SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival

The 37th Annual SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival will start their ten days of winter fun this week.

I know I sound like a broken record, but it is true, this is one of my favorite, if not the number one favorite event that we have in the North Lake Tahoe, California area.

We are fortunate to have so many free local events in both of our peak seasons.

Snowfest! in the winter, and in the summer we have free outdoor movies, concerts, and street fairs and festivals like Truckee Thursdays.

So much to do and enjoy in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area, we are a resort area for all seasons!

SnowFest has been voted as one of the best annual events each and every year, and this year promises to be one of the best events with old favorites returning and several new events making their debut.

SnowFest! 2018 kicks off on Thursday, March 1, 2018 with the Kick-off Party and Snow Queen Coronation and will end on Sunday, March 11, 2018 with the annual River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest.

If you are new to the area, this annual event began back in the spring of 1982. It has become the place to be in the North Lake Tahoe area with ten days of winter events, and activities for everyone!

You may not know that Tahoe’s SnowFest has become one of the largest winter carnival events in the western United States and is a great way for everyone to celebrate our snow, our winter sports season and the beginning of Spring Skiing.

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.

Returning for the second 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. Don’t be late for this one. There is something special about seeing firework over Lake Tahoe and with snow on the ground, it’s a special experience.

You’ll find that the schedule continues to offer fewer multiple events occurring at the same time allowing everyone to be at just about every event without having to miss out on another event.

SnowFest will begin this year on Thursday, March 1, 2018 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.

SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival 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 in Commons Beach. A fireworks show in North Lake Tahoe is always a must see event!

Even though the Winter Saturday Night Squaw Valley Fireworks show is not part of the official SnowFest events schedule, you should put it on your to-do list. Starting this past January, there has been a fireworks show at the Village at Squaw Valley on Saturday evenings. In March that show will start at 7 p.m. Again, don’t late as these shows are not long, but why wait until the 4th of July, so check it out!

Next on my list is the annual Tahoe City Parade, which will happen on Saturday, March 3, 2018.

This is small town living at its very best. 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.
Wear sunscreen to protect your skin. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with sunshine with temperatures in the low 40’s.
Dress in layers so you can adjust to meet the sunshine, shade, and a breeze if we get one.
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 30th 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 3 you’ll need to pace yourself so you’re ready for more fun on Sunday, March 4, 2018 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.

SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival During the week there are a number of fun SnowFest events like the Truckee River Winery Wine n’ Ice Competition (Wine N’Ice), BINGO at Rosie’s Cafe, or the 10th Annual Bridgetender’s Ribfest.

If you can’t be in North Lake Tahoe on the opening weekend of SnowFest! 2018, you’ll get a second chance the following weekend to enjoy the NTPUD pancake breakfast, see another SnowFest parade in downtown Kings Beach on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

On Sunday, March 11, 2018 SnowFest will come to an end and if you haven’t checked out either the Tahoe Donner Iditarun 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 and SnowFest 2018 is just one of our annual events that keeps bringing people back to our area year-after-year!

SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival Events Schedule:

Thursday, March 1, 2018

5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Queen Coronation at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay, CA (5000 North Lake Blvd.) $35 at the door. Queen coronation, beverages, heavy appetizers, and live music with Groove Foundry!
Multiple Day event: Begins 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1 and end Sunday, March 11, 2018 – TCDA’s Selfie Scavenger Hunt Participants must tag a selfie inside as many TCDA businesses as they can. The individual with the most businesses visited and tagged will win an ultimate Tahoe City Summer Event Package! Members of the TCDA can be found at: http://business.visittahoecity.org/list/. For more details, contact info@visittahoecity.com.

Friday, March 2, 2018

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 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. SnowFest Fireworks Spectacular 2018 – 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.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

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 $5 | Adults $8
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, and wear sun screen so you’ll enjoy the event!

12:30 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 The Boatworks Mall 760 Norht Lake Blvd #2, Tahoe City, CA. Fundraiser for the Tahoe Community Nursery School.
12:30 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.
1 p.m. 2nd 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

Pre-purchase snowballs (numbered ping pong balls) for only $10/each for
a chance to win the Snowball Drop!

1st Place Grand Prize is $1,000 (sponsored by the Lakehouse Mall Property Management, Inc./The Motamedi Family). 2nd Place Prize is $100. Snowballs 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.

Please include the student’s name and grade in the comments when purchasing your snowballs.

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.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 30th 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.

(Not on the official SnowFest Calendar, but who doesn’t love seeing more winter fireworks?)

7 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, but be on time!

Sunday, March 4, 2018

12 noon The Dog Pull 12 p.m. registration and 1 p.m. race – Behind Plumas Bank in Downtown Tahoe City – 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!
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 2nd Annual Fat Cat Hot Wing Eating Contest 599 North Lake Blvd. Tahoe City –Hot Wing Eating Contest – prizes!
4 p.m. – 9 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 5, 2018

5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Second Annual Za’s Clam Bake – Za’s, 395 North Lake Blvd., downtown Tahoe City, CA A traditional East Coast Clam Bake including clams, chicken, potatoes, and corn. Call for pricing.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

7 p.m. – 8 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 7, 2018

11 a.m. – 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

Thursday, March 8, 2018

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.

9 p.m. 11 p.m. Rosie’s Bingo Night – Rosie’s Café, downtown Tahoe City, CA Must be 21+ Cost $5/per card to play at the door, and you can play more than one card! Great prizes!

Friday, March 10, 2017

5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 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. Pricing available at the event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Chris Parks Scholarship Fund.
7 p.m. Winter White Out Party – Alibi Ale Works (10069 Bridge St, Truckee) – Bringing the SNOW back to SnowFest! Wear all white for a chance to win awesome prizes. $10.00 suggested donation; benefits SOS Outreach (a national youth development non-profit, gearing kids up for life on and off the slopes).

Saturday, March 10, 2018

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) Pancake Breakfast – North Lake Tahoe Event Center, downtown Kings Beach, CA. Pricing available for Adults and Children at event.
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Dress Up Your Dog – Sponsored by NTPUD, Lakeside Plaa 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.

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.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

12 noon – 1 p.m. 14th 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.
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. SnowFest only happens once a year, and this is one of my favorite events that happens here in the greater Lake Tahoe area! Have some fun, make some memories, come to Lake Tahoe!

To check for updates, or more information on events check out the SnowFest 2018 schedule here, or better yet plan to be here in Lake Tahoe and have some winter fun!

See you at some of the SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival events this year!

Thinking about making Lake Tahoe, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale here:

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Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
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CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

SnowFest 2018 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival