Photos courtesy SnowFest ·
Every spring since 1982, North Lake Tahoe comes alive with 10 fun-filled days and nights, jam packed with events and activities for all ages during the annual SnowFest winter carnival. This year, the annual favorites will be back, along with a host of great new ones. Participate in special events, parades, races, dining, parties, concerts and more. This year’s theme is “It’s Snow-Much Fun.”
This year’s Grand Marshals are the St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans, who have been participating in SnowFest for 30 years.
For more information, visit tahoesnowfestival.com.
Feb. 26 | Thursday
Remembrance for Old Man Winter
4:30 p.m. | Gar Woods, Carnelian Bay
JC Krise, the beloved Old Man Winter for the past 33 years, will be honored during a remembrance for him. Please join us in paying tribute to him, and be prepared to share favorite stories about JC.
SnowFest Kickoff Party
5 p.m. | Gar Woods, Carnelian Bay
Join in the official kick off and fundraiser for SnowFest featuring Queen contestants, raffle, auction and music with Groove Foundry. $30 donation at the door includes beer, wine and Wet Woody’s, as well as heavy appetizers.
Feb. 27 | Friday
39th Annual Dick Linkey Rotary Ski Challenge
9 a.m. | Northstar
The largest gathering of skiing Rotarians. This event has been benefiting the communities of North Lake Tahoe and Truckee since its inception and has donated more than $200,000 to the community.
SnowFest Queen Coronation
6 p.m. | Village at Squaw Valley
See the SnowFest Queen candidates vie for the title. Each candidate is running as a representative for one of five local nonprofits. The Queen is chosen based upon raffle ticket sales, GPA, a resume, community involvement and an interview.
Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Show
7 p.m. | Squaw Valley, KT Base area
Watch as Squaw Valley lights up under the mountain stars with a torchlight parade and a fireworks show.
Feb. 28 | Saturday
Pancake Breakfast
7 a.m. | North Tahoe Fire Station, Tahoe City
Bring the whole family and help support the North Tahoe Firefighters Association Annual Pancake Breakfast at 222 Fairway Drive, with hot pancakes, sausages fruit, milk, coffee and OJ. All ages. Adults $8, children 4-12 $5, 3 & younger free. T-shirts and sweatshirts available for purchase. Benefits NTFA equipment, relief and scholarship funds.
Paint the Bear
11 a.m. | North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City
North Tahoe Arts and the BEAR League invite children of all ages to paint a wooden bear after the SnowFest Parade City. Refreshments will be provided. There will be a bear art exhibit where children can see what a bear den looks like and learn about bears around Lake Tahoe. Ages 5-12. Free.
Blue Agave’s Parade Central
11 a.m. | Blue Agave, Tahoe City
Join the fun and watch the Tahoe City SnowFest parade. This is the spot that parade participants execute demonstrations for the judges.
Rosie’s Parade Watching Party
11 a.m. | Rosie’s Café, Tahoe City
Be there early so you can get a seat or a spot on the outside deck and watch the parade.
Tahoe City SnowFest Parade
11:30 a.m. | Downtown Tahoe City
Come to town early today to grab your parking spot to see the Tahoe City SnowFest. Parade. This fun, eclectic, funky, mountain town parade has something for everyone.
Pete ‘n’ Peters Post Parade Party & Concert
12:30 p.m. | Pete ‘n’ Peter’s, Tahoe City
Join the fun at Pete’s for drink specials and all the rest of the festivities. Fun to be had by all with your neighbors, the Vulcans from the St. Paul Minnesota Winter Carnival and this year’s Grand Marshals. Enjoy the Mobility Rock Band Concert in the parking lot for an all-ages show.
Stohlgren Bros Ice Cream Eating Contest
1 p.m. | Tahoe City Fire Station, Tahoe City
Gather up all the eaters and put em in one place? Well, then they’ll all be at the Fire Station after the SnowFest Parade. All ages.
Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim
2:30 p.m. | Gar Woods, Carnelian Bay
The 26th Annual Polar Bear Swim will be North Lake Tahoe’s coolest event. Hundreds of spectators will line the pier to watch hardy souls brave the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe. Complimentary appetizers are provided for all, and following the event is the hugely popular raffle in the bar at Gar Woods. Swim participants may also enjoy the hot tubs provided by Pomin’s Hot Tubs. Swimmers may register at garwoods.com. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m., with swimmer check in at 1:30 and the race at 2:30. $30 advance entry or $35 on the day of the event. 18+ only.
March 1 | Sunday
Arctic Paddle
10 a.m. | Waterman’s Landing, Carnelian Bay
The Arctic Paddle is not just a race; it is a celebration of winter paddling and the winter in Lake Tahoe with family fun on and off the water. The race course will depend on weather conditions. Waterman’s Landing will be open serving hot beverages, food and s’mores.
