ONGOING
June 13 to Aug. 29
COMMUNITY | Truckee Thursdays
Truckee Thursdays is a feel-good event that beckons the community to enjoy some exuberant downtown summertime energy. Offering a stage with live music, a food court with an eclectic selection of eats, children’s activities, a beer garden, and a wide variety of artisan vendors, it’s no wonder this lively weekly event is on both locals’ and visitors’ must-do list. In addition, attendees will find sidewalk sales and other activities hosted by downtown merchants, offering the opportunity to reacquaint with all Historic Downtown Truckee has to offer year-round. Info: free, truckeethursdays.com
ARTS & CULTURE | Shakespeare Festival
Entertainment, food, family, and friends will converge under the stars on the scenic shore of Lake Tahoe this summer as Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival launches its 2019 season. The festival will continue with an additional week of performances of its two mainstage productions. Showcasing live entertainment seven nights a week at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, the festival’s 47th season is headlined by productions of The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s uproarious battle of the sexes, and Million Dollar Quartet, a Tony-winning rock ‘n’ roll tribute. Info: tickets online at laketahoeshakespeare.com
June 13 to Aug. 31
EDUCATION | Tour the Stars
Tahoe Star Tours return this summer, encouraging curiosity and conversation around what may exist both within and beyond our galaxy, and offering compelling evenings of stargazing. Led by Tony Berendsen, an award-winning amateur astronomer, each tour is an awe-inspiring and educational evening under the stars in Northstar’s Dark Skies Cosmoarium. Info: $45/adults, $22.50/children; Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8:15 to 10:30 p.m.; Northstar California, Truckee, northstarcalifornia.com
June 29, July 13, Aug. 24 & Sept. 14
SPORTS | Tahoe Waterman Series
Calling all paddlers, kayakers, and recreational race enthusiasts. The Tahoe Cup Paddle Race series is celebrating its 12th summer of racing. This year’s events support the Lake Tahoe Waterman Association, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the California Tahoe Conservancy (the public land in Carnelian Bay). The series continues throughout the summer. Info and registration: gotahoenorth.com
Sundays
SPORTS | Family Fun Days at the Mountain Course
Every Sunday at the Incline Village Mountain Course, anyone under 18 plays free with a paying adult. Sundays feature tees with special (shorter) yardages, two cups on every hole — a regular 3-inch and a giant 8-inch cup, a fun, three-hole putt-putt course on the practice green, and a kid-friendly food menu. Sunday Family Fun Day is a great way to get the whole family into the sport of golf. Info: yourtahoeplace.com
Thursdays, July 11 to Aug. 29
FAMILY | Outdoor Movies at Squaw Valley
Enjoy movies such as Incredibles 2 and Captain Marvel every week on the big screen under the stars. Blankets and warm clothes are recommended. Info: free, 8:30 p.m., Village at Squaw Valley, squawalpine.com
Second Saturday of Every Month
COMMUNITY | Sidewalk Saturdays
Shop and have fun next to shimmering Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City with super specials, Sip ’n Shop, and live music in historic downtown. Info: May through September, free, 12 to 5 p.m., downtown Tahoe City, visittahoecity.org
JUNE
Thursday, June 13
COMMUNITY | Summer Solstice Classic Car Stroll
In the heart of Tahoe City, celebrate the beginning of summer and all of Tahoe City’s distinctive charms. Enjoy the Cobblestone Mall, a classic car stroll, a glass of wine from Uncorked, or beer at the Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company. Info: free, 6 to 8 p.m., Tahoe City, visittahoecity.org
Saturday, June 15
FOOD & DRINK | Tahoe City Wine Walk
Sip, shop, and explore Tahoe City along its scenic lakeside walkways while tasting wines from acclaimed Tahoe restaurants and caterers. Info: $55/adult, $20/designated driver (food only), 1 to 5 p.m., Boatworks Mall, Tahoe City, tahoecitywinewalk.com
SPORTS | Tour De Manure
Birds flutter in wetlands, hawks circle overhead, and hot springs spew steam above century-old ranches along California’s quirkiest ride through the headwaters of the Feather River. Sierra Valley’s Metric Century offers your choice of 60, 42, or 30-mile routes. Enjoy a ranch-style barbecue at the finish. Info: $70/adults, $30/kids 12 and under, Sierraville, tourdemanure.org
