May 31, 2024 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) – The lake level is at the natural rim for the first time in five years. Water enthusiasts can splash, paddle, SUP, kayak, float, boat, relax, revive and tan this spectacular lake summer. South Lake Tahoe’s summer event season is action packed with iconic special events combined with world class outdoor recreation. https://visitlaketahoe.com/events/.
SEEING STARS & STRIPES
The nationally recognized “Lights on the Lake” fireworks extravaganza entails 20 minutes of bright lights and colors that illuminate the night sky to celebrate a traditional Independence Day by pairing musical sounds of American classics and today’s top hits to perfectly executed pyrotechnics broadcasted live from KRLT-FM. Considered one of the nation’s biggest and best July 4 fireworks shows, the show will feature a spectacular array of explosive formations for the 9:45 p.m. show. Area officials advise viewers to plan ahead, consider alternative modes of transportation and take all trash/belongings when the show concludes. https://visitlaketahoe.com
The 35th annual American Century Championship, celebrity golf’s most prominent tournament of sports and entertainment superstars, will take to the fairways of Edgewood Tahoe, July 10-14 and will be aired on NBC. Player commitments for the wildly popular event include newcomers Alex Rodriguez, Trevor Lawerence, and Albert Pujols, Rob McElhenney and longtime favorites Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Colin Jost, Miles Teller, Larry the Cable Guy, Joe Pavelski, Ray Romano and Northern California sports stars Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, Charles Woodson, and Robbie Gould. Spectators are encouraged to take alternative transportation, including a complimentary bike valet, walking, or microtransit services via free app-based Lake Link. A few reminders for attending include the tournament’s strict clear bag-only policy (any size as long as it’s clear); for transportation, parking, and entry details, visit www.americancenturychampionship.com.
CHANNEL YOUR INNER OLYMPIAN
It’s an Olympic year and high-altitude training helps many athletes prep for a big race. In addition, cold water plunges/swims are a trend that continues to grow and with the lake full it makes swimming more accessible this summer at South Shore’s stunning beaches. Here are recommendations for safe open water swimming: stick to the shoreline, wear bright colors, know one’s ability/limitations, swim with a friend or a kayak/SUP, and plan for a place to warm up afterward. For competitions, various triathlons, marathons and bike rides this season:
The 60th annual DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay tests athletes as teams of seven people each run approximately 8-12 miles counterclockwise around Lake Tahoe, June 8, starting/finishing from Lakeview Commons, two miles from the state line. There are options for running solo or as a pair in a 72-mile ultra marathon. https://visitlaketahoe.com.
The Rock Tahoe Half Marathon, June 15, is a 13.1-mile course that starts at the top of Spooner Summit, elevation 7,146-feet and drops more than 1,000 feet as runners wind down U.S. Highway 50 to the finish line at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe followed by a pool party for racers and their guests. https://visitlaketahoe.com/
The Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival is a staple of the area with support from the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association with bike demos, brews and live music, June 23-24 https://tahoemtbfestival.com/.
The Lake Tahoe Triathlon includes sprint, half, and Olympic distances as well as a duathlon (run/bike/run) and aquabike (swim/bike) all starting from Ed’ZBerg Sugar Pine State Park, Aug. 24-25 https://laketahoetri.com/.
HISTORY AND LIVE PERFORMANCES
The 75th annual Hwy 50 Wagon Train welcomes travelers to join the trek from Round Hill, Nev. to Placerville, Calif., June 1-8, along with evening campfires, storytelling, and entertainment https://visitlaketahoe.com.
A schedule of superstar headliners will perform at the Harveys Outdoor Arena during the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series. Acts include Jordan Davis, June 14; Lake Tahoe is for Lovers, June 22 (2nd annual festival presented by Hawthrone Heights who will perform along with late 1990s and early 2000s punk rock bands, including All-American Rejects, The Starting Line, etc.); Palm Tree Music Festival (DJ/club sets with headliners Gryffin and Disco Lines), July 12; Rod Stewart, Aug. 9; Jon Pardi, Aug. 23; Alabama, Sept. 13; Dan + Shay, Sept. 15; and Lainey Wilson, Sept. 20-21 https://visitlaketahoe.com.
