Don't Miss These August Festivals and Fundraisers in Lake Tahoe

If you wish to experience Tahoe in the summer but want to avoid peak-season crowds, August is the time to come.

I love August in Tahoe. The weather is warm, the days are still long and sunny, the morning waters are calm, the sunsets are stunning, and the crowds are sparser than in July. Yet, there is still a vibrant energy in the air along with plentiful celebrations around the lake.

It’s a time to enjoy the long days of summer before fall comes around and the temperatures drop and green foliage turns shades of yellow and orange. It’s a time when families still frolic on the pristine shores before school begins. It’s a time when event calendars are still full, and locals and visitors get outside to enjoy music, entertainment, food, drinks, arts and outdoor recreation opportunities. There’s truly something for everyone

Photo above: The Concours d'Elegance is loved by locals and visitors of all ages! Photo credit: Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance

Below, I have curated a list of upcoming August events around the lake to help you make the best of your Tahoe trip. Enjoy!

Enjoy dancing under the stars to lively bluegrass. Photo credit: Big BLUEGrass Benefit Concert

Big BLUEGrass Benefit Concert

A Benefit for Sierra State Parks Foundation

Friday, August 1

Nothing says "Tahoe" more than a dancing lakeside, under the stars, to lively bluegrass music. On Friday, August 1, the Big BLUEGrass Benefit Concert kicks off the month of August with a night of live professional bluegrass music, delicious local cuisine, wine, beer and stunning views of our favorite big blue lake. Held at Sugar Pine Point State Park, this concert will benefit the Sierra State Parks Foundation.

Featuring Marin County Breakdown, Hattie Craven & Natalie Hagwood, and the Jessica Malone Band, this is one lineup you don't want to miss! Previous years have sold out, and all presale tickets are sold out. It is encouraged to arrive early to get your tickets at the door, which opens at 4 p.m. Make sure to arrive early for parking, which is $10. Carpooling is highly encouraged!

Doors open at 4 p.m., music begins at 5 p.m. Bring extra layers to keep warm and a lawn chair or blanket for your space. 

Location: Sugar Pine Point State Park, 7595 Highway 89, Day Use Side of the Park (not campground side), Tahoma, CA

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Witness exceptional symphony performances in the stunning forested venue at Classical Tahoe. Photo credit: Classical Tahoe

Classical Tahoe

Various dates through August 10 

You truly have to see it to believe in the magic of Classical Tahoe! With an incredible lineup of world-class orchestra, chamber music, rising young jazz musicians, dance and family concerts, Classical Tahoe brings an inspiring collection of talent to the Sierras. What sets this event apart is the sensational sensory fusion of music and nature. The venue, Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion, is perfectly nestled in the towering pines, just minutes from the pristine Incline Beach shoreline.

Now in its 14th season, it offers delightful performances by some of the world's most recognized talent, including musicians from the San Francisco Symphony, L.A. Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, amongst others. 

Location: University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, NV 

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Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance

Friday & Saturday, August 8 & 9

“This isn’t just a show. It’s a lifestyle.” Held on the stunning and secluded West Shore, the 51st Annual Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance is a luxurious showcase of classical wooden boats. As North America’s Premier Wooden Boat Show, the Concours prides itself on not only being an exciting display of unique watercraft, but also a prestigious event that serves as a passionate platform to educate the public about the history and evolution of wooden boats. This two-day event also offers live jazz entertainment, a delicious menu from local chefs paired with wine and craft cocktails, a silent auction from local luxury vendors, and networking opportunities.

This year, there will be an exciting Marque Class of 100th Anniversary GarWoods Boats on display. It’s a must-see!

Proudly presented by the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation and Tahoe Luxury Properties, the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance delivers a portion of each ticket purchase straight back into the Tahoe community. Their goal is to preserve the environment and history of the basin, to be enjoyed for generations to come. Some of the beneficiaries over the years have included the Tahoe Maritime Museum, North Lake Tahoe Arts, California State Parks Foundation and more. 

Reservations are required. It is advised to arrive early for parking and to reserve your spot for the exhibition.

Location: Obexer’s Boat Company, 5300 W. Lake Boulevard, Suite B, Homewood, CA 

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Experience Classic Rodeo Events, BBQ and Carnival Games at the 2025 Summer Festival. Photo Credit: Keep Memory Alive

2025 Summer Festival and Rodeo

Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10

Every year, Keep Memory Alive hosts the beloved family-friendly Summer Festival and Rodeo at Shakespeare Ranch, a stunning lakeside venue in Glenbrook. This weekend event, featuring classical rodeo events like bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, ribbon roping and carnival games, benefits the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. 

In addition to the thrilling rodeo events, the Summer Festival activities include a delicious BBQ menu, live music performances, a watermelon-eating contest, face painting and a silent auction.

