Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance

Classic Wooden Boats on Blue Water

August 7-8, 2026, Lake Tahoe’s West Shore becomes a floating museum when the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance showcases vintage wooden boats—Chris-Crafts, Gar Woods, Hacker-Crafts, and custom runabouts—polished to perfection and displayed both on land and on the water. The event typically centers around Homewood and Tahoe City, where owners bring mahogany speedboats dating from the 1920s through the 1960s, some restored to factory condition, others customized with modern engines hidden beneath classic lines. Spectators stroll the shoreline viewing boats on trailers and docks, watch parade laps on the lake, and attend seminars on restoration, design, and the golden age of recreational boating. Admission varies—some viewing areas are free, while ticketed events include lakeside receptions, guided tours, and awards ceremonies.

Who Should Go
Classic boat enthusiasts, design lovers, and anyone who appreciates craftsmanship will find this compelling. Families with kids interested in boats and history can walk the shoreline displays without tickets. Couples often make this a romantic West Shore weekend—vintage boats, lake views, and the kind of unhurried pace that defines summer at Tahoe. Photographers love the combination of gleaming wood, chrome details, and the lake’s impossible blue as a backdrop. If you’re simply curious about what makes a 1948 Chris-Craft worth six figures, this is your chance to see why.

Event Highlights
• Friday evening typically includes a preview reception and boat parade (ticketed)
• Saturday features all-day shoreline displays, judging, and water demonstrations (some free viewing areas, some ticketed)
• Awards ceremony Saturday evening recognizes best-in-class boats across multiple categories
• Check the Concours website for exact venues, ticket pricing, and event schedules
• Arrive early Saturday morning for the best viewing and smallest crowds
• Free viewing areas along the shoreline offer excellent boat-watching without tickets
• Parking near Homewood and Tahoe City fills quickly; carpool or arrive before 9 AM
• Early August weather is prime Tahoe summer—70s-80s°F, clear skies, calm water in the mornings
• Bring sunscreen, hats, water, and comfortable walking shoes for shoreline strolling

West Shore Weekend
Base yourself in Homewood or Tahoe City for easy access to the event and quieter West Shore beaches. After boat-viewing, grab dinner at West Shore Cafe (open since 1978, known for lakeside dining and sunset views from the pier). Spend Sunday morning paddleboarding or kayaking from Meeks Bay, where the water is calm, the shoreline is undeveloped, and you’ll understand why people invest so much in boats built to enjoy this lake. Find your weekend stay on Lake.com, where West Shore properties offer the kind of waterfront access and vintage Tahoe charm that complements a weekend celebrating classic design.