June 15 to July 3
MUSIC | Music in the Mountains SummerFest
For more than 37 years, this classical music fest has been one of the largest on the West Coast. From Beethoven, Bruch, and Amaryn, to an evening with brass, brats and brews, there’s something for everyone at this year’s SummerFest. Info: tickets and locations vary, musicinthemountains.org
June 20 to 29
COMMUNITY | Reno Rodeo
Get your boots on, partner, because this 10-day event is the wildest in the West. Events include bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, team roping, tie-down roping, mutton bustin’, and barrel racing. Info: tickets start at $13, Reno Rodeo Association, renorodeo.com
June 21 to 23
SPORTS | Broken Arrow Skyrace
The iconic trail running race is back. The Broken Arrow Skyrace, presented by Salomon, is California’s official Skyrunning event. The three-day event consists of three iconic distances characterized by off-trail scrambling on steep terrain with massive amounts of vertical gain and loss at altitude. Elite and recreational participants will experience an unforgettable trail running experience. This year participants can push themselves in 10K, 26K, 52K distances and a vertical kilometer “VK” course. Info: $70 to $170, Squaw Valley, brokenarrowskyrace.com
MUSIC | Davis Music Festival
Enjoy music spanning six stages with 45 bands in downtown Davis all weekend long — all to benefit arts education in Davis, local public schools. It’s a not-to-miss event for any music lover. Info: $35/general admission, Friday at 5 p.m. to Sunday at 9 p.m., downtown Davis, davismusicfest.com
June 21 to 30
SPORTS | Adventure Sports Week
Escape the daily grind in one of the world’s top outdoor playgrounds. Challenge yourself in one of many competitive events that include trail running, mountain biking, a triathlon, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. Info: registration varies, adventuresportsweektahoe.com
June 28 to 30
SPORTS | Kids Adventure Games
Teams of two kids, ages 6 to 14, will navigate an adventure course featuring biking, trekking, rope swings, mud pits, cargo nets, a giant Slip ’N Slide, and other exciting obstacles. Info: $60/individuals, $180/team of two, Northstar California, Truckee, kidsadventuregames.com
JULY
July 4 to 7
MUSIC | High Sierra Music Festival
A camping/live music event with a wide range of music genres spanning from rock to bluegrass, featuring Dispatch, Greensky Bluegrass, and many more. Info: four-day pass starts at $290.75, Quincy, highsierramusic.com
June 30 to July 4
FAMILY | Red, White, and Tahoe Blue
Incline Village and Crystal Bay celebrate Independence Day with parades, tributes to veterans, fireworks, concerts, chalk drawings, rubber ducky races, food, and more. Info: times and locations vary, redwhitetahoeblue.org
July 5 & 6
MUSIC | Concert on the Green
An all-ages event taking place under the stars at Tahoe Donner, and sells out each year. Rock out with the Woodie & the Longboards, Neon Velvet, Hollywood U2, and Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute band, Fog City Swampers. Info: $20/kids, $40/adults, doors open at 4 p.m., Tahoe Donner driving range, tahoedonner.com
July 7 to Aug. 11
MUSIC | Classical Tahoe
Classical Tahoe celebrates its eighth season of classical music and jazz performances. Under the direction of conductor and artistic director Joel Revzen, the Classical Tahoe Orchestra brings together musicians from the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics, Philadelphia Orchestra, the symphonies of San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Toronto, Vancouver, and other exceptional organizations. Each musician is individually invited because of his or her unique artistry and experience. The Classical Tahoe Music Institute, inaugurated in 2018, offers dozens of multi-generational programs for music education, skill development, and appreciation to further inspire arts, culture and learning throughout the festival. Info: classicaltahoe.org
July 8 to 13
MUSIC | Moody’s Jazz Camp
Now in its 14th year, this camp provides an incredible experience for kids ages 10 to 17. The camp features lessons, performances, and demonstrations from renowned artists. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for any young musician in the Tahoe Area. Info: moodysjazzcamp.com
July 11 to 14
MUSIC | California WorldFest
Featuring eight stages of music from around the world, camping with family and friends, workshops, international food, fine crafts, and a renowned children’s program. Info: $195/four-day pass, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, worldfest.net