SnowFest Dawg Pull
11 a.m. | Tahoe City Golf Course
Enjoy friendly racing for dogs of all ages and sizes. There will be treats for all competitors and prizes for winners. The Dawg Pull will take place sunshine, rain or snow. Dogs of all sizes will pull a weighted sled across the snow (or grass) to take home the championship in their category. Sign ups start at 11 a.m.$10 entry fee. Food and beverages available during the event.
Gone Bonkers Kids Ski & Snowboard Race
1 p.m. | Granlibakken, Tahoe City
Granlibakken hosts its 2nd annual kids ski and snowboard obstacle course competition. It’s an all-out, top-to-bottom race over natural terrain complete with gates, obstacles, bumps and fun. If you don’t ski or board come anyway. The afternoon includes family fun for all ages. In case of no snow, there will be family fun events for all ages including face painting, s’mores and other activities. Ages 5-12. Entry $20 or $5 if staying at Granlibakken.
Sunnyside’s Annual Luau
4 p.m. | Sunnyside, Tahoe City
Enjoy Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and cocktails at Sunnyside’s Mountain Grill. Wear your Hawaiian attire, and bring your Aloha spirit. Sign up for the Hula Pie Eating and Hula Hoop contests to win great prizes.
March 2 | Monday
Za’s Clam Bake
5 p.m. | Za’s, Tahoe City
Za’s restaurant will be hosting a traditional East Coast clam bake. The menu will include expertly prepared clams, chicken, potatoes and corn. $25.
March 3 | Tuesday
Pete ‘n’ Peters Bar Game Olympics
6 p.m. | Pete ‘n’ Peter’s, Tahoe City
Enjoy a fun evening of competition with pool, shuffleboard, foosball and dice. Great prizes for the top three teams. Sign up early. Limited space. 21+. $10 entry. RSVP (530) 583.2400.
March 4 | Wednesday
Wine & Ice Competition
1 p.m. | Truckee River Winery, Truckee
Truckee River Winery’s 4th Annual Ice Carving Competition. Watch talented local professionals transform large blocks of ice into works of art. Listen to the stylings of DJ Chango. Proceeds will benefit the High Fives Foundation. All ages. $10 cover includes donation, souvenir wine glass and Mardi Gras beads.
Girls’ Night Out Bunco Bash
6 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach
No experience required. There will be appetizers, wine and beer, raffle and silent auction with lots of prizes. Tickets $25 at activitytickets.com or at these locations for cash only: Truckee Visitor Center, The Store, Bar Bar Bar, and Rockwood Tree Services. Limited space. Benefits the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center patient programs.
Rosie’s BINGO Night
9 p.m. | Rosie’s Café, Tahoe City
Come join in the B-I-N-G-O Fun as Rosie’s. There are incredible prizes for each round, and it goes on for hours. Get there early for a good seat. And cocktails will be served. $5 per card to play, and you can play more than one card at a time.
March 5 | Thursday
Meet the Squaw Rescue Dogs
5:30 p.m. | North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center, Tahoe City
The Squaw Valley Rescue Dogs are ready for a tail-wagging good time. Learn how they save lives and become rescue dogs. Get your picture taken with a furry friend. All photo proceeds go to the Squaw Valley Avalanche Rescue Dog and Education Fund. Complimentary adult and child beverages.
SnowFest Skills & Prowess Test
5:30 p.m. | Blue Agave, Tahoe City
Contestants show their prowess and compete in a basketball, football and hockey skills test. Skills include free throws & 3-point shots, hockey goal scoring and football passing accuracy. Prizes awarded for the athletes with the most prowess and skills. Sign up at Blue Agave or the Tahoe City Downtown Association office. Proceeds benefit the 4th of July fireworks.
March 6 | Friday
Bridgetender Rib Fest
5 p.m. | Bridgetender, Tahoe City
Enjoy the great ribs at the BT for this 7th Annual Rib Fest. An outdoor extravaganza of BBQ’d ribs takes place on the outside patio and bar with great ribs.
March 7 | Saturday
Diamond Peak Uphill Downhill Dash
7 a.m. | Diamond Peak, Incline Village
Earn your turns at the Diamond Peak Uphill/Downhill Dash sponsored by Tahoe Mountain Sports. Race to the top of the mountain using whatever human-powered method you prefer. Skin, snowshoe or run to the top; ski, snowboard or snowshoe down; then head back up to the mid-mountain Snowflake Lodge for awards and prizes. $10 entry fee. No sleds or sled-type objects. Long Course goes to the summit of Crystal Ridge via Flume, down Crystal Ridge and Sunnyside, then back up to Snowflake Lodge via Freeway. Short Course goes to Snowflake Lodge via Freeway (participants will have to ski/snowshoe/hike down after the event). RSVP diamondpeak.com.
