Each year, North Lake Tahoe transforms into a winter wonderland of celebration, community spirit, and fun during SnowFest. From February 26 to March 9, 2025, this beloved festival brings locals and visitors together for two weeks of events, parties, and activities showcasing the region’s rich culture and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time attendee, SnowFest 2025 promises something for everyone—all while supporting local businesses and charities.
Book Your SnowFest Vacation Rental Today!
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s SnowFest, including event highlights, tips for planning your visit, and a full calendar of activities.
What is SnowFest?
SnowFest is North Lake Tahoe’s premier winter celebration, designed to bring the community together and support local organizations!
First held in 1982, the festival has grown into a cherished tradition, blending family-friendly activities, thrilling outdoor competitions, and lively nightlife events. Each year, SnowFest draws thousands of attendees eager to revel in the unique charm of Tahoe’s winter season.
SnowFest 2025 Highlights
1. Garwoods Kickoff Party
When: Wednesday, February 26, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Garwoods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay
Kick off the festivities in style at Garwoods’ legendary party. Featuring live music by The Blues Monsters, delicious food, and a celebratory atmosphere, this event sets the tone for an unforgettable festival.
2. Tahoe City SNOWFEST Street Fair
When: Saturday, March 1, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: Downtown Tahoe City
Replacing the traditional parade, the new street fair invites attendees to experience the best of Tahoe City with live entertainment, vendor booths, and competitions.
3. Garwood’s Annual Polar Bear Swim
When: Saturday, March 1, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Garwoods Grill & Pier
Are you brave enough to take the plunge? Test your mettle in Lake Tahoe’s icy waters and earn bragging rights in one of the festival’s most iconic events.
4. Fireworks Extravaganza
When: Saturday, March 1, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Tahoe City Golf Course
Enjoy a dazzling fireworks display accompanied by live music from The Nomads. This family-friendly event is a can’t-miss highlight of the festival.
5. Kings Beach SnowFest Parade
When: Saturday, March 8, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Downtown Kings Beach
A fun-filled procession featuring creative floats, local businesses, and community groups, this parade is perfect for spectators of all ages.
6. River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest
When: Sunday, March 9, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: River Ranch Lodge
Watch teams transform piles of snow into intricate works of art during this friendly competition. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations.
SnowFest 2025 Event Schedule
| February 26, 2025 | ||
| 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | ||
| Garwoods Kickoff Party | Garwoods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay | Celebrate the start of SnowFest with live music by The Blues Monsters, great food, and an unforgettable party atmosphere. |
| February 28, 2025 | ||
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ||
| Le Chamois Throwback Party | Le Chamois & Loft Bar, Olympic Valley | Enjoy a retro-themed celebration benefiting the Lake Tahoe Ski Club Foundation. Wear your best throwback ski outfit! |
| March 1, 2025 | ||
| 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | ||
| Firefighters Pancake Breakfast | Tahoe City Fire Station | Fuel up for the day with pancakes served by the North Tahoe Firefighters Association. |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ||
| Frozen Pickle Pickleball Tournament | Boys & Girls Club, Kings Beach | Compete in men’s, women’s, or adult/child doubles tournaments, benefiting youth programs. |
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ||
| History of Snowboarding Exhibit | Watson Cabin Museum, Tahoe City | Explore the evolution of snowboarding with artifacts, photos, and videos. |
| 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | ||
| Tahoe City Street Fair | Downtown Tahoe City | Enjoy vendor booths, live entertainment, and competitions in this lively street fair. |
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | ||
| Garwoods Polar Bear Swim | Garwoods Grill & Pier | Brave the icy waters of Lake Tahoe in this iconic SnowFest tradition. |
| 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | ||
| BlizzardFest BrewFest | Cobblestone Center, Tahoe City | Sample craft beers and enjoy live DJ performances, benefiting the Shane McConkey Foundation. |
| 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | ||
| Fireworks Extravaganza | Tahoe City Golf Course | Watch an incredible fireworks show with live music from The Nomads. |
| 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | ||
| Night in New Orleans | Jake’s on the Lake | Enjoy traditional New Orleans cuisine and live acoustic music by Ike & Martin. |
| March 2, 2025 | ||
| 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | ||
| The Great Ski Race | Tahoe XC Center | Participate in one of the largest cross-country ski races west of the Mississippi, supporting Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue. |
| 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | ||
| Tahoe City Dog Pull | Tahoe City Winter Sports Park | Watch dogs compete in a pull race to benefit Palisades Avalanche Dogs. |
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | ||
| Snowshoe Tahoe Introduction | Various Trails, North Lake Tahoe | Learn the basics of snowshoeing with guided lessons and equipment introductions. |
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ||
| Tahoe Nursery School Winter Party | Tahoe City Winter Sports Park | Join for skating, sledding, and live music, benefiting the local nursery school. |
| March 8, 2025 | ||
| 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | ||
| North Tahoe PUD Pancake Breakfast | North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach | Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the parade with proceeds benefiting local programs. |
| 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | ||
| Kings Beach SnowFest Parade | Downtown Kings Beach | Watch creative floats, community groups, and local organizations in this exciting annual parade. |
| 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | ||
| Kings Beach Keg Rolling Races | Tahoe Backyard | Join or cheer on participants as they roll kegs through a snowy obstacle course. |
| March 9, 2025 | ||
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | ||
| Snow Sculpture Contest | River Ranch Lodge | See teams carve and shape snow into incredible sculptures, benefiting local charities. |
| 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM | ||
| River Ranch Après Party | River Ranch Lodge | Celebrate SnowFest’s finale with food, drinks, and live music. |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | ||
| I-Did-A-Run Dog Race | Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort | Cheer on dogs of all breeds and sizes as they race to raise money for the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. |
Plan Your Stay with Tahoe Signature Properties
When visiting North Lake Tahoe for the iconic SnowFest, your accommodations should be as memorable as the event itself. Tahoe Signature Properties offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and luxury to elevate your SnowFest experience. Here’s why:
Prime Locations: Our vacation homes are strategically located throughout North Lake Tahoe, giving you easy access to SnowFest’s top events and activities. Whether you want to stay close to the bustling streets of Truckee or enjoy the serene beauty of Kings Beach, we have a property to match your ideal SnowFest getaway!
Luxurious Amenities: From cozy fireplaces and hot tubs to spacious kitchens and stunning lake views, our properties are designed with your comfort in mind. After a day of parades, snow sculptures, or polar bear plunges, you can unwind in a home that feels like your own!
Flexible Options for Groups: Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends or family, Tahoe Signature Properties offers homes of all sizes! Hosting a SnowFest gathering? We have four bedroom and five bedroom homes that are perfect for celebrating with loved ones while staying close to the action.
Seamless Booking and Local Expertise: We make planning your SnowFest trip simple. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you select the ideal property and share insider tips on navigating SnowFest, including the best spots to watch the parades or participate in events.
SnowFest 2025 Starts Here!
Why settle for anything less than exceptional? With Tahoe Signature Properties, you can enjoy the perfect mix of convenience, luxury, and local charm to make your SnowFest adventure unforgettable.
Ready to book your stay? Explore our collection of North Lake Tahoe vacation homes today and start counting down to SnowFest!
SnowFest is best enjoyed when you have the perfect home base. Tahoe Signature Properties offers a selection of luxurious vacation homes in North Lake Tahoe, ideal for groups, families, and solo travelers. Enjoy cozy fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, and breathtaking views. Book your stay today and make your SnowFest experience unforgettable.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible winter tradition. Start planning your SnowFest 2025 adventure today!