The Valhalla Tahoe historic boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn offer an only-in-Tahoe venue with a remarkable lineup: The Coffis Brothers, June 5; Wolf Jett, June 12; Tahoe Improv Players, June 25, July 23, Aug. 6; Red Dirt Ruckus, June 30; Summer Musical: Enter the Guardsman, July 4-7 and 11-14. 20; Kimmi Bitter, July 16; The Novelist Reunion Show, July 17; Remembering James – A Tribute to James Brown, July 24; Boot Juice, July 28; Loud as Folk Songwriters Showcase, July 31; Anaïs Reno, Aug. 4; The Amador Sons, Aug. 7; Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands, Aug. 14; Dirty Cello, Aug. 18; The Illeagles – Eagles Tribute Band, Aug. 21; Sugaray Rayford, Aug. 28; and Living History – Lake Tahoe’s Enigmatic Elias “Lucky” Baldwin and his Daughter Anita, Sept. 25. https://valhallatahoe.com
This season, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, July 28 – Aug. 25 brings the Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare’s uproarious battle of the sexes, along with Always Patsy Cline, a musical celebration of the country music legend https://visitlaketahoe.com.
The 28th annual Valhalla Renaissance Faire transports guests back to the spectacle and grandeur of 16th-century England with jousting, swordplay, pageantry, ale, food, music, and crafts at its new location Tahoe Valley Campground, Aug. 24-25 https://visitlaketahoe.com.
The Tahoe Blue Event Center offers Monster Truck Nitro Tours, June 7-8; Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival, Oct. 4-6, and country artist Parker McCollum, Oct. 26. https://www.tahoeblueeventcenter.com/
GROOVING TO THE MUSIC
Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series returns with free live music, art, local merchants, and food vendors, every Thursday night, June 20 through Aug. 29 at Lakeview Commons, 1.5 miles from the Nevada state line https://visitlaketahoe.com.
Showroom entertainment at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe includes Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, June 1; Craig Ferguson, June 8; Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Aug. 17; and Pretty Lights, Sept. 6-7 https://www.caesars.com.
Bally’s Lake Tahoe will host Parliament Funkadelic, June 13; Country Songwriter’s Series, June 22 and Aug. 10; Micro Mania Midget Wrestling, July 6; Howie Mandel, July 12; Lake Tahoe Summer Jam, July 27 https://www.ballys.com.
DRINK LOCAL BREWS & TAHOE TAP
The 7th Annual Heavenly Village Brewfest returns June 15 with beer, kombucha, and soda tastings paired with live music. A portion of the proceeds will support Christmas Cheer, a local non-profit that offers an emergency food pantry for individuals in need. The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series continues through Sept. 18 with live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (additional weekdays) from 5:45 – 9:15 p.m. https://visitlaketahoe.com.
Lake Tahoe Brewfest, also in its 7th year, features dozens of regional craft brewers throughout California and Nevada with tastings, live music, and arts and craft vendors along Ski Run Boulevard on Aug. 24 to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. https://visitlaketahoe.com.
The 12th annual Tahoe Blue Vodka Bloody Mary Competition will host 15 of the best and creative bartenders in the region for guests to sample and vote on their exquisite creations, Aug. 11 at Tahoe Beach Retreat. Tickets include unlimited tastings paired with lakefront live music/DJ; contestants/bartenders will be available soon. https://visitlaketahoe.com/
Hydration is key, especially at higher elevations, and tourism officials encourage guests to Drink Tahoe Tap, 99% pure, with reusable water bottles. This is one example of what Visit Lake Tahoe, along with 19 other partners, is implementing with a Destination Stewardship Plan that identifies 32 actions across four strategic pillars: foster a tourism economy that gives back; turn a shared vision into shared action; advance a culture of caring for the greater Lake Tahoe region; and improve the Tahoe experience for all. In fact, the plan was recently recognized by the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals for its outstanding contributions to outdoor recreation. Key travel information is also available at “Know Before You Go” and Rules to Lake By with five tips to practice responsible tourism at Lake Tahoe.
Contact: Jenn Boyd Lemming or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or jennifer@weidingerpr.com.
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About the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Designated by USA TODAY among “15 ultimate summer road trips,” Visit Lake Tahoe combines the distinctive appeal of two worlds: unparalleled natural beauty and an array of world-class outdoor recreation, entertainment, nightlife and gaming. As a responsible tourism destination, it offers a balanced approach regarding social and environmental impacts to preserve its appeal for generations. For information about lodging, recreation, events, and mindful travel at Visit Lake Tahoe, call 1-800-288-2463 or log onto www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.
