SnowFest 2019 North Lake Tahoe
The 38th Annual SnowFest 2019 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival will start their ten (10) days of winter fun this week.
This is one of my favorite local events that we have in the North Lake Tahoe, California area.
We are fortunate to have so many free, fun, local events in both of our peak seasons.
Snowfest! is the event in the winter, and in the summer we have free outdoor movies, concerts, and street fairs and festivals like Truckee Thursdays.
As of Tuesday, February 26, 2019 we have received over 537 inches of snow, with 22 inches in the past 24 hours. It’s been a big winter season and SnowFest! is going to keep you in that winter party mode!
SnowFest! 2019 kicks off on Thursday, February 28, 2019 with the Kick-off Party and Snow Queen Coronation and will end on Sunday, March 10, 2019 with the annual River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest.
It’s hard to believe that this annual event began back in the spring of 1982.
It has become the place to be in the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee area with ten (10) days of winter events, and activities for everyone!
The North Lake Tahoe SnowFest event has become one of the largest winter carnival events in the western United States.
It is a great way for everyone to celebrate our amazing snow conditions, all of our winter sports, and the beginning of Spring Skiing. Yes, Spring Skiing is almost here!
The North Lake Tahoe snow festival event planners are busy all year-long to make this winter experience that keeps bringing people back to the North Lake Tahoe area year-after-year amazing.
Returning for the third year in a row will be the fireworks show on Friday night at Commons Beach in downtown Tahoe City beginning at 7:30 p.m. (weather permitting).
Don’t be late for this one. There is something special about seeing firework here in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area. It’s a special experience.
You’ll find that the schedule continues to offer fewer multiple events occurring at the same time.
I personally like having fewer events going on at the same time. It allows for everyone to be at just about every event without having to miss out on another event.
SnowFest will begin this year on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay.
Tickets are $35 at the door, and will get you into this SnowFest! Opening Ceremonies and Queen Coronation.
There will be live music, auction, and more for a fun evening to kick off the SnowFest week of activities!
If you’ll be up in the greater Tahoe City – Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, California area you’ll want to take advantage of all of the fun events that are scheduled for this week.
Some of my favorite events during the ten days are the fireworks.
In the past this has been at Squaw Valley, but are now being held on Friday night in downtown Tahoe City at Commons Beach.
A fireworks show in North Lake Tahoe is always a must see event!
If you can’t be here for the Friday night fireworks show, don’t forget the Weekly Winter Saturday Night Fireworks Show at Squaw Valley each week.
While this is not officially part of the SnowFest events schedule, I think you should put it on your to-do list and plan on seeing it too.
My advice, do not be late to these firework shows. They are not long, and they do start on time.
Next on my SnowFest list is the annual Tahoe City Parade, which will happen on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
This is the very best of small town living. It is a great reminder that communities have heart and can be seen in the local traditions it celebrates like the annual SnowFest parade in downtown Tahoe City.
A couple of parade watching tips:
- Bring your own folding chairs
- Arrive early so you can get yourself a good parade watching spot and parking spot.
- It may snow, or it may be sunny. Depending on the final weather forecast if it is sunny, wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Dress in layers so you can adjust to meet the sunshine, shade, and a breeze if we get one.
- If it is going to snow, I like to wear a rain slicker over my coat. They are inexpensive – think yellow plastic game day ponchos and they will keep you warm and dry.
- Bring water
- If you bring your Fido, be sure they are on a lease. Remember to bring plastic bags to pick up after them. You should also be prepared for loud noises, so if your pet does not do well in a crowd, or around other animals, leave them in the car, or at home.
If you are still up for more fun after the parade, you you’ll need to check out the 31th Annual classic Polar Bear Swim at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay.
This is an event that you won’t believe until you’ve been there to watch those brave souls that will actually wade into Lake Tahoe and try to swim that race, let alone finish it.
It’s crazy to watch, and you’ll be impressed with those swimmers that actually finish the race. A must see SnowFest event.
One of the keys to a successful SnowFest week is to pace yourself!
On Saturday, March 2, 2019 you’ll need to pace yourself so you’re ready for more fun on Sunday, March 3, 2019 with the Fat Cat’s Hot Wing Eating contest followed by the annual Sunnyside Luau at the Sunnyside Resort on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.
