Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tahoe. Summer in Tahoe is filled with music, events and festivals of all types, from wine to words, music to dance to live theater. The Tahoe community is ripe with creatives, musicians, artists, writers and makers who create a tapestry of talent for a spectacular summer. We've narrowed down some of the best events, concert series and festivals to enjoy in Tahoe this summer.
Free Weekly Outdoor Concerts
Tahoe's free outdoor summer concerts are the heartbeat of the cultural scene. From shoreline grooves to mountain melodies, music happens almost every day of the week. These concert series are more than musical performances – they're events where friends gather, families dance barefoot on the grass and the summer scene comes alive.
Live at the Launch | Mondays | August | Tahoe Vista Recreation
Live at the Launch creates an intimate concert setting with local artists and lakefront views. The lineup includes Eric Anderson, Rogue Coyote, No Deal and more. | 6 p.m. | ntpud.org
Bluesdays | Tuesdays | June-August | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Summer never sounded so good as blues musicians from across the country rock Palisades Tahoe. | 6 p.m. | palisadestahoe.com
Music in The Park | Wednesdays | June-September | Truckee River Regional Park
Pack a picnic, lay out a blanket and groove to the live music of local bands. | 6:30 p.m. | tdrpd.org
Truckee Thursdays | June-September | Downtown Truckee
Truckee Thursdays turns downtown into a vibrant street fair bursting with local flavor — live music, artisans, vendors, food trucks and fun for the whole family. | 5 p.m. | truckeethursdays.com
Live at Lakeview Music Series | Thursdays | June-August| South Lake Tahoe
South Shore sizzles with summer vibes. Dance by beautiful Lake Tahoe. Enjoy live music, great bands, art and vendors with delicious food. | 6:30 p.m. | liveatlakeview.com
Tunes on Tap Concert Series | Thursdays | July-August | Alibi Amphitheater | Incline Village
The free series brings the beats to the Alibi Amphitheater with live music, craft brews, good food and good vibes all around. Bring a blanket or chair. | 7 p.m. | alibialeworks.com
Music on the Beach | Fridays | June-September | Kings Beach State Park
Dance to some of the best live music on the beach and watch the sunset over the lake with the mountains as the backdrop. | 6:30 p.m. | northtahoebusiness.org/music-on-the-beach
Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series | Fridays & Saturdays |May-September | South Lake Tahoe
The free summer concert series offers high-energy performances from local favorites and touring acts like the Spazmatics, Pamela Parker, David Perez Band, Huckleberry Road, Greg Austin and more. | 5:45 p.m. | theshopsatheavenly.com
Grooves by the Greens | Fridays | July-August | The Lodge Pavilion | Tahoe Donner
Summer nights at the Pavilion shine with live music performances amidst the fresh air and fairway views. | 6 p.m. | tahoedonner.com
SunSets Live Music Series | Fridays | July-August | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
After you've spent your day hiking or sightseeing, relax and enjoy some of the area's most talented musicians at this free concert series. | 5 p.m. | palisdades.com
Music by the Meadow | Saturdays | July-August | Northwoods Clubhouse | Tahoe Donner
Grab a blanket and head over to the lawn at Northwoods Clubhouse for live music performances amidst the pines and meadow views. | 5 p.m. | tahoedonner.com
Concerts at Commons Beach | Sundays | June-September | Tahoe City
This beloved concert series, set on Big Blue, is one of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon. Commons Beach comes alive with a stellar lineup of funk, bluegrass, country and rock.| 3 p.m. | concertsatcommonsbeach.com
Alibi Ale Sunday Sessions | Sundays | June-September | Incline Village
Alibi Ale Works finds local artists to serenade your Sunday afternoons. Relax with a beer while you listen to live music. | 4 p.m. | alibialeworks.com
Free Events
Unleash your inner explorer with a vibrant lineup of free events that celebrate creativity and community. From inspired makers’ markets and open-studio art strolls to lively wine walks that pair sips with local flair, there’s something to spark every sense.
