SnowFest 2020 – North Lake Tahoe

SnowFest 2020 - North Lake Tahoe The 39th Annual SnowFest 2020 North Lake Tahoe Snow Festival will start their ten (10) days of winter fun on February 27, 2020.

This is one of my favorite local events that we have in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee, California area, and I hope it becomes one of yours too!

SnowFest! 2020 will kick off on Thursday evening, February 27, 2020, with the Kick-off Party.

They will crown the Snow Queen and King and start the festivities off with a live band, drinks, and fun.

The party will come to an end the following Sunday, March 8, 2020, with a new event this year – Snowfest Closing Ceremonies at the Cobblestone Mall in Downtown Tahoe City.

It’s hard to believe that this annual event began back in the spring of 1982 and is still going strong in 2020!

Snowfest! has made the North Lake Tahoe-Truckee area the place to be 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 winter and the bigging of Spring Skiing. Yes, Spring Skiing and our next season of fun are almost here!

The North Lake Tahoe snow festival event planners work all year long to make this winter experience one that brings people back to the North Lake Tahoe area year-after-year.

Returning for the fourth year in a row will be the fireworks show on Friday night at the Tahoe City Golf Course in downtown Tahoe City beginning at 7 p.m. (weather permitting).

Don’t be late for this one. There is something special about seeing fireworks here in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area. It’s a special experience and one you’ll remember long after the exploding balls of fire in the sky have faded

You’ll find that this years’ schedule continues to offer fewer multiple events occurring at the same time.

If you’re trying to do, or be at all events, it’s a long shot to do it all, but I think it is possible.

SnowFest will begin this year on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Gar Woods Grill and Pier in Carnelian Bay.

Tickets are $40 at the door, and will get you into this SnowFest! Opening Ceremonies with the King 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 North Lake Tahoe – Truckee 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 the Tahoe City Golf Course. If you have a view of the downtown Tahoe City area, you’ll see this show.

A fireworks show in North Lake Tahoe is always a must-see event!

If you can’t make the Friday night fireworks show, don’t forget the Weekly Winter Saturday Night Fireworks Show at Squaw Valley will take place on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

While this is not an official SnowFest! event, I think it should be on your list of fun things to do in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area for this weekend.

This will be their last show of the season on Saturday, February 29, 2020! So put it on your list of things to do. A great way to celebrate Leap Year 2020!

My advice when it comes to our fireworks shows, do not be late. Some of these shows are not long, so if they start on time, and you are late, you may miss the show.

Next on my SnowFest list is the annual Tahoe City Parade, which will happen on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

This is the very best of small-town living and why we are a top second home market and visitor destination!

The SnowFest! Parade is a great reminder that communities have a heart and soul that really does shine in the local traditions and celebrations 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. Check the final weather forecast the night before and dress accordingly.
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 he/she is on a leash. 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’ll need to check out the 32nd Annual classic Polar Bear Swim at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay.

This is an event that you won’t believe it, 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. Fun to cheer them on, and you’ll be impressed with those swimmers that actually finish the race.

After the race check out the Haus Brewfest in the parking lot of the Cobblestone Mall in Downtown Tahoe City, CA.

There will be live music, local breweries, and food trucks. Just another way to have some more fun, connect with friends, make new friends, and close out the day

Over the years I have found one of the keys to a successful SnowFest week is to pace yourself! On Saturday you’ll need to pace yourself so you’re ready for more fun on Sunday.

Sunday has more events like 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 Blackout BINGO at Rosie’s Cafe, or the 12th Annual Bridgetender’s Ribfest.

If you can’t be in North Lake Tahoe on the opening weekend of SnowFest! 2020, 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 7, 2020.

On Sunday, March 8, 2020, 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.

New this year is the SnowFest! Closing Ceremonies in the parking lot of the Cobblestone Mall in Downtown Tahoe City. More music, food, drinks, and fun.

There is so much fun just waiting for you here in North Lake Tahoe – Truckee and SnowFest 2020 is just one of our annual events that keep bringing people back to our area year-after-year!

SnowFest 2020 – North Lake Tahoe Festival Event Schedule:

Thursday, February 27, 2020

5:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Queen Coronation at Gar Wood’s in Carnelian Bay, CA (5000 North Lake Blvd.) $40 per person donation at the door. Kings and Queen coronation, enjoy heavy appetizers, unlimited select beer, wine, and Wet Woodys, and live music by the Blues Monsters!
Did you know that your entry fee supports local student organizations and scholarships? The elected King and Queen will receive 33% of their ticket sales plus an additional $1,500 each as the winners. Runners up will receive 33% of their ticket sales.

Friday, February 28, 2020

2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pioneer Cocktail Club Block Party – Join the Pioneer Cocktail Club and surrounding businesses for an afternoon of outside live music and activities A $15 fee/adults $8/kids age 16 and under. Your entry to the music as well as one free drink. ALL proceeds go to the High Fives Foundation
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. SnowFest Fireworks Spectacular 2020 – Tahoe City Golf Course, Downtown Tahoe City – A 30-minute Fireworks show in our winter wonderland – You’ll be able to see the fireworks show anywhere you can see the downtown Tahoe City area. This event is free, but be on time, so you don’t miss anything. This is a weather-permitting event.

Saturday, February 29, 2020 (Leap Year!!!)

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 Chevron 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 – Announcing, viewing and judging. The winning float gets a $1,000 cash prize!
11:30 a.m. – 12-noon 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 cell phone or your camera has a full charge.
Bring folding chairs.
Dress in layers. It may be sunny and warm, cold and windy, or snowing. Be prepared for all conditions.

