Family Fun at North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST
Tahoe Family Activities That Bring the Community Together
Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation? Looking for the best family things to do in Tahoe this winter? Welcome to North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST, one of the premier Tahoe family festivals of the year—where mountain-town charm meets nonstop fun for kids and adults of all ages.
Each winter, SNOWFEST brings together locals and visitors for a full lineup of Tahoe family activities designed to get everyone outside, smiling, and making memories. From colorful parades and community pancake breakfasts to outdoor games, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and friendly competitions, these are the kinds of Tahoe family adventures you’ll talk about long after the snow melts.
What makes SNOWFEST truly special is the spirit behind the celebration. Many of our family-friendly events are fundraisers supporting local nonprofits that serve kids, families, schools, and youth programs across North Lake Tahoe. When you join the fun, you’re also helping strengthen the community that makes Tahoe such an incredible place to visit and live.
If you’re searching for family things to do in Lake Tahoe during winter, this is your starting point. Bundle up, gather your crew, and explore the family events below to plan your ultimate Tahoe family experience.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of our family-friendly SNOWFEST events to help you plan your ultimate Tahoe family experience. Explore the lineup, mark your calendar, and get ready for a week of winter fun built for all ages.
Tahoe SNOWFEST 2026 Family Events
Cheer on Tahoe’s own Ididarun at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center. A fast, fun sled-pull race for dogs and spectators benefiting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. Free to watch.
At the River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest, teams from nonprofit organizations sculpt, carve, color and decorate snow into stunning art-pieces — all on the spacious patio of the River Ranch Lodge.
Celebrate North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST and strong beer at Starkbierfest, a lively Bavarian tradition brought to life at The Chalet at Alpine at Palisades Tahoe.
Incline Village SNOWFEST Winterfest is a celebration of culture, community, and the magic of winter! Live music with Sierra Alphorn Players and Jacked-Up Lake Tahoe.
Keep the SNOWFESR fun going after the parade at the Palooza Bonfire & Live Music at Tahoe Backyard— a daytime community celebration for all ages! Gather with friends, neighbors, and visitors around a giant community bonfire, enjoy live performances from The Wrinkle and Matt Axton & Bad Moon, and soak up the best of winter at Tahoe Backyard in Kings Beach.
Celebrate winter at the Kings Beach SNOWFEST Parade—featuring festive floats, music, and community spirit, plus a full day of food, shopping, live music, and family fun on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore.
Get ready for a full day of community vibes, art, music, and dancing at the Tahoe Time Community Event Center!
We’ll have music flowing from daytime grooves into high-energy nighttime dance party vibes. Come early, stay late!
As the sun goes down, the lights come up! The Giving Tree transforms into a glowing centerpiece as we turn up the music and dance the night away.
Celebrate the kickoff of the 2026 Town Race League on Wednesday, March 4 with a Mardi Gras themed night of racing, costumes, and community fun. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels are welcome to join this weekly series, running every Wednesday through April 8. Each week features a new theme, and the best-dressed racer wins a prize!
Experience a full moon and lunar eclipse snowshoe hike at Granlibakken during North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST. Includes snowshoes, mulled wine, appetizers, and supports North Tahoe High School Project Grad.
50/50 Brewing will be supplying beer throughout the event, while DJ Insomnia keeps the energy high all afternoon.
Tahoe City Dog Pull Hosted by Alpine Power Equip and Tahoe Dog Co, benefiting Palisades Avalanche Dogs
Learn Local Tahoe History! Take a FREE "Path of the Olympians" guided snowshoe hike at 1 pm. Gear included!
Jesse and Jenni of the Dead Winter Carpenters return to the stage at Homewood Mountain Resort with their signature blend of progressive bluegrass and roots rock – the perfect soundtrack for a West Shore après.
The annual Tahoe Art Haus and Tahoe Tap Haus SNOWFEST Brewfest is back, and this is a dance party you won’t want to miss! We will be partying in the Cobblestone parking lot all day following the Tahoe City Street Faire.