Rock, Jam & Chill
Music festivals kick off summer in Tahoe
BY SEAN MCALINDIN
June 21-23, Woollystar Music Festival | June 22, Lake Tahoe Is For Lovers | July 4-7, High
“As a person who loves the arts, I prefer the feel of a smaller festival where I can go to a beautiful setting and not feel as if I’m being pushed around like a sheep. … The thing about an intimate festival this size is that it creates a real feel of community and family, so you seek out people who will make a positive connection with the audience.” — Avery Hellman
It’s officially summer music festival season in the Tahoe Sierra. And to be honest, there might not be anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere where you can live in the high country and still have access to such a broad spectrum of live music outside your doorstep. From remote micro-festivals to intergenerational jam rock gatherings to pop-punk pop-ups, the next few weeks really have something for everyone.
Woollystar Music Festival
From June 21 to 23, Woollystar Music Festival celebrates a third year of music, arts and community in Alpine County. This laid-back gathering at a scenic 250-acre ranch on the West Fork of the Carson River outside of Markleeville was founded in 2022 by Avery Hellman, lead singer of alt-roots group ISMAY and the granddaughter of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass founder F. Warren Hellman. She grew up backstage in the presence of folk icons such as Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris.
“As a person who loves the arts, I prefer the feel of a smaller festival where I can go to a beautiful setting and not feel as if I’m being pushed around like a sheep,” says Hellman. “It’s a place for people to enjoy quality music without the hustle and bustle and insane commercialism. Also, there are so many great bands people might not know that deserve the chance to perform for an audience who appreciates them. The thing about an intimate festival this size is that it creates a real feel of community and family, so you seek out people who will make a positive connection with the audience.”
A curated lineup stars Nashville country rocker Lilly Hiatt, Bay Area indie-folk luminary Vetiver, Virginia songsmith Skyway Man, cosmic mountain rockers Wolf Jett plus the melodious musings of Kacey Johansing, Nightbirds, Kacie Hill and the Stella Heath Quartet.
Sierra Music Festival
ABOVE: Stella Heath | Bradley Jacob Cox. OPPOSITE TOP: Larkin Poe | Eric Ryan Anderson. OPPOSITE BELOW: The Starting Line | Lupe Bustos
“I’m really looking forward to playing a music festival in one of my favorite places anywhere,” says Heath, who camped in the Eastern Sierra as a child. “As a jazz singer, I often find myself excluded from outdoor festivals because my creative outlet is in finding, reinterpreting and improvising on the Great American Songbook and international standards. From Edith Piaf to Billie Holiday, people can expect a lively melding of grooves and rhythms.”
Amidst campground jamming and community art projects, Robby Hecht leads a songwriting workshop and Hellman premieres a documentary she starred in entitled “Finding Lucinda,” which traces the footsteps of folk-rock icon Lucinda Williams.
“The film is really about what it takes to become an artist and how you reconcile your own place and where you belong by looking at an inspiring person who’s done it so well,” says Hellman, who moved to the area in 2018. “I think Markleeville is a wonderful place with wonderful people, so we love to share this with the public at large and feature some of the artists in the community alongside touring acts.” | woollystar.com
Lake Tahoe Is For Lovers Festival
On June 22, some of the greatest pop-punk bands in history will gather for a oneday concert experience in South Lake. Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s in Stateline, Nev., hosts a veritable who’s who of 00s indie groups as the third annual Lake Tahoe Is For Lovers Festival delivers The All-American Rejects, Movements, The Starting Line, Finch, Armor for Sleep, I See Stars and Free Throw. This traveling emo fest is curated by Hawthorne Heights, the only band to play each of the seven locations on the 2024 festival tour.
“Is For Lovers Festival is designed to put fans in a time machine and transport them back to the most vibrant years of their lives,” stated Hawthorne Heights singer JT Woodruff. “We try to make it an easy day spent in beautiful locations with bands that helped shape who they are.” | isforloversfestival.com
High Sierra Music Festival
The world-famous High Sierra Music Festival returns to Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy from July 4 to 7. An overflowing bill gathers a motley crew of leading rock, folk, reggae, EDM, funk and bluegrass bands from across the land with headliners Primus and Ziggly Marley.
Headliners include Greensky Bluegrass with pianist extraordinaire Holly Bowling, Southern rockers The Allman Betts Band, indie folkies Larkin Poe and funk powerhouse The California Honeydrops alongside surefire dance-party generators The Floozies, ALO and The Polish Ambassador. Even the undercard is jam-packed with breakout stars such as Madeline Hawthorne, Glitterfox, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Dogs in a Pile and so, so much more. | highsierramusic.com n
June 20 th Blü Egyptian
PRESENTED BY | The Rock Garden
June 27 th New Wave Crave
PRESENTED BY | Alpenglow Expeditions
July 11th — Michelle Lambert
PRESENTED BY | Tahoe Forest Health System
ARTS & CULTURE
Benefit Poetry Reading
June 21 | Olympic House | Olympic Valley
The Community of Writers presents poetry from six poets who will read from their published and unpublished work. This event is in person and online. | communityofwriters.org
Makers Market
June 22-Sept. 14 (select dates) | Tahoe Backyard, Kings Beach
Enjoy locally made arts & crafts, food, live music, craft beer, yard games and more from 3 to 7 p.m. | tahoebackyard.com
Visiting Artists Workshops
June 24-July 26 (select dates) | UNR at Lake Tahoe | Incline Village, Nev.
