Several races are held for amateur snowboarders throughout January in Kirkwood, with the winner eligible for competition in the national championships. A slalom race and slopestyle race occur in the days that follow. Call (530) 577-4760 for more information.
Sierra Stomp
Bring your snowshoes and follow your guide as you hike through the woods seeking a breathtaking summit view. Usually at the end of January. Call (209) 258-7248 for more information.
Far West Open Slalom
Visit Heavenly, during the first week in January, and watch skiers compete in the World Cup run, one of the series leading to participation in the Olympics. Call (800) 2-HEAVEN for more information.
Cajun food, authentic Cajun music and traditional Mardi Gras festivities are featured at this annual festival held at the Sugar Bowl Resort in Norden. Call (530) 426-6721 for more information.
Ascent -- The Winter Party at Lake Tahoe
This eight-day gay and lesbian ski week packs in plenty of fun on and off the slopes with major entertainers and awesome snow at assorted resorts. Call (866) 263-4167 for more information.
Valentine Sweetheart Race
On February 14, bring your sweetheart to Heavenly to compete on the slopes for a diamond pendant and other prizes. Call (800) 2-HEAVEN for more information.
Chevy Trucks Family Fest
During mid to late February, bring the family to Sierra-at-Tahoe for a day of live music, fun and games, and have a look at the latest models of Chevy trucks. Call (530) 659-7453 for more information.
Police Winter Games
During the last week in February, police officers and their families from around the country come to Heavenly to compete in a variety of skiing events and other games. Call (800) 2-HEAVEN for more information.
In South Lake Tahoe, during the first week in March, enjoy a week of skiing and entertainment. Call (877) 777-4950 for more information.
St. Patrick’s Day Race
Wear the green and come to Heavenly on St. Patrick’s Day
to compete for prizes in the Irish obstacle course while listening to old
rock and roll music. Call (800) 2-HEAVEN for more information.
Kings Beach Snow Festival Parade
Downtown Kings Beach on Highway 28 in North Lake Tahoe comes alive with an hour-long parade around noon during the 10-day Tahoe Snow Festival, also featuring events in various communities from the Rotary Ski Challenge to the Kiwanis Spaghetti Feed. Call (530) 546-9000 for more information.
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Mid-March in Kirkland, descend the mountain in a parade of skiers with torches, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Call (209) 258-6000 for more information.
Enjoy the show in Heavenly, early to mid-April, as dummies on skis are sent flying in a competition by their owners for prizes. Call (800) 2-HEAVEN for more information.
Superpark Sundays
Every Sunday in Kirkwood’s Superpark is filled with a variety
of competitions for the whole family. Call (209) 258-6000 for more information.
Easter Egg Hunt
On Easter weekend, in Heavenly, children can attend ski school and hunt for prizes in the Enchanted Forest, while adults search the mountainsides for theirs. Call (800) 2-HEAVEN for more information.
Reno opens its downtown area to food and craft booths, and a variety of Mexican-themed events and entertainment during the first week in May. Call (775) 825-1727 for more information.
Annual Highway 50 Wagon Train
Historical Reenactment of the Great Western Migration. Take a step back through time. Relive the adventures and rigors of the early pioneers as they traveled west. The Highway 50 Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to horse and wagon enthusiasts, and the historical reenactment of the Great Western Migration. For details, call: (530) 644-3761
Free Fishing Day at Sawmill Pond
At Sawmill Pond in South Lake Tahoe. Today, kids 14 years and younger fish free. Prizes and goodies for all the kids. Fishing gear and bait provided. Sponsored by the Optimist Club South Lake Tahoe and Raley's Market. Phone: (530) 541-4700
Wine and Gourmet Food Tasting
In mid-May, the Edgewood Golf Clubhouse in Heavenly sponsors an evening fundraiser for the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation, with refreshments provided by local restaurants. Call (530) 541-7354 for more information.
Reno River Festival
Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno is the site for Reno River Festival, with a growing roster of events, exhibitors, activities and competitions, including kayak professionals and amateur athletes. Call (800) FOR-RENO for more information.