Saturday, August 9, is the day for rodeo enthusiasts! Here, you will get to see rodeo events and participate in carnival games and kid-friendly activities. After the events, BBQ and auction, dance the night away with live music entertainment under the Sierra stars.

On Sunday, August 10, there will be a lakeside automobile showcase, highlighting rare and classic luxury cars. Enjoy chef-curated menu items and sip craft cocktails and wines as you walk through the exhibition and mingle with other attendees.

Location: Shakespeare Ranch, 907 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 20B, Incline Village, NV

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History buffs will love the Great Gatsby Festival, held at the Tallac Historical Site. Photo credit: Tallac Historical Site/Great Basin Institute

Great Gatsby Festival

Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10

"Return to the Roaring 20's" in the 38th Annual Great Gatsby Festival, held at the Pope and Baldwin Estates at the Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe. Beloved by history buffs, this two-day festival is a celebration of the culture during the Prohibition Era and includes a fashion show, live jazz entertainment from the Jared Blum Band, vintage vendors, dance lessons, lawn games, delicious catered food and drinks, estate tours and more! 

Ticket reservations in advance are highly encouraged, and parking is first-come, first-served. Parking is limited, so it is highly advised to arrive early or carpool. Additional parking can be found at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. Biking is highly encouraged as well, and the event venue is conveniently accessible via a bike path.

Location: Tallac Historic Site, 1 Heritage Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA

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Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes will perform at Granlibakken Resort on August 17. Photo credit: Tahoe Music Alive

Tahoe Music Alive presents Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes: Two Jazz Pianos

Thursday, August 17

One of the finest piano duos in jazz history, Grammy award winners Renee Rosnes and Bill Charlap perform four-hand piano duets that traverse many of the couple’s musical touchstones in jazz. About their acclaimed duet recording, Double Portrait (Blue Note), Downbeat stated, “The counterpoint and compatibilities are so perfectly balanced, the selections and arrangements so handsome, that Double Portrait is a prize.”

Charlap has performed with many of the leading artists of our time, from Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett to Phil Woods and Ron Carter. Over her storied career Rosnes has established a reputation of the highest regard, touring and recording with such masters as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, JJ Johnson, Buster Williams and James Moody. ​

Held on August 17 from 7 to 9 p.m., this Tahoe Music Alive concert is sponsored by the North Tahoe Community Alliance. The setting is the stunning Granlibakken Resort in Tahoe City. General Admission is $50; Patron $70; Students $10. The nonprofit Tahoe Music Alive organizes multiple events throughout the year, providing opportunities for community engagement and musical education. 

2025 Tahoe Brewfest

Saturday, August 23

Now in its eighth year, Tahoe Brewfest is a celebration of everything that makes South Lake Tahoe so special. Expect stunning Sierra views ot the various beaches along the sparkling shores, delicious craft beer and food, a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities and, most importantly, the vibrant and diverse community.

On Saturday, August 23, you will have the chance to sample some of the Sierra's most beloved local brews and some favorites from across the West Coast, including South Lake Brewing Company, Cold Water Brewery and Grill and Tahoe National Brewing Company. In total, there will be more than 40 breweries to try, which is around double of last year's event! 

Tahoe Brewfest is proudly hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe and proceeds will raise funds for this incredible organization.

Parking is limited, and carpooling is highly encouraged to ensure parking and limit traffic congestion.

Location: Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA

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The Shakespeare Festival delights audience members of all ages. Photo credit: Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Various dates through August 24

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is one of the most iconic and widely recognized events in the region, and for good reason. This exceptional family-friendly showcase has delighted locals and visitors from all around the world with engaging performances and educational programs, set on an idyllic lakeside stage in the stunning Sand Harbor State Park. 

This year, for its 53rd season, audiences can choose to see the romantic comedy Twelfth Night or the Peter Pan prequel Peter and the Starcatcher. Or both!

To go with the incredible entertainment, Brimm's Catering is on-site to provide high-quality meals at Shakespeare's Kitchen, open from 5:30 to 7:20 p.m. and open again during intermission. Everything here is made fresh, made-to-order and made to satisfy your appetite! Some of the popular items include charcuterie appetizers, Tahoe Taco Salad and BBQ Tri-Tip. 

Tickets are available online, and it is highly encouraged to buy them far in advance so you get your desired seat. Parking is available at Sand Harbor State Park, but carpooling, public transportation and cycling are highly encouraged to promote sustainable practices and decrease traffic congestion.

Location: Sand Harbor State Park, 2005 Highway 28, Incline Village, NV

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Event Tips from a Local:

• As with any event in Tahoe, plan accordingly and arrive early to ensure you get a good parking spot and avoid traffic or construction.

• If possible, try to carpool, walk or ride a bike to the event. Most events now utilize free on-site bike valet, and it’s also a great way to get a workout in before the event!

• Come prepared. Bring water in a reusable bottle, sunscreen and appropriate layers. Nights can get a lot cooler in August, especially toward the end of the month. 

• Leave no trace and have fun!