The Fine Arts department at University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe hosts the annual Summer Art Workshops with a variety of summer workshops given by nationally known painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists and more. | unr edu/lake-tahoe
Lake Tahoe History Talks
June 25-Aug. 6 (Tues.) | Lakeview Commons | South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Historical Society hosts a summer speaker series every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Donations welcome. | laketahoemuseum.org
UC Davis TERC Lecture Series
June 27, July 31, Aug. 8, Oct. 10 | Granlibakken Tahoe | Tahoe City
UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center offers lectures from prominent UC Davis professors and researchers on a variety of subjects from ecology to the science of memory. | tahoe.ucdavis.edu
Historical Talks
June 29, Aug. 8 & 24 | Gatekeeper’s Museum | Tahoe City
Authors and historians will talk about Tahoe’s rich history and culture from the Donner Party to transportation, railways and famous characters such as George Whittell. | RSVP northtahoemuseums.org
Truckee Arts & Crafts Fair
June 29-30 | Truckee River Regional Park | Truckee
More than 100 artisans and crafters will be displaying their wares at Truckee River Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Relax to the sound of live music or grab a bite to eat from specialty food vendors. | greatamericancraftfairs.com
Book Sale
July 5-7 | North Lake Tahoe Event Center | Kings Beach
Kings Beach Friends of the Library hosts their annual book sale. Bring your own bag. | ntpud.org
TRAILS & VISTAS
First Fridays Summer Markets
July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4 | Boatworks Mall | Tahoe City
Come see what local artists have to offer at these North Tahoe handmade arts and crafts shows on the first Friday of the month from 3 to 8 p.m. | @mountainglowarts
Community of Writers
July TBA | Olympic Valley
Community of Writers presents a series of public talks and panel discussions from acclaimed writers. | communityofwriters.org
Craft Markets
July 14, Aug. 11 | South of North Brewing Co. | South Lake Tahoe
Check out local vendors and artisans from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at South of North Brewing Co in South Lake Tahoe. | South of North Brewing on Facebook
Sierra Speaker Series
July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21 | Donner Memorial State Park | Truckee
Free educational programs are given on various historical, ecological or community subjects. On July 20 John C. Fremont’s accomplishments are reenacted, on Aug. 17 living alongside black bears is presented and on Sept. 21 water management practices at Donner Lake are discussed. Doors open at 5 p.m.; donations are welcome. | sierrastateparks.org
Graeagle Arts & Crafts Fair
July 20-21 | Town Park | Graeagle
Expect numerous booths featuring quality, handmade crafts and fine art by the exhibitors. Live bluegrass music is also featured along with an assortment of foods and beverages at nearby specialty booths. | graeagle.com
Tahoe Art League Artist Studio Tour
July 26-28, Aug. 2-4 | Area venues | South Lake Tahoe
The 17th annual tour invites the public into artists’ private studios to view and purchase unique local art for two weekends. Paintings, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography and art jewelry are among some of the featured works of the league’s fine artists. | talart.org
Washo Cultural Tours
July 26-Oct. 11 (select days) | Palisades Tahoe High Camp
Join members of the Washo Tribe at High Camp where they will share stories of Washo history and culture from the valley and surrounding mountains. The tour is free with the purchase of a tram ticket. | palisadestahoe.com
Art Hikes
July 27-28 | Royal Gorge XC Ski Resort | Soda Springs
On Trails & Vistas Art Hikes, participants in small groups are led by guides to various art installations where artists, musicians, dancers or poets perform. Hikes leave every 20 minutes from 9 a.m. to noon each day. | trailsandvistas.org
Waší.šiw PitdéP: Indigenous Culture & Arts Festival
July 27-28 | Meeks Bay Resort | Tahoma
The Washo Tribe of Nevada and California present this festival of Native American arts & crafts, a basket competition, indigenous demonstrations, cultural activities, food vendors and raffle prizes. | washoetribe.us
Kings Beach Art Tour
Aug. 10-11 | Kings Beach venues
The Kings Beach Art Tour features local artists who will open their studios to display and sell their art through a self-guided studio art tour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Kings Beach and Tahoe Vista. | northtahoebusiness.org
Chalk Art in the Park
Sept. 7 | North Tahoe Regional Park | Tahoe Vista
Chalk artists will create chalk masterpieces on the playground blacktop from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. when the judging by local celebrities begins. | ntpud.org
Reno Tahoe International Art Show
Sept. 12-15 | Reno-Sparks Convention Center | Reno, Nev.
This event will showcase 200+ curated regional artists and bespoke furniture designers, presenting more than 1,000 pieces of original fine artworks. Showcased in the adjacent ballrooms will be 40+ national and international galleries presenting the works of renowned artists from around the world. Tahoe Guide is a sponsor. | rtiashow.com
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LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS
Free outdoor summer concerts
Ongoing | Area venues
Enjoy the summer with one of Tahoe’s free summer concert series: Tuesdays features Bluesdays in the Village at Palisade Tahoe; Wednesdays there’s Music in the Park at Truckee River Regional Park; Thursdays offer Truckee Thursdays, Live at Lakeview in South Lake Tahoe and Tunes on Tap at Alibi Ale Works in Incline Village; Fridays go to Music on the Beach in Kings Beach or SunSet Live Series at the Village at Palisades Tahoe; Saturday and Sundays there are Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series; and on Sundays Tahoe City offers Concerts at Commons Beach. Markleeville, Valhalla, Marie Sluchak Park and Tahoe Paradise Park host free summer series on select dates this summer. Read the full Free Summer Concerts lineup at YourTahoeGuide.com/live.
Rhythms of India
June 21 | Lakeview Commons | South Lake Tahoe
India Arts & Cultural Center of Northern Nevada presents this free outdoor event starting at 6 p.m. Dance to the rhythms of India on El Dorado Beach against the crystal-clear backdrop of Lake Tahoe. | IACCNN on Facebook
Wollystar Music Festival
June 21-23 | Wollystar Ranch | Alpine County
Woollystar Music Festival celebrates a third year of music, arts and community at a scenic 250-acre ranch on the West Fork of the Carson River outside of Markleeville. | woollystar.com
Lake Tahoe Is for Lovers Festival
June 22 | Harveys Outdoor Arena | Stateline, Nev.
