Lake Tahoe Summer Events and Festivals You Can’t Miss
Summers in Tahoe Don't Disappoint
Though it may seem like all the fun happens during the wintertime in Lake Tahoe, it’s a wonderful summertime destination as well. One of the best parts of visiting during the summer is being able to enjoy the cool mountain air, and what better way to do that than to attend one of Tahoe’s outdoor festivals and events? There are a variety of annual events to choose from and whether you’re into classical music or are a paddle boarding enthusiast, there’s something for almost anyone during the summertime in Tahoe.
Today, we’ve collected a list of our favorite summer festivals and events that you can’t miss next time you spend your vacation sunning yourself in gorgeous Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - Incline Village
If you’re a fan of Shakespeare and all things theatrical and dramatic, you’ll have a great time at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Established in 1972 and performed each year at the Warren Edward Trepp Stage located at Sand Harbor State Park, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival provides theatrical performances seven nights a week during the summertime months.
It’s not just Shakespeare, either–these talented professionals perform both the classics as well as other playwrights for up to 33,000 patrons each summer at this breathtaking venue, located on the shores of Lake Tahoe in the midst of the state park. 2023’s season, for instance, features nightly performances of Little Shop of Horrors for patrons to enjoy.
American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament - Stateline
The American Century Champion Celebrity Golf Tournament is one of the biggest golf events in Lake Tahoe, and celebrities, golfers, and other sports stars from around the country flock to this week of golfing for charity (and for bragging rights). In total, American Century distributes a purse of $600,000 in prizes, as well as raises funds for local organizations and charities.
2022 saw participation by a variety of stars such as Charles Barkley, Larry the Cable Guy, and Justin Timberlake, and each year the list of celebrities varies. July of 2023 will mark this event’s 34th year, and anyone who has an interest in golf should think about picking up a ticket and becoming a spectator of all the golfing and celebrity fun.
Classical Tahoe - Incline Village
Classical Tahoe brings together the best of two worlds–classical music and the great outdoors. This month-long event showcases the best classical musicians and music in Tahoe in the midst of the beautiful Ricardi Pavilion, a custom-built 20-row concert venue surrounded by tranquil forests that allows patrons to hear the beauty of classical music, right under the view of an amazing set of stars.
Since 2012, Classical Tahoe has brought a touch of luxury and elegance to those who visit Tahoe during the summer months. Anyone with an interest in music who wants to get out during the gorgeous Tahoe summer nights should think about taking the time to attend one of their concerts, held yearly from July to August.
Concours d’Elegance - Homewood
One of the best things about visiting Tahoe during the summertime is getting to experience the lake from the deck of a boat, and the Concours d’Elegance is the pinnacle of boating events in the Tahoe area. Held each year in Homewood, this premier wooden boat show brings in classical boating enthusiasts from around the country to educate and entertain.
Highlights of the Concours include educational segments about classical watercraft, both in their early days to modernity, as well as showcasing and judging the condition of these classic crafts on a rigorous, 100-point scale. This show only includes the most well-preserved of boats, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of boating as well as its present-day condition. Anyone interested in these crafts will have a great time at the Concours.
Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival - Kings Beach
Attend the world’s longest-running paddle festival that brings together both novice and expert paddleboarders alike and celebrates the Hawiian spirit better than any other event in Tahoe–the Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival. This fun event, held each year at Kings Beach in August, features races, educational demos, and clinics for paddle board enthusiasts, as well as live music and delicious food from local vendors. Participate in raffles and races with your friends while celebrating a bit of the aloha spirit in all of us, right on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Make the Most of Your Summer in Tahoe
Summertime in Tahoe is full of magic. Watching the sparkling waters of the lake while the sun throws vibrant colors and rays across the mountains and sky is an experience like no other, and no one should miss out on any of these fun outdoor events just because ski season is a bit more popular.
While you’re staying near Lake Tahoe, we have a ton of other activity ideas to help make your next vacation a bit more special. Check out our guide to the best hiking trails in the area, another perfect summer activity, or if you’re a digital nomad, take a look at our list of the best coworking spaces, both on the north and south shores.