During the week there are a number of fun SnowFest events like the Truckee River Winery Wine n’ Ice Competition (Wine N’Ice), Blackout BINGO at Rosie’s Cafe, or the 11th Annual Bridgetender’s Ribfest.
If you can’t be in North Lake Tahoe on the opening weekend of SnowFest! 2019, you’ll get a second chance the following weekend to enjoy the NTPUD pancake breakfast, and see another SnowFest parade in downtown Kings Beach on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
On Sunday, March 10, 2019 the annual SnowFest event will come to an end with their final events.
If you haven’t checked out either the Tahoe Donner Iditarun (I-did-a-run) that benefits the Tahoe Truckee Humane Society, or the River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest in Alpine Meadows, put both on your list to do this year.
There is so much fun just waiting for you here in North Lake Tahoe – Truckee and SnowFest 2019 is just one of our annual events that keeps bringing people back to our area year-after-year!
SnowFest 2019 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival Events Schedule:
Thursday, February 28, 2019
- 5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Queen Coronation at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay, CA (5000 North Lake Blvd.) $35 per person donation at the door. Queen coronation, hosted Wet Woodys, wine, beer, heavy appetizers, and live music with Groove Foundry!
Friday, March 1, 2019
- 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pioneer Cocktail Club Block Party – Join the Pioneer Cocktail Club for an afternoon of outside live music and activities A $15 fee/adults $8/kids 16 and under. Gets you entry to the music as well as one free drink. ALL proceeds go to the High Fives Foundation
- 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Blake Apalooza | Blue Agave’s Blake Apalooza & Fireworks Show, hosted by The Blue Agave (425 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA) Apres SkiBlake-Apalooza is a social tribute to the legacy of local legend and friend to all of Tahoe City, “Blake Beeman.” An evening of music, food, and fun. Join the celebration, and enjoy an awesome view of the fireworks!
- 7:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. SnowFest Fireworks Spectacular 2019 – Commons Beach Downtown Tahoe City – You’ll be able to see the fireworks anywhere you can see downtown Tahoe City. This event is Free, but be on time, so you don’t miss anything. This is a weather permitting event.
- 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Live Music at the Hacienda del Lago, Tahoe City – Live music Local Anthology
Saturday, March 2, 2019
- 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Pancake Breakfast by the Tahoe City Fire Department (North Tahoe Firefighter’s Association) – 222 Fairway Drive (New North Tahoe Fire Station up behind the Cheveron Station in Downtown Tahoe City), Fundraiser for the Firefighter’s Association who works with the NT Fire District. Cost: Kids (ages 4-12) $5 | Adults $8 | kids under 3 free
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 noon Parade Watching Party at Blue Agave downtown Tahoe City, CA – Annoucing, viewing and judging
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tahoe City SnowFest Parade – downtown Tahoe City, CA – Free
Parade Day Tips –
- Get to the parade early (around 11 a.m.) as parking and access to the downtown area becomes a challenge the closer to it gets to parade time.
- Make sure your phone, or camera has a full charge.
- Bring folding chairs.
- Dress in layers.
- 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. SnowFest Post Parade Party Pete ‘n Peters – at 395 N Lake Blvd, downtown Tahoe City, CA. meet the Vulcans from Minnesota and our own miners.
- 12:30 p.m. – 3 Tahoe Community Nursery School Winter Party & Fundraiser at Za’s lakefront restaurant, Tahoe City, CA. Fundraiser for the Tahoe Community Nursery School.
- 11:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Paint the Snowman (Crafts) – 380 North Lake Blvd, North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA North Tahoe Arts will Paint the Snowman! Children are invited to come to North Tahoe Arts and paint wooden cutouts of snowmen. Free event.
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 31th Annual Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim, Gar Woods (5000 North Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay, CA.) Swimmer registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. Race at 2:30 p.m. Call 530-546-3366 for more information on the race, or for more information. Must be 18+ or older to race. Watch swimmers swim out to the buoys (about 250 yards) before heading back to the restaurant. Watch from the restaurant, deck, beach, or pier.
