4th of July Celebrations Around Lake Tahoe

Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe serves as the ultimate backdrop for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration. Grab your crew and enjoy California sunshine, blue skies, and endless adventures. Check back on this page as we will update once new info is posted about Tahoe activities during the 4th of July. Here’s how we plan to celebrate: 

Community Events | Parades, Fireworks, & SkyShows

July 4 | Downtown Truckee 4th of July Parade

Tip: Avid parade spectators put their folding chairs out at their favorite spot right at daybreak so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get the best spot!

TimeEventTips
7am-10amFREE Pancake Breakfast at Truckee Fire Station 92.This station is right by the start of the parade route from Truckee High School.
9:40am-10amFirecracker Mile: 1-mile along the parade route for runners of all levels.A great way to start your day! Register online and dress in red, white, and blue!
10amThe parade starts near Truckee High School and progresses 1.5 miles down Donner Pass Road into historic Downtown Truckee, ending at around noon. Avid spectators put their chairs out at their favorite spot right at daybreak so make sure you give yourself plenty of time in the morning!
9:30pmFireworks Show Over Donner LakeMake a plan ahead of time with your group to view the show from a house, beach, park, or dock around the lake. Consider carpooling, parking will be very limited.

July 4 | Donner Lake West End Beach Celebration & Fireworks

A beloved, classic community celebration at West End Beach, includes games, music, BBQ’s, and Fireworks.

To enter and view from West End Beach, must show proof of Drivers License, Utility Bill, Car Registration, Tax Bill, or Lease Agreement with an address within the district to purchase $20 tickets from the Truckee-Donner Parks and Recreation District. Tickets will NOT be sold at the gate, final day to purchase at the Community Recreation Center will be July 3.

TimeDetailsTips
9amBeach opens for all-day celebration.Purchase tickets before July 3rd – they typically sell out!
1pm-8pmLive music and family fun complete with an Egg Toss, Tug of War, 3 Legged Races, and a Pie Eating Contest.Bring your crew along, up to 8 tickets can be purchased at a time.
9:30pm-10pm Fireworks display over Donner Lake.Show can be viewed from around Donner Lake. Consider carpooling, parking will be very limited.

Fireworks in the night sky

July 2-4 | Incline Village Local Heroes Celebration & Parade

A hometown parade, with spectacular floats, a bike parade, classic cars, Tahoe dogs, and lots of fire and rescue vehicles. This event brings special appreciation to those who help keep our lives safe: veterans, firefighters, Washoe County Sheriff Office peace officers, healthcare workers, educators, and service workers.

Date Time Event 
July 2 4-7pm ITF Summerfest at UNR Lake Tahoe 
July 3 8-10am NLTFPD Flag Raising & Pancake Breakfast 
July 3 10am Local Heroes Parade and Kids Bike Parade 
July 3 11am-3pm Local Heroes Community Fair and WCSO Meet & Greet 
July 3 6pm IVCB Veterans Recognition Reception 
July 3 Dusk Flag Retirement Ceremony 
July 4 8am-12pm Veterans Club Pancake Breakfast 
July 4 9:30pm July 4th Fireworks presented Incline Fireworks 

July 4 | July 4th Fireworks presented by Red, White, & Tahoe Blue II 

Check out this awe-inspiring display over Incline Village & Crystal Bay.

TimeDetailsTips
9:30pm-10pm Fireworks display over Incline Village & Crystal BayPlease remember that beaches in Incline Village are exclusively for residents and their guests. Consider walking, biking, or taking public transportation to view the event from one of Lake Tahoe’s other nearby beaches.

July 4 | South Lake Tahoe: Lights on the Lake

NBC’s Today Show recognizes this as one of the country’s top Fourth of July weekend Celebrations and The American Pyrotechnics Association rates this as one of the Top 5 displays in the nation. 

TimeDetailsTips
9:45pm Visible on the water via a variety of Cruise and Charter Options or view from Nevada Beach, Timber Cove Marina, Tallac Historic Site, or Lakeview Commons. Drive-in and walk-in viewing options fill up fast. You can also find a vantage point from North Lake Tahoe and view the show from across the lake. While the display will be in the distance, it offers a unique perspective. 

Need a place to stay? Lodging is available in The Village at Palisades Tahoe with room types perfect for your group and accommodations that sleep up to 11 guests. You’ll be in the heart of the fun with easy access to hiking, biking, events, and lake activities.

Two people enjoying beer from a balcony in The Village at Palisades Tahoe while enjoying live music at Bluesdays.

Free Events | Palisades Tahoe

July 1-8 | The Village at Palisades Tahoe

Date TimeEventDetails
July 16-8:30pm BluesdaysFree concert series featuring Chris Cain. Grab a cold drink, kick back, and enjoy the tunes.
July 25-6pmFirst Street YogaBreathe and stretch with us this summer during our free outdoor yoga series. The complimentary classes kick off at 5pm, this week is led by Meghan Ruiz. All levels are welcome, but please bring your own yoga mat.
July 85-7pmSunsets Music SeriesAfter you’ve spent your day hiking or sightseeing from the Aerial Tram, relax and enjoy some the area’s most talented musicians. This week features Jeff Jones.
Kids on Paddle Boards and jumping into Lake Tahoe.
Kids having fun at Lake Tahoe

Celebrate Responsibly

We’re all here to have a good time and want to keep these celebrations going for years to come. Please do what you can to be a responsible visitor and consider the impacts that these periods of high visitation have on our region. Here are a few tips on how you can help:

  • Limit the traffic on our roadways, you can do this by walking, biking, carpooling, or utilizing our public transportation options during your time here.
    • TART Connect is a FREE on-demand shuttle with service within the North Tahoe and Truckee areas. Download the app to request your ride.
    • The TART Bus service is a great option to travel in and around North Tahoe and Truckee. Rides are FREE to all, check their website for complete details and routes.
  • Plan to pack out your trash and waste. Oftentimes, trash receptacles at parks and beaches will become full – DO NOT leave your trash, this puts our ecosystem and wildlife at risk.
  • Be #1 at picking up #2. If you bring your furry friend on your trip, please pick up after them.
  • All around Lake Tahoe will be busy with visitors for the holiday period. Please pack your patience, kindness, and remember that we are all celebrating together.
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