowboard Races
Several races are held for amateur snowboarders throughout January in Kirkwood, with the winner eligible for competition in the national championships. A slalom race and slopestyle race occur in the days that follow. Call (530) 577-4760 for more information.
Sierra Stomp
Bring your snowshoes and follow your guide as you hike through the woods seeking a breathtaking summit view. Usually at the end of January. Call (209) 258-7248 for more information.
February
Mardi Gras
Cajun food, authentic Cajun music and traditional Mardi Gras festivities are featured at this annual festival held at the Sugar Bowl Resort in Norden. Call (530) 426-6721 for more information.
Ascent -- The Winter Party at Lake Tahoe
This eight-day gay and lesbian ski week packs in plenty of fun on and off the slopes with major entertainers and awesome snow at assorted resorts. Call (866) 263-4167 for more information.
Chevy Trucks Family Fest
During mid to late February, bring the family to Sierra-at-Tahoe for a day of live music, fun and games, and have a look at the latest models of Chevy trucks. Call (530) 659-7453 for more information.
March
Celebrity Winterfest
Early in March, Hollywood celebrities, business leaders, and Special Olympics athletes compete in a day of Alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and showshoeing, to raise money for Special Olympics. Call (800) HEAVENLY for more information.
Lake Tahoe Gay and Lesbian Winterfest
In South Lake Tahoe, during the first week in March, enjoy a week of skiing and entertainment. Call (877) 777-4950 for more information.
Kings Beach Snow Festival Parade
Downtown Kings Beach on Highway 28 in North Lake Tahoe comes alive with an hour-long parade around noon during the 10-day Tahoe Snow Festival, also featuring events in various communities from the Rotary Ski Challenge to the Kiwanis Spaghetti Feed. Call (530) 546-9000 for more information.
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Mid-March in Kirkland, descend the mountain in a parade of skiers with torches, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Call (209) 258-6000 for more information.
April
Gunbarrel 25
Early in April, freestyle skiing expert Glen Plake hosts a marathon on Gunbarrel, North America's most challenging black-diamond bump run, with multiple categories for all types of skiers and awards. Call (800) HEAVENLY for more information.
Superpark Sundays
Every Sunday in Kirkwood’s Superpark is filled with a variety of competitions for the whole family. Call (209) 258-6000 for more information.
May
Cinco de Mayo
Reno opens its downtown area to food and craft booths, and a variety of Mexican-themed events and entertainment during the first week in May. Call (775) 825-1727 for more information.
Wine and Gourmet Food Tasting
In mid-May, the Edgewood Golf Clubhouse in Heavenly sponsors an evening fundraiser for the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation, with refreshments provided by local restaurants. Call (530) 541-7354 for more information.
Reno River Festival
Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno is the site for Reno River Festival, with a growing roster of events, exhibitors, activities and competitions, including kayak professionals and amateur athletes. Call (800) FOR-RENO for more information.
June
Wine Tasting & Restaurant Faire
Early in June, Soroptimist International of Truckee Donner hosts a festival where local restaurants and wineries offer samples of their best, and visitors can enjoy live music, a silent auction, souvenir glasses and more, at the Coyote Moon Golf Course in Truckee. Call (530) 414-4028 for more information.
Minden Rotary Hot Air Balloon Race
The sky over Carson Valley is filled with color in this annual competition, held during the second week in June, at Garnderville. Call (775) 782-7987 for more information.
Breeder’s Invitational
During the first half of June, the Reno Livestock Events Center hosts its annual exposition of prize horses, Western products and a variety of workshops. Call (775) 329-4200 for more information.
El Dorado County Fair
In mid-June, enjoy the annual exposition of local produce and prize-winning livestock at Placerville. Call (530) 621-5860 for more information.
Valhalla Renaissance Faire
In South Lake Tahoe, the Valhalla Renaissance Faire takes fairgoers to the countryside of late-1500s England, with peasants, merchants, barbarians, soldiers, lords and ladies in Elizabethan costume. Call (530) 542-6550 for more information.
July
Lake Tahoe Festival of Fine Arts
The Tahoe Arts Project sponsors this fundraiser of food, art and entertainment in South Lake Tahoe during the first week in July, with something for everyone in the family. Call (530) 542-3632 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
From mid-July through mid-August, enjoy a variety of Shakespeare plays on the outdoor stage at Sand Harbor. Call (800) 747 4697 for more information.