Made in Tahoe Festival | May 24-25 | The Village at Palisades Tahoe | Olympic Valley
Made in Tahoe is a vibrant celebration of local arts, culture and creativity. Browse artisan goods and enjoy local eats and music. | 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. | palisadestahoe.com
Tahoe Joy Festival | June 8 | Commons Beach, Tahoe City
A celebration of music, arts and the environment, the Tahoe Joy Festival is a free, all-day, family-friendly event showcasing regional bands, youth performers, local artists, makers, nonprofits and food and beverage trucks. | 12-6 p.m. | joyfoundations.org
Truckee Roundhouse Makers Show | June 8 | Truckee Airport
This event brings together the creative community of makers, artists, visionaries, inventors and performers who ignite the imagination. | truckeeroundhouse.org
Tahoe City Art by the Lake | June 13-15 | Tahoe City
This epic art event features more than 30 artisans showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts including photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more. | pacificfinearts.com
Gatekeepers Museum Speaker Series | May-August | Tahoe City
From captivating storytellers to local historians and cultural experts, each talk offers a unique lens into the rich tapestry of Lake Tahoe’s heritage. | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | northtahoemuseums.org
The Great Bingo Revival | July-August | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
The great entertainer Rusty Reams brings joy, fun and energy to the game of Bingo. The Great Bingo Revival is a rhythm and funk soul explosion. | thegreatbingorevival.com
Wild West Fest | August 30 | Tahoe Donner
Come out for this high-country hoe-down for a taste of the old frontier with a ranch-style barbecue, equestrian performances, pony rides and a petting zoo. | tahoedonner.com
Ticketed Events
From soul-stirring classical concerts to Shakespeare under the stars to benefit events that support the community, Tahoe’s summer stage is set to dazzle, delight and keep the rhythm rolling all season long. While there are many free events during the summer, some require tickets.
Tahoe Music Alive Concert Series | April-October | Various locations
This series is a celebration of classical brilliance featuring internationally acclaimed musicians including The Catalyst String Quartet, Rafael Aguirre, Classical Solo Guitar, Haruka Fujii with the Musubi Trio and the Yamazalde Trio. | tahoemusicalive.org
TOCCATA | May-October | Various locations
Revel in full orchestra and chorus performances of patriotic favorites by TOCCATA Tahoe Symphony Orchestra. This season features soloists, stories and powerful performances from timeless classics to contemporary hits. | tahoesymphony.com
Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic | June 7 |Tahoe City
Sip, stroll and savor your way through this charming lakeside event as you sample exquisite regional wines and mouthwatering bites from local chefs. | 1-4 p.m. | tcfoodandwine.com
Latitude 39 Mountain Music Event | June 14 | McIver Rodeo Arena | Truckee
Put on your cowboy boots and hats for a day of country tunes with a high-energy lineup of music. | latitude39truckee.org
Harvey’s Outdoor Music | June-September | Harvey’s Outdoor Arena | Stateline
Harvey’s Outdoor Music is a hub for summer music. The lineup offers music genres for every taste, with acts like Rod Stewart, Earth, Wind & Fire, Cody Jinks, Jon Pardi, Hozier, Creed, Whiskey Myers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Glass Animals, Weird Al Yankovic, Dave Matthews Band and more. | caesars.com
Reggae Fest | June 21 | Truckee Regional Park
Jam in the park with roots revival reggae legends and new artists including Barrington Levy, Pato Banton, Mystic Roots, Dubfyah, Triple Tree, MC Cootdog and Lake Anthony. | lateniteproductions.com
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival | June-August | Sand Harbor State Park, Incline Village
The sun sets over the lake, and theater productions are world-class. This year's productions are Twelfth Night and Peter and The Starcatcher. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Showcase Series features music on Mondays. | laketahoeshakespeare.com
Valhalla Tahoe Events | April-October | Valhalla Boathouse | South Lake Tahoe
Valhalla Tahoe brings history, art, music, theater, tours and other cultural events to one of Lake Tahoe's most unique properties, the Heller Estate. | valhallatahoe.com.
