play in tahoe.

There is no shortage of special events in Lake Tahoe. From the culinary to the cultural to the downright recreational, visitors can take part in all things Tahoe at festivals, celebrations and competitions throughout the year.

Following is a list of The Best of the Best – our favorite Lake Tahoe events that exemplify Lake Tahoe’s playful lifestyle and live-life-to-the-fullest attitude.

Some coincide with Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week, giving you even more reasons to visit October 2-9, 2011, while others will have you coming back again and again.

Tahoe City’s First-Ever Farm-to-Table Dinner

July 19, 2011
http://www.VisitTahoeCity.org
North Lake Tahoe celebrity chefs put together a four-course dinner made with produce and products from the Tahoe City Farmer’s Market for this exclusive event that will be held on scenic Commons Beach located in the heart of Tahoe City. This festive occasion is limited to 100 guests.

2nd Annual Wine on the Water

August 21, 2011
http://www.LoneEagleGrille.com
The Hyatt Regency's private beach is the backdrop for more than 25 wineries, from Duckhorn to Silver Oak to Wild Horse, and signature bites from North Lake Tahoe's favorite restaurants at this yearly, intimate food and wine festival.

2nd Annual Sample the Sierra

September 4, 2011
www.SampletheSierra.com
Foodies and wine aficionados will converge for this special event at Ski Run Boulevard in South Lake Tahoe, which is geared to expand upon the farm-to-fork movement and introduce local residents and visitors to locally sourced ingredients and products. Festivalgoers will enjoy approximately 30 vendors, from South Lake Tahoe restaurants to El Dorado County-based wineries and growers, as well as live music, art activities, marketplace and art on display from local artisans.

23rd Annual Alpen Wine Festival

September 4, 2011
www.Squaw.com/23rd-Annual-Alpen-Wine-Festival
The 23rd Annual Alpen Wine Festival at the Village at Squaw Valley benefits Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, a national nonprofit organization and innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners. Guests receive a commemorative crystal wine glass and taste from more than 40 vineyards, while listening to live music and enjoying a silent auction.

26th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival

September 9-11, 2011
www.GoTahoeNorth.com
The 26th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival, considered one of Lake Tahoe’s premier gourmet events, is back bigger and better than ever. Culinary aficionados and hungry travelers return to the cobbled streets at the Village at Northstar for friendly chef battles, free outdoor grilling demonstrations, celebrity chef luncheon, gourmet marketplace vendor fair, grape stomp, wine walk, art and sculpture exhibit, winemaker dinners, live entertainment, food and wine pairing seminars and the grand finale, the Sunday Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting.

Lake Tahoe Marathon Race Week

September 22-25, 2011
www.RunTahoe.com
Experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe firsthand by running or walking along some of the country's most scenic courses. The marathon, half marathon and 10K meander down the West Shore. There's also a 5K through historic Valhalla, free Kids Fun Run, speed golf, kayaking, swimming and biking competitions.

7th Annual Passport to Dining

October 6, 2011
Considered the social gathering of the year in Kings Beach, this foodie event showcases 25 North Lake Tahoe and Truckee restaurants, as well as breweries and wineries, in a festive environment (right on the beach) at the North Tahoe Event Center. And, because it's held during Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week (October 2-9, 2011), it's a great way to sample several restaurants at once and then book reservations directly at those preferred dining establishments to enjoy their special 3-course prix fixe Restaurant Week lunches and dinners.

Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival

October 28-30, 2011
http://www.harrahs.com/ltfoodandwine/#page=home
The Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival, hosted by Harrah's and Harveys Lake Tahoe, includes lots of food and wine, plus discussions, presentations and demonstrations by celebrated food and wine experts, including Adam Richman from the Food Network's Man v Food; Chef Martin Yan, celebrated host of more than 3,000 cooking shows and author of 30-plus cookbooks; and Chef Michel Richard, French-born chef, restaurateur and creator of award-winning U.S. eateries such as Citrus, Citronelle and Central.