Memorial Day marks the kick off of the summer season in Tahoe, with a weekend full of events to commemorate the start of the season with Opening Day on the Lake hosted by the West Shore Association from May 22 to 26.
This extravaganza features everything from barbecues and deck opening parties to the much-anticipated Sea Plane Splash In, an event enjoyed from the beach or on your boat. It also marks the opening of tours at the historic Ehrman Mansion and Vikingsholm Castle, the annual West Shore Clean Up Day and don’t forget all of the great sales and specials at local businesses and restaurants.
Pick up your Opening Day on the Lake Passport at the Tahoe City Visitor Center, the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach or look for the poster for participating businesses. Then, visit local businesses to receive stamps on the Passport to be entered to win one of dozens of prizes.
Thursday, May 22
Swiss Lakewood in Homewood kicks off the holiday celebrations with its season opening starting at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 23
The festivities begin with the annual West Shore Cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon. Meet at Homewood Mountain Resort’s North Lodge for assignments and collection materials at 8 a.m. Rideout Community Center hosts an Open House from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunnyside hosts its Annual Deck Opening Party from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by live music from 3 to 8 p.m., and a silent auction at 4 p.m. Chamber’s Landing hosts the opening party at the bar from noon to 9 p.m. with live music at 3 p.m. Some of the restaurants offer options to pull your boat up for a bite to eat or a drink; call ahead for details.
Saturday, May 24
Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast welcomes guests to enjoy breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. by advance reservations only. Enjoy the festivities at the Tahoe Maritime Museum with Scavenger Hunts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the opening of the new “Ghost Ships” exhibit.
Squaw Valley hosts the return of the Made in Tahoe Festival featuring two days of locally made products and crafts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Village at Squaw.
Hacienda del Lago in Tahoe City celebrations the holiday with live music and specialty food from noon to 6 p.m., with The Bridgetender kicking off its Patio Opening Party at 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 25
Tahoma Meadows Bed & Breakfast welcomes guests to enjoy breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. by advance reservations only.
Gatekeeper’s Museum in Tahoe City hosts Scavenger Hunts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while over in Olympic Valley the Made in Tahoe Festival celebrates local artisans from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
You won’t want to miss Granlibakken Open House celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. with live music, a coffee bar, and spa, pool and Treetop Park tours.
Monday, May 26
The main event for the day is the Mike Brown Seaplane Splash-In featuring vintage and modern seaplanes landing on Lake Tahoe off Obexer’s from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Splash-In Breakfast is from 8 to 10 a.m., with the Fly-In Barbecue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for purchase at Obexer’s General Store.
And, back in Tahoe City, Gatekeeper’s Museum hosts another round of Scavenger Hunts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about Opening Day at the Lake (including a complete calendar of events), visit tahoewsa.com. Passports also are available for download online.