NTPUD Pancake Breakfast
8:30 a.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach
Enjoy hot pancakes topped with strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream, with sausage, orange juice, hot chocolate, milk and coffee. Adults $8, children $3, 3 and younger free. All proceeds benefit Dog Day in the Park and Friends of the Park.
Dress Up Your Dog Contest
10 a.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach
Dress up your dogs. Prizes for different categories and free entrance into the Kings Beach Parade to follow. Stroll with your prized pooches down the parade route in Kings Beach. Sponsored by TNT-TMA.
Kings Beach SnowFest Parade
11:30 a.m. | Downtown Kings Beach
North Tahoe Business Association hosts this annual, fun-filled event featuring entertaining entries from 30 to 40 local community and nonprofit organizations and businesses. Spectators are invited to watch the parade, which travels east along Highway 28. Free to watch, all ages welcome. To participate in the parade, call (530) 546-9000.
The Grid’s After Parade Party
12:30 p.m. | The Grid, Kings Beach
Following the parade, DJs will entertain on The Grid’s Love Boat-themed parade float in the parking lot. Drink and food specials, and an after party going all day and night.
Snow What? Snow Building Contest
1 p.m. | Kings Beach Library
Come to the library after the Kings Beach SnowFest Parade for a snow-sculpting contest. Great event for the entire family with prizes. Free. All ages and abilities welcome.
Winter Expo
4 p.m. | Diamond Peak, Incline Village
Tahoe Expeditionary Academy hosts a hands-on, interactive showcase of winter activities for all ages with snow sculpting, cross-country skiing, snow shelter building, avalanche preparedness and more. Bring the family for a free afternoon and evening filled with educational, adventure-based exhibitions.
LUNAFEST Film, Food and Wine
6 p.m. | Olympic Village Lodge, Olympic Valley
Tickets include wine tasting, sampling of local cuisine, silent auction and award-winning films. The short films will compel discussion, make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings and motivate you to make a difference in your community. Benefits Girls on the Run-Sierras and the Breast Cancer Fund. $35 advance, $45 at the event. Ages 21+.
SnowFest Mardi Gras Masquerade
7 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach
Kings Beach After 8 Music Series presents the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. Grammy-nominated Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic deliver soulful and traditional World, Zydeco and Blues. Begin the evening with free Zydeco dance instruction. Costumes and masks encouraged. Prizes will be awarded. Full bar and food available for purchase. Smoke-free venue. $20 per person, $5 for younger than 18. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Park. Like the Facebook page Kings Beach After 8 Music Series and receive a discount at the door.
Queen Raffle Drawing
7 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach
Bring your friends for an evening of great music and dance on the last night of SnowFest, and draw the prizes for the Queen Raffle. This is a Mardi Gras-themed party so dress your best and have a chance at winning the best mask and costume contest as part of the Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball (see above).
SnowFest Cocktail Bingo
7 p.m. | Community Art Center, Truckee
Celebrate Winter Truckee style with the SnowFest Cocktail Bingo. This is a Truckee Downtown Merchants Association event. All ages. $10 per bingo card for first two cards. $5 for each additional card.
March 8 | Sunday
Tahoe Donner Ididarun
1 p.m. | Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area
Dogs pulling covered wagon sleds across a snow-covered course against the clock with four categories for dogs. This is a great event for spectators. Best views from the track side or on the Ski Lodge deck. Event sign ups start at noon, and the race begins at 1. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Raffle proceeds to benefit the Humane Society of Tahoe-Truckee. All ages. $20 entry.
River Ranch’s Snow or Sand Sculpting Contest
2 p.m.| River Ranch Lodge, Alpine Meadows
Tahoe Redneck Beach Party, Barbecue and DJ on the patio and a Bay Watch Reunion all in one. We’re prepared for rain, snow or shine. The patio will be in full swing with a bar serving beer, drink specials and more. The barbecue will be lit with burgers and chicken sandwiches. Snow/Sand judging takes place at 3, with awards at 3:30, and a raffle at 4 to benefit Disabled Sports USA Far West. All ages.
Fine ‘n Funky Fashion Show
7:30 p.m. | Jake’s On the Lake, Tahoe City
Check out the latest and hottest fashion, showcased by the most beautiful ladies in Tahoe.
Road closures for parades
March 1 | Saturday
Highway 28, also known as North Lake Blvd., will be closed on March 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Tahoe City SnowFest! Parade from the Lighthouse Center parking lot to the junction with Highway 89 at the wye in Tahoe City.
March 7 | Saturday
Highway 28 in Kings Beach will be closed during the parade on March 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Detour routes will be available from Highway 267 at Dolly Varden Street (eastbound Highway 28 also use this route) and from Highway 28 westbound at Chipmunk. Follow posted detour signs and traffic management. No parking on Chipmunk Street, Salmon Avenue and Brockway Vista Avenue during the parade.