Genoa Renaissance and Craft Fair
Live music, food and Renaissance-themed live performers highlight this annual festival, during the last weekend in July, in Genoa. Call (775) 782-4951 for more information.
Tahoe ARTour
In mid-July, local artists open their studios to the public for tours, and maps of the region showing the locations of artists' studios are available from the North Tahoe Arts in Tahoe City, the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at the train station in downtown Truckee, and at participating art studios. Call (530) 581-2787 for more information.
Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival
The Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival kicks off at Kings Beach State Park capturing imaginations with one- and few-of-a-kind collectibles including watercolor and oil paintings, glasswork, sculptures, photography, home decor and more. Call (530) 546-9000 for more information.
Homewood Fine Arts and Crafts Lakeside
Homewood gets artsy at the Fine Arts and Crafts Festival at Homewood Mountain Resort southwest of Tahoe City. Some 50 highly-skilled artists display watercolor and oil paintings, functional quilts, glasswork, sculptures, photography and more. Call (530) 525-2992 for more information.
Historic Downtown Truckee Arts & Crafts Festival
Formerly called Pacific Fine Arts' "Homewood Arts and Crafts Among the Pines," over the last weekend in July, Bridge Street between Donner Pass Road and Church, in historic downtown Truckee, is closed off and open only to pedestrian traffic as artists and craftsmen from the Western states exhibit their photography, paintings, jewelry and glasswork, sculpture and toys, sponsored by Truckee Downtown Merchant's Association and Pacific Fine Arts. Call (209) 296-1195 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Music Festival
Stretching into August, the Lake Tahoe Music Festival presents outdoor concerts around North Shore Lake Tahoe at a variety of locations including Lake Donner and Squaw Valley. Music ranges from classical orchestra to bluegrass, jazz, country, pop, and Broadway. Call (530) 581-1184 for more information.
Living History Day at Pine Lodge
On the last Saturday in July, the Ehrman Mansion, boathouses, and Phipps’ log cabin in Sugar Pine Point State Park are the center of festivities which feature costumed actors, live music, guided hikes, vintage vehicles on display, and a children's zone with arts, crafts and games. Call (530) 525-9528 for more information.
August
Renoe - Tahoe Open
During the first week in August, the Montreux Golf & Country Club in Reno hosts the only West Coast stop of the PGA Tour where top PGA professionals compete, and features live entertainment, a Kidz Par-Tee Zone, a Wine Walk, and a Fiesta Loco party and picnic area. 16475 Bordeaux Drive. Call (775) 322-3900 for more information.
Lake of the Sky Music, Arts, & Eco Festival
On a weekend in early to mid August, the beautiful scenery of this region and its people are celebrated with an all-day and evening live music, arts and crafts festival, and all with zero impact on the environment, presented by Paesano Productions and NTPUD, at North Tahoe Regional Park in Tahoe Vista, CA. Leashed pets, coolers and chairs are welcome; please, no glass containers or alcohol. Call (530) 546-5968 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
From mid-July through mid-August, enjoy a variety of Shakespeare plays on the outdoor stage at Sand Harbor. Call (800) 747 4697 for more information.
Nevada State Fair
The Reno Livestock Events Center hosts the annual State Fair towards the end of August. Call (775) 688-5767 for more information
Labor Day Weekend
Fireworks, food, live entertainment and activities for the whole family highlight this annual celebration along the south shore of Lake Tahoe, late August-early September. Call (800) AT-TAHOE for more information.
Tahoe Reno International Film Festival
Some of the world's finest independent movies unfold at assorted venues on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Call (775) 298-0018 for more information.
Homewood Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
In mid-August, for more than three decades the Homewood Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, Lake Tahoe's oldest show of its kind, invites families to the Homewood Mountain Resort to browse, buy and barter with professional artists for oil paintings, photography from far-off places, ceramics, whimsical jewelry, and more. Call (530) 525-2992 for more information.
Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival
Towards the end of August, the Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival at Kings Beach State Park features 40 professional artists displaying collages, oil paintings, glasswork, sculptures, stunning vessels and more. Call (530) 546-9000 for more information.