Hawthorne Heights presents this music festival featuring The All-American Rejects, Movements, The Starting Line and more. | apeconcerts.com
Music in the Meadow
June 22-Oct. 5 | The Brewing Lair | Blairsden
The Brewing Lair hosts Saturday night bands this summer, starting at 6 p.m. Come early to enjoy games, craft beers and food from Ricochet Food Truck. | thebrewinglair.com
Tahoe Improv Comedy Players
June 25, July 23, Aug. 6 | Valhalla Boathouse | South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Improv Comedy Players celebrate their 31st year of turning audience suggestions into hilarious scenes all made up on the spot. They are Lake Tahoe’s longest running comedy show with entertainment for the whole family. | valhallatahoe.com
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
June 28-Aug. 25 | Sand Harbor State Park | Incline Village, Nev.
This season the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival presents “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Always…Patsy Kline” along with the Monday Night Showcase Series featuring live music and dance performances each week. | laketahoeshakespeare.com
LAKE TAHOE DANCE FESTIVAL
Summerfest
June 30 | White Sulphur Springs Ranch | Clio
The 14th annual Summerfest features music from 3 to 7:30 p.m. with Matt Axton & Badmoon. Enjoy Big Western BBQ, two auctions and house tours. | whitesulphurspringsranch.com
Red, White & Tahoe Blue
June 30, July 3 & 7 | area venues
Revel in full orchestra and chorus performances of patriotic favorites by TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra. Join in a sing-along, and, if you’re the highest bidder, have the honor of conducting the orchestra in “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” | tahoesymphony.com
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Showcase Series
July 1-Aug. 26 | Sand Harbor State Park | Incline Village, Nev.
Mondays feature music from classical to jazz and pop. The lineup includes Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Boney James and Reno Jazz Orchestra featuring Camile Thurman. | laketahoeshakespeare.com
Summerfest
July 2 | UNR at Lake Tahoe | Incline Village, Nev.
Summerfest is an annual fundraiser for Incline Tahoe Foundation. The family-friendly event includes lawn games, music by local band Jacked Up and dancing. Tunnel Creek Café will supply the food and Incline Spirits & Cigars the craft brews. There will also be wine selections, drinks and watermelon. | ivcba.org
“Enter the Guardsman”
July 4-14 (select dates) | Valhalla Boathouse | South Lake Tahoe
This musical romance is directed by Ethan Niven with music by Craig Bohmler, lyrics by Marion Adler and book by Scott Wentworth. The story concerns an actor who tests his actress wife’s love by sending her roses as a secret admirer and disguising himself as a guardsman to seduce her. | valhallatahoe.com
High Sierra Music Festival
July 4-7 | Plumas-Eureka County Fairgrounds | Quincy
High Sierra Music Festival, celebrating 31 years, offers a massive lineup featuring Primus and Ziggy Marley. | highsierramusic.com
Summer Concerts on the Green
July 5-6 | Tahoe Donner Driving Range | Tahoe Donner
Step back a couple decades and enjoy two nights of classic rock by four tribute bands. This year brings The Deckheads, Pop Fiction, Decoy and Jumping Jack Flash. | tahoedonner.com
Tahoe Music Alive series
July 6 | Olympic Valley Chapel
Tahoe Music Alive presents the Queen of Flutes, legendary Carol Wincenc, with the Rock Star of Flutes Ráyo Furuda and a rising star of the piano Alexandria Le. The concert will thrill guests with the players’ virtuosity and wide-ranging emotional power. | tahoemusicalive.org
Micro Mania Midget Wrestling
July 6 | Bally’s Lake Tahoe | Stateline, Nev.
MicroMania Tour is a high powered, athletic Pro Wrestling show with a touch of comedy. | lateniteproductions.com
Latitude 39
July 6 | McIver Rodeo Arena | Truckee
This mountain music experience will feature Joe Nichols, Mark Mackay with special guest CJ Solar, the Cripple Creek Band and Everyday Outlaw. | latitude39truckee.org
Classical Tahoe
July 7-Aug. 15 | UNR, Lake Tahoe | Incline Village, Nev.
Classical Tahoe features performances from some of the nation’s best classical musicians. It starts with the Brubeck Jazz Summit, continues with selections from Classical Tahoe Orchestra, a Family Concert & Music Maker Faire and concludes with the Summer Gala at a lakeshore estate. | classicaltahoe.org
By William Shakespeare / Directed by Terri McMahon
Palmtree Music Festival
July 12 | Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena | South Lake Tahoe Palmtree Music Festival brings together Gryffin, Disco Lines, Drama Club set and Vandelux DJ set. | palmtreemusicfestival.com
Lake Tahoe Dance Festival
July 23-26 | Area venues
Lake Tahoe Dance Collective brings the top performers in the world to three locations this year: Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City, the lakefront in Incline Village, Nev., and Kings Beach. Audience participatory demonstrations and meetthe-artist talks help further the collaboration between artists. Sponsored by Tahoe Guide. | laketahoedancecollective.org
Music in the Castle
July 26 & 27 | Vikingsholm Castle | Emerald Bay Enjoy a twilight reception in the Vikingsholm courtyard with live music, wine bar and hors d’oeuvres. | sierrastateparks.org
Gambler’s Run Music Festival
July 26-28 | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay, Nev. Crystal Bay Casino presents the second annual Gambler’s Run Music Festival featuring Pigeons Playing Ping Pong with Karl Denson, The Wood Brothers, Jackie Greene with Eric Lindell, a kick-off party with Samantha Fish and late-night after parties. | crystalbaycasino.com
Johnsville Summer Concert
July 27 | Intorf Lodge | Johnsville Plumas Ski Club is hosting a fundraiser festival to raise funds for the club’s longboard races. There will be food, beer and art for sale, as well as DJ McBurger and music by Boot Juice and Big Sticky mess. | plumasskiclub.org
Lake Tahoe Summer Jam
July 27 | Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Late-Nite Productions and One Vision Entertainment present Lake Tahoe Summer Jam 2024 featuring one of the biggest and most influential names in Bay Area hiphop, E-40. LaRussell will also be performing to warm up the show. | lateniteproductions.com
BIG BLUEgrass Benefit Concert
Aug. 2 | Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma Jam with family and friends to professional live bluegrass bands that will get you on your feet, dancing and singing along. Tasty food vendors, beer and wine are available for purchase. | sierrastateparks.org
Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival
Aug. 3-4 | Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
The impressive lineup for the seventh annual event includes Shaggy, Atmosphere, Rebelution, Cypress Hill, Tribal Seeds and Mike Love at this all-ages event. | laketahoereggaefest.com
Tahoe Music Alive series
Aug. 5 | Everline Resort | Olympic Valley
Tahoe Music Alive presents George Cables, Essiet Essiet and Jerome Jennings in concert. | tahoemusicalive.org
Live at the Launch
Aug. 5-26 | Tahoe Vista Recreation Area
Monday nights in August come listen to music from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the boat launch in Tahoe Vista. Rogue Coyote will kick things off on Aug. 5, followed by Truth Cartel on Aug. 12, Jeff Jones on Aug. 19 and Picked Over on Aug. 26. | ntpud.org
Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
Aug. 9-Sept. 21 | Harveys Lake Tahoe | Stateline, Nev.
