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Labor Day is over, and we can feel fall slowly starting here in the Sierras. The sun is setting earlier, there’s a crisp chill in the evening air, and life is starting to slow down as the summer season winds down. However, the Tahoe-Truckee region is still alive with events, endless outdoor recreation and opportunities to take it all in.
September, also fondly known as “local’s summer,” is one of the best times to visit the Tahoe-Truckee region. The days are still sunny and warm, and local attractions are much more attainable, as the summertime crowds have dispersed. But the community events still manage to bring locals and visitors together to celebrate the season with live music, delicious food and drink, athletic events, festivals and nonprofit gatherings.
Below, I have curated a list of some of the most exciting upcoming events in the region for the month of September. Enjoy!
The Tahoe Cup is an exciting 22-mile race from South Lake to Watermans Landing. Photo Credit: Watermans Landing
Tahoe Cup: Lake Crossing - Tahoe Waterman Paddle Racing 2025
September 12-14
Do you have what it takes to cross Lake Tahoe?
The Tahoe Cup: Lake Crossing is an extraordinary feat for paddleboarders, rowers, surf-skiers and outriggers. But this just isn’t any open-water race. This race covers 22 grueling miles from El Dorado Beach in South Lake Tahoe to Waterman’s Landing at the North Shore.
You can also join the exciting celebrations and watch racers come in through the finish line at Waterman’s Landing, located at Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay. You can make a whole day of watching the event, as Waterman’s has a cafe with delicious and healthy dining options.
The cut-off time for this race is 6.5 hours, which means the athletes are extremely experienced in their discipline and training. If you are left inspired to attempt this race, Waterman’s Landing has a passionate and dedicated group of instructors who can get you started. The official date will be announced before the event, as there is a three-day weather window.
Event Venue and Finish Line: Waterman’s Landing, Carnelian Bay, CA
More Information Here and Here
Celebrate movement and mindfulness at the OMNI Tahoe Yoga Festival. Photo Credit: OMNI Tahoe
OMNI Tahoe Yoga Festival
September 13 - 14
OMNI, a South Lake hot yoga and wellness center, will be hosting the Tahoe Yoga Festival, a weekend dedicated to movement, mindfulness, empowerment and connection. Held at the gondola and village at the beautiful Heavenly Mountain Resort, the OMNI Tahoe Yoga Festival will offer outdoor yoga sessions, somatic sound experiences, writing workshops, meditation and manifestation workshops, breathwork classes and more.
If you are passionate about finding meaning through movement, creativity and mindfulness practices, this is one event you will not want to miss!
Location: Heavenly Mountain Resort, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Head to Downtown Truckee to celebrate the vibrant community and mountain culture at the Truckee Community Block Party. Photo Credit: Town of Truckee
Truckee Community Block Party
September 18
On Thursday, September 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., the Town of Truckee is hosting an exciting new event in the heart of its charming downtown. This family-friendly event is a celebration of the vibrant community and culture, highlighting local businesses, artisans, musicians and flavors from beloved restaurants and chefs. Here, you will have a chance to sample delicious meals from food trucks, listen to live music performances, check out local arts and crafts and connect with community members.
Certain storefronts and galleries will also be participating in extending hours, so you have a chance to get familiar with local business owners and entrepreneurs. There will also be kid-friendly activities such as games and face painting to keep them entertained. Shuttles will offer easy access to the event and decrease traffic congestion and parking issues.
Location: Downtown Truckee
Tahoe Wine and Feast
September 18 - 21
Featuring more than 300 varieties of premium wine to taste and more than 50 renowned chefs offering their most notable small plates, the Tahoe Wine and Feast is a four-day event that is not to be missed by wine enthusiasts and foodies alike! This epicurean event, held at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, will kick off Thursday, September 18 with a Women of Wine brunch. Friday is Special Events and Seminars, and Saturday and Sunday will be the Grand Tastings. Carpooling and public transportation is highly encouraged
Location: Tahoe Blue Event Center, South Lake Tahoe
Try the Stein Squat, a fun Oktoberfest tradition! Photo Credit: Tahoe City Downtown Association
19th Annual Tahoe City Oktoberfest
September 20
As one of North Lake Tahoe’s most adored fall traditions, Tahoe City Oktoberfest is a family-friendly celebration of Bavarian culture, the start of the autumn season and our vibrant mountain community.
From noon to 5 p.m., you will get a chance to sample delicious Bavarian bites and brews, listen to live German music, play games such as the Stein Squat or yodeling contest by the lakeshore, and participate in the Lederhosen 5k, a fun themed-run from the Fanny Bridge along the Truckee River. Make sure to wear your lederhosen or dirndl!
For the kids, there will be an assortment of fun games and crafts to keep them entertained, such as pumpkin painting, balloon twisting, a Coloring Corner sponsored by the Gatekeepers Museum and a Story Trail with TC Friends of the Library.
Tickets are required for this event and can be bought in advance or at the door the day of.
To encourage sustainable transportation, a free bike valet will be offered at the event. It is also highly encouraged to carpool or take advantage of the public transportation services like TART.
Location: Gatekeeper’s Museum, 130 W. Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA
28th Annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day
September 20
Volunteer with Keep Tahoe Blue for a fun, educational and hands-on restoration project to help remove litter and improve functionality for our fragile ecosystem. You will remove invasive weeds, remove waste, plant seeds, plant wetland plugs, revegetate areas with native plants, create beaver dam analogs and learn about why each restoration attempt is so important to keeping the streams, meadows and wetland areas in Tahoe thriving.
Afterwards, you will celebrate and get to know community members with a lunch. Times are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Lam Watah Nature Trail, Stateline, NV
Head to The Village at Palisades Tahoe for an authentic Bavarian festival at their Oktoberfest! Photo Credit: Palisades Tahoe
Palisades Tahoe Oktoberfest
September 27
Head to The Village at Palisades Tahoe for a family-friendly day full of Bavarian-themed food, beer, live music, dancing and community-favorite Oktobergames at the 18th Annual Oktoberfest, proudly presented this year in partnership with the North Tahoe Community Alliance.
Known as “the largest Bavarian playground in North Lake Tahoe,” Palisades transforms into an authentic Oktoberfest with live music from Joe Smiell’s 20 Piece Bavarian Band and Alpentanz Kapelle Band, plus performances by various exciting dance troops.
This year, there will be a wider variety of non-alcoholic options for beverages, alongside locally loved menu items including brats, pretzels and desserts.
Don’t miss the epic Oktobergames, including the Stein Race and Brat Toss!
Tickets are available for pre-sale or you may pay at the door the day of the event. Hours of the event are noon to 6 p.m.
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Experience an action-packed weekend with live music, competitions, art and wellness at the Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival. Photo Credit: tahoegames.com
Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival
September 27 - 28
Head to South Lake Tahoe to experience the debut of a new event, the Tahoe Games Mountain Sports Festival, a celebration of everything related to outdoor adventures, mountain culture and building community.
Held at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater at Caesars Republic, this free, family-friendly event features live music performances by The Expendables and Jakobs Castle, a big air pro mountain bike competition, morning yoga sessions, live art, kids' activities, a health and wellness zone, local athlete showcases at The Smaine Fund Zone, food trucks and a vendor village.
To help alleviate traffic congestion and parking issues, a bike valet will be provided on-site.
Location: Lake Tahoe Amphitheater at Caesars Republic, South Lake Tahoe, CA
More Information Here and Here
For a whole lot more upcoming events in the Tahoe region, be sure to see our Events listings.
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. 
