Winter Festival & Fundraiser — 44th Year
The West Coast's largest winter mountain festival. Ten days of fireworks, parades, ski races, live music, quirky competitions, and community fundraising across North Lake Tahoe.
"We come for the skiing, and stay for SNOWFEST."
— Evan P., New York
Dates
Feb 26 - Mar 8
10 days
Events
55+
Across North Lake Tahoe
Since
1982
44th year
From Reno
~45 min
I-80 W to Hwy 89 S
Since 1982, the North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST has brought our mountain community together for ten unforgettable days of fun, friends, and winter celebration. What started as a local gathering has grown into the largest winter mountain festival on the West Coast, powered entirely by volunteers, local businesses, and Tahoe pride.
Whether you're a first-timer or a longtime local, you'll find plenty of reasons to wear your beads and celebrate everything we love about winter in the mountains.
Each year, more than 50 events fill the calendar — from family-friendly snow play and pancake breakfasts to ski town nightlife.
Start the festival right with live music from the Blues Monsters and introductions to our scholarship candidates. The official opening celebration at one of Tahoe's most iconic lakefront restaurants.
Enjoy Tahoe's best fireworks with live music by the NOMADS. North Tahoe's only fireworks show — don't miss it. Afterparty at evo.
Continuing our longtime parade tradition, stroll North Lake Blvd to enjoy live performances, local flavor, floats, and Tahoe's winter spirit. The heart of SNOWFEST.
Cheer on Tahoe's furry athletes as they haul sleds through the snow behind Pete n Peters for glory and a great cause. One of the most beloved SNOWFEST traditions.
The Wrinkle and Matt Axton & Bad Moon perform post-parade at the Tahoe Backyard Bonfire. The biggest party night of the festival.
Test your skills on Tahoe's most unusual golf course — played entirely in the snow. One of SNOWFEST's quirkiest and most fun competitions.
Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation presents this uniquely Tahoe twist on curling. Easy to learn, hard to master, impossible not to laugh.
Guided history hikes and free skiing/snowshoeing at Sugar Pine Point State Park. A beautiful way to experience Tahoe's winter trails.
A Tahoe classic at the Tahoe XC Center. Cross-country ski racing for all levels in a stunning Sierra setting.
A new addition to the SNOWFEST lineup — an evening Nordic experience under the stars.
SNOWFEST isn't just about having a good time — it's about giving back.
As a public benefit nonprofit organization, every SNOWFEST event, sponsorship, and vendor helps raise funds for local nonprofits, student programs, and community causes that make Tahoe such a special place.
SNOWFEST proudly supports local students through annual scholarships for high school seniors. Two winners are chosen each year.
Take I-80 West from Reno to Truckee, then Highway 89 South to Tahoe City. About 40 miles, 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on conditions.
Chains may be required on I-80 and Highway 89 during storms. Check Caltrans road conditions before you go. 4WD/AWD with snow tires is ideal. Leave extra time.
SNOWFEST HQ. Street Faire, Gar Woods Kick-Off, Dog Pull, most signature events happen here.
SNOWFEST Parade, street vendors, and lakefront events on the north shore.
Ski races, snow competitions, and alpine events near Palisades Tahoe.
Home Again Celebration with Jenni & Jesse (Dead Winter Carpenters) and intimate mountain events.
SNOWFEST HQ: 130 Mackinaw Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Ready to experience the mountain lifestyle we all love? Come see why generations return each year.
Making a weekend of it? Here's what else North Lake Tahoe offers in late winter.
World-class skiing and snowboarding at the former Squaw Valley resort. 15 minutes from Tahoe City.
Family-friendly resort with great intermediate terrain, ice skating, and the Village at Northstar.
Wolfdale's for fine dining, Bridgetender for burgers by the river, Rosie's for breakfast.
The Tahoe City lakefront trail is plowed in winter. Beautiful views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
20 minutes north. Historic downtown with great restaurants, bars, and boutique shopping.
Warm up at the public hot tubs at Granlibakken or book a spa day at the Resort at Squaw Creek.
See our full Day Trips & Adventures Guide for more.
Event details sourced from tahoesnowfest.org and Tahoe Getaways. Updated February 25, 2026.
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