September is one of my favorite times of year at Tahoe. The days are still warm, the lake is beautiful, summer crowds begin to ease, and there is still plenty happening around the Basin. From concerts and community festivals to farmers markets, volunteer opportunities and a few major events in Carson City and Reno, here are some of the highlights for September.
Zephyr Cove Resort, Zephyr Cove
Spend the afternoon on Lake Tahoe aboard the M.S. Dixie II for a special disco-themed sightseeing cruise departing from Zephyr Cove Resort.
Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, Stateline | 6:30 p.m.
The Red Clay Strays bring their Grateful Tour to Stateline with special guests Dylan Gossett and Sweet Talk. (Ticketmaster Sverige)
Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, Stateline | 7:30 p.m.
Jack Johnson returns to Lake Tahoe as part of his 2026 SURFILMUSIC Tour. Keep Tahoe Blue is also participating through Johnson’s All At Once nonprofit partnership, with qualifying donations matched by the Johnson Ohana Foundation.
Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, Stateline | 7:30 p.m.
Country artist Zach Top plays two nights at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre with special guest Wyatt McCubbin. (www.livenation.kr)
Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, Stateline | 7:00 p.m.
Bailey Zimmerman brings his Different Night Same Rodeo Tour to Stateline for one of the final major outdoor concerts of Tahoe’s summer season.
Tahoe Blue Event Center, Stateline
Roller derby teams from around the region come to the Tahoe Blue Event Center for a full weekend of competition.
Tahoe Blue Event Center Calendar
Spirit of Tahoe, 900 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe | 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Join the Tahoe Ballet and Performing Arts Foundation for its 2nd Annual Pink & Black Party aboard the Spirit of Tahoe. The 21+ fundraiser includes a cruise to Emerald Bay, heavy appetizers, one beverage, raffle, and live auction.
American Legion Hall, South Lake Tahoe | 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Shop seasonal produce, local foods and regional products at South Lake Tahoe’s weekly certified farmers market.
Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe | 3:00–8:00 p.m.
The Ski Run Farmers Market combines certified farmers and local food vendors with handmade goods, artists, prepared foods and entertainment.
Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe
Labor Day weekend brings live music, artists, carnival attractions, food and family activities to Heavenly Village.
Echo Lake Chalet | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Keep Tahoe Blue offers a free training focused on identifying and reporting aquatic invasive species. Participants learn how to recognize species that threaten Echo Lakes and Lake Tahoe and how to submit observations. (Keep Tahoe Blue)
Bijou Community Park | 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
This free community celebration features cultural performances, food, art, vendors and family activities representing the diversity of South Lake Tahoe.
Heavenly Village | 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Sample craft beer and wings while enjoying live entertainment at Heavenly Village. Proceeds from ticket sales support the local Christmas Cheer food pantry.
South Lake Tahoe
Clearly Tahoe and Keep Tahoe Blue team up for a special one-day event that combines recreation on the lake with education and opportunities to help protect Tahoe.
Spurlock/Evers Environment & Education Center
Help Keep Tahoe Blue sort and document material collected by BEBOT, its beach-cleaning robot. The information helps researchers better understand the types of litter reaching Tahoe’s beaches.
In-person or Virtual
Learn how to join or start a Tahoe Blue Crew and help keep an adopted neighborhood, beach, trail or other area litter-free. (Keep Tahoe Blue)
Heavenly Village
Cars, trucks and motorcycles fill Heavenly Village for this annual three-day show featuring trophies, prizes and a poker walk. The event benefits the Good Samaritans Safe Ride program.
Bijou Community Park
Sample the Sierra brings together Tahoe restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries and local artisans for an afternoon celebrating food and drink from the Sierra.
Pope Beach
Join Keep Tahoe Blue for the annual Great Sierra River Cleanup and help remove litter before it can reach Tahoe’s waterways and lake. (Keep Tahoe Blue)
South Lake Tahoe
Tahoe’s largest ecosystem-restoration volunteer event brings people of all ages and skill levels together for hands-on outdoor restoration work. (Keep Tahoe Blue)
Ski Beach | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Enjoy one of the final concerts of Incline Village’s summer lakeside music series. Beach access is restricted to eligible IVGID pass and Recreation Punch Card holders and their guests.
The Village at Palisades Tahoe | 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Alpen Wine Fest returns to The Village at Palisades Tahoe with an all-inclusive tasting featuring more than 30 wineries, live music and a silent auction. It’s one of the stronger North Shore fall events and fits well in your Around the Lake section.
Ski Beach | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Incline Village’s Music at Ski Beach series wraps up for the season with Reckless Envy. (Incline Village GID)
Lake Tahoe, from Mount Rose to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
TAMBA’s signature Rose to Toads ride covers more than 62 miles with over 9,000 feet of climbing and 11,000 feet of descent. The all-day mountain bike ride links trails from Lake Tahoe’s North Shore to the South Shore and finishes on the legendary Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. It is not a race, but it is designed for experienced riders looking for a serious challenge.
Incline Village & Crystal Bay
Volunteers help clean beaches, creeks and streams throughout the Incline Village and Crystal Bay area as part of the larger Great Sierra River Cleanup effort.
Sand Harbor State Park | First race starts at 8:00 a.m.
The Sand Harbor Lake Tahoe Sharkfest Swim is part of the Sierra Open Water Swimming Series and takes place along one of Lake Tahoe’s most scenic stretches of shoreline. Swimmers can choose from the classic 0.76-mile course, 1.2-mile course or 2.4-mile course, with both wetsuit and non-wetsuit divisions.
Historic Genoa
One of the Carson Valley’s longest-running traditions returns with hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, food and activities throughout historic Genoa. The town is approximately 25 minutes east of Lake Tahoe.
Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City
The Nevada State Railroad Museum celebrates historic railroad motor cars over Labor Day weekend with special equipment, rides and museum activities.
Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, Reno
Up to 100 hot-air balloons fill the Reno sky during one of Northern Nevada’s signature annual events. Highlights include the early-morning Glow Show, Dawn Patrol and mass ascension. Admission is free.
Throughout Carson City
Artists create new murals around Carson City during this weeklong celebration of public art, accompanied by live music, artist events and community activities.
Reno-Sparks Convention Center
The fifth annual show features more than 150 artists across galleries, sculpture, First Nations art, furniture and special exhibits, along with talks, music, dance and other programming.
Reno, Carson City & Virginia City
The annual motorcycle rally brings thousands of riders to Northern Nevada for live music, custom bike shows, scenic rides and vendors. Lynyrd Skynyrd performs September 25 as part of this year’s event.
Event dates and details can change, so check with event organizers before attending.