From the mountain peaks to the sparkling shores, summer is the perfect season to soak up everything Lake Tahoe has to offer. Spend your days lounging by the lake, splashing in the water or heading into the mountains for hiking, biking, paddleboarding and more. Summer in Lake Tahoe is also packed with events — with almost daily live music to orchestra concerts and art shows, there’s something to do all season long.
Kicking off in May and rolling through the summer months, you’ll find a lineup of events that support local businesses and nonprofits. Whether you’re into food, art, sports, wine or fun with the whole family (including your pup), there’s an event with your name on it.
Take a look at our roundup of the best 2025 summer events to add to your Lake Tahoe itinerary.
Lake Tahoe Summer Events Lineup
FREE WEEKLY MUSIC AND EVENTS | ALL SUMMER LONG, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Lake Tahoe is home to an incredible lineup of free weekly events:
- Fridays, June 13 – August 29: Music on the Beach in Kings Beach, free live concerts and music starts 6:30 PM
- Sundays, June 15 – September 7: Concerts at Commons Beach, free live concerts and music goes from 4 pm – 7 PM
- Tuesdays, beginning June 18: Bluesdays at The Village at Palisades Tahoe
- Thursdays, September 18 – August 15: Tunes on Tap Sunset Concert Series at Alibi Ale Works’ Incline Public House, in partnership with Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV)
- Mondays in August: Live at the Launch at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area
BIG BLUE ADVENTURE TAIL WAGGER 5K | MAY 31, NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK
Bring your pups to this 3rd annual dog-friendly run at the scenic North Tahoe Regional Park. Humans are welcome too, so feel free to come and enjoy it even if you don’t have a pup to bring.
GRATEFUL SHRED JUNE 5, CRYSTAL BAY CLUB
Grateful Shred brings their laid-back, harmony-driven sound to the Crystal Bay Club, blending the spirit of the Grateful Dead with their own fresh style. Featuring members from Circles Around the Sun and more, this Los Angeles band has gone from local favorites to a national touring act.
TAHOE MUSIC ALIVE | JUNE 10 – OCTOBER 11, VARIOUS VENUES
Held at some of the most beautiful venues and churches in Lake Tahoe, this concert series features world-class musicians in a wide variety of music, including classical, jazz and more.
TAHOE CITY FOOD & WINE CLASSIC | JUNE 7, 3-6 PM TAHOE CITY
Enjoy a lakeside stroll downtown while tasting delicious wines and beverages paired with scrumptious bites from acclaimed Lake Tahoe restaurants and caterers. The Classic is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Tahoe City Downtown Association.
TAHOE JOY FESTIVAL | JUNE 9, NOON-7 PM TAHOE CITY
Celebrate the local music and art community during the family-friendly Tahoe Joy Festival. During this free event, groove on Peter Joseph Burtt and The King Tide, Matt Axton & Badmoon, Mescalito, Lindsay and The Cheeks, Linka Moja and more. The festival benefits the Tahoe Truckee School of Music and the Tahoe City Downtown Association community programs.
TAHOE CITY ART BY THE LAKE | JUNE 13 – 15 BOATWORKS MALL, TAHOE CITY
Set on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the 14th annual Tahoe City Art by the Lake gives visitors an opportunity to meet with more than 30 artisans showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts, including photography, oil paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more. Local guitarist Robbie Gade will play every day from 11:30 am – 4:00 pm. The event area offers a stunning view of Lake Tahoe.
BROKEN ARROW SKYRACE | JUNE 19-22, PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY
The three-day racing event consists of eight iconic distances (plus a kids’ race) that showcase the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Designed in the vein of the classic European Skyraces, the Broken Arrow Skyrace represents a unique style of mountain running characterized by off-trail climbing on steep terrain. This combination of rugged and scenic terrain attracts trail runners worldwide.
TAHOE CITY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS | JULY 4, VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Starting at noon, DJs will get the party started. Wherever you’re watching from, you can catch all the music on 101.5FM or via the Truckee Tahoe Radio app. As for the main show, fireworks are back! You can view the show from multiple restaurants, boats, Bristlecone and Skylandia. Learn more about how to celebrate 4th of July in Lake Tahoe year.
LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL | JULY 5 – AUGUST 24, SAND HARBOR BEACH
The festival’s 2025 season is headlined by productions of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night and Peter and the Starcatcher, a playful Peter Pan prequel. In addition, the festival’s Showcase Series will feature performances by orchestras, tribute bands and more. This stunning venue is a favorite among visitors and residents alike.
CLASSICAL TAHOE | JULY 10 – AUGUST 12, INCLINE VILLAGE
Lake Tahoe gathers every summer to hear America’s leading classical musicians on the Sierra Nevada University campus. The Ricardi Pavilion is the outdoor site of this four-week festival featuring orchestra, jazz and chamber music. Children will love the Family Concert and Music Maker’s Faire on August 9, with proceeds benefiting the festival’s educational programs.
THE LIFETIME TAHOE TRAIL 100 MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE | JULY 19-20, NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA
This 2-loop, 31-mile course gives mountain bikers the run of the Sierra Nevada with gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe. Rocky summits, thick pine forests and rich mountain air will be yours to enjoy on your 50K or 100K race.
NOT GREENDAY | JULY 18, CRYSTAL BAY CLUB
This event celebrates the music of Green Day with high-energy shows that span the band’s four-decade career. Founded by friends in Spokane, WA, this tribute act brings fans together with hits and deep cuts from Dookie to American Idiot and beyond — all delivered with the passion of true lifelong fans. Don’t miss your chance to sing, dance and relive the anthems.