Harvey hosts some of the biggest headliners in the region at an outdoor venue overlooking Lake Tahoe. Concerts include Jordan Davis, Rod Stewart, Alabama and continue through the summer, ending with Lainey Wilson. | apeconcerts.com
Truckee Music Fest
Aug. 9-10 | Riverview Sports Park | Truckee
How about some family-friendly outdoor fun, music and food? On Aug. 9 enjoy Kip Moore, Charles Kelley and A Thousand Horses and on Aug. 10 enjoy Sublime, G. Love & Special Sauce and Makua Rothman. | truckeemusicfest.com
Tahoe Show
Aug. 10 | Bally’s Lake Tahoe | Stateline, Nev.
Center Podium NPC and IFBB Pro Contest shows feature fitness, physique, bikini and bodybuilding events. | centerpodium.com/tahoe-show
Ladies of Emerald Bay
Aug. 16 | Round Hill Pines Beach Resort | Zephyr Cove, Nev.
All aboard the “Tahoe Serenity” for an elegant night listening to two historical icons, Rosie Smith and Sarah Robertson, recount the Tahoe glory days of their youth. | sierrastateparks.org
Tahoe Music Alive series
Sept. 7 | North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation | Tahoe Vista Tahoe Music Alive presents a performance by Telegraph Quartet. | tahoemusicalive.org
In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild
Sept. 19 | Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild is an outdoor concert series where America’s most stunning landscapes replace the traditional concert hall. Guests explore the surrounding environment while listening to the music through wireless headphones, creating an immersive experience. | sierrastateparks.org
FESTIVALS & FRIVOLITIES
Cool Car Cruizen Fridays
Until Oct. 13 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe
All cool vehicles are welcome every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. | goodsamsaferide.com
Truckee Thursdays
June 20-Aug. 15 (Thurs.) | Downtown Truckee
Truckee Thursdays returns with a street party featuring live music, vendors, food, local art, kids’ activities, beer garden and more. Tahoe Guide is a sponsor. | truckeethursdays.com
Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival
June 22 | Truckee Tahoe Airport | Truckee
Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival is known as one of the region’s most family-friendly events with free parking and free admission. Experience a breathtaking and world-class air show with aerobatic performers. Visit the STEM Expo, the Family Festival, free rides for kids by EAA Young Eagle’s pilot volunteers, displays, vendors and more. | truckeetahoeairshow.com
Truckee River Railroad
June 22-Sept. 28 (select days) | Truckee River Regional Park | Truckee
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Truckee River Railroad will offer rides on its 7.5-foot gauge railroad for kids and adults. The railroad runs around the children’s playground area in the park. | tdrrs.org
LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS DE ELEGANCE
Golden Anniversary Celebration
June 26 | Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
Join Sierra State Parks Foundation on the grounds of the Hellman-Ehrman Estate to honor 50 years of park philanthropy. Enjoy live music, appetizers, wines, silent and live auction, special guests and more. Wear a touch of gold. | sierrastateparks. org
Movies on the Beach
June 26-Aug. 14 (no movie July 3) | Commons Beach | Tahoe City
Enjoy summer Waterfront Wednesdays at Tahoe City’s Commons Beach. Bring low-back chairs, blankets, sleeping bags and a flashlight. Family-friendly movies play at dusk on Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. | tcpud.org
Native Species and Lake Tahoe Bird festivals
June 29-30 | Taylor Creek Visitor Center | South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Institute for Natural Science presents two family-friendly days to learn about bird research on June 29 and native species of the area on June 30. Attend walks with experts, visit educational booths and more. | tinsweb.org
4th of July celebrations
July 2-7 | Area venues
The Tahoe Sierra knows how to put on a party and the 4th of July is no different with festivities starting on July 2, fireworks and drone shows throughout the area and patriotic concerts. Find details in this edition and at YourTahoeGuide.com.
