Lake Tahoe Snowfest 2020

FEBRUARY 27TH - MARCH 8TH, 2020

One of the most exciting winter events in Lake Tahoe is the annual Tahoe Snowfest. This year, the event will be held at various venues around the lake from February 27^th to March 8^th. The American Business Association recognized Snowfest as one of America’s top 100 events, and the California Department of Tourism lists it in the top 10 of the best of California. It is truly an event not to be missed!

Mardi Gras Kickoff Party

Festivities kick off with a Mardi Gras party at Garwoods in Carnelian Bay on February 27^th from 5pm to 8pm. The $40 entry fee includes delicious appetizers, unlimited beer, wine and wet woody’s.  For those who don’t know what about wet woody’s, this is a frozen cocktail similar to a Mai Tai, complete with an umbrella! Lake Tahoe's own Blues Monsters will be performing along with the crowning of the Snowfest King and Queen.

Pioneer Cocktail Club Block Party

Friday February 28^th from 2:30 to 7:30, guests can enjoy the Pioneer Cocktail Club Block Party for outside, live music and a cocktail for a $15 entry fee. Several surrounding businesses in Tahoe City participate and kids get in for $8. From 7pm to 8pm the Tahoe City Fireworks will light up the sky above the Tahoe City Golf Course.

Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast

On Saturday February 29^th from 7am to 11am at the fire station on Fairway, join the North Tahoe Firefighters for the Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes, sausage, milk and orange juice are served for $8. Tickets for 4-12 year old children are $5 and kids 3 and under eat free. After your belly is full, you can enjoy the Snowfest Tahoe City Parade that marches right through downtown Tahoe City from 11:30 to 12pm. This is where the creativity of our local humanitarian organizations shine.  Dogs in costume, groups with funny themed presentations, accompanied by floats are sure to entertain. A $1000 prize is awarded for the best float.

Best Place to Watch Parade

One of the best places to watch the parade is at the Blue Agave in the center of town. From 12-4, enjoy the Post Parade Party at Pete and Peter’s. Say that 5 times, especially after enjoying their drink specials!

In the Cobblestone Shopping Center parking lot, the Haus has a Brewfest from 12pm to 6pm. Sample the best of local breweries, listen to the music of 3 bands and enjoy the eclectic cuisine of food trucks.

Annual Polar Bear Swim

From 2:30 to 3pm many spectators and those brave enough to jump in the cold Lake Tahoe waters will make their way back to Carnelian Bay and Garwoods for the 31^st annual Polar Bear Swim. Many will shake off the cold with special libations served at the Garwoods Bar. There is a $35 entry fee for this swim as if jumping into the frigid water isn’t enough! Of course, this is all raffled and the proceeds benefit local charities.

Great Ski Race

Sunday March 1^st from 9am-5pm, join skiers for the Great Ski Race. Test your cross country skiing skills on this epic 30-kilometer (18.43-mile) course. Travel through the backcountry from Lake Tahoe’s premier Nordic center, Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area through the mountains to Cottonwood Restaurant and Bar in Truckee. Follow the fun back to Tahoe City on the West shore at Sunnysides for the Annual Luau from 4pm to 8:30pm.

There are many events throughout the first week in March at many venues with proceeds supporting local charities. Snowfest was conceived to keep people skiing throughout the winter. Prior to 1988, many of the skiers would leave the area after the end of February. Since the winter at Tahoe can extend into May and sometimes skiers can enjoy spring skiing in July, Snowfest has become a great venue for local ski resorts, restaurants and shops.

Dress Up Your Dog Contest

Friday March 6^th from 5pm to 8pm, the Bridgetender hosts its annual Ribfest. Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30am the North Tahoe PUD hosts another pancake breakfast at the North Tahoe Event Center. The festivities center in Kings Beach with a Dress Up Your Dog contest, followed by the Snowfest Kings Beach Parade.

With so many events that support great causes, it's easy to see why North Lake Tahoe is the place to be between February 27^th and March 8^th. For more information, click here.

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