The kids are back in school and the temperatures are starting to drop, but the good news is that the crowds are dissipating and we’re rolling right into what we call “locals’ summer”. So now is the time to enjoy food, drinks, and get your gear ready for when the snow starts falling.
Sep. 1-3: 44th Annual Village Ski Loft Labor Day Sale
For more than four decades, the Village Ski Loft in Incline Village is continuing its tradition of selling off skis, snowboards, and mountain bikes at discounted prices through Labor Day Weekend. Now is the best time to upgrade your gear and get a chance to win a 2018-19 season pass to Diamond Peak. Just look for the big white tent on Highway 28 next to Brewforia and stop to check it out. You’re practically guaranteed to run into at least a couple of your neighbors (who aren’t already at Burning Man, of course).
Sep. 13-15: Hogs for the Cause at the Crystal Bay Club
From Thursday through Saturday, Sep. 13-15, the Crystal Bay Club is once again hosting the annual Hogs for the Cause event which benefits families of pediatric brain cancer patients. Featuring New Orleans celebrity chefs including the crew from Silence of the Hams, Chris Montero of Napoleon House, and former La Boca Executive Chef Jared Rails, these cooks will showcase their pork-cooking talents in a variety of culinary events.
No matter what day you attend, enjoy some hog and then dance the night away as there is also a great music lineup during these three days including: Galactic, Mojo Green, Jellybread, The Lique, and The Dean Ween Group (from the popular band Ween!)
Sep. 22: Oktoberfest at Squaw Valley
What better way to beef up for winter than to imbibe in some German beer! The Village at Squaw Valley will be transformed into a tiny Bavaria on Sep. 22 with Lederhosen-clad musicians, authentic food and drinks, and the ever-popular Oktoberfest Games (which usually includes a stein-holding contest and a keg rolling competition). All entertainment is free, but must be 21 and up to purchase beer (with proceeds supporting the High Sierra Lacrosse Foundation). New this year, Big Blue Adventure is also kicking off with the Lederhosen 5K trail run with awards for the best Oktoberfest outfit.
Sep. 29: Tahoe City Oktoberfest
If you didn’t get your fill of Bavarian fun from the Squaw Valley Oktoberfest then don’t worry, the German festivities will continue in Tahoe City. From 12pm-5pm on September 29, vendors at Commons Beach will be serving up craft brews, German-style food, traditional games, and live music with The Beer Gardeners and accordion player Robert Ludgate. This event is free and open to all ages with beer steins and drink tickets available for purchase.
Eat at the Pfeifer House
In the spirit of autumn and Oktoberfest season, head over to the Pfeifer House for Wiener Schnitzel or other authentic German and European fare. As one of Lake Tahoe’s oldest restaurants, Pfeifer House is a family-run business with original recipes (it’s the only place to my knowledge that serves escargots), an extensive wine list, and great Happy Hour bar menu with a la carte items.
— Kayla Anderson