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 Tahoe City 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.
12 noon – 6 p.m. Haus Brewfest, Cobblestone Mall, Featuring beers from five (5) breweries, food from Food Trucks, three (3) bands. All ages welcome. Proceeds benefit the Shane McConkey Foundation.
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., Paint the Snowman (Crafts) – 380 North Lake Blvd, North Tahoe Arts, Tahoe City, CA North Tahoe Arts will Paint the Snowman! All material provided. Children are invited to come to North Tahoe Arts starts right after the parade. Free event.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Za’s Lakefront Restaurant Tahoe Community Nursery School Winter Party & Fundraiser at 120 Grove Street, Tahoe City, CA. Fundraiser for the Tahoe Community Nursery School. Food, silent auction, music and fun.
2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. 31st Annual Gar Woods Polar Bear Swim, Gar Woods (5000 North Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay, CA.) Swimmer registration beginning prior to the race. Race at 2:30 p.m. Call 530-546-3366 for more information on the race. Must be 18+ or older to race. Watch swimmers swim out to the buoys (about 250 yards) in 39-degree water. Watch from the restaurant, deck, beach, or pier. Raffle after the swim.

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

6 p.m. Winter Fireworks Show (last show of the season) at the Village at Squaw Valley (January and February) – 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 1, 2020

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Great Ski Race | They start at the Tahoe City Nordic Cross-County Ski Center in Tahoe City and the race ends 18.43 miles later at the Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar in Truckee!
12 noon – 2 p.m. The Dog Pull hosted by Alpine Power Equipment | Registration is at 12 p.m., races begin at 1 p.m. races – Behind Plumas Bank in Downtown Tahoe City. This popular Dog Pull race 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. 4th 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 snowflakes fall outside. Bring on the winter fun!

Monday, March 2, 2020

5 p.m. – 8 p.m. 6th Annual Za’s Clam Bake – Za’s, 120 Grove Street, downtown Tahoe City, CA. A traditional East Coast Clam Bake including clams, 1/2 chicken, potatoes, and corn. Call for pricing.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

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 of $20 per team. Sign up early as space is limited 530-583-2400

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

12 noon – 7 p.m. Ice Carving Competition – They are still looking for a host per the Snowfest website.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Ice Cream Easting Contest at Mountain Slice – North Tahoe Fire Protection District – Station 52, Kings Beach, CA Ice Cream speed-eating contest. One pint of participants’ choice of flavor. Two agent groups 8 – 14 years and 15- Adult. First one to fins wins a t-shirt and fit certificate. Sign up on the Mountain Slice Website or in Mountain Slice. Entry Fee $10/person.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Milk Jug Curling – Winter Sports Park – Teams of 4 compete against each other with colored frozen milk jugs. Points scored with the time limit. Prizes awarded. Raclette Fondue included in the entry fee of $100/team of 4. Hosted by the Lake Tahoe Ski Club and proceeds benefit Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation.
8:30 p.m. Rosie’s Bingo Night – Rosie’s Café, downtown Tahoe City, CA Must be 21+ Call for cost.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

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.

5 p.m. – 9 p.m. West Shore Market Cornhole Tournament 1780 West Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA
Join them for the second annual Cornhole Tournament held outside at the West Shore Market this year. Team entry is $20/team, proceeds benefit the Chirs Parks Scholarship Fund. Registration deadline is at 5:15 p.m. on March 5, 2020!

Friday, March 6, 2020

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. The entry fee is $20. Pricing for food is available at the event. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Chris Parks Scholarship Fund.
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Blake Apalooza | Blue Agave’s Blake Apalooza, hosted by The Blue Agave (425 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA) Apres Ski Blake-Apalooza is a social tribute to the legacy of local legend and friend to all of Tahoe City, “Blake Beeman” featuring music by the Beer Gardeners.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

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 $10/Adults and $5/Children. Pancakes, sausage and fresh strawberries, coffee, milk, and orange juice. All proceeds go to benefit North Tahoe Public Utilities District’s Friends of the Park Fund, which helps to fund park improvements or amenities.
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, and new this year Best Recreational & Parks Dog, where your dog shows off their favorite recreational activity. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. on the deck at the North Tahoe Events Center. The contest begins at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Park.
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 harder the closer to it gets to parade time. Make sure your cell 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 Second 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. The entry fee to still be determined.
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 4th Annual Snowball Drop Fundraiser North Tahoe High School and North Tahoe School PTO fundraiser. Tickets are sold in advance – Grand prize $1,000
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.
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.
9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Live Music at the Hacienda del Lago, Tahoe City – Live music by Home.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

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 so you don’t miss an event today!
10 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. The 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 sled down a snow-covered chute against the clock.
12 noon – 4 p.m. River Ranch Annual Snow Sculpture Contest, River Ranch, Hwy 89 South at the entrance to Alpine Meadows, CA The 30th Annual snow sculpture contest. Teams of 1-4 people are welcome. There is an entry fee to build a sculpture, but Free Admission to see the entries. Cost on any food or beverage items purchased will vary depending on what you select. : )
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Snowfest Closing Ceremonies – Cobblestone Parking Lot, Downtown Tahoe City – The conclusion of the 39th Annual Snowfest! with the King and Queen Raffle prizes, live music by Home, and more! This is new this year and should be a fun way to spend your Sunday afternoon!

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 2020 schedule here, or better yet plan to be here in Lake Tahoe and have some winter fun!

See you at some of the SnowFest 2020 – 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:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City – Truckee, CA

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

SnowFest 2020 – North Lake Tahoe