The Perfect Home Base in Incline Village
The Incline Lodge is the North Shore’s only... Read Article
We're just a few weeks away from the annual North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST, the region's premier 10-day festival celebrating the community, unique mountain culture, and local businesses and organizations.
With 50 events in the lineup, plus North Lake Tahoe’s only firework display, this event will surely be enjoyed by locals and visitors of all ages. From watching parades and dog pulls to taking the polar plunge to dancing to live music to golfing in the snow, there’s an exciting event for everyone to put on their itinerary. Events take place around North Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Olympic Valley, Truckee, Incline Village and Homewood.
Below, I have outlined some of the major upcoming events to make your SNOWFEST experience one to remember. Make sure to check out the official website to see the entire exciting lineup!
Head to GarWoods to kick off the SNOWFEST festivities! Photo Credit: GarWoods.
SNOWFEST Kickoff Party at GarWoods
February 26
Head to GarWoods to kick off the festivities, eat delicious cuisine and dance to the tunes of The Blues Monsters, featuring Kendall Naughton. This year’s SNOWFEST Scholarship Candidates will be officially introduced here, so stay and show your support. The SNOWFEST Scholarship Candidates are local high school seniors who raise money for community nonprofits and organizations through fundraising and online ticket sales.
Time and Date: Wednesday, February 26 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Location: 5000 North Lake Boulevard Carnelian Bay
Le Chamois SNOWFEST Back to the Valley Throwback Party
February 28
Grab your brightest retro ski outfit, assemble your ski crew and head to Le Chamois and Loft Bar, a local favorite for aprés celebrations. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ski area, Le Chamois will have a DJ, food and drinks. This special event will benefit the Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation. Le Chamois will also be selling commemorative SNOWFEST shirts to help support the event on location.
Date and Time: Friday, February 28, 2 to 5 p.m.
Location: 1960 Olympic Valley Rd, Olympic Valley
The Tahoe City SNOWFEST Street Faire is fun for all ages! Wear your Mardi Gras-themed attire! Photo Credit: North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST.
Tahoe City SNOWFEST Street Faire
March 1
Formerly known as the Tahoe City Parade, this family-favorite event is now a street faire, complete with a Best in Show competition, live performances, exhibits, creative floats, shovel brigade, ski platoon and various local vendors. This year’s theme is Lake Tahoe Mountain Mardi Gras, so come dressed to impress and ready to gather beads! It is also advised to arrive early or carpool to ease traffic and find an ideal parking spot.
Date and Time: Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Tahoe City, 500 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Are you brave enough to take the plunge in the Polar Bear Swim? Photo Credit: GarWoods
GarWoods Polar Bear Swim
March 1
Are you brave enough to take the polar plunge? Get your wetsuit (or if you’re feeling extremely bold, just your swimsuit) and meet the participants at the GarWoods pier for a test of mental and physical endurance! There will be cash prizes for first, second, and third place finishers. The training begins now!
Date and Time: Saturday, March 1, Warmup at 1:30 p.m., Race at 2:30 p.m.
Location: Gar Woods Pier, 5000 N. Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay
Tahoe City Fireworks with The Nomads
March 1
Don’t miss out on North Lake Tahoe’s only remaining firework display, held at the Tahoe City Golf Course. This family-friendly event will feature live music from The Nomads and delicious food and drinks from Cafe Zeon. Arrive early to reserve an ideal spot and layer up, as it gets colder once the sun goes down!
Date and Time: Saturday, March 1, 5:30 p.m.
Location: Tahoe City Golf Course, 251 N. Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City
Get your skis ready for The Great Ski Race, a Tahoe classic! Photo Credit: Tahoe XC.
The Great Ski Race at Tahoe XC
March 2
A Tahoe classic since 1977, The Great Ski Race is one of the largest, and most exciting, cross-country ski races west of the Mississippi River. This event benefits the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a local nonprofit and all-volunteer organization. It is open to cross-country pros and novices who want to start their very first event. There will be two distances to choose from (26 km and 10km), and multiple starting times based on experience and ability.
Spectators are also welcome to attend and partake in cheering on the participants and raising donations.
Date: Sunday, March 2
Location: Tahoe City XC Center, 925 Country Club Drive, Tahoe City
Tahoe City Dog Pull
March 2
Cheer on the adorable four-legged athletes as they race to benefit the Palisades Avalanche Dogs. Hosted by Alpine Power Equipment, this event will be held at Winter Sports Park, located directly behind Pete and Peter's in Tahoe City. Make sure to dress warmly!
Time and Date: Sunday, March 2, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: 395 N. Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
More Information: https://www.tahoesnowfest.org/schedule
Za's 9th Annual Clam Bake: March 3
Enjoy a delicious traditional clam bake while you take in some of the best views of the lake at Za's for their 9th annual Clam Bake! Each plate includes one pound of steamed clams, chicken, corn and potatoes. Come with an appetite!
Date and Time: Monday, March 3, 5-8 p.m.
Location: Za's Lakefront, 120 Grove Street, Tahoe City
Bring your golf clubs and warm layers for the Alaskan Snow Golf Tournament! Photo Credit: SNOWFEST
8th Annual Alaskan Snow Golf Tournament
March 8
Get out your gold clubs and warmest layers for a day of pure fun on a snow-covered course to benefit the Gateway Mountain Center! You can even play on skis or snowshoes if you'd like. The game is played with tennis balls, and each player is allowed three golf clubs. Assemble a team and get creative with your attire, as it is highly encouraged to don Caddyshack or Hot Dog the Movie inspired wear. Food and drinks will be available from Cafe Zenon. This event is sure to sell out, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance!
Date and Time: Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, 251 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City
Click this link for the complete list of the events happening at Lake Tahoe.
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. 
