Summer is in full swing in North Lake Tahoe as temperatures start getting up into the 80s just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Between fireworks, yoga festivals, and a newly opened bike trail that connects Incline Village to Sand Harbor, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunshine and relax on the beach and with friends this season:
July 3-5: Independence Day Celebrations Around North Lake Tahoe
On July 3rd, Kings Beach is hosting its 40th annual fireworks and beach party at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. From 7-10pm, visitors and locals can access a beer garden, food vendors, and watch bright colorful bursts of light fill up the sky. Admission is free but there is preferred seating available for $25 per person. https://northtahoebusiness.org/july-3rd-fireworks-beach-party/
Over in Incline Village, the 2019 July 4th Celebration kicks off on July 3 with a flag raising ceremony, veterans’ recognition lunch, and beer & brats event at Village Green and Aspen Grove. The next morning, everyone is invited to a pancake breakfast, rubber duck race, and fireworks will be launching off a barge near Ski Beach at 9:30pm. Although an IVGID recreation pass is required to access the beaches, there are plenty of neat viewing points from Village Green, the East Shore, or even Snowflake Lodge up at Diamond Peak. On Friday, July 5th, things start winding down with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and flag retirement ceremony in the evening. To see the full list of events, visit www.yourtahoeplace.com/ivgid/fourthofjuly
July 3-7: Squaw Valley’s Freedom Fest
Squaw Valley still has some snow leftover from the February storms and is going out with a bang by ending the winter season with its 2019 Freedom Fest. For five days in early July, skiers and snowboarders are welcome to shred the slopes from 8am-2pm, drop in on live music, hot tub parties, and more. For all Freedom festivities, go to https://squawalpine.com/events-things-do/lake-tahoe-4th-july-freedom-fest-squaw-valley
July 18-21: Wanderlust at Squaw
The famed Wanderlust Festival is coming back to Squaw Valley with new, exciting events surrounding meditation, yoga, music, and more. Hike across one of Squaw’s many peaks while connecting with nature and enjoy live performances by talented artists including Thievery Corporation and Above & Beyond. New this year, Wanderlust attendees can also participate in a silent disco as well as Pilates and HIIT classes in a dedicated fitness studio. For more information, visit https://wanderlust.com/festivals/squaw-valley/.
The Tahoe East Shore Trail is Finally Open!
On Friday, June 28th, the Tahoe Fund, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and hundreds of community members gathered at the Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village to celebrate the ribbon-cutting/public opening of the new Tahoe East Shore Trail connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor. Built to alleviate parking and pedestrian traffic along Highway 28, the 3-mile paved bike path is now a simpler and safer way to access Sand Harbor and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. The project raised more than $1 million and tapped into $12.5 million in grant money provided by the Federal Land Access Program. I’m thrilled that I can now skateboard to Sand Harbor and stop to take a dip in the lake whenever I want! www.tahoefund.org
Have a fun and safe 4th of July!
— Kayla Anderson
