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There is no shortage of outdoor adventures during the summer months in Lake Tahoe, but did you know that the region also hosts many renowned live music and theater events?
From the famous Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in Sand Harbor to Truckee Music Fest to the Reno Jazz Orchestra, there is an event for everyone. And, this year the events have really outdone themselves with some of the biggest names in the music industry, local vendors and partnerships.
With live music and events for every age and interest, this summer is going to be one to remember! Below are seven upcoming events around Lake Tahoe and Truckee that we highly recommend checking out. 
Make sure to plan accordingly for transportation, parking and lodging. Leave no trace, and have fun!
Crystal Bay Club Gambler’s Run Music Festival
Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay, NV
July 25 -28
The Gambler’s Run Music Festival is a great experience for locals and tourists. Featuring three full days of live music, local vendors and artists, and sustainability chops, this event is perfect for people who love an eclectic mix of music and the environment. This year, in partnership with companies such as the League to Save Tahoe, Sierra Nevada Alliance and the Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Crystal Bay Casino is dedicated to making the event entirely plastic-free!
On Thursday, July 25, there will be a special event featuring Samantha Fish, an award-winning singer, songwriter and guitar player, to kick off the festival. This event will begin at 8 pm, and tickets are $30.
The star-studded lineup for Friday to Sunday includes The Wood Brothers, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Jackie Green with Eric Lindell, The Motet, The Floozies, Donavon Frankenreiter and more!
Buy your tickets here.
SSPF’s Big BLUEgrass Benefit Concert
Sugar Pine Point State Park, CA
August 2
Boogie to live bluegrass bands, sample local cuisine and drinks at the vendor booths and support your local state parks at the Big BLUEgrass Benefit Concert on Friday, August 2, at Sugar Pine Point State Park.
This year’s lineup includes Loretta Lynch, The Real Sarahs and Josh Brough String Band, with special guests! Bring a lawn chair, blankets, warm clothes and your favorite dancing shoes as you delight in the bluegrass beats while the sun sets over Big Blue.
This event has sold out in the past few years, so you are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to ensure your attendance. Right now, pre-sale tickets cost $45 and tickets at the event will be $50. Parking is limited, so you are encouraged to carpool or get to the venue early.
Get event info here.
Buy your tickets here.
7th Annual Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival
Palisades, Olympic Valley, CA
August 3 & 4
Set amongst the picturesque Palisades Village, the Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival offers two full days of stunning mountain views, high-energy music and good vibes for all ages.
This year has an epic lineup with world-renowned headliners Shaggy, Atmosphere, Rebelution, Cypress Hill, Tribal Seeds and more! If you love reggae, you will not want to miss out on this music festival.
It is highly encouraged that you book your stay in advance as hotels and rentals book up quickly. Right now, Palisades is offering a special discount of 15% off lodging in the village with the promo code REGGAE24.
Get your lodging discount here.
Get event info here.
Buy your tickets here.
Truckee Music Fest
Truckee, CA
August 9 & 10
With Kip Moore and Sublime as headliners, Truckee Music Fest is set to be an unforgettable event! Set in the Riverview Sports Park, this family-friendly event is for everyone who loves music, food and the great outdoors. Plus, there’s a special discount price for Truckee and Tahoe locals.
Parking will be limited, and overnight parking is prohibited. Carpooling is highly encouraged, and a free bike valet will be available thanks to the Truckee Trails Foundation. Everyone who uses the bike valet will also receive a $5 voucher to use at the local vendor booths.
Lodging in the area is also limited, so it is encouraged that you book in advance. To help attendees find a comfortable local place to stay, Truckee Music Fest partnered with Tahoe Getaways to offer a special discounted rate of 10% off when you book using the code MUSICFEST2024. Some terms and conditions apply.
Book your stay here.
Get event info here.
Buy tickets here.
Photo: Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is held in an incredibly scenic venue at Sand Harbor State Park.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Sand Harbor State Park, NV
June 28 to August 25
Hosted in the stunning Sand Harbor State Park, the highly revered and renowned Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival aims to provide locals and international visitors alike with award-winning Elizabethan theatrical performances.
The legendary Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival has become a must-see summer tradition that integrates Shakespeare-inspired plays with live ballet, jazz and rock performances and educational opportunities. This year’s main performances are The Merry Wives of Windsor and Always… Patsy Cline. For younger audiences, Young Shakespeare offers free interactive shows with opportunities to participate on stage!
For drinks and dining, delight in the culinary options at Shakespeare’s Kitchen, offering fresh, on-site orders. This year they are offering charcuterie boards, salads, a taco bar, tri-tip, cheesecakes and more. Check out the full menu.
Make sure to book your seats in advance and get a parking pass to park in the Sand Harbor State Park parking lot. An entrance pass is required and costs $10 for the day. A rideshare or carpool is highly encouraged.
Get event info and purchase tickets here.
7th Annual Tahoe Brewfest
South Lake Tahoe, CA
August 24
Held on Ski Run Boulevard, Tahoe Brewfest is a celebration of local and out-of-state craft brews, community and the great outdoors.
With more than 40 featured participating breweries, as well as kombucha and cider vendors, this event promises to have something for everyone. As most of the drinks are alcoholic, it is encouraged that you find a responsible ride, utilize public transportation or walk or bike to the event. And drink responsibly!
For those looking for lodging, Harvey’s is offering a VIP Package Deal with a 10% room discount only available to Brewfest VIP ticket holders. There is more information on the official event website.
Get event info, tickets and lodging info here.
Reno Jazz Orchestra on Stage with Camille Thurman
Reno, NV and Sand Harbor, NV
Aug 25 & 26
Don’t miss your chance to see Camille Thurman, an award-winning rising composer, vocalist and saxophonist, as she joins the acclaimed Reno Jazz Orchestra in Reno and Sand Harbor for a star-studded collaboration this August. Often likened to Ella Fitzgerald, Camille was recently named one of the 10 Rising Female Instrumentalists You Should Know by SF Jazz.
The August 25 performance will be held at the Nightingale Concert Hall in Reno, and the August 26 performance will be held at the Warren Edward Trepp Stage in Sand Harbor State Park.
Get event info here.
Get August 25 tickets here.
Get August 26 tickets here.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
