Labor Day Weekend Activities Around Lake Tahoe

Hit the Beach! But Be Prepared for the Crowds

Labor Day weekend is the time to squeeze in those last beach days before the fall chill sets in. Sand Harbor, Zephyr Cove, Pope Beach and Kings Beach are great family-friendly beaches with lots of amenities to celebrate the holiday weekend.

Don’t forget to check out Tahoe's Music on the Beach at Kings Beach on Friday August 31st. This free event will be featuring The Wrinkle, a local Kings Beach bluegrass/reggae band, will rock the stage. Beer from local craft brewery Alibi Ale Works, red and white wine, and soda will be available for purchase from 6:30pm-9pm. Food from local vendors will also be available to purchase, including burritos, salads, popcorn, ice cream, and more.

Ready for Some Retail Therapy?

Labor Day sales abound this weekend! The holiday weekend is a great time to get your shopping on. Sidewalk sales and specials can be found everywhere from Tahoe City to historic Downtown Truckee. Be sure to stop by California 89 in Truckee for unique mountain apparel and lifestyle goods. The Village at Squaw and the Village at Heavenly both have a great assortment of stores offering everything from handmade chocolates and bath goodies to quality outdoor gear for your next adventure. And it’s never a bad idea to take the short drive to Reno and check out the unique shops, galleries and boutiques in the Midtown District.

Check Out Some Amazing Events

The Rose to Toads Showcase

This exciting ride is a Tahoe classic! The 7th annual Tahoe-area mountain bike event is brought to you by TAMBA and calls all athletes to participate in a 62 mile bike ride from Mount Rose to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride course. Proceeds from the ride go to trail maintenance and building in the Tahoe area.

Labor Day Laser Show

On September 3rd the Labor Day Lasers at Lakeview is going to be a hit with a Laser and Wave Runner Glow Show! This is a free, family friendly, afternoon at the beach with music provided by a DJ, local vendors, games, and an after-dark laser/fire plume display.

29th Annual Squaw Valley Foam Fest

On Saturday, September 1st join in the fun at the 29th annual event. Unlimited beer tastings from over 40 craft breweries plus live music from world-class band Ozomatli. The event takes place at Squaw Valley's KT Base Bar outdoor sun deck. Enjoy live music from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

30th Annual Alpen Wine Fest

On Sunday, September 2nd this exciting event includes wine tastings, live music, a silent auction and raffle. Entry into the event is a donation to Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with Multiple Sclerosis. With the donation, attendees receive a crystal souvenir wine glass and tastings from over 40 vineyards.

6th Annual Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

On Sunday, September 2nd spectators will be treated to an exciting fireworks show at Gar Woods Grill & Pier at 8:30pm. Make a reservation for dinner on the deck, or bring a blanket and find a spot on the beach and join in this Tahoe tradition.

30th Annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off

This popular Reno-Sparks event runs from August 29th to September 3rd, highlighting two dozen of the world’s top barbecue competitors serving up more than 240,000 pounds of lip-smacking ribs for hundreds of thousands of hungry event-goers. This event features free live music, a kids zone, vendors and a beer garden.

Virginia City Civil War Days
Take the scenic drive to Virginia City and enjoy the holiday weekend exploring the cute shops, restaurants, museums and train rides. Be sure to catch the Labor Day Parade, and for the history buffs, the annual Civil War Days (Sept 1st-3rd) featuring battle reenactments.

Get Outside

Check out our blog posts listing a multitude of Tahoe-area hikes and MTB trails. Spend your holiday weekend getting outside. Get your heart pumping, soak in nature and experience the gorgeous views from the top!