1. Valhalla Arts And Music Festival
City: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (530) 541-4975
Description: This is a summer-long program that presents Native American fine arts, reggae, folk, Latin, jazz, and bluegrass concerts, as well as a classic film series, theatrical performances for children and adults, art gallery tours, and a variety of celebrations honoring the Tallac Historic Site. The festival begins in early June and runs through September. The concerts are usually held both on weeknights and weekends. One of the best events held around the lake, it makes money for the historic site from small admission fees. The site is located about 3 miles north of South Lake Tahoe on California Highway 89.
2. Kokanee Salmon Festival
City: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (530) 543-2600
Description: This event is held when the bright-red kokanee salmon make their annual spawning run up Taylor Creek, usually around mid-October. The salmon can be viewed from windows below water level at the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center’s Stream Profile Chamber. Also included in this fun two-day festival are a kokanee cook-off, educational displays and programs, nature walks, and a children’s fishing booth. All events are free to the public.
3. Oktoberfest At Camp Richardson
City: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (877) 217-7407
Address: 1900 Jameson Beach Road
Description: With the leaves turning and a slight chill in the air, October is usually the most spectacular month of the year at Lake Tahoe. Because the Kokanee Salmon Festival (see previous listing) and Oktoberfest are held at the same time, you can easily attend both. They are literally side by side so parking is not much of an issue. Both events are wonderful family affairs that get everybody outside and aware of the changing seasons. Spread out over the beautiful grounds at Camp Richardson; Oktoberfest offers a variety of food, games, and arts and crafts—and a heavy dose of oompah music to entertain attendees in typical Bavarian style.