Summer is on the way and as temps warm, locals are switching out their beanies for baseball caps and trading in their skis and boards for boats and SUPs. Plus, festival season is starting this month. You’ll want to grab your sunscreen and shades and head out for a good time at a hyper-local craft fest, music fests, beer fests, a Reno river-front fest and more. Also this month, don’t miss a full moon kayak tour, the return of farmers markets, and a lighthearted community theater production.
Featured Photo: Jeremy Banks on Unsplash
North Lake Tahoe
Full Moon Kayak Tours
May 14-15
For a truly special experience, head out in a kayak on the crystal blue waters of Tahoe while the sun sets, the full moon rises and the stars start to twinkle above. Learn about the constellations with jaw-dropping views of Lake Tahoe illuminated by the the full moon. Paddling lasts about two hours before the group lands on a beach and caps it all off with hot drinks, snacks, and more stargazing.
More info: tahoeadventurecompany.com
Made in Tahoe Festival
May 28-29
It doesn’t get more local than this. Made in Tahoe celebrates all things local, from goods and wares to food, drinks and music. The Village at Palisades Tahoe hosts a wide array of offerings that are made in or inspired by the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee areas. Discover, explore and experience Tahoe’s rich community full of talented creators. Event takes place 11am to 5pm each day at The Village at Palisades Tahoe.
More info: palisadestahoe.com
South Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series
May 5 and 27-29
Summer starts early in South Shore when the The Shops at Heavenly Village kick off their free, outdoor concerts, beginning on Cinco de Mayo with a mariachi band. The official series gets going on Memorial Day Weekend and runs through Labor Day. Rock out to all genres of music, with most shows on Fridays and Saturdays, plus Sundays on holiday weekends. Shows take place on the stage between the Fire and Ice and Gunbarrel Tavern restaurants from 5:45pm to 9:15pm.
More info: tahoesouth.com
Big Blue Music and Brews Festival
May 27-29
More info: tahoesouth.com
Truckee
Truckee Certified Farmers Market
Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24, 31
Grab your reusable tote and head down to the Truckee River Regional Park because the farmers market is back for the season. Starting this month, you can source fresh and local produce, flowers, crafts and more at the Truckee Certified Farmers Market. It takes place every Tuesday morning from 8am to 1pm.
More info: truckeecertifiedfa.wixsite.com
Avenue Q
May 20-29
For a good time and a hearty laugh, snag a seat for Avenue Q at The Truckee Community Theater. Tony award winner of the “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q, isn’t your children’s puppet show. It tells the story of a recent college grad and his new friends who struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life while in a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There will be live music, a bar and a concessions stand. Rated R; under 17 not admitted without an adult.
More info: truckeecommunitytheater.com
Reno
Reno River Festival
May 7-8
Kick off the start of summer just down the hill at the Reno River Festival. This lively community celebration features 24 musical acts, including headliners Lindsay Ell and Ryan Griffin, a craft beer and hard seltzer experience, the Reno River Roll bike ride, cornhole championships, food, shopping, and more. The event takes place at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno.
More info: renoriverfestival.com
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
