The Tahoe Joy Festival is a free, one-day benefit music festival held at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. With a goal to spread a little more “Joy” in Tahoe, the festival showcases the rich and diverse talents of our local musicians and artists, celebrates Tahoe's stunning natural beauty and raises awareness and funds for community nonprofits.
The Tahoe Joy Festival is the brainchild of Matt Axton, a local musician born and raised in Tahoe City. The festival was inspired by Axton’s father and musician Hoyt Axton’s biggest hit, “Joy to the World” (‘Jeremiah was a bullfrog’) and spreading a little more “Joy” in the Tahoe City community through music.
“My family has been a supporter of the Tahoe music community for years,” said Axton. “I wanted to do my part to continue the Axton legacy of celebrating musicians and The Tahoe Joy Festival was born.”
Hoyt Axton came to Tahoe City in the 70s, its iconic beauty a refuge to write and record, and gathered local Tahoe musicians to jam while Axton’s mom, Donna Axton, former Hoyt Axton band member, continues to play piano and lead choirs on the North Shore.
The Tahoe Joy Festival showcases 10 regional bands and student musicians, over 30 local artisan vendors, food and beverage trucks and family-friendly activities hosted by community environmental organizations. The Tahoe Joy Festival raises awareness and funds for local nonprofits.