Truckee Family Festival
Over the last weekend in August, Truckee Regional Park Amphitheatre along State Road 267 hosts a festival of food, crafts, a bounce house and face painting for the kids, and a bike rodeo. Brings your own blankets and chairs. Call (530) 587-5437 for more information.
September
Mumbo Gumbo Concert on the Grass at Squaw Valley
Early in September, the Mumbo Gumbo concert is presented on the lawn behind the Funitel, featuring a BBQ, beer and wine garden, and a raffle for prizes, to benefit the Tahoe Forest Hospital Foundation. Call (530) 583-6985 for more information.
Great Reno Balloon Race
During the first week in September, Fall is ushered in with a hot-air balloon competition for the skies of Rancho San Rafael Park. Call (775) 826-1181 for more information.
Trails and Vistas
In early to mid-September, Trails and Vistas offers a special hiking experience in the Sierra Meadow around Lake Tahoe that includes an exploration of installation art, dance, poetry and music. Call (530) 550-8262 for more information.
National Championship Air Races and Air Show
In mid-September, Reno Stead Field hosts classes in air racing and an exhibition by the U.S. Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron, organized by the Reno Air Racing Association. Call (775) 972-6663 for more information.
Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race
In mid-September, mountain biking, kayaking and high rope skills are highlighted in a variety of competitions, sponsored by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. Call (888) 434-1262 for more information.
Art Bark Fest
Art Bark Fest, an animal art, wine and music festival showcasing more than 40 fine arts booths, attracts canine enthusiasts from throughout the Reno, Tahoe and Bay areas. Proceeds benefit the Tahoe-Truckee Humane Society Pet Network. Call (530) 583-9247 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Best of the Beach
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa provides backdrop for world-class beach volleyball action amid beach party atmosphere. Call (310) 426-8000 for more information.
October
Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop
During the first week in October, downtown restaurants and caterers offer wine paired specials, and the shops have special events. Call (530) 550-2252 for more information.
Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson
In the beginning of October, Camp Richardson Resort hosts German food, beer, children’s games, hay rides, arts and crafts booths and live German music. Call for information – 1-877-217-7407
Kokanee Salmon Festival
Marvel at the Fall colors along Taylor Creek, watch the spawning run and enjoy the refreshments and variety of amusements for the whole family at this annual event, during the first week in October. Call (530) 573-2674 for more information
Lake Tahoe Marathon
In mid-October during Race Week, participate in this four-mile running marathon along the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Call (734) 998-0007 for more information.
Mutt Strut Poker Run
The Animal Coalition of Tahoe (ACT) presents the Mutt Strut Poker Run at Lakeview Sports, 3131 Harrison Avenue at Lake Tahoe Boulevard, across from Sprouts, with prizes for friendly dogs and their owners. Call (530) 222-9183 for more information.
November
Nevada Day
On November 1, Nevada’s statehood is celebrated in Carson City with a parade, carnival, food and craft booths, music and art shows, a beard contest, live music and other festivities. Call (866) NVDAY4U for more information.
Annual Chocolate Festival
Sample delicious chocolate desserts prepared by Lake Tahoe's most talented chefs. The festivities include wine tasting and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Tahoe Women's Services. Call (530) 298-0010 for more information.
Thanksgiving Jazz Festival
Start off your holiday season listening to music at this Jazz Festival held at the Hyatt Regency. Call (800) 468-2463 for more information.
December
Valhalla Holiday Gala
Enjoy an evening of dancing, gourmet fare and champagne at this regional annual event, held at the Valhalla Grand Hall near South Lake Tahoe. Call (530) 541-4975 for more information.
Songs for the Holidays
The Truckee Community Chorus, comprised of singers of all ages from the Truckee community, performs a program of holiday favorites during the first week in December in different venues each year. Call (530) 582-8488 for more information.
Holly Art - Festival of Trees
Come out and see how local artists decorate a tree at this Festival of Trees. Browse this annual fine arts and crafts event featuring handmade gifts and holiday items, held at North Tahoe Arts Center, Tahoe City. Call (530) 581-2787 for more information.
Full Moon Guided Ski/Snowshoe Tours
Beginning in December and extending through March, on Saturdays closest to a full moon, enjoy the magic as the Kirkwood Cross Country staff conducts ski and snowshoe tours of the area by moonlight. Call (209) 258-7248 for more information.