Car, Truck and Motorcycle Shows
July 4-Sept. 15 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe
Good Samaritan Safe Ride offers eight different car, truck and motorcycle shows throughout the summer, from Rolling Chrome/Tahoe Thunder to Hot Tahoe Cruisin’ and celebrity invitational. | goodsamsaferide.com
Big Boy 4014 visit
July 10 | Wester Pacific Railroad Museum | Portola
Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 tour will make a stop in Portola, providing an opportunity to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive up close from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be caboose train rides, historic tours, model train exhibits, food trucks and more. | wplives.org
American Century Championship
July 10-14 | Edgewood Tahoe
The 35th annual American Century Championship, celebrity golf’s most prominent tournament of sports and entertainment superstars, returns to Edgewood. Spectators can watch the action up close. | americancenturychampionship.com
Big Boy 4014 visit
July 14 | Truckee Train Depot
Union Pacific’s legendary Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will make 19 whistle-stops in five states this during its 2024 Westward Bound Tour from Wyoming to California. It will be passing through Truckee from 3:30 to 4 p.m. | up.com
Barracuda Championship
July 18-21 | Old Greenwood | Truckee
The Barracuda Championship combines amazing golf featuring PGA Tour professionals. Spectator tickets available. | barracudachampionship.com
Gold Discovery Days
July 20-21 | Plumas-Eureka State Park | Johnsville
Take advantage of a fun-filled family weekend at this historic state park for an opportunity to step back in time. Get a taste of what mining life was like from the 1851 discovery of gold on Eureka Peak, through the 1890s. Educational activities, music food and period costumes. | pespa.org
Plumas-Sierra County Fair
July 25-28 | Plumas County Fairgrounds | Quincy
Mountains of Memories is the theme of this year’s county fair. The fair will be filled with food, fun, exhibits, music and more. | plumas-sierracountyfair.net
KIP MOORE
SUBLIME
6-8:30PM
Heritage Trail
Aug. 3 | Area venues | Tahoe City
Celebrate Placer County museums with free admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to Gatekeeper’s Museum, with live music from 1 to 3 p.m., and Watson’s Cabin. | theheritagetrail.blogspot.com
The Great Gatsby Festival
Aug. 3-4 | Tallac Historic Site & Valhalla Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe
Come to the Valhalla Grand Lawn on Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. for tea sandwiches, sweet treats, tea and a glass of champagne to toast the end of prohibition. | thegreatbasininstitute.org
Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance
Aug. 9-10 | Obexer’s Boat Company | Homewood
This year’s 50th annual Concours will be staged at the historic Obexer’s Boat Company in Homewood with the two-day show open to the public. | laketahoeconcours.com
Heritage Trail
Aug. 10 | Area venues | Truckee
June 14 Marty O’Reilly
June 21 Mescalito
June 28 Blü Egyptian
July 5 Lumanation
July 12 Broken Compass Bluegrass
July 19 GrooveSession
July 26 Boot Juice
August 2 Matt Axton & Badmoon
August 16 Sneaky Creatures
August 23 Wolf Jett
August 30 Bicicletas Por La Paz
Learn more:
Celebrate Placer County museums with free admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to Museum of Truckee History, Truckee Railroad Museum and Truckee Old Jail Museum. | theheritagetrail.blogspot.com
Tahoe Yoga Festival
Aug. 10-11 | Heavenly Mountain Resort | South Lake Tahoe
OMNI presents the second annual Tahoe Yoga Festival featuring yoga, unity and holistic well-being. | omnitahoe.com
Truckee Professional Rodeo
Aug. 16-17 | McIver Arena | Truckee
See barrel racing, mutton busting and bull riding during the annual Truckee Professional Rodeo. The event includes an arena dance with live music. | truckeerodeo. org
Heritage Trail
Aug. 17 | Area venues | Donner Summit
Celebrate Placer County history with Summit Tunnel Conservation Association Hike at 9 a.m. and enjoy the Donner Summit Historical Society’s 20 Mile Museum and History Hub. | theheritagetrail.blogspot.com
Valhalla Renaissance Faire
Aug. 24-25 | Tahoe Valley Campground | South Lake Tahoe
At the 28th Valhalla Renaissance Faire, embark on a journey through Elizabethan England. Enjoy action-packed shows, enchanting music, spirited dancing, jesters, a bustling thoroughfare teeming with 800 costumed actors and archery tournaments. | valhallafaire.com
Wild West Fest
Aug. 31 | Alder Creek Adventure Center | Truckee
Mosey over to the Equestrian Center for a high-country hoe-down, featuring live music, ace-high activities for kids and more. | tahoedonner.com
Mexican Heritage Festival
Sept. 14 | Truckee River Regional Park
Fox Cultural Hall will host the 4th annual Mexican Heritage Festival in honor of Día de La Independencia. Activities from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. include performances, arts & crafts, traditional games, food and drinks. | foxchall.org
Donner Summit Fest
Sept. 21 | Soda Springs Mountain Resort
Soda Springs Mountain Resort is the place to be for great food, lively music and a benefit auction to support Donner Summit Association’s ongoing activities. | donnersummitca.com
THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING
Mountain Running Fest
Until June 29 | Area venues
Join the Donner Party Mountain Runners for a celebration of trail and mountain running featuring group runs, clinics, trail work days, Western States practice run and more leading up to the Broken Arrow Skyrace. | donnerpartymountainrunners. com
Big Blue Adventure Race Series
Until Sept. 28 (select dates) | Truckee/Tahoe area venues
Big Blue Adventure offers a cornucopia of Lake Tahoe and Truckee endurance events in triathlons, running, biking, swimming, adventure racing, open water swims and paddling. | bigblueadventure.com
Broken Arrow Skyrace
June 21-23 | Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
Broken Arrow Skyrace is a three-day, eight distance event where elite and recreational participants will experience an unforgettable trail running experience. | brokenarrowskyrace.com
Adventure Sports Week
June 21-30 | Area venues | North Lake Tahoe
Adventure Sports Week Tahoe is a 10-day event featuring human-powered sports, music, film and fun for all. Trail running, triathlon, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding and other competitive events to choose from. Concerts, films, clinics, gear demos and more. | adventuresportsweektahoe.com
Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day
June 22 | Tallac Historic Site | South Lake Tahoe
Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to Keep Tahoe Blue’s hands-on, in-the-field event to improve the ecosystem and the wildlife habitats around Lake Tahoe. From 9 to 1:30 p.m., participants will be picking up litter, fence building, trail maintenance and more. | keeptahoeblue.org