Tahoe Improv Comedy Players | Valhalla Boathouse | South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe Improv Comedy Players turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes all made up on the spot. | valhallatahoe.com
Classical Tahoe Festival | July-August | Various locations
Classical Tahoe brings America's leading classical musicians for a four-week festival that delights audiences with its superb musicians and educational programs amidst majestic Lake Tahoe settings. | classicaltahoe.org
Wild Lotus Yoga Festival | July 11-13 | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Wild Lotus Yoga Festival features a rejuvenating weekend of yoga, meditation, music and engaging talks. | palisadestahoe.com
Lake Tahoe Dance Festival | July 23-26 | Various locations
Lake Tahoe Dance Collective brings the top performers in the world to three locations this year: Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City, the lakefront in Incline Village and Kings Beach. | laketahoedancecollective.org
Gambler’s Run Music Festival | July 24-26 | Crystal Bay Casino | Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay Casino hosts the Gambler’s Run Music Festival, featuring a stomping good time, great music and late-night after parties. | crystalbaycasino.com
BIG BLUEgrass Benefit Concert | August 1 | Sugar Pine Point State Park | Tahoma
Jam to live bluegrass bands that will get you on your feet. Vendors have tasty food, beer and wine available. | sierrastateparks.org
Truckee Music Fest | August 8-9 | Truckee Regional Park | Truckee
Two days and nights of live music with national touring bands and local acts. Food and beverage vendors ensure a steady source of energy. | truckeemusicfest.com
Valhalla Renaissance Faire | August 16-17 & 23-24 | Tahoe Valley Campground, South Lake Tahoe
A magical journey through Elizabethan England with entertainment, jousting, music, dancing, food, shopping, kids’ activities and merriment with 800 costumed actors. valhallafaire.com
Terrapin Roadshow Northern California Concert Series | August 17 | Truckee Regional Park | Truckee
A traveling concert series celebrating the spirit, energy and community of Phil and Jill Lesh’s Terrapin Crossroads, with music deeply rooted in the Grateful Dead songbook. | sundaydaydream.com
Brews, Jazz & Funk | August 16 | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Experience beers from local and regional breweries and fantastic live music. | 1-8 p.m. | palisadestahoe.com
Alpen Wine Fest | August 31 | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
The annual Alpen Wine Fest includes an all-inclusive wine tasting from more than 40 exceptional wineries plus music | 2-5 p.m. | palisadestahoe.com
Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings | September 5 | The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Eat some of the best wings in Tahoe while listening to great local music and vote on the best of both. This benefit is for the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science. | 4-9:30 p.m. | tins.org
Tahoe Literary Festival | October 10-11 | Tahoe City
The Tahoe Literary Festival offers a weekend of workshops, panels with bestselling authors, music and readings. Free events include a community Open Mic Night and a Singer-Songwriter Showcase. | tahoelitfest.com
Fourth of July
Celebrate Independence Day mountain style! From lakeside fireworks and live music under the pines to festive parades and family fun, Tahoe lights up with star-spangled energy.
Summerfest | July 2-4 | UNR Lake Tahoe | Incline Village
A family-friendly event with lawn games, music by local bands, food, drinks and watermelon. 4- 7 p.m. | ivcba.org
Tahoe City Fireworks | July 4 | Tahoe City
Tahoe City lights up the lake on the 4th of July for a world-class fireworks display. 12-10 p.m. | tcda.org
Truckee 4th of July Parade | July 4 | Truckee
This delightful Truckee tradition kicks off at Truckee High School and makes its way down Donner Pass Road into historic downtown Truckee. | 10 a.m. | truckee.com
Lights on the Lake Fireworks Show | July 4 | South Lake Tahoe
The fireworks are visible from all over town. | 9:45 p.m. | cityofslt.us
Summer Concerts on the Green | July 4-5 | Tahoe Donner
Enjoy two nights of tribute bands – Friday it’s Fast Times and Tainted Love; Saturday, Down the Rabbit Home and The Illegals. | 6-10 p.m. | tahoedonner.com
About the Author Priya Hutner
Priya Hutner is a writer, teacher and private chef. She is the owner of The Seasoned Sage catering company and co-founder of the Tahoe Literary Festival and Truckee Literary Crawl. She writes about arts and entertainment, books, food culture and the environment. Her work has been featured in The Tahoe Guide, Moonshine Ink and Muse Magazine. Priya facilitates writing, breath meditation and self-discovery workshops. Her memoir, Chasing Nirvana, A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss and Liberation will be available for preorder in August. She lives in Truckee. Visit her online at priyahutner.com.