Barton Hospital Annual Health Fair
Towards the end of May, Harrah’s Convention Center in Stateline
hosts an annual exposition of exhibits and a variety of speakers on health
related topics. Call (530) 542-3000 for more information.
Valhalla Renaissance Faire
In South Lake Tahoe, the Valhalla Renaissance Faire takes fairgoers
to the countryside of late-1500s England, with peasants, merchants, barbarians,
soldiers, lords and ladies in Elizabethan costume. Call Renaissance Productsions at (415) 354-1773 for
more information. (Be sure to call ahead. This event can sometimes change
its dates from year to year.)
Early in June, Soroptimist International of
Truckee Donner hosts a festival where local restaurants
and wineries offer samples of their best, and visitors can
enjoy live music, a silent auction, souvenir glasses and
more, at the Coyote Moon Golf Course in Truckee. Call (530)
414-4028 for more information.
Minden Rotary Hot Air Balloon Race
The sky over Carson Valley is filled with
color in this annual competition, held during the second
week in June, at Garnderville. Call (775) 782-7987 for more
information.
Breeder’s Invitational
During the first half of June, the Reno Livestock
Events Center hosts its annual exposition of prize horses,
Western products and a variety of workshops. Call (775)
329-4200 for more information.
El Dorado County Fair
In mid-June, enjoy the annual exposition of
local produce and prize-winning livestock at Placerville.
Call (530) 621-5860 for more information.
The Tahoe Arts Project sponsors this fundraiser
of food, art and entertainment in South Lake Tahoe during
the first week in July, with something for everyone in the
family. Call (530) 542-3632 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
From mid-July through mid-August, enjoy a
variety of Shakespeare plays on the outdoor stage at Sand
Harbor. Call (800) 747 4697 for more information.
Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival
The Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival kicks off
at Kings Beach State Park capturing imaginations with one-
and few-of-a-kind collectibles including watercolor and
oil paintings, glasswork, sculptures, photography, home
decor and more. Call (530) 546-9000 for more information.
Homewood Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
Homewood gets artsy at the Fine Arts and Crafts
Festival at Homewood Mountain Resort southwest of Tahoe
City. Some 50 highly-skilled artists display watercolor
and oil paintings, functional quilts, glasswork, sculptures,
photography and more. Call (530) 525-2992 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Music Festival
Stretching into August, the Lake Tahoe Music
Festival presents outdoor concerts around North Shore Lake
Tahoe at a variety of locations including Lake Donner and
Squaw Valley. Music ranges from classical orchestra to bluegrass,
jazz, country, pop, and Broadway. Call (530) 581-1184 for
more information.
From mid-July through mid-August, enjoy a
variety of Shakespeare plays on the outdoor stage at Sand
Harbor. Call (800) 747 4697 for more information.
Nevada State Fair
The Reno Livestock Events Center hosts the
annual State Fair towards the end of August. Call (775)
688-5767 for more information
Labor Day Weekend
Fireworks, food, live entertainment and activities
for the whole family highlight this annual celebration along
the south shore of Lake Tahoe, late August-early September.
Call (800) AT-TAHOE for more information.
Tahoe Reno International Film Festival
Some of the world's finest independent movies
unfold at assorted venues on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Call
(775) 298-0018 for more information.
Homewood Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
In mid-August, for more than three decades
the Homewood Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, Lake Tahoe's
oldest show of its kind, invites families to the Homewood
Mountain Resort to browse, buy and barter with professional
artists for oil paintings, photography from far-off places,
ceramics, whimsical jewelry, and more. Call (530) 525-2992
for more information.
Kings Beach Fine Arts Festival
Towards the end of August, the Kings Beach
Fine Arts Festival at Kings Beach State Park features 40
professional artists displaying collages, oil paintings,
glasswork, sculptures, stunning vessels and more. Call (530)
546-9000 for more information.
Early in September, the Mumbo Gumbo concert
is presented on the lawn behind the Funitel, featuring a
BBQ, beer and wine garden, and a raffle for prizes, to benefit
the Tahoe Forest Hospital Foundation. Call (530) 583-6985
for more information.