Wooden Boat Challenge
June 22 | Commons Beach | Tahoe City
Fox Cultural Hall’s eighth annual fundraiser combines a festival with a unique competition event. Teams of two to four builders have three hours to build a boat by hand, then race it on Lake Tahoe. Enjoy food, drinks, entertainment and kids’ activities. | foxchall.org
Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival
June 22-23 | Tahoe Paradise Park | Meyers
The 12th annual Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival is a two-day event full of pedaling and community celebration. The main festival is on June 23 from 12 to 6 p.m. with music, beverages, food, a raffle and vendors. For riders, there’s a Bike Demo at Corral Trail on June 22 and a registered Bike Ride on June 23. | tamba.org
BIKE-A-THON
Hike for Hope
June 23 | Donner Memorial State Park | Truckee
Join the Speedy Foundation for this gathering of support and suicide prevention while enjoying the accessible 3.2-mile hike to benefit local school Hope Squad projects and local nonprofit outreach efforts. | mentallycovered.org
5Ks for a Cause
June 28, July 29, Aug. 26 | North Tahoe Regional Park | Tahoe Vista
Participate in a free 5ks and give back to the community. On June 28 support the North Tahoe Regional Park in the Friends of the Park 5k, on July 29 support local youth programs in the Great Futures 5k and on Aug. 26 support North Tahoe High School athletes in the Laker Dash. Donations welcome. | ntpud.org
Alta Alpina Challenge
June 29 | Turtle Rock Park | Markleeville
The Alta Alpina Challenge is a personalized event. Every rider bib is personalized based on his or her choice of ride. Riders collect special pass stickers on the bib. | altaalpina.org
Truckee Tahoe Gravel
June 29 | Riverview Sports Park | Truckee
The event features three scenic and challenging routes. This year, participants can register for a 30-mile, 70-mile or 102.1-mile courses. All courses start and end on the grass at Riverview Sports Park. | truckeegravel.com
Western State 100-Mile Endurance Run
June 29-30 | Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
The Western States 100 Mile Endurance run is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race. Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 18,000 feet and descend nearly 23,000 feet before they reach the finish line in Auburn. | wser.org
Keep Memory Alive
Rodeo
June 29-30 | Shakespeare Ranch | Glenbrook
Enjoy a fundraiser featuring a rodeo with bulls, bucks and barrels, barbecue, dancing, kids’ activities on June 29, with a gourmet dining experience and live music with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx on June 30. | keepmemoryalive.org
Run to the Beach
July 4 | North Tahoe Regional Park | Tahoe Vista
Run, walk or stroll the 5k or 10k course. Starting at the North Tahoe Regional Park, the courses offer scenic and fun trails. The finish is on the beach at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. | tahoetrailrunning.com
Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue
July 5 | area venues
League to Save Lake Tahoe hosts the 11th annual Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue beach cleanup after the festivities of July 4th. Tahoe residents and visitors turn out to remove litter from beaches and surrounding areas at this largest beach cleanup of the year. | keeptahoeblue.org
Downieville Classic
July 11-14 | Sierra Crest | Downieville
Race or ride the epic cross country to the Sierra Crest and back to town or take in a double dose with 15 miles of the Downieville Downhill in the All Mountain World Championships. Or just come to enjoy the bike festival for the weekend. | sierratrails.org
BioBlitz
July 13 | Sagehen Creek Field Station | Truckee
Join Tahoe Institute for Natural Science naturalists to look for birds, mammals, insects, spiders and wildflowers. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. | tinsweb.org
Building Connections
July 13 | Valhalla Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe
Building Connections is a Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association fundraiser for Tahoe Trails and the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project. Collaborate with TAMBA land-manager partners and its members, volunteers and donors. Guests will enjoy a gourmet menu from The Hidden Table, beverages, lawn games and the chance to prizes in the silent auction. | tamba.org
Tour de TD
July 13 | Alder Creek Adventure Center | Tahoe Donner
This event is for mountain bikers, hikers and equestrian riders. Each participant tries to make it to as many checkpoints as possible while collecting colored wristbands at each one. Checkpoints will be spread throughout the Tahoe Donner trail system. | tahoedonner.com
Trans Tahoe Relay
July 13 | Sand Harbor | Incline Village
The Olympic Club and League to Save Lake Tahoe partner for this invitational swimming event to protect and Keep Tahoe Blue. Relay teams compete to race across Lake Tahoe and raise funds for the league. | keeptahoeblue.org
Death Ride: Tour of the California Alps
July 13 | Turtle Rock Park | Markleeville
The 103-mile course begins at 5 a.m. and covers both sides of three mountain passes: Monitor Pass, Ebbetts Pass and the Pacific Grade. The full course is not for the faint at heart. | deathride.com
The Wake and Bake
July 20 | Truckee River Regional Park | Truckee
This disc-golf singles tournament with 18 holes will tee off at 10 a.m.; registration starts at 9 a.m. | discgolfscene.com
Palisades Mountain Run
July 20 | Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
For the past 42 years, runners and hikers have made the annual pilgrimage to the top of Palisades for this event with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. The course climbs 3.6 miles up Mountain Run to High Camp where awards, raffle, music, refreshments and beer are provided. | farwestnordic.org
Tahoe Rim Trail 100-Mile Endurance Run
July 20-21 | Western Nevada College | Carson City, Nev. Tahoe Rim Trail 100-Mile Endurance Run is one of the best ultra runs in the country. This race will be run on single-track trails and dirt roads within Spooner State Park and on the Tahoe Rim Trail located within the state park and on National Forest land all at or above 8,000 feet of elevation. | trter.com
Full Moon Kayak Tours
July 21, Aug. 19 | Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma Kayak along the shore of Sugar Pine Point State Park between the highest elevation operational lighthouse in the U.S. to the park’s southern boundary overlooking Meeks Bay. State Park staff will provide insight into the region’s cultural and natural history. | sierrastateparks.org
Bike-A-Thon
July 27 | Sky Tavern Bike Park | Incline Village, Nev.