- 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Haus Brewfest, Cobblestone Mall, Featuring beers from five breweries, food from Men Welding Fire, live music, games, and more. All ages welcome. Proceeds benefit the Shane McConkey Foundation.
(Not on the official SnowFest Calendar, but who doesn’t love seeing more winter fireworks?)
- 5:30 p.m. Winter Fireworks Show each Saturday at the Village at Squaw Valley (January, February, and March) – You’ll be able to see the fireworks anywhere you can see the Village and ski resort area. This event is Free, weather permitting. Be early for this one!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Great Ski Race
- 12 noon The Dog Pull 12 p.m. registration and 1 p.m. races begin – Behind Plumas Bank in Downtown Tahoe City, hosted by Cafe Zenon – The popular Dog Pull returns! Register your dog, no matter what size! They will pull weighted sand bags according to their size and weight. Prizes will be awarded!
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 3rd Annual Fat Cat Hot Wing Eating Contest 599 North Lake Blvd. Tahoe City –Hot Wing Eating Contest – prizes! Entry fee is $30 and all proceeds go towards Keep Squaw True.
- 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sunnyside’s Hawaiian Pig Roast – Sunnyside Resort, 1850 West Lake Blvd.,, Tahoe City, CA. Wear your Hawaiian outfits and come out and enjoy a Hawaiian inspired cuisine and cocktail menu. Sign up for the Hula Pie Eating and Hula Hoop Contests. Additional food and drink fees will apply depending on what you order. Nothing feels like SnowFest than wearing Hawaiian shirts, sipping on beach inspired drinks while the snow flakes fall outside. Bring on the winter fun!
Monday, March 4, 2019
- 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Third Annual Za’s Clam Bake – Za’s, 120 Grove Street, downtown Tahoe City, CA A traditional East Coast Clam Bake including clams, chicken, potatoes, and corn. Call for pricing.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
- 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Pete ‘N Peter’s Bar Game Olympics – Pete ‘N Peter’s, age 21+, Entry Fee, downtown Tahoe City, CA. This event is limited to sixteen (16) two-person teams. Entry fee $20 per team. Sign up Early as space is limited 530-583-2400
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
- 12 noon – 7 p.m. Wine ‘n Ice Competition – Truckee River Winery’s Ice Carving Extravaganza – Truckee River Winery, 11567 Brockway Road, Truckee, CA Cost: $10 Cover (souvenir wine glass, Marti Gras beads, etc…) Proceeds benefit the Truckee River Watershed Council. www.truckeeriverwinery.com
- 8:30 p.m. 11 p.m. Rosie’s Bingo Night – Rosie’s Café, downtown Tahoe City, CA Must be 21+ Call for cost.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
- 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Willard’s Apres Ski Willard’s Sport Shop at 170 N Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City – Do Apres Ski the right way — with snacks, beverages, and great deals throughout the store! - 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Meet the Rescue Dogs of Squaw Valley, hosted by North Lake Tahoe Visitor Center – TC Visitors Center – 100 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA Meet the Avalanche Rescue Dogs of Squaw Valley, in person.
Get your photo taken surrounded by our “Heros of Winter” dogs. All of the $5.00 donations go to the Squaw Dog Foundation. T-shirts for sale, free snacks, and hot cider provided. Donations gladly accepted for beer and wine.
- 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Za’s Cornhole Tournament– Za’s, 120 Grove Street, downtown Tahoe City, CA First annual cornhole tournament.
Friday, March 8, 2019
- 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 11th Annual Bridgetender Rib Fest (65 West Lake Blvd., Tahoe City) – This event sells out every year, so get their early if you love to eat ribs. Entry is $20. Pricing for food is available at the event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Chris Parks Scholarship Fund.
- 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Ike & Martin 80’s Dance Party at Jake’s on the Lake (Boatworks Mall Tahoe City) – Dress in your favorite 80’s swag and bring on the party.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
- 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) Pancake Breakfast – 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, CA | North Lake Tahoe Event Center, downtown Kings Beach, CA. Pricing available for $8/Adults and $4/Children at event.
- 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Dress Up Your Dog – Sponsored by NTPUD, 8318 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach. $10 per dog. Categories that will be judged include, Best in Show, Looks Most Like Owner, Most Creative!
