By Katherine E. Hill ·
Courtesy Wanderlust ·
Memorial Day is the kick-off for summer fun in the Sierra, and the crowds will be out for warm days filled with boating, hiking, biking, dining and enjoying the myriad of activities.
But, the best of what summer has to offer lies ahead. Here are some of the best summer events not to be missed. Be sure to check every issue of Tahoe Weekly and our online edition at TheTahoeWeekly.com for the latest information on all of these and other great events.
Plein Air Open June 16-21 | Area venues
The arts scene has exploded in Tahoe and Truckee just in time for summer. Start off with the North Lake Tahoe Plein Air Open featuring Plein Air artists creating breathtaking works of art, along with demonstration, a gala and public exhibit and sale. | northtahoearts.com
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival July 10-Aug. 23 | Sand Harbor
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival features two shows this season with the classic romance of “Romeo and Juliet” and the musical “The Fantasticks” at Sand Harbor State Park. As well, the music series will return on Monday nights starting with the Reno Philharmonic with “Broadway on the Beach” opening the series on July 20. | laketahoeshakespeare.com
Truckee Tahoe AirShow & Family Festival July 11 | Truckee
The Truckee Tahoe Airport AirShow and Family Festival highlights “A Salute to Veterans” with the Red Star Formation Team, aerobatic pilots and performs, a Veterans’ Parade, a vendor village, static aircraft displays with pilot docents, Kids’ Zone, free flight for kids on July 12 and more. | truckeetahoeairshow.com
Wanderlust Festival July 16-19 | Olympic Valley
Wanderlust blends yoga and mindfulness practice with natural beauty, music, meditation, organic food and wine, inspirational Speakeasy lectures, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, chi running and more. Feature yoga instructors and musicians include Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, MC Yogi, Michael Franti, Sri Dharma Mittra and many more. | wanderlust.com
Truckee Open Art Studios Tour July 17-26 | Area venues
The inaugural Truckee Open Art Studio Tour makes its debut with a 10-day, community art celebration featuring two weekends of art studio tours from July 17 to 19 and July 24 to 26, along with special art-themed events. | facebook.com
Concours d’Elegance Aug. 7-8 | Homewood
The 43rd annual Concours d’Elegance will showcase dozens of wooden boats, many dating back to the 1920s and 30s, featuring vintage V-12 engine-powered watercraft as this year’s marquee class at Obexer’s Boat Company. In addition to the boats on display, the two-day Concours offers vendor booth displays, a Wine Village, food and drink court with live music, and private VIP Sponsor Lounge. | laketahoeconcours.com
Truckee Rodeo Aug. 22-23 | Truckee
The Truckee Championship Rodeo returns for the 42nd year of rodeos in Truckee at the McIver Arena next to Truckee River Regional Park. Along with bull and bronc riding, barrel racing and team roping, there are many other great events, including team penning with wanna-be cowboys, Mutton Bustin’, Calf Dressing and live music. | truckeerodeo.org
ARTour Sept. 4-6 & Sept. 11-13 | Area venues
North Tahoe Arts presents the annual ARTour held two weekends in September this year as part of Tahoe Art Month. Dozens of local artists open their studios for tours and a public art sale with locations on the West and North shores, Truckee, Donner Lake and beyond. | northtahoearts.com
Autumn Food & Wine Festival Sept. 11-13 | Northstar
One of the premier food and wine festivals in the West returns to Northstar with the 30th Annual Autumn Food & Wine Festival. From the Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting, to cooking classes with renowned chefs, family activities and wine tastings, there are lots of fun festivities. | tahoefoodandwine.com
Trails & Vistas Sept. 12 & 19 | Area venues
Art, dance and music combine in nature for a unique experience at the annual Trails & Vistas performance at Spooner Lake State Park on Sept. 12 and Donner Ski Ranch on Sept. 19. Performing venues and art installations are featured along a trail with hikers led by a Trail Leader. This year’s theme is “Finding Beauty” featuring world-renowned violinist Scarlet Rivera, aerial artists, Emily Tessmer and more. This event sells out early every year, so get your tickets now. | trailsandvistas.org
Summer favorites
June 6, Soroptimist Wine & Food Faire, Truckee
June 13, Optimist Brew Fest, Truckee
June 19-21, Solstice Festival, Tahoe City
June 20, Tahoe City Wine Walk, Tahoe City
June 27, Wine Walk, Northstar
June 28, Wine on the Water, Incline Village
July 3, Beerfest & Blue Grass, Northstar
July 3-4, Independence Day celebrations & fireworks
July 11-12, Art, Wine & Music Festival, Squaw Valley
July 25, Wine Walk, Northstar
July 25, Living History Day, Tahoma
Aug. 8-9, Brews, Jazz & Funk Festival, Squaw Valley
Aug. 22, Peaks & Paws, Squaw Valley
Aug. 29, Wine Walk, Northstar
Aug. 30, Foam Fest, Squaw Valley
Aug. 31, Alpen Wine Fest, Squaw Valley
Sept. 5, Brew Walk, Northstar
Sept. 5, Foam Fest, Squaw Valley
Sept. 6, Alpen Wine Fest, Squaw Valley
Sept. 11, Guitar Strings vs. Chicken Wings, Squaw Valley