Sky Tavern Bike Park, Pedal for Positivity and High Fives Foundation presents a Bike-A-Thon from 9 a.m. to p.m. to promote mental health awareness and support local community resources. There will be laps with prizes, vendor and food truck village and a raffle. | skytavern.org
Tahoe Pro/Am & Legends of the Lake
July 27-28, Aug. 9-11 | Bijou Community Park | South Lake Tahoe
South Tahoe Disc Golf Association presents the 30th annual Tahoe Pro/Am on July 27 to 28 and Legends of the Lake on Aug. 9 to 11; both are part of the 2024 Sierra Tahoe Series. | discgolfscene.com
Tahoe Paddle Race Series
July 29, Aug. 26, Sept. 15-17 | Area venues
Tahoe Paddle Race series celebrates its 15th anniversary with three events on Lake Tahoe. The series offers both the recreational paddler and the race enthusiast an opportunity to participate in SUP, prone paddleboard or OC1 class races and ends with the Tahoe Cup Lake Crossing. | tahoepaddleracing.com
Point Mariah Trail Marathon
Aug. 3 | Soda Springs Resort
The third annual Point Mariah Trail Marathon offers expansive views of the Granite Chief Wilderness, the Pacific Crest between Sugar Bowl and Olympic Valley, and the breathtaking Royal Gorge of the North Fork of the American River (one of the deepest canyons in the western United States). | donnerpartymountainrunners. com
Poker Ride
Aug. 10 | Alder Creek Adventure Center | Tahoe Donner
Mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians will try to achieve the best poker hand from cards collected at five different checkpoints located throughout the Tahoe Donner trail system. | tahoedonner.com
Ragnar Trail Tahoe
Aug. 16-17 | Sugar Bowl Resort | Norden
Teams of eight will test their limits on three trails through Sugar Bowl surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Relay style, they’ll divide and conquer, taking turns running three trails that vary in difficulty, until they’ve conquered each individually and collectively as a team. | runragnar.com
Downieville Mountain Epic
Aug. 16-18 | Pack Saddle Campground | Downieville
Help Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship on a fun-filled weekend of trail work, camping, barbecues and beer. | RSVP sierratrails.org
Northstar Enduro
Aug. 17-18| Northstar California | Truckee
This world-class enduro event is for anyone, amateur to pro, on Northstar California’s Bike Park terrain. Racers can expect steep, loose, rocky, challenging, technical terrain, consisting of Blue, Black and Double-Black terrain. | californiaenduroseries.com
B4BC’s Skate the Lake
Aug. 20-21 | area venues | North Lake Tahoe
Boarding for Breast Cancer’s Skate The Lake is a 28-mile skate/bike/roll starting at Sugar Pine Point State Park to Palisades Tahoe and ending at Common’s Beach. B4BC welcomes anyone on wheels of all ages and abilities to join this push for prevention to raise funds for B4BC’s education, prevention and survivorship programs. | b4bc.org
Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum
Aug. 22 | Tahoe Blue Event Center | Stateline, Nev.
The second annual Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum brings together local, regional and national leaders who share a vision of making the Lake Tahoe Basin a model of clean transportation. The forum includes a showcase of AWD electric vehicles and other zero- and low-emission products. | keeptahoeblue.org
Labor Day Cleanup
Sept. 2 | North Lake Tahoe venues
Join the League to Save Lake Tahoe, residents and visitors to make a positive impact on the environment by removing litter from Lake Tahoe’s shores after the Labor Day rush. | keeptahoeblue.org
Donner Party Hikes
Sept. 7 & 8 | Donner Summit
Explore scenic Donner Summit with local historians on interpretive walks and hikes. | donnerpartyhike.com
Rose to Toads
Sept. 8 | Mount Rose to South Lake Tahoe
More than 62 miles in length with 8,000 feet of climbing and 10,000 feet of descent, this is the most amazing (and tough) mountain bike ride, starting at Mount Rose and ending on Mr. Toads Wild Ride trail. This self-supported ride has three rest stops with snacks and drinks and a finish-line celebration. | tamba.org
Adventure Van Expo
Sept. 14-15 | Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
This gathering for adventurers of all sorts will showcase a variety of custom and stock adventure vehicles, camping tents and gear. There will be van builds, open house vans and 4-wheel campers and more with solar talks, demonstrations and food and beer. | adventurevanexpo.com
J O I N U S F O R T H E
C E L E B R A T I O N
From 12-2 PM, Lazar; from 2-4 PM, Disco Terrorist; from 4-6 PM, Funksalot; from 6-8 PM, ZEBUEL; and from 8-10 PM, All Good Funk Alliance.
THURSDAY, JULY 4 • 12NOON - 10PM • COMMONS
Music and Face Painting • Bubble Show and Hula Hooping LED Laser Show and Glow Show • Drone Show over Tahoe City at 9:30pm
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Farmers’ markets
Until October | Area venues
Truckee Certified and South Lake Tahoe farmers’ markets are on Tuesdays; Meyers Mountain Market is on Wednesdays; Tahoe City and Incline Village farmers’ markets are on Thursdays; Romano Certified and Ski Run farmers’ markets are on Fridays. Find details at YourTahoeGuide.com/eat
Summer Wine Tasting
June 28 | PlumpJack Inn | Olympic Valley
Achieve Tahoe hosts the inaugural Summer Wine Tasting fundraiser, with more than 20 wineries from Napa and Sonoma from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | achievetahoe.com
Brunch/Dinner in the Barn
June 30-Sept. 15 (select dates) | Sierra Valley Farm |Beckwourth
This brunch and dinner series celebrates farm, food and community. Brunch is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner is from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each event is an all-inclusive brunch or dinner, farm tour and live music. | sierravalleyfarm.com
Pouring for Paws
July 6 | Tahoe Time Plaza | Incline Village
Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation’s annual fundraiser offers music by Jacked Up; beer, wine and specialty cocktails for sale; food truck; silent auction and raffle. | tahoewarf.org
TRUCKEE BREW FEST
Crawdad Festival
July 6 | Valhalla Tahoe | South Lake Tahoe
The Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe offers a Louisiana-style crawdad boil using crawfish from Lake Tahoe. Beer and wine will be served as well. Funds raised from the event will support scholarships and opportunities for South Lake Tahoe highschool students interested in pursuing a trade career. | valhallatahoe.com
Lobster Feed
July 11 | The Chateau | Incline Village, Nev.