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. SnowFest Kings Beach Parade, downtown Kings Beach, CA The parade will move along Hwy 28 in downtown Kings Beach! Over 30+ local businesses and non-profit groups will have parade entries.
Parade Day Tips – Get to the parade early (around 11 a.m.) as parking and access to the downtown area becomes a challenge the closer to it gets to parade time. Make sure your phone, or camera has a full charge. Bring folding chairs, dress in layers, and wear sun screen so you’ll enjoy the event!
- 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Alaskan Open Snow Golf Tournament, Tahoe City Gold Course First annual Alaskan Open. Best Ball 4 person scramble snow golf played with tennis ball and up to three clubs per player. This event is a 2 p.m. Shotgun start with 9 holes. $160/team ($40/player) Benefits Achieve Tahoe.
- 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Ice Cream Eating Contest At the Log Cabin restaurant in downtown Kings Beach. Open to all ages, no entry fee.
- 1 p.m. 3rd Annual Snowball Drop Fundraiser sponsored by the North Tahoe PTO – Tahoe City Golf Course|Winter Park 251 North Lake Blvd, downtown Tahoe City, CA. Snowballs are sold in advance by the 5th -12th grade Tahoe City Students and benefit North Tahoe PTO – all ages. Grand prize $1,000
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Pre-purchase raffle tickets Drawing directly following the Kings Beach SnowFest Parade. Look for the Snowglobe by d’Lish Catering!
1st Place Grand Prize is $1,000, 2nd Place Prize is $100.
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Tickets can be purchased through students at North Tahoe School and North Tahoe High School with cash, checks (made out to NT PTO) or online through PayPal: PayPal.me/snowballfundraiser.
All proceeds from this fundraiser help our PTO fund school programs, supplies, field trips, and much more for North Tahoe School and North Tahoe High School students.
- 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Get S’more Saturday Snow Shop, dine and get S’more out of the Kings Beach businesses you love Head to 12 eateries and shops and receive something extra and unexpected; track your visits on a play card; then stroll to the outdoor gathering area to enjoy free S’Mores, heaters and fire pits; plus multiple chances to win raffle prizes valued at $3,000.Participating businesses will offer shoppers and diners something extra and unexpected, such as complimentary beverages and snacks, free appetizer or specialty menu items, complimentary balloon animals, artist demos, and more.
- (Not on the official SnowFest Calendar, but who doesn’t love seeing more winter fireworks?)
- 5:30 p.m. Winter Fireworks Show each Saturday at the Village at Squaw Valley (January, February, and March) – You’ll be able to see the fireworks anywhere you can see the Village and ski resort area. This event is Free, weather permitting. Be early for this one!
- 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Live Music at the Hacienda del Lago, Tahoe City – Live music Mojo Green
Sunday, March 10, 2019
- SPRING FORWARD – Did you remember to move your clocks forward 1 hour? The twice a year time change happened at 2 a.m. so make sure your clocks are reflecting the right time!
- 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Family Fun Day – Tahoe City Winter Park – downtown Tahoe City
- 12 noon – 3 p.m. 15th Annual Tahoe Donner I-Did-A-Run – Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area – 11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee, CA in Tahoe Donner, Truckee, CA – Event sign-ups start at 12 noon and the race starts at 1 p.m. Event takes about 2 hours. Event raises money for the Humane Society of Tahoe-Truckee – all ages are welcome – different dog categories. $20/entry. Limited to 40 contestants. Dogs pull a covered wagon sleds down a snow covered chute against the clock.
- 12 noon River Ranch Annual Snow Sculpture Contest, River Ranch, Hwy 89 South at the entrance to Alpine Meadows, CA 29th Annual snow sculpture contest. Entry fee to build a sculpture, but Free Admission to see the entries. Cost on any food or beverage items purchased.
Get ready to have a lot of fun regardless of the weather conditions. Have some fun, make some memories, come to Lake Tahoe!
To check for updates, or more information on events check out the SnowFest 2019 schedule here, or better yet plan to be here in Lake Tahoe and have some winter fun!
See you at some of the SnowFest 2019 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival events this year!
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SnowFest 2019 North Lake Tahoe
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