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
A Liar’s Cruise
Oct. 5, 3:30-6:30 pm
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
Chocolate and Wine Festival
Oct. 19, 6-10 pm
Is there anything better than chocolate and wine paired with a Masquerade Ball? Don’t miss the 34th annual Tahoe Chocolate & Wine Festival, taking in the elegant Lakeside Ballroom at the Hyatt in Incline Village. Taste artisan chocolate from local Tahoe purveyors, and sample boutique wine from acclaimed California vintners. There will also be a live auction followed by live music and dancing, with all proceeds supporting Sierra Community House.
More info: tahoechocolatefestival.org
Made in Tahoe Festival
Oct. 12-13
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
Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson Resort
Oct. 5-6
With traditional polka music from the Gruber Family Band, Camp Richardson’s ode to the Munich festival is a family favorite. Bring out your Lederhosen and join in the competitions during the two-day festival. Try your strength at beer stein holding to yodeling and costume contests for dogs and their owners. The beer and wine garden offers Oktoberfest-inspired menu options. Parking and entry are free. The festival runs 10 am to 5 pm daily.
More info: camprichardsonresort.com
Tallac After Dark
Oct. 4-20, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
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
Oct. 26, 27
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
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
21th Truckee Wine Walk and Shop
Oct. 5
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
Fall Festival
Oct. 12
Now in its 13th 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
Halloween Parade
Oct. 25
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.
Music Venues
Theaters
Museums
Multi Use
The Chateau at Incline Village
Comedy
Movie Theaters
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
