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One of the gifts of summer in Lake Tahoe is the plethora of outdoor concerts that are free to the public.
Throughout the basin, there are various opportunities to enjoy the evening mountain air, good friends and excellent music. The settings vary from sandy beaches to grassy amphitheaters, but the commonality is the fantastic stage that offers a unique delivery of live music. This area has its fair share of concert series that showcase impressive musicians from near and far. The combination of settings and musicianship makes Tahoe's outdoor music scene something to be treasured.
With summer halfway over already, if you haven't made it to one of Tahoe's free concert series, then be sure to put it on the to-do list before it's too late. Keep reading to learn all about the different free live music series that are happening in the basin.
Photo: Dancing with friends at Commons Beach is the making for great memories. Photo courtesy of Concerts at Commons Beach
Summer Concert Series at Commons Beach
Tahoe City
Most definitely a favorite outing for anyone who calls North Tahoe home, the Summer Concert Series at Commons Beach is in a spectacular setting with a stage that is literally a few feet from the water. The dance floor is grass, beach or water, if swimming and tapping your toes at the same time is your thing. You are also invited to come by boat – whether motorized or by paddle – to enjoy the music from the water's edge. The band lineup is filled with local, regional and national performers that are sure to get you into the groove. Music is every Sunday until September 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. Shows that are still to come include Peter Joseph Burtt & The King Tide on July 24, Speakease on July 31, Wild Child followed by The Beer Gardeners on August 7, Home on August 14, the beloved local band Dead Winter Carpenters on August 21 (a must-do show, by the way), Mescalito on August 31 and the final show, The Blues Monsters & Friends on September 4.
Music On The Beach
Kings Beach
Offering one of the best views and settings for a free outdoor concert, Music On The Beach is a Friday event that happens until September 2. The venue is located directly on the sandy shores of Lake Tahoe and offers life-changing sunset opportunities while you dance the evening away. Now in its 16th year, this concert series is literally a part of the definition for a summer in Lake Tahoe. In other words, you have to check it out. It truly is one of the most beautiful places to enjoy great music. Music runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. There is beer by Alibi Ale Works and wine from Truckee River Winery as well as non-alcoholic drinks. There are food vendors available from 6 to 9 p.m. as well. Do not bring pets or outside alcohol. Concerts still on the hit list include The Sextones on July 29, Bicicletas Por La Paz on August 12, Dusty Green Bones Band on August 19, Sneaky Creatures on August 26 and Achilles Wheel September 2.
Enjoyment and free music at Commons Beach go hand in hand. Photo by Clare Foster
Free Summer Concert Series at Heavenly Village
South Lake Tahoe
A gathering hosted by The Shops at Heavenly Village, this Friday and Saturday evening (and sometimes Sundays too) concert series is a wonderful way to enjoy the resort and experience the splendor that is Heavenly. Considered to be Lake Tahoe's largest free summer concert series, this event is special because it offers a family-friendly environment. With musical talent known both regionally and nationally, the concert series is certain to offer a little something for everyone. The concerts are held at two different venues, depending on the show. You can find the free concerts near the Gunbarrel Tavern and Fire + Ice or in front of Azul Latin Kitchen. Shows start at 5:45 p.m. Some acts still to come include Joy and Madness on Friday, August 6, Island of Black and White on Friday, August 20 and One Way Street, their final show, on Sunday, September 5. To see a full concert lineup, visit the Shops at Heavenly Village website.
Live at Lakeview
South Lake Tahoe
Hosted by Tahoe Wellness Center and On Course Events, the return of the Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series after the pandemic has put smiles on amny people's faces. A weekly Thursday occurrence, this community gathering is all about enjoying friends and great music at the same time. It's located at Lakeview Commons, where you can expect stunning views, local vendors selling their wares as well as paddleboard rentals, amphitheater seating and a huge sandy beach to enjoy. To help with parking and traffic, there is a free bike valet service as well as free parking available at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center. It's a fantastic venue for the entire family, but four-legged family members are asked to stay at home. Shows still on the calendar include Ideateam on July 28, Dennis Johnson & The Revelators on August 4, the Jimbo Scott String Band on August 11, Boot Juice on August 18 and Tahoe Tribe on August 25.
The venue at Live at Lakeview belongs in the category of spectacular. Photo courtesy of Live at Lakeview
Bluesdays Concerts
Palisades Tahoe
A favorite for all who love the blues, Palisades Tahoe's Bulesdays is an epic chance to enjoy the mountains while listening to top-notch musicians. Featuring impressive blues masters every Tuesday until August 30 on the Events Plaza, this airy, roomy venue offers plenty of space to dance and enjoy some fantastic people-watching. Music runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There's a Blues Bar serving beer, wine and spirits as well as grab-and-go food from different village restaurants. Limited seating is available, so bring your own low-back chair for the Music Venue Seated Area if you plan on sitting. A pro tip: Start your evening off right by stopping by Uncorked between 5 and 6 p.m. to get your special Bluesday glass of white or red wine for $8, a Bluesday beer for $4 and/or a combo plate of cheese and charcuterie for $10. The musicians still to play include Aki Kumar on August 2, JC Smith on August 9, Studebaker John & The Hawks on August 16 and Eddie 9V on August 23.
Sunsets Live Music Series
Palisades Tahoe
Also happening at Palisades Tahoe, Sunsets Live Music Series is a collection of different genres of music to delight you. The stage is either at the Events Plaza (the same as Bluesday) or at Mid Village, with each Friday event offering a different vibe, different people and different beats. The music flows from 5 to 7 p.m. with no show planned for August 12. Concerts that are on the calendar include Chi McClean on July 29 at Mid Village, the Mighty Mike Schermer Duo at the Events Plaza on August 5, Chi McClean again at the Mid Village on August 19 and Jeff Jones Band for the finale on August 26.
Truckee Thursdays Summer Street Festival
Truckee
Truckee Thursdays may be the most popular weekly gathering that happens in the Lake Tahoe basin. Considered the feel-good event of the century, this festival is more than just an outdoor concert series. It is the coming together of exuberant summertime energy in the form of live music, children's activities, a beer garden, a huge assortment of artisan vendors selling their treasures as well as an incredible food court. You will also find the local downtown merchants getting into the action with sidewalk sales and other fun activities. This is truly the place to be seen in Lake Tahoe, and there are only three more opportunities. Still on the schedule are Mescalito on July 28, Wolf Jett on August 4 and Dirty Cello on August 11.
There's nothing quite as fun as dancing to live music on a sandy beach. Photo by Larry Sabo Photography
Music in the Park
Truckee
An absolute favorite way for the locals of Truckee to gather, Music in the Park is set in a beautiful amphitheater park that serves up perfect acoustics. Offering a grassy field for dancing and gathering as well as a dance pit, Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District in partnership with the Val Videgain Team offers a community gathering like no other. Happening every Wednesday until August 31, this is maybe one of the best venues for enjoying music with your kids. Music runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Smoking is not allowed and neither are dogs, and it is asked that you supervise your children at all times. Musicians still on the lineup include Aldo Lopez Gavilan on July 27, Down the Rabbit Hole on August 3, Mark Mackay on August 10, Poor Man's Whiskey on August 17, Deja Vu on August 24 and Beatles Flashblack on August 31.
Please visit our Daytime and Nightlife sections to learn about other fun events happening around Lake Tahoe this week and beyond.
About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
