Lake Tahoe Local Events & Festivals

Beautiful Lake Tahoe, nestled high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is a popular vacation destination for families seeking an all-round holiday away from the crowded coastal resorts. It has a wide selection of activities and attractions on offer, all year round. From world class skiing in winter, to endless water sports in summer: there is something at Lake Tahoe to appeal to every member of the family.

Festivals and special events at Lake Tahoe tend to be seasonal, with events taking advantage of whatever weather is prevalent at the time. In winter, the annual Snowfest sees all kinds of snowy sports taking place. Soon after, the Spring Loaded follows with more skiing and even cardboard box racing!

(Description continues after the featured listings, scroll down.)

Lake Tahoe Local Events & Festivals -- Continue

As the weather begins to warm the lake heading into June, the festivals become more plentiful. The Valhalla Renaissance Faire held in late May and early June is always extremely popular with its traditional medieval theme. It features costumed participants as well as more than 100 stalls and trade stands selling arts and crafts. The El Dorado County Fair is held in June at the El Dorado County fairgrounds in Placerville. This popular event is very much family orientated with fun activities including gold-panning.

In July there is The American Celebrity Golf Championship in July which attracts plenty of famous faces; the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival; Tahoe Arts Festival; and the Lake Tahoe Music Festival.

For a spot of old fashioned glamour, The Great Gatsby Tea and Festival takes place at the Tallac Estate and has a 1920’s theme of vintage cars, croquet, plus live entertainment.

For the energetic, the Lake Tahoe Marathon in late September is a good opportunity to burn off some calories if you fancy running the scenic route around the Lake.

Oktoberfest is always a great for families with a children’s zoo, live entertainment, plus lots of pumpkins! And for the adults, there is a very welcome beer tent. The Kokamee Salmon Festival is a wonderful opportunity to see the Kokomee salmon returning to Lake Tahoe in huge numbers to spawn for another year.

In November there is another chance to play spot-the-celebrity when the Lake Tahoe International Film Festival comes to the area. With more than 50 film screenings by independent directors and producers, it is a film buff’s dream.

Valhalla Holiday Faire in December is perfect for your Christmas shopping gifts and offers a seasonal theme with traditional crafts and lots of Victorian costumes