Saturday, July 13
SPORTS | Tahoe Trail 100
Choose your bike adventure from a 50K, 100K, tandem 100K, or two-person 100K relay on this course abounding with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. Info: $95 to $230, Northstar California, tahoetrailmtb.com
COMMUNITY | Air Show
The Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival is proudly known as one of the region’s most family-friendly, free events! Experience a breathtaking and world-class air show with world-renowned aerobatic performers. Visit the Suddenlink by Altice STEM Expo, the Family Festival, static displays, vendors, free speaker presentations, and much more. Sign up for rides for a cost in military aircraft, or for free airplane rides for kids, courtesy of the EAA Young Eagles program on Sunday. Tickets available for the VIP Hospitality Tent, which include catered food, private air-conditioned restrooms, and respite from the sun. The Air Show is generously funded and presented by the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. Info: free, gates open 9 a.m., free parking, truckeetahoeairshow.com
July 13 & 14
COMMUNITY | Art, Wine & Music Festival
The Village at Squaw Valley will burst with color, taste, and sound as fine artists, crafts makers, performers, and musicians come to participate in this fun event featuring wine tasting, two performance stages, and walkways lined with fine art booths and exhibits. All proceeds benefit Achieve Tahoe. Info: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Village at Squaw Valley, squawalpine.com
July 18 to 21
WELLNESS | Wanderlust Squaw Valley
This four-day event celebrates yoga, meditation, music, nature, and camaraderie all in the pristine setting of Squaw Valley. Sessions feature some of the best yoga teachers in the world and prime musical acts. Info: Ticket prices vary, The Village at Squaw Valley, wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley
July 19 to 21
ARTS & CULTURE | Sierra Storytelling Festival
The festival brings a lineup of talented, nationally recognized storytellers to the Nevada Columbia Schoolhouse stages. People have told stories since the beginning of time, and these narrators keep the tradition alive. If you enjoy listening to a good story, this is the event for you. Info: $10.50 to $92.50/day tickets, Nevada Columbia Schoolhouse, Nevada City, sierrastorytellingfestival.org
July 24 to 26
ARTS & CULTURE | Annual Lake Tahoe Dance Festival
The Lake Tahoe Dance Festival celebrates its sixth year with performances by artists from around the world in an exciting array of classical, contemporary, and modern works. Enjoy performances against the gorgeous backdrops of Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. Info: tickets range from $20 to $75, laketahoedancefestival.org
July 25 to 28
MUSIC | Guitarfish Festival
An intimate family, community, art, yoga, and music festival held high in the stunning Sierra at Cisco Grove Campground. A family friendly camping experience with performances from The California Honeydrops, Kinky, and Afrolicious. Info: $180/four-day pass including camping, Cisco Grove, guitarfishfestival.com
AUGUST
Aug. 1 to 4
MUSIC | Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza
Showcasing the best craft breweries and top blues performers. This year you can catch Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Buddy Guy, seven-time Grammy award winner, among many other blues bands performing. Info: single-day passes and multi-day passes available, The Woods at Mammoth Lakes, mammothbluesbrewsfest.com
Friday, Aug. 2
MUSIC | BIG BLUEgrass
Jam to bluegrass, while overlooking the Big Blue at Sugar Pine Point State Park. The lineup includes One Grass, Two Grass, Misner & Smith, and Go to Hell Man Band. Food, beer, and wine available from vendors for purchase. Info: presale tickets for $20, 4:30 to 8 p.m., Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, sierrastateparks.org
Aug. 6 to 11
COMMUNITY | Hot August Nights
Every August, the streets of Reno vibrate with sounds of muffled engine rebuilds and rays of sunlight glinting off polished chrome. Come enjoy cars and music to celebrate rock ’n’ roll and the ’50s. Entertainment and event schedule to be announced. Info: Reno, hotaugustnights.net
Aug. 9 & 10
COMMUNITY | Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance
This premier event showcasing wooden boats includes boat exhibits, dinners, an awards ceremony, and more. Info: One-day tickets $30, two-day tickets $40; Obexer’s Boat Company; Homewood; laketahoeconcours.com
Aug. 10 & Aug. 11
MUSIC | Brews, Jazz & Funk
Over 35 breweries from throughout the Western states showcase their best brews while fantastic bands bring the funk, making this fun-filled event a popular one. Bring your canine companions to party down with you. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Info: $10 entry donation, 2 to 8 p.m., The Village at Squaw Valley, squawalpine.com
Aug. 24 & 25
COMMUNITY | 45th Annual Truckee Pro Rodeo
Come get down and dirty with the cowboys, spick and spam with the pageant queens, and all dolled-up for the western dance. Info: $15/adults, $10/kids, children under 5 are free; McIver Arena, Truckee; truckeerodeo.org
Aug. 20 to Aug. 25
MUSIC | Lake Tahoe Music Festival
Beautiful classical music in magical outdoor Tahoe settings. The Lake Tahoe Music Festival’s 26-Piece Academy Orchestra is comprised of elite young musicians from across the United States under the direction of Maestro Timm Rolek. Each year brings a new ensemble with different guest artists working together to create three unique programs. Explore the artistry of master musicians presenting their craft inspired by the majesty of summertime in Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra. Info: ticket prices from $20 to $70, tahoemusic.org
Saturday, Aug. 31
FOOD & DRINK | 30th Annual Foam Fest
With unlimited tastings from more than 40 breweries, everybody will get their fill. All proceeds from the event benefit Achieve Tahoe, a leader in adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities. Info: $35/advance, $40/day of, 2 to 6 p.m., The Village at Squaw Valley, achievetahoe.org
Aug. 31 to Sept. 2
COMMUNITY | Plumas Homegrown Americana Festival
From bluegrass and cowboy, to blues and folk, it will be a music-packed Labor Day weekend. A fun gathering with top notch callers, square dancing, camping, and vendors, all wrapped-up with a barbecue. Tickets will be available at the box office as will call. RVs can arrive and set up between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday unless other arrangements are made with the festival. Info: $30 admission, Quincy, plumasamericana.com
SEPTEMBER
Sunday, Sept. 1
FOOD & DRINK | Alpen Wine Festival
Listen to live music and sample wine. The 31st annual event includes a silent auction and raffle to benefit Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with multiple sclerosis. Info: $40/advance, $50/day of; includes commemorative wine glass, wine tasting, and entry into the silent auction room; 2 to 5 p.m.; The Village at Squaw Valley; squawalpine.com
Friday, Sept. 6
FOOD & DRINK | Guitar Strings and Chicken Wings
A battle of epic proportions! Six restaurants and five bands will go head-to-head to benefit the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS). Each restaurant will be cooking its own signature recipes for spicy, flavor-packed chicken wings, and joining forces with the region’s best bands to crank the contest to the max. Chicken and music lovers are not going to want to miss a single stop on this around-the-valley face-off. Info: tickets $5 to $80, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., The Village at Squaw Valley, squawalpine.com
Sept. 6 to 8
FAMILY | The Great Reno Balloon Race
The largest free hot air ballooning event in the nation. Arrive at dawn to see more than 100 balloons take flight in the newly expanded dawn patrol. Tethered rides for children and a Mass Ascension Launch every morning starting at 7 a.m. Info: free, 5 to 10 a.m., Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno, renoballoon.com
Sept. 7
MUSIC | Trails and Vistas World Concert
Celebrate music and dance from around the world. Enjoy Mumbo Gumbo — one of California’s top groups — whose genre-bending Americana combines a big musical stew of soul, zydeco, folk, blues, rock, Cajun, and country into a uniquely festive, roots-music sound. Start this sonic journey with the band Seffarine — a gorgeous intersection of Spanish flamenco, Persian classical, and American jazz spiced with fiery instrumentation, vocals, and flamenco dance. Info: Sand Harbor State Park, tickets $24 to $69; doors open at 5:30 p.m., music at 6:30 p.m.; trailsandvistas.org
Sept. 7 & 8
ARTS & CULTURE | Trails and Vistas Art Hike
Guided art hikes for small groups of 22 people to see eight art sites featuring music, poetry, storytelling, dance, and installation art, beginning at Clair Tappaan Lodge. Info: $35 per adult, $10 per child aged 5 to 18; 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Galena Visitor Center, trailsandvistas.org
