Family Friendly Lake Tahoe Beaches
Wondering where to take the kids this Saturday?... Read Article
In just a few weeks, people in the Tahoe-Truckee region will be out celebrating Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kickoff of the summer season. It’s hard to believe that summer is almost upon us, as this year has seemingly flown by!
Summer in Tahoe-Truckee is magical. Long summer days awaken the region, encouraging the locals and visitors to maximize their time outdoors in the plentiful sunshine. The energy is high, and the opportunities for adventure, entertainment and community connections are endless. Trails open up for hiking and biking, the lake is enjoyed by paddleboarders, kayakers and boaters, and festivals, live music events, speaker series and fairs fill up schedules.
Below, I have curated a list of some of the region’s most exciting events to add to your itinerary and help you kick off summer like a local!
Check out the lively local art, food and entertainment at Made in Tahoe Festival at Palisades. Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe
Made in Tahoe Spring Festival at The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Celebrate the local community at the Made in Tahoe Festival at Palisades Tahoe and kick off the summer season with an energetic and eclectic variety of artisans, musicians, food vendors, entertainers, entrepreneurs and organizations.
In partnership with the North Tahoe Community Alliance, Made in Tahoe is a vibrant showcase of the Tahoe-Truckee region. This year, proceeds will benefit the Tahoe Food Hub, a nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable access to local sustainable food sources in the region.
To help ease traffic and parking concerns, a free on-site bike valet will be offered in partnership with the Lake Tahoe Bike Coalition and NTCA.
Time/Date: Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
The Summer Concert Series is free and fun for the whole family! Photo Credit: The Shops at Heavenly Village
Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series
Kick off the summer with The Shops at Heavenly Village's signature free and family-friendly Summer Concert Series. Starting Memorial Day weekend and lasting through Labor Day weekend, this event is a summer staple in the South Lake Tahoe community.
The Summer Concert Series is an exciting entertainment showcase of all genres of music, featuring local and nationally recognized bands. The concert series officially begins on May 23 with Greg Austin and Southern Justice and lasts through the holiday weekend with Jackeyes on the 24th and Guilty as Charged on the 25th. This concert will continue with shows every Friday and Saturday plus Sundays that fall on holidays. Each show begins at 5:45 p.m. and last until 9:15 p.m. It is highly recommended to carpool, use public transportation or arrive via sustainable transportation like cycling or walking to lessen the effects on community traffic. If you will be driving, arrive early to ensure parking.
Other notable artists featured at this special event series include Huckleberry Road, Spazmatics and Pamela Parker. Check the schedule so you don't miss your favorite artists or new talent to add to your playlist! Date and Time: Every Friday and Saturday and holiday Sundays, from 5:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Location: The Shops at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic
Sip wine, shop and explore Tahoe City at their signature summer event, Tahoe City Food and Wine Classic, held on June 7. Support and interact with the community as you sample varietals from Northern California’s finest wineries, taste the hearty flavors from local cuisine by award-winning chefs and restaurants, and browse through lakeside storefronts and vendor booths.
This is a wonderful way to support local businesses, get moving, enjoy beautiful summer weather and experience everything Tahoe City has to offer. Tasting stations featuring wine and brews will be set up throughout Tahoe City downtown, making it easy to explore the vendors with an afternoon stroll.
You are highly encouraged to carpool or find public or sustainable forms of transportation, as alcohol is involved.
Date/Time: Saturday, June 7 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Tahoe City Downtown
Tahoe Joy Festival
Celebrate summer joy, delight in the sounds of locally loved bands and student musicians, and browse through the vendor lineup, showcasing food and drink items, arts and crafts and local organizations.
This free, family-friendly event, now in its third successful year, will raise funds and awareness for local nonprofits, including the Tahoe Truckee School of Music, which offers lessons, group classes and performance opportunities to musicians of all ages and experiences.
Peter Joseph Burtt and The Kingtide will headline this event with their eclectic infusion of blues, reggae and folk. Other notable artists to look out for include Matt Axton and Badmoon, Mescalito, Lindsay and The Cheeks, and Linka Moja.
Date/Time: Sunday, June 8 from 12 to 6 p.m.
Location: Commons Beach, Tahoe City
Meet local artisans and create your own masterpiece at the Truckee Roundhouse Maker Show. Photo Credit: Truckee Roundhouse
Truckee Roundhouse Maker Show
Visit the “makerspace” at the 9th annual Truckee Roundhouse Maker Show, where you can get a chance to create your own masterpieces alongside inspiring local artisans, sculptors, jewelers, metal workers, inventors, visionaries and more. Ignite your imagination and creative spark as you meet the makers and get to put your creativity to work sewing, candle making, wood turning and screen printing.
Alongside these creative spaces will be food and drink vendors, kids' activities and raffles.
Date/Time: Sunday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Truckee Airport
Music on the Beach
Starting June 13, kick off your weekends dancing to lively music and taking in lovely beachfront views with Music on the Beach, a free Kings Beach tradition celebrating regional musicians every Friday night.
Suika T and Band will be headlining the first evening, fusing groovy sounds of funk, reggae, hip hop and Latin beats. Other notable artists include Peter Joseph Burtt and King Tide, Coburn Station and The Blues Monsters.
Arrive early to secure a great spot!
Date/Time: June 13 to August 29, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Learn about Tahoe and its rich history at the Gatekeepers Museum Speaker Series. Photo Credit: Gatekeepers Museum
Gatekeepers Museum Speaker Series
Are you interested in learning more about Tahoe and its storied history and culture? Join passionate local storytellers, historians and cultural experts in this special speaker series, a unique opportunity to learn more about the region from experts intent on preserving its rich history and historical sites and connecting with the community through education and events.
The speaker series kicks off with “Archaeology of the Tahoe Basin,” a lecture and presentation by Lizzie Pintar, an acclaimed anthropological archaeologist. Make sure to RSVP early to ensure your seat.
Dates/Times:
June 26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
August 15 from 1 to 2 p.m.
August 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: 130 W. Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City
Experience Downtown Truckee as it transforms into a family-friendly street fair on Thursday nights. Photo Credit: Truckee Thursdays
Truckee Thursdays
Downtown Truckee transforms into a large-scale street festival every Thursday starting June 26.
Featuring live music entertainment, local food trucks and vendors, an alcohol area for adult beverages, artisan and craft vendor booths, and a children’s area, this family-friendly event truly has something for everyone. Whether you're a long-time local or new visitor, Truckee Thursdays is an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant community, sample local flavors and dance the night away under the sunset and stars.
Dates/Times: Every Thursday June 26 to August 14 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Truckee
For more fun things to do all summer long, stay up to date with our Daytime and Nightlife pages.
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. 
