The Best 2025 Events in Lake Tahoe: Festivals, Food, Music & Mountain Magic
Annual events and festivals
Lake Tahoe’s 2025 event lineup is packed with excitement, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re marveling at the classic boats during the Concours d’Elegance, cheering on your favorite stars at the American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament, or enjoying world-class theater at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, this stunning alpine destination is sure to impress.
Outdoor adventurers can hit the trails for the Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival, while families can celebrate summer under the stars with the epic Lights on the Lake fireworks. With so much to do, there’s no better time to book your vacation rental through Lake.com, ensuring you’re close to the action and able to fully enjoy all that Lake Tahoe has to offer in 2025.
The Biggest Annual Celebrations
Lights on the Lake Fireworks
July 4, 2025
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Attendance: Around 100,000 visitors
Why Attend: The Lights on the Lake fireworks show is the largest Independence Day celebration in the western U.S. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the dazzling fireworks over Lake Tahoe from beaches, boats, or even kayaks. The show offers a magical lakeside celebration for the whole family.
Who Should Go: Families, outdoor lovers, and anyone looking for a memorable Fourth of July celebration
Après Ski NYE Festival
December 30-31, 2025
Tahoe Blue Event Center, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Attendance: Thousands of attendees are celebrating NYE
Why Attend: Ring in the New Year with this exciting electronic dance music (EDM) festival featuring world-renowned DJs like Kaskade, Madeon, and Mau P. The two-day festival offers a thrilling lineup of artists, light shows, and an electric atmosphere, making it the perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve by the lake.
Who Should Go: EDM fans, partygoers, and those looking for a high-energy New Year’s celebration
Arts and Craft Shows
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
July 5 – August 25, 2025
Sand Harbor, NV
Attendance: Thousands of theatergoers
Why Attend: Set against the stunning backdrop of Sand Harbor Beach, this outdoor theater festival features performances of Shakespeare’s classics, as well as other contemporary plays. Audiences can relax on the beach while enjoying world-class performances under the stars, making it a unique and cultural experience by the lake.
Who Should Go: Theater lovers, families, and those seeking a cultural outdoor event
Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival
June through September 2025
Valhalla Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Attendance: Over 10,000 visitors
Why Attend: The Valhalla Festival is a premier cultural event offering live music concerts, art shows, and theatrical performances set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Tahoe. The historic Valhalla Grand Hall hosts performances ranging from classical music to contemporary plays, providing a perfect blend of nature and artistry.
Who Should Go: Art lovers, music fans, and families looking for enriching cultural experiences.
Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series
Every Thursday evening from June 19 to August 28, 2025, South Lake Tahoe’s Lakeview Commons becomes a lakefront stage for the Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series. With the sun setting over the water, audiences gather on the sand to enjoy free concerts featuring genres from reggae to indie rock. Food trucks, local beer vendors, and bike valet service round out the laid-back vibe. Bring a beach chair, grab a local brew, and soak in the sound of summer on the shore.
Classical Tahoe Festival
Running from July 11 to August 9, 2025, the Classical Tahoe Festival in Incline Village offers an intimate escape into world-class music. Held in a charming outdoor pavilion at the Sierra Nevada University campus, the series features musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and beyond. Highlights include chamber music under the pines and orchestra nights lit by starlight. Tickets begin at $60. With fewer than 400 seats, early booking is essential for this refined cultural experience.
Food and Beverage Festivals
Sample the Sierra Festival
September 14, 2025
Bijou Community Park, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Attendance: Over 3,000 attendees
Why Attend: Celebrate the farm-to-fork movement with this festival that features local food, wine, and craft vendors from the Sierra Nevada region. Attendees can sample regional produce and culinary creations, while enjoying live music and art exhibits. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local flavors and culture.
Who Should Go: Foodies, wine lovers, and those interested in local cuisine
Tahoe Brewfest
June 1, 2025
Over 20,000 visitors
Attendance: Over 5,000 visitors
Why Attend: Celebrating craft beer culture in the Lake Tahoe region, the Tahoe Brewfest brings together local breweries offering tastings of their best brews. The event also features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, making it a fun day for beer lovers and their families.
Who Should Go: Beer aficionados, families, and those seeking a lively festival atmosphere
Tournaments and Races
American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament
July 9-13, 2025
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, Stateline, NV
Attendance: More than 10,000
Why Attend: This celebrity golf tournament is a star-studded event featuring over 80 professional athletes and Hollywood celebrities competing for charity on a stunning lakeside golf course. The tournament draws large crowds for both the competition and the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.
Who Should Go: Golf fans, families, and anyone looking for a mix of sports and celebrity sightings
Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival
June 15-16, 2025
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Attendance: Hundreds of riders and spectators
Why Attend: This annual festival draws mountain biking enthusiasts for races, group rides, and skills clinics. Riders can explore scenic trails around Lake Tahoe, while the festival includes live music, local beer, and food vendors for an epic outdoor experience.
Who Should Go: Mountain bikers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who loves the thrill of off-road cycling
Lake Tahoe Marathon Week
From October 10–13, 2025, endurance athletes descend on Tahoe for a race series that’s as visually striking as it is physically demanding. Lake Tahoe Marathon Week includes a marathon, half-marathon, 5K, triple marathon challenge, and even a kayak and SUP triathlon. The courses trace the turquoise shoreline and ascend pine-studded hills, offering panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Registration prices vary by event, starting at $75.
Boat Shows
Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance
August 8-9, 2025
Homewood, CA
Attendance: Over 5,000 spectators
Why Attend: Known as North America’s premier wooden boat show, the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance features more than 70 of the world’s finest, classic wooden boats. Visitors can enjoy the scenic backdrop of Lake Tahoe while exploring beautifully restored watercraft, making this event a haven for boat enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Highlights include live jazz music, luxury shopping, and exclusive events like the Wine Village and awards BBQ.
Who Should Go: Boating enthusiasts, maritime history lovers, and those seeking a luxury waterfront experience.
Fall Foliage Events & Wine Harvest Weekends
Autumn Food & Wine Festival at Northstar
September 6–8, 2025, brings a symphony of flavor to Northstar California Resort. The Autumn Food & Wine Festival pairs high-altitude elegance with culinary craftsmanship, featuring cooking demos, sommelier-led wine tastings, and live music under the golden aspens. Signature events include the Blazing Pans Mountain Chef Cook-Off and the Grand Tasting at the Village, where tickets start at $95. This is a must-attend for oenophiles and food lovers who appreciate mountain air with their Merlot.
Tahoe City Oktoberfest
Set for Saturday, September 28, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Commons Beach, Tahoe City, Oktoberfest is a lakeside celebration of Bavarian flair and Sierra Nevada charm. Local favorites like Alibi Ale Works and South Lake Brewing Co. pour seasonal brews, while attendees savor bratwurst, pretzels, and apple strudel. A lively lineup of polka bands, craft booths, and family games keeps the energy high. Entry is free; beer tokens and foodare are available for purchase. This autumn gathering draws locals and visitors alike for festive fall fun.
Signature Winter Events & Après Ski Culture
Heavenly Holidays Festival
From November 29 through December 31, 2025, Heavenly Village transforms into a glittering alpine wonderland. The Heavenly Holidays Festival brings nightly entertainment, whimsical light shows, and meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ice sculptors craft intricate winter art, carolers, and serenade strollers, and on select evenings, snowfall is simulated for children to dance in. The festivities culminate with a high-altitude New Year’s Eve celebration, with a gondola ball drop and fireworks. Entry is free, and many family-friendly activities make it a magical stop for holiday travelers.