Sept. 7 to 9
SPORTS | International Camel & Ostrich Races
You won’t want to miss this race with unlikely characters. Camels, ostriches, and emus are all competitors in the 60th annual race. Info: tickets $12 to $55, 12 to 2 p.m., Virginia City, visitvirginiacitynv.com
Saturday, Sept. 14
FOOD & DRINK | 10th Annual Sample the Sierra
Sample the Sierra brings together local chefs and restaurants with neighboring growers and producers to create scrumptious samples for you to taste. Pair them with the appropriate craft beer or wine, shop for locally made crafts at the festival marketplace, dance to live entertainment, and catch the signature food challenge event, Sierra Chefs Challenge. Info: tickets $7 to $40, noon to 5 p.m.; Bijou Park, South Lake Tahoe; samplethesierra.com
Sept. 19 to 22
MUSIC | Lost Sierra Hoedown
It’s not a festival … it’s a hoedown. Celebrate simple living, boot-stomping outdoor recreation, and stellar music at this homegrown gathering. Lineup of artists includes The Tim Bluhm Band, Soul Jelly, Rainbow Girls, Willy Tea Taylor, and many more. Info: $160 four-day pass includes camping, parking, and a commemorative pint cup; Johnsville Historic Ski Bowl, lostsierrahoedown.com
Sept. 27 to 29
MUSIC | Celtic Festival & Marketplace
First founded in 1996, the KVMR Celtic Festival includes 11 performance areas including five musical and six demonstration stages and a weekend-long youth arts instruction that has included Celtic music, magic, dance and songwriting. Celebrate Celtic heritage with live music, dancing, and family fun. Info $95/early-bird for Saturday and Sunday with camping, $75/early bird for Saturday and Sunday without camping, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, kvmrcelticfestival.org
Saturday, Sept. 28
FOOD & DRINK | Tahoe City Oktoberfest
Featuring craft beers from some of the region’s best microbreweries, along with live music, great food, traditional Bavarian-themed games, and local artisan vendor booths. This celebration is fun for all ages, and one to not miss. Info: free, $10 beer stein, noon to 5 p.m., Commons Beach, visittahoecity.org
OCTOBER
Oct. 4 to 6
MUSIC | Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
This free fest is a must see. Killer music from around the country comes to Golden Gate Park for the weekend. Featuring more than 100 musical artists on seven stages and food trucks galore, this is a musical gathering you don’t want to miss. Info: free, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
Saturday, Oct. 5
FOOD & DRINK | Truckee Wine, Walk, and Shop
This annual favorite brings nearly 1,000 locals and tourists to historic downtown Truckee to sip wine, taste scrumptious food samples, and enjoy shopping. Info: $45 in advance, $55 day of, noon to 4 p.m., downtown Truckee; truckeewinewalk.com
Sunday, Oct. 6
SPORTS | The Great Trail Race
This is a competition that embodies the spirit and purpose of The Great Ski Race, except on foot or by bike. Race from Tahoe City to Truckee in this fun, spirited event while fundraising for Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. Info: registration $65 to $90, 7 a.m. packet pick-up/registration, Tahoe City, greattrailrace.com
Oct. 17 & 18
COMMUNITY | Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour
Boo! These tales of what haunts Truckee are sure to spook. A fun and rowdy historic walking tour, it features engaging tales performed by talented characters at seven interesting historic sites. This event sells out every year. Info: tickets on sale July 4, Truckee Hotel, Truckee, truckeehistorytour.org
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS
Shop local, eat fresh. Here’s where local goods and produce can be found every week,
all summer long.
TRUCKEE:
Truckee Community Farmers Market
Sundays, through
Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 10247 Donner Pass Rd. (Tri Counties Bank Plaza), truckeefarmersmarket.org
Truckee Certified Farmers Market
Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 15 at 10500 Brockway Rd.
truckeecertifiedfarmersmarket.com
INCLINE VILLAGE:
Lake Tahoe Markets
Thursdays through Labor Day, 3 to 6 p.m., Lake Tahoe School, laketahoemarkets.com
TAHOE CITY:
Thursdays through Oct. 10, 8 a.m. to 1p.m., Commons Beach, tahoecityfarmersmarket.com
SIERRA VALLEY:
Fridays through Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Beckwourth, Calif., sierravalleyfarms.com
