A Testament to Excellence
All five-star reviews across Yelp. Five-star... Read Article
Fall in the Tahoe-Truckee region is nothing short of whimsical. Although we still have a few weeks left of summer, we can already feel fall coming. The morning air is crisp, the days are getting shorter, and the leaves are starting to turn. It’s almost time to grab our favorite cozy sweaters, boots and hot drinks to enjoy by a fireplace after a long day of making the best out of mountain adventures before the first snowfall.
While fall might be considered a quiet season for tourism, here in Tahoe-Truckee, we appreciate the in-between moments. Although the trails and lakes might not be as busy, our calendar of events says otherwise.
Below, I have curated a list of exciting events to check out this fall. From Tahoe City Oktoberfest, to Tahoe Literary Fest to athletic events, there are events for everyone to enjoy.
Photo: Grab your traditional Bavarian outfits and head to Palisades for Oktoberfest at the Village. Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe
Tahoe City Oktoberfest
Celebrate the start of fall in Tahoe City with the beloved community Oktoberfest event, now in its 20th year. Held at the Gatekeeper’s Museum and William B. Layton State Park, this free, family-friendly, Bavarian-inspired event showcases brews, delicious local food, games, vendors and artisans, live music and children’s crafts and bounce house.
To alleviate stress from traffic and parking issues, there will be a free bike valet on site, as well as various shuttle services from Olympic Valley and the West Shore. If you are driving, arrive early as this event is extremely popular and parking can be challenging.
Admission is free, but tickets are required for the Beer Garden.
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 12 to 5 p.m.
Location: Gatekeeper’s Museum and William B. Layton State Park, Tahoe City, CA
More Information here
Celebrate fall, food and drink and the local community at Tahoe City Oktoberfest. Photo Credit: Visit Tahoe City
Sand Harbor Sharkfest Swim Lake Tahoe
Take your swimming skills to the next level at Big Blue Adventure Sand Harbor Sharkfest open-water swim race, the fourth and last race of this season’s Sierra Open Water Swim Series.
Located at the world-renowned Sand Harbor State Park, this open-water swim race is a fun and challenging way to test your swimming skills, endurance and mental fortitude while surrounded by crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine landscapes. The races begin at 8 a.m. sharp. You are highly advised to get there as early as possible to secure parking and prepare for your event.
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Sand Harbor State Park, NV
More Information here
Oktoberfest at Palisades Tahoe
On Saturday, September 26, The Village at Palisades will transform into an open-air Bavarian-themed festival, complete with traditional food, beer, live music, entertainment, dancing and the beloved OktoberGames.
This family-friendly event is sponsored by the North Tahoe Chamber of Commerce and funded by the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work. This year, the Oktoberfest event will benefit the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation.
Attendees are encouraged to carpool or use shuttles and public transportation to alleviate traffic congestion and parking issues.
Tickets are required to enter. Children younger than 12 get in free.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 12 to 6 p.m.
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
More Information here
Great Trail Race
The Great Trail Race is an exhilarating mountain bike, gravel bike and trail running race from Truckee to Tahoe City. This race comes with two divisions, Elite and Classic. The Elite Course runs approximately 21.55 miles and takes you through challenging terrain on parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail, Tevis Trail and Sawtooth Trail. The Classic course, running approximately 16.5 miles, takes you through the stunning Tahoe National Forest.
Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: Check-in at 7 a.m., races begin at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Truckee to Tahoe City
More Information here
Get inspired to share your story as you learn from top storytellers, authors, poets, songwriters and community leaders at the Tahoe Literary Festival. Photo Credit: Tahoe Literary Festival
Tahoe Literary Festival
Fall in Tahoe-Truckee isn’t just food and drink festivals, foliage and cozy evenings. It’s also a season for storytelling and creative community bonding.
Held October 9 to 11, the Tahoe Literary Festival returns for a three-day weekend celebration of storytelling and the local community with an incredible lineup of author and songwriter showcases, readings, conversations, workshops, a book fair and community open mic night.
This festival intends to inspire creativity and bring together aspiring and established authors and storytellers in Lake Tahoe, one of the best locations to inspire creativity.
Dates: October 9 to 11
Location: Various locations in Tahoe City, CA
More Information here
Truckee Oktoberfest
“Not your average Oktoberfest!” Truckee Oktoberfest, a celebration of the fall season and region, elevates the entire Bavarian-themed festivity lineup with craft brews, traditional food, live music, stunning guided hikes, yoga classes, games and family-friendly activities. It’s fun for all ages!
This three-day festival invites locals and visitors to explore and support local businesses and foundations while enjoying delicious beverages, food, adventures and community connections.
Dates: October 9 to 11
Location: Truckee
More Information here
Celebrate fall with one of Tahoe Donner's largest and most renowned community events! Photo Credit: Tahoe Donner
15th Annual Tahoe Donner Fall Festival
Celebrate family-friendly fall festivities at the 15th Annual Fall Festival. Held at the Northwoods Clubhouse, this event has a full lineup of activities for all ages to enjoy, including a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, bounce houses, lawn games, climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, bocce ball, a petting zoo, live music entertainment, pony rides, archery, food and drinks and more!
If you’d like to extend the festivities into the evening, Pizza on the Hill will be open at 4 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 10
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Northwoods Clubhouse
More Information here
Made in Tahoe Festival at Palisades Tahoe
Celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and community at the free, family-friendly Made in Tahoe Festival at The Village at Palisades Tahoe.
This two-day weekend festival showcases the work of local artisans, creators, businesses, chefs, musicians, entertainers and entrepreneurs. All proceeds from the Made in Tahoe bars will go to benefit the Tahoe Food Hub.
To help alleviate traffic and parking issues, and encourage sustainable travel, a free bike valet will be on-site.
Date: October 10 and 11
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
More Information 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. 
