May 23, 2025 (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev.) — Summer at South Lake Tahoe is all about taking it to another level with a full schedule of “Altitude & Awe” events. From the surface of its blue waters to its snow-capped peaks, South Shore events will create a mountain of memories.
ICONIC STAR-STUDDED EVENTS
The American Pyrotechnics Association rates South Shore’s Fourth of July “Lights on the Lake” fireworks extravaganza one of the top five displays in the nation. The nationally recognized “Lights on the Lake” entails 20 minutes of bright lights and colors that illuminate the night sky to celebrate a traditional Independence Day. Spectacular pyrotechnics are perfectly paired with the musical selections of American classics and today’s top hits broadcast live on KRLT-FM for the 9:45 p.m. show. There are a variety of places and ways to enjoy festivities, including beaches, boats, lodging properties, and trails. Those in the know will consider alternative modes of transportation like public transit, rideshare, walk, or bike. All volunteers are welcome to help keep Tahoe beautiful at beach clean-up gatherings post-holiday.
The 36th annual American Century Championship, celebrity golf’s most prominent tournament of sports and entertainment superstars, takes to the fairways of Edgewood Tahoe, July 9-13 and the airwaves of NBC, Golf Channel and Peacock. Player commitments for the wildly popular event include newcomer George Kittle of the 49ers and longtime favorites Charles Barkley, Tony Romo, Colin Jost, Miles Teller, Larry the Cable Guy, and Ray Romano. Northern California sports stars are well represented with Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Juszczyk, and Joe Pavelski. Spectators are encouraged to take alternative transportation, including micro transit services via free app-based Lake Link, bikes – there’s a complimentary bike valet – walk, and if driving, to carpool. For details on the clear bag policy, transportation, parking and entry details visit: www.americancenturychampionship.com.
CHEERS TO CONCERTS & BREWFESTS
A season-long schedule of superstar headliners will perform in the 7,000-seat outdoor amphitheater at Caesars Republic (formerly Harveys) during the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series. Acts include Rod Stewart, June 14; Kane Brown, June 26; Earth Wind & Fire, June 28; Cody Jinks, July 11; Jon Pardi, July 18-19; Old Dominion, Aug. 1-2; Hozier, Aug. 7-8; Creed, Aug. 10; Whiskey Myers and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, Aug. 15; Glass Animals, Aug. 17; Weird Al Yankovic, Aug. 24; Dave Matthews Band, Aug. 26; Teddy Swims, Sept. 6; Darius Rucker, Sept. 13, and Megan Moroney, Sept. 20.
Showroom entertainment at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe includes Justin Hayward, May 17; Jefferson Starship, May 31; Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, June 6; Donnell Rawlings, June 7; One Night of Queen, July 17; Piff the Magic Dragon, July 25; Steve Earle, July 30, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 3.
The Tahoe Blue Event Center offers the Tournament Cup Series (TCS) Hockey Tournament, May 23-26; the South Shore Showdown, a car show, July 5; and the Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum, Aug. 20.
Bally’s Lake Tahoe will present Matisyahu on May 24 and “80s Live” on Fridays and Saturdays from June 20 to September 6.
The 7th annual Heavenly Village Brewfest returns June 14 with beer, kombucha and soda tastings paired with live music. A portion of the proceeds supports Christmas Cheer, a local non-profit that offers an emergency food pantry for individuals in need.
Live at Lakeview Summer Music Series jams into its 12th season with free live music, art, local merchants, food vendors, every Thursday night, June 19 through Aug. 28 at Lakeview Commons, 1.5 miles from the Nevada state line. Embraced by local residents and visitors alike, the vibe is authentically pure.
The Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series presents live music on the main stage every Friday and Saturday (plus additional weekdays) evenings from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The 8th annual Tahoe Brewfest features dozens of regional craft brewers throughout California and Nevada. On Aug. 23, there will be tastings, live music, and arts and craft vendors along Ski Run Boulevard, all benefitting the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe.
CULTURAL & HISTORICAL EVENTS
The Hwy 50 Association’s 76th Annual Wagon Train traces the area’s authentic Old West history with horse-drawn wagons, surreys, carriages, and garbed cowboys and girls on horseback along the 64-mile trek from Round Hill, NV, to Placerville, Calif., from May 31 to June 7. Evening sunsets mark the time for gatherings around the campfire, storytelling, and entertainment.
The Valhalla Tahoe historic boathouse theatre and outdoor lawn offer an only-in-Tahoe venue with a remarkable lineup: Nether Hour, June 4; Alice Wallace, June 11; Bread and Butter Band, June 15; Alex Lucero Band, June 29; Jackie Venson, July 15; Dennis Johnson & The Revelators, July 23; Wolf Jett, July 27; Walt Wilkins & The Ramble, July 30; Ania Helwing & Guests Present Feelings: Closed in Sculpture and a Musical Moment, July 31; Anais Reno, Aug. 6; Loud as Folk, Aug. 13; Raul Midon, Aug. 20; Jimbo Scott & Yesterdays Biscuits, Aug. 24; Tutti Frutti: The Life & Music of Little Richard, Aug. 27; Gundhild Carling, Sept. 3, and Word Wave One-Act Winners Perform, Sept. 6.
This season, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival features the Bard’s “Twelfth Night,” July 6-Aug. 23; alternating with presentations of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a whimsical prequel to Peter Pan, July 5-Aug. 24. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the performances overlooking spectacular vistas at Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.
The 29th 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 Tahoe Valley Campground, Aug. 16-17 and Aug. 23-24.
SWIM, BIKE, RUN, REPEAT
Stay safe with open water swimming recommendations: 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 check out the following events:
The 32nd annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, June 1, will attract 2,000+ cyclists who will circle the lake clockwise, starting at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in Stateline, Nev., at 6 a.m. and finishing at the UNR 4H Camp in Stateline between noon and 6 p.m.
The 61st annual DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay tests athletes as teams of seven people each run approximately 8-12 miles counterclockwise around Lake Tahoe, June 7, 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.
The Rock Tahoe Half Marathon, June 21, is a 13.1-mile course which 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 where it’s time for a pool party for racers and their guests.
The Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival, a staple of the area, is supported by the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association and features bike demos, brews, and live music, June 21-22.
The Lake Tahoe Triathlon includes sprint, half, and Olympic distances, as well as a duathlon (run/bike/run) and aqua bike (swim/bike), all starting from Ed’ZBerg Sugar Pine State Park on Aug. 23-24.
For all event information: http://www.visitlaketahoe.com/events. Tourism officials remind guests that during events and recreation, hydration is key, especially at higher elevations and encourage guests to Drink Tahoe Tap, 99% pure, with reusable water bottles. Key travel information is also available at “Know Before You Go” as well as Rules to Lake By with five easy ways to practice responsible tourism and keep Tahoe awesome for generations to come.
Contact: Jenn Boyd or Phil Weidinger, Weidinger Public Relations, 775-588-2412 or jennifer@weidingerpr.com.
South Lake Tahoe’s “Lights on the Lake” fireworks display launches on July 4. Credit Brad Scott Visuals/ Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.
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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 www.VisitLakeTahoe.com.