Tahoe South’s Top Six Must-See Events

Tahoe’s national treasure – the lake – is the epicenter of recreational opportunities and special events this summer.

South Shore’s most popular season swings into action with celebrity golf, Fourth of July fireworks, concerts, craft brewery events, and heart-pounding athletic competitions.

RUN, FOREST, RUN

Athletes will test their endurance running the 4th annual Rock Tahoe Half Marathon, June 16. The 13.1-mile course starts on the mountaintop at Spooner Summit and drops over 1,000 feet as it winds down U.S. Highway 50 to the finish line at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe. For cyclists, America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride is a scenery inspired 72-mile spectacular that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe during its 27th annual edition, Sunday, June 3. A second chance to cycle the same breathtaking course is during the 17th annual Tour de Tahoe – Bike Big Blue Sunday, Sept. 9. To see some of the top riders in the world, cycling enthusiasts can cheer on the pros during the Amgen Tour of California men’s Stage 6 finish and women’s Stage 2 on May 18. The largest U.S. cycling race will have the most demanding climbs in event history for the men with 123-mile stage and more than 16,000 feet of climbing reaching an elevation of 8,600’.

CHEERS FOR CRAFT BEERS

The 2nd annual Lake Tahoe Brewfest Saturday, June 2, hosted by FNCTN, finds a new home this year at Heavenly Mountain Resort California Base Lodge. The festival features regional craft brew tastings, a homebrewers competition, food, live music, and arts and craft vendors. Save the date for September’s foodie event the 9th annual Sample the Sierra, Saturday, Sept. 15 at Bijou Community Park. The farm to fork event will showcase regionally sourced cuisine paired with locally crafted wine, beer, and spirits.

BABY YOU’RE A FIREWORK

The “Lights on the Lake” fireworks show is rated one of the country’s best displays in prominent travel outlets including CNN, Budget Travel, USA TODAY and NBC’s Today Show. The show attracts an estimated 100,000 spectators during a spectacular array of red, white and blue pyrotechnics launched from off-shore barges while synchronized to top rock/pop hits and patriotic favorites.

SWING INTO SUMMER

The 29th annual American Century Championship, the No. 1 celebrity golf tournament in the U.S., will bring a star-studded line-up of more than 80 athletes and Hollywood stars to Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, July 10-15, and is televised on NBC Sports. Superstars and longtime favorites are expected to announce their participation in the coming months.

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS

A schedule of superstar artists will grace the Harveys Outdoor Arena stage during the Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series. This year’s stars include Slightly Stoopid, June 16; Robert Plant and the Sensational Shape Shifters, June 23; Kenny Chesney with Old Dominion, July 3; Pitbull, July 13; An Evening with PHISH, July 17-18; Keith Urban with Kelsea Ballerini, July 21-22; Luke Bryan with Morgan Wallen, July 25; Chris Stapleton with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb, July 26; Steve Miller Band / Peter Frampton, Aug. 17; Charlie Puth with Hailee Steinfeld, Aug. 18; An Evening with Donny & Marie, Aug. 24; and Dave Matthews Band, Sept. 7. Additional acts are expected to be announced.

Visitors can expect more entertainment to fill out the summer options as MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe’ announce their rockin’ live music acts.

STEP BACK IN TIME

The Valhalla Art, Music & Theatre Festival honors Tahoe’s heritage with a season filled with performances and comedy at the Boathouse Theater, outdoor concerts, festivals, and cultural events. The Valhalla Renaissance Faire offers two weekends of jousting, sword fighting, historical demonstrations, jugglers, magicians, children’s games, merchants, actors, food, and beverages at Camp Richardson’s campgrounds, June 2-3 and June 9-10. The Roaring ’20s comes alive during the annual Great Gatsby Festival with live music, costumes, interactive tours, vintage auto rides, kid’s games, and food mid-August at the Tallac Historic Site.