The locals’ favorite month of “summer” has arrived, as temperatures stay warm but crowds disappear. September is a great time to visit, not only for the typically perfect weather and fewer people, but also for the lively and diverse events. This month, don’t miss an eclectic art hike with visual art, music, poetry and dance — in addition to beautiful scenery, beer and brats at Palisades Tahoe’s Oktoberfest, concerts over Labor Day weekend and beer and a chicken wing cook-off at Heavenly, a family farm festival in Truckee and Reno’s magical hot air balloon festival.
We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in Tahoe including museums, cultural events, food tours, athletic events, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in Tahoe, and if you’re planning a weekend, the the best places to stay.
Tahoe in September is sunny, but not boiling hot, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s.
Featured Photo: @renoballoon
North Lake Tahoe
Trails and Vistas Signature Art Hike
Join in for an unforgettable experience of an art hike, which includes visual art, music, poetry and dance while hiking through beautiful meadows to scenic vistas. This art hike sets off on a gentle trail in Tahoe Meadows above Incline Village and features eight art and performance sites. It’s a 1.3 mile loop and the experience is designed for people of all ages and hiking abilities. A free shuttle from Diamond Peak Ski Resort takes you to the trailhead.
More info: trailsandvistas.org
Oktoberfest
The beer will be flowing in Olympic Valley at The Village at Palisades Tahoe’s Oktoberfest. All the classic elements of a quality Oktoberfest are represented, including traditional Bavarian music and folk dancers, authentic German beer and hearty food offerings including brats, pretzels, Swiss slices and traditional European desserts like apple strudel and nussgipfel. You won’t want to miss ever-popular Oktoberfest games like keg rolling, a brat toss and a stein-rolling competition.
More info: palisadestahoe.com
South Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Village Summer Concert Series
September 1-3
The Shops at Heavenly Village wrap up their free, outdoor summer concert series this month with bands Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. 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
2023 Fall Ale Fest and Wing Competition
Dance the day away with a cold beer in-hand and a sampler plate of wings to get your fall started right at The Fall Ale Fest in Heavenly Village. Sample beers, spirits, kombucha and sodas from across the region. There will be live music and local restaurants competing in a chicken wing cook-off to win a 6-foot-tall trophy.
More info: eventbrite.com
Truckee
Family Farm Festival
Your family won’t want to miss the free farm festival at Truckee’s KidZone Museum. This community favorite features a petting zoo with bunnies, pigs, goats and more, pony rides, face painting, bulb planting, arts and crafts and a bilingual singalong. Plus, everyone can play for free and try out the interactive exhibits at the children’s museum that day.
More info: kidzonemuseum.org/farm-fest/
Reno
Great Reno Balloon Race
See more than 80 hot-air balloons soar over Reno’s skyline in this spectacularly colorful event — an area favorite for over three decades. The Great Reno Balloon Race is free and spectators can explore balloons up close on the field. Highlights include the Glow Show and Dawn Patrol, a predawn spectacle as balloons twinkle against the dark sky; Mass Ascension, when over 80 colorful balloons fill the sky; special shaped balloons as well as food, crafts, art and souvenirs.
More info: renoballoon.com
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
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