Great Reno Balloon Race
During the first week in September, Fall is
ushered in with a hot-air balloon competition for the skies
of Rancho San Rafael Park. Call (775) 826-1181 for more
information.
Trails and Vistas
In early to mid-September, Trails and Vistas
offers a special hiking experience in the Sierra Meadow
around Lake Tahoe that includes an exploration of installation
art, dance, poetry and music. Call (530) 550-8262 for more
information.
National Championship Air Races and
Air Show
In mid-September, Reno Stead Field hosts classes
in air racing and an exhibition by the U.S. Air Force Flight
Demonstration Squadron, organized by the Reno Air Racing
Association. Call (775) 972-6663 for more information.
Tahoe Big Blue Adventure Race
In mid-September, mountain biking, kayaking
and high rope skills are highlighted in a variety of competitions,
sponsored by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. Call
(888) 434-1262 for more information.
Art Bark Fest
Art Bark Fest, an animal art, wine and music
festival showcasing more than 40 fine arts booths, attracts
canine enthusiasts from throughout the Reno, Tahoe and Bay
areas. Proceeds benefit the Tahoe-Truckee Humane Society
Pet Network. Call (530) 583-9247 for more information.
Lake Tahoe Best of the Beach
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa provides backdrop
for world-class beach volleyball action amid beach party
atmosphere. Call (310) 426-8000 for more information.
In the beginning of October, Camp Richardson
Resort hosts German food, beer, children’s games, hay rides,
arts and crafts booths and live German music. Call for information
– (877) 217-7407
Kokanee Salmon Festival
Marvel at the Fall colors along Taylor Creek,
watch the spawning run and enjoy the refreshments and variety
of amusements for the whole family at this annual event,
during the first week in October. Call (530) 573-2674 for
more information
Lake Tahoe Marathon
In mid-October during Race Week, participate
in this four-mile running marathon along the west shore
of Lake Tahoe. Call (734) 998-0007 for more information.
Mutt Strut Poker Run
The Animal Coalition of Tahoe (ACT) presents
the Mutt Strut Poker Run at Lakeview Sports, 3131 Harrison
Avenue at Lake Tahoe Boulevard, across from Sprouts, with
prizes for friendly dogs and their owners. Call (530) 222-9183
for more information.
Nevada Day
At the end of October, it seems like all of
Nevada gets out into the streets to celebrate Nevada statehood
in Carson City with a parade, carnival, food and craft booths,
music and art shows, a beard contest, live music and other
festivities. This is a very fun event! Call (866) NVDAY4U
for more information.
Enjoy a full weekend of music and craft faire
featuring Lake Tahoe's finest crafters in the Valhalla Grand
Hall. Featuring traditional Christmas music by Gairin Duo
in Victorian attire with traditional instruments, and children's
choirs throughout the day. Call (530) 541-4975 for more
information.
Annual Chocolate Festival
Sample delicious chocolate desserts prepared
by Lake Tahoe's most talented chefs. The festivities include
wine tasting and entertainment. All proceeds benefit the
Tahoe Women's Services. Call (530) 298-0010 for more information.
Thanksgiving Jazz Festival
Start off your holiday season listening to
music at this Jazz Festival held at the Hyatt Regency. Call
(800) 468-2463 for more information.
Enjoy an evening of dancing, gourmet fare
and champagne at this regional annual event, held at the
Valhalla Grand Hall near South Lake Tahoe. Call (530) 541-4975
for more information.
Holly Art - Festival of Trees
Come out and see how local artists decorate
a tree at this Festival of Trees. Browse this annual fine
arts and crafts event featuring handmade gifts and holiday
items, held at North Tahoe Arts Center, Tahoe City. Call
(530) 581-2787 for more information.
Full Moon Guided Ski/Snowshoe Tours
Beginning in December and extending through
March, on Saturdays closest to a full moon, enjoy the magic
as the Kirkwood Cross Country staff conducts ski and snowshoe
tours of the area by moonlight. Call (209) 258-7248 for
more information.