Best Things to Do in Tahoe and Truckee This October

Best Things to Do in Tahoe and Truckee This October

Fall is officially upon us and in Tahoe/Truckee that means mild weather, no crowds and a plethora of festive, seasonal events. From (beer) tasting your way through Tahoe and Truckee with a month long celebration for a great cause to experiencing the fall season from the water aboard the Tahoe Gal paddlewheeler to a hyper-local weekend-long craft festival to a Truckee wine walk, lots of spooky Halloween celebrations, and honoring the state of Nevada with an epic parade, October is a great time to visit the Tahoe/Truckee area.

Featured photo courtesy of @Tahoedonner 

North Lake Tahoe

Foam Fest

Dates tbd

Beer lovers rejoice — all month long, try local beers from the region’s favorite breweries and restaurants during the 34th annual Foam Fest. The event features two ticket options, one for Truckee breweries and one for those in North Lake Tahoe. Tickets include one beer at each participating brewery and a Foam Fest commemorative glass. Each locale includes five participating breweries: Truckee breweries include 5050 Brewing Company, Truckee Brewing Co, The Good Wolf, Donner Creek Brewing and Alibi Ale Works. North Lake Tahoe breweries include Whitecaps Pizza, Tahoe Tap Haus, Jakes on the Lake, Bear Belly Brewing and Alibi Ale Works in Incline Village. All proceeds benefit Achieve Tahoe, providing year-round outdoor recreation activities for people with cognitive, sensory and physical disabilities.

More info: achievetahoe.ticketspice.com

A Liar's Cruise and more things to do Tahoe October
Photo courtesy of Sierra State Parks Foundation.

A Liar’s Cruise

Date tbd

Experience the fall season from the water with a cruise along the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy historic stories paired with delectable appetizers and bottomless bubbly on the iconic paddle wheeler, the Tahoe Gal. There will also be a live auction benefiting the Sierra State Parks Foundation.

More info: sierrastateparks.org

Made in Tahoe Festival
Photo courtesy of Made in Tahoe Festival.

Made in Tahoe Festival

Dates tbd

Celebrating all things local, this free festival in the center of The Village at Palisades Tahoe features a wide array of offerings that are made in or inspired by the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee areas. Find crafts by resident artisans, food offerings by regional chefs, beer from local breweries and live entertainment by local performers.

More info: palisadestahoe.com

South Lake Tahoe

Tallac after dark
Photo courtesy of @TallacHistoricSite

Tallac After Dark

Dates tbd

In the spirit of Halloween, discover why and how so many Americans try to speak to the dead. From seances to ouija, this interpretative tour through the American Spiritualism Movement takes you back in time to experience the movement firsthand. You’ll also hear tales from modern-day, ghostly encounters that regularly occur at the Pope Estate. 

More info: visitlaketahoe.com

Nevada Day Parade things to do Tahoe
Photo courtesy of Nevada Day Activities.

Nevada Day Parade

Dates tbd

Head down to Carson City for one of the biggest events of the year, commemorating Nevada’s entry into the union. This year is the state’s 159th birthday and also marks 85 years since the Nevada Day Celebration moved to the Capitol, featuring a large parade in downtown Carson City with colorful floats, marching bands, equestrian groups and community organizations that showcase the diversity and spirit of Nevada. This year’s theme is ”Home Means Nevada.” Event favorites include hot air balloons that fill the sky early that morning, beard contests, rock drilling and more.

More info: visitlaketahoe.com

Back of Halloween candy
Photo courtesy of Sebbi Strauch.

Halloween Celebration

October 31

Celebrate Halloween at Heavenly Village with an event for the whole family. The afternoon and evening feature candy, candy and more candy, along with a $1,000 costume contest, live music, a witches walk, bounce houses, slides and more.

More info: visitlaketahoe.com

Truckee

Woman pours drink at Truckee Wine Walk and Shop
Photo courtesy of @truckeewinewalk

20th Truckee Wine Walk and Shop

Date tbd

Sip a variety of wines, sample local foods and shop your way through historic downtown Truckee during this iconic fall event. Attendees receive a commemorative wine glass to sample wine at more than 25 venues plus five food tickets to taste bites at various restaurants. The event celebrates a local non-profit; this year it’s the Truckee Donner Horsemen Association, which aims to sponsor, cultivate and foster an interest in horses and horsemanship throughout the Truckee, Donner and Sierra regions.

More info: truckeewinewalk.com

Two beers toast for Tahoe Fall Festival of beer
Photo courtesy of @tahoedonner

Fall Festival

Date tbd

Now in its 12th year, Fall Festival in Tahoe Donner is Truckee’s premier family-friendly harvest celebration, featuring seasonal-themed events and activities. Favorites include a bounce house, face painting, a candy apple station, climbing wall, slide and even a doggie dip at Northwoods Pool. Plus, don’t miss great food and drinks.

More info: tahoedonner.com

Kids and parents in costume at Truckee Tahoe Halloween Parade
Photo courtesy of @tdrpd

Halloween Parade

Date tbd

An annual event that takes place the Friday before Halloween each year, costumed-attendees can parade through downtown Truckee while bystanders revel and cheer. The parade ends at  the Community Arts Center for trick-or-treating through the festively decorated Community Arts Center. 

More info: tdrpd.org

Event Venues

Looking to see what’s happening right now in Tahoe? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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