North Lake Tahoe Community Health Care Auxiliary Lobster Feed will benefit medically related student scholarships, Incline Village Community Hospital equipment and medical needs of the community. | tfhd.com/ivch
Pints for Pups
July 13 | The Brewing Lair | Blairsden
High Sierra Animal Rescue’s fundraiser Pints for Pups is from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be live music, disc golf and a raffle. Leashed dogs are welcome. | highsierraanimalrescue.org
Truckee Brewfest
July 13 | Truckee River Regional Park | Truckee
The 17th annual Truckee Brewfest features specialty brews from Northern California and Nevada breweries, live music dancing, barbecue and silent auction. Sponsored by Tahoe Guide. | truckeeoptimist.com
Old Timer’s Picnic
July 20 | Truckee River Regional Park
Truckee Donner Historical Society announces the annual Old Timer’s Picnic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Catch up with old classmates, neighbors and friends. Bring something to throw on the barbecue and something to drink. | Truckee Donner Historical Society on Facebook
Vatican Speakeasy Fundraiser
Aug. 2 | Pope Estate | South Lake Tahoe
This annual fundraiser includes 1920s music, drinks, costumes and finger foods. Held outdoors at the Pope Estate, guests can participate in a silent auction, try out the Charleston or watch a live demonstration. | thegreatbasininstitute.org
Taste of Gold
Aug. 10 | Lake Tahoe Community College | South Lake Tahoe
The annual fundraiser brings the community together on campus to enjoy pours of regional wines, small-batch crafted beers and locally produced spirits along with tasty bites. Enjoy live music, dancing and a silent auction. | ltccfoundation.org
Sierra Forage Dinner
Aug. 10 | Mitchells Meadows | Independence Lake
This is Mountain Area Preservation’s annual fundraiser, featuring a farm-to-table, multicourse dinner paired with wines. The event also includes live music and live auction to help raise critical funds to support local environmental advocacy. | mountainareapreservation.org
Tahoe Bloody Mary Competition
Aug.11 | Tahoe Beach Retreat & Lodge | South Lake Tahoe
The 12th annual Tahoe Bloody Mary Competition will host 15 of the best bartenders in the Tahoe/Reno/Carson region. It will be held under the sun on the beach with bands, live DJs and the most exquisite Bloody Marys you’ve ever tasted. | FNCTN on Facebook
Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest
Aug. 17 | Village at Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley Festivalgoers can sip on a wide array of tasty beers from different breweries, as well as enjoy an incredible lineup of music. | palisadestahoe.com
Tahoe Brewfest
Aug. 24 | Ski Run Blvd. | South Lake Tahoe
The seventh annual Tahoe Brewfest will offer craft-beer tasting, Lake Tahoe DJ, dancing and fun. Use the LakeLink app and get free ride to and from the event. Must be age 21 and older to attend. | tahoebrewfest.com
Wine in the Garden
Aug. 24 | Markleeville Library | Markleeville
Enjoy music, a raffle, appetizers and beer tasting in the beautiful Markleeville Library garden. | alpinecountyca.gov
Alpen Wine Festival
Sept. 1 | Village at Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
The 34th annual Alpen Wine Fest includes wine tasting from more than 40 vineyards, music by Indigo Grey and Peter DeMattei, a silent auction and raffle. | palisadestahoe.com
Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings
Sept. 6 | Village at Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
Six local bands go head-to-head in a battle to be crowned the best band in the Village. Meanwhile, six restaurants face off in competition pitting the best wings against each other. You decide the winners. Benefits Tahoe Institute For Natural Science. | palisadestahoe.com
Incline Food + Wine
Sept. 7 | Incline Village, Nev.
Spend the day at Incline Wine + Food and explore a 6-acre lakefront estate in a walk-around wine tasting and a one-of-a-kind gathering to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. | inclinefoodandwine.com
Fly-In Pancake Breakfast
Sept. 8 | Nervino Airport | Beckwourth
Airplane enthusiasts should navigate to the Nervino Airport in Beckwourth for the annual Portola Rotary Club Fly-In Breakfast. | portal.clubrunner.ca
Fall Ale Fest
Sept. 14 | Heavenly Village | South Lake Tahoe
Oktoberfest in Heavenly Village is from 1 to 5 p.m. For a $40 donation, enjoy a wing cook-off; live music; beer, spirits, kombucha and soda tasting; commemorative glass and wristband. | theshopsatheavenly.com
Cowgirls + Cocktails
Sept. 14 | Alder Creek Adventure Center | Tahoe Donner
Cowgirls and cowboys are invited to gather for an early evening trail ride followed by a social hour with beer, wine and appetizers. This event is for ages 21 and older. | tahoedonner.com
Sample the Sierra
Sept. 21 | Bijou Community Park | South Lake Tahoe
Sample the Sierra brings together local chefs/restaurants with neighboring growers/producers to turn out samples craftily paired with an appropriate wine, brew or spirit. The festival marketplace includes locally made goods along with specialty products such as fine art, jewelry and crafts. |
Downieville Mountain Brewfest
Sept. 21 | Main Street | Downieville
Downieville Mountain Brewfest offers fresh mountain air, small-town charm, music, food and some of the finest craft beer available in northern California and Nevada. | downievillebrewfest.com
Each of our resorts and towns offers a unique array of local boutiques and artisan shops where you’ll find treasures of all kinds. North Lake Tahoe also offers some of the most unbelievable dining venues. Whether you’re hoping for a quick, simple bite before exploring the beach or you’re looking to sit down and experience the upscale meal of a lifetime.