LAKE TAHOE REGGAE FESTIVAL | JULY 19-20, PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY
Enjoy a dozen-plus band performances and more at the 8th annual Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival! Kids 3 and under are free.
LAKE TAHOE DANCE FESTIVAL | JULY 22-25, VARIOUS VENUES
A highlight of summer in Tahoe City has become the Lake Tahoe Dance Festival, known for bringing first-rate artists from around the world. The 12th annual outdoor dance festival is a presentation of the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective and offers main-stage performances, audience participation demonstrations, meet-the-artist talks and more.
GAMBLER’S RUN MUSIC FESTIVAL | JULY 25-26, CRYSTAL BAY CLUB CROWN ROOM
Fancy a unique blend of music, mountains and gaming? Multiple bands are scheduled to perform at Crystal Bay Casino’s one day blowout. Move to the tunes of artists such as The Brothers Comatose, Beats Antique, Paradosio Pong, March Fourth and more.
BIG BLUEGRASS BENEFIT CONCERT 2025 | AUGUST 1, SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK
Dance the night away to professional bluegrass bands at this prime spot overlooking Lake Tahoe. Food vendors, beer and wine will be available for purchase. The concert benefits Sugar Pine Point State Park and Lake Tahoe State Parks.
50TH ANNUAL LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE | AUGUST 8-9, HOMEWOOD
Widely regarded as North America’s premier wooden boat show, Concours d’Elegance will feature the world’s best antique and classic utility boats from various manufacturers. The event benefits the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation to help preserve the environment and history of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
BREWS, JAZZ AND FUNK FEST | AUGUST 16, 1-8 PM., THE VILLAGE AT PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY
Come sip on a wide array of tasty beers from more than 10 different breweries and enjoy an incredible lineup of music on multiple stages from Pressing Strings, Duo Dinamico and more. All proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.
MUSIC ON THE BEACH – LIGHTS IN THE SKY| AUGUST 29, KINGS BEACH STATE PARK
Join the North Lake Tahoe community for Music on the Beach, Lights in the Sky on August 30. This special Labor Day weekend event features live music and a spectacular drone light show over the lake, marking the grand finale of the summer concert series.
TAHOE CITY OKTOBERFEST | SEPTEMBER 20, 12 P.M.-5 PM, GATEKEEPERS MUSEUM
A free, family-friendly event, Tahoe City Oktoberfest will feature live music, commemorative beer glasses with beer tickets for everyone 21 and up, and Bavarian-themed food trucks on site. There will also be face painting for the kids and an art tent where they can paint their own pumpkins.
OKTOBERFEST | SEPTEMBER 27, Noon – 6 PM, THE VILLAGE AT PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY
This fun celebration of beer, music, dance and food returns on September 28. The traditional Oktoberfest event features authentic German beer and Bavarian music and dancing, games and live entertainment. Authentic brats and pretzels, European desserts and pastries, and root beer floats for the kids make this an excellent event for all ages.
For more information about Lake Tahoe events and festivals, visit gotahoenorth.com/events.
Reminder: Travel Responsibly
Summer is always busy, so before heading off to any of Lake Tahoe’s summer events, we encourage you to be mindful of the people and environment around you. Our tips for responsible travel this summer include:
- Consider renting a bike or bringing your own. Many events have special bike parking.
- Ensure you are adhering to posted signage and parked legally during attendance.
- Respect the environment by disposing of any trash in trash receptacles.
- Pack responsibly by bringing a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
- Check weather conditions before you go – while the summer is usually sunny, calm mornings often give way to windy afternoons.
- Sign up for county and state alerts for the latest on travel advisories, including potential wildfire activity.
- Be “Bear Aware” by removing any food from your car.
- Be fire-safe by following proper burning guidelines. Additionally, fireworks are prohibited in the Tahoe Basin.
For more information on how to travel responsibly in Lake Tahoe, see our Know Before You Go page.
Getting Around Lake Tahoe This Summer
With summer road construction and busy weekends, getting around Lake Tahoe is easier (and greener) when you go car-free. Hop on TART’s free regional buses or use TART Connect, the on-demand shuttle that makes it simple to explore North Lake Tahoe without the hassle. A convenient shuttle to Emerald Bay offers a stress-free way to soak in some iconic views, while helping to reduce traffic and protect this pristine area. Headed to Sand Harbor? Be sure to plan ahead — parking reservations are required and fill up fast, especially during peak times. Securing your spot in advance ensures smooth access. And with miles of scenic bike paths, cycling is another great way to explore Tahoe at your own pace.
Lake Tahoe is undergoing significant infrastructure improvements this summer, aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity and sustainability throughout the region. While these projects promise long-term benefits, they may cause temporary travel delays. Check before you go.
Enjoy Your Stay
Visiting for one of Lake Tahoe’s iconic summer events means more to explore. Stretch your getaway and stay a little longer with a few added weekdays for a more relaxed experience. You’ll find more options for lodging, dining, tours and activities.
Framed by the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe offers endless ways to play. Stay lakeside for fishing, water skiing, kayaking or just soaking up the sun. Or head for the mountains where summer adventures like biking, hiking and zip lining await. With hundreds of miles of trails, there’s no shortage of paths to explore. Use this handy guide to map out all your summer fun. We’re here to help you plan a safe, summer trip — and enjoy True Tahoe at its finest.
