Lake Tahoe Summer Events 2019

10 Events in North and South Lake Tahoe for a Perfect Summer Getaway

What to Do and See in Lake Tahoe in the Summer

In addition to beauty, Tahoe offers dozens of amazing summer events.

Lake Tahoe is truly a city of two seasons. When the snow melts (which, at the highest ski resorts isn’t until after July 4th during a good ski year) the lake turns into a deep blue wonderland, with boating, swimming, paddling, and kiting on the water, and an unending list of events on the sublime shores.

South Lake Tahoe events revolve around the large music venues, casinos, and expansive lakefront. In North Lake Tahoe, the festivals are peppered throughout the area, with several in Truckee, Tahoe City, the ski resort’s villages, and the state parks in the area. Our list includes our favorites from North and South Lake Tahoe, and we've also provided a few recommendations on where to stay to make the most of these annual events.

1. South Lake Tahoe Brewfest

Saturday, June 1, 2019

What better way to enjoy a beautiful early summer day in Lake Tahoe than with celebrated brews from around the world? Nearly 40 brewers will set up shop along the shore, and you can pair these with delicious bites from local eateries. Parking is free, however, the event is walking distance from many area lodgings. 

Click here for a full schedule, ticket information, and more.

2. America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

Sunday, June 2

Considered to be "one of the most scenic and awe-inspiring rides you will ever experience," America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride will celebrate its 28th year in 2019. Sponsored by Bike the West and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the spectacular ride is also the largest charity endurance training program in the world. So far, more than 26,000 cyclists have raised more than $102 million since the ride began. (Photo above courtesy of Bike the West.)

Learn more about this fantastic event here.

3. Truckee Brew Fest

June 8, 2019

Now celebrating its 14th year, the Truckee Brew Fest will bring more than 40 beers and live bands to Truckee Regional Park. Sponsored by Truckee's own FiftyFifty Brewing Company (named the Great American Beer Festival's Brewery Group of the Year), the event is also put on by the Truckee Optimist Club to help support local youth initiatives. Tickets are $40 at the door or $35 ahead of time, and all designated drivers will receive free admission. 

Find out more about the festival here.

4. Tahoe City Food and Wine Classic

June 15, 1-5pm

You'd be hard pressed to find a wine tasting with better views than this. Set right on the shores of Lake Tahoe, attendees can try varietals from local wine producers as well as gourmet food from the region's best restaurants. Now in its 14th year, this event has grown to nearly 1,000 attendees and is expected to be just as popular this year. Get your tickets and learn more about the event here

Need a Place to Stay in Tahoe City?

Big Buck Lodge

Big Buck Lodge is the ultimate home for housing large groups in Tahoe City. It's just minutes from the shore and the Tahoe City Food and Wine Classic, but provides all the space your group will need to sprawl and relax. Click here to learn more about this Tahoe City rental.

5. Full Moon Kayak Tours

June 16/17, July 15/16, August 14/15

For a truly unique and beautiful excursion, head out on to the placid waters of Lake Tahoe by night, and let the moon illuminate the mountains and trees that surround you. It's a surreal experience, and one you'll never forget. The trips are guided and last about 3 hours, and are suitable for all skill levels. Meet at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area in the evening, and you'll head out to watch the moon come out as the sun sets. Tickets are $65 per person, get yours here

6. Lights on the Lake

July 4

Recognized as one of the country's best Fourth of July celebrations, South Lake Tahoe's Lights on the Lake is a tremendous experience that provides views of the show from almost anywhere. If you want the ultimate experience, find a way to watch from the waters of the lake itself, whether that's through a cruise, your own boat, or even a kayak.  The show starts at around 9:45, but wherever you're headed to watch, arrive plenty early to find a spot. (Photo courtesy of TahoeSouth.com)

7. Northstar Beerfest and Bluegrass

July 6

What better pairing than a beer tasting and a bluegrass festival, all at an altitude of 6,000 feet with stunning lake and mountain views? On July 6, head to Northstar California Resort's ski village for live music, samples from more than 40 breweries and cideries, a beer run, and all the hiking, biking, and yoga you'd expect from a trip to Lake Tahoe. See the full schedule of events here

Need a place to stay? We have a few homes in Northstar that would make for an ideal base camp for the entire weekend. Check them out below.

Aerials at Big Horn Lodge

This 3-bedroom condo is located high above Northstar Ski Village, giving you easy access to every festival taking place there this summer. Inside, it's beautifully decorated and has a large outdoor deck perfect for watching all the action of the village down below. Click here for photos and booking details

Orion at the Ritz-Carlton Constellation

The Lake Tahoe Ritz-Carlton is located atop the mountain inside Northstar California Resort and has unbeatable views of the entire valley below. The condo itself is everything you'd expect from a Ritz-Carlton residence. With three bedrooms, this luxury condo can sleep eight guests. Click here for more information and booking details

8. American Century Celebrity Golf Championship

July 9-14

Everyone's favorite golf tournament returns to Lake Tahoe in July, where locals and celebrities alike will mingle and take in the breathtaking scenery together. Last year, former Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo took first place in the tournament, but the NBA's Steph Curry may have stolen show. Upon losing, he also lost a bet with his dad and had to jump in the lake fully clothed, much to the delight of onlookers. (See the video below).

What's in store for this year? Find out more here, and book your lodging with InvitedHome before availability runs out.

9. Concours D'Elegance

August 9-10

On the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe's west shore, beautifully refurbished historic wooden boats will careen atop the lake in what has become one of the area's classiest events: The Concours D'Elegance. For two days, these magnificent machines will be on display at the Obexer's Boat Company in Homewood. Judges will score the boats on a scale between 0-100 based on the boat owners ability to restore their boat as close as possible to its original condition. 

Now in its 47th year, the Concours D'Elegance is a wonderful event for boat enthusiasts and the mildly curious alike. Click here for an in-depth look at this event that brings out the best in Lake Tahoe's luxurious side.

10. Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival

September 20-22

It may be known as the autumn food and wine festival, but the sun and sand in Lake Tahoe will surely keep the summer spirit alive for the weekend. Located in the beautiful ski village of Northstar California Resort, the event is regarded as "Lake Tahoe's most prestigious food, wine, spirit, and brew festival." Sample exquisite pairings and take in the gorgeous setting of North Lake Tahoe. Tickets aren't on sale yet, but will be soon.

Featured home on the right: Aerials at Big Horn Lodge, located in the heart of Northstar Village, directly above all the action. 

And This is Just a Starting Point.

Lake Tahoe is stunningly beautiful in the summer. In addition to these 10 activities, the area has some of the country's best hiking, kayaking, beaches, water sports, and nightlife. If you need help choosing which area of the lake to stay, get in touch with our Vacation Consultants at 530-738-5148.

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