The Best Things to do July 4th

Truckee is buzzing during July 4th weekend. There are so many things to do – festivals, music, fireworks, parades, you name it. It’s a fun time to get together with friends and family and enjoy the gorgeous weather and festivities. Whether you’re looking for family fun or late night music, you can find it on our list of the Best Things to do July 4th.

Squaw Valley Freedom Fest

Spend the weekend celebrating the fourth with live music, spring skiing, and tons of activities at Squaw Valley’s Freedom Fest! The festival kicks off on July 3rd with the Grand Opening of the Tahoe Via Ferrata and continues with music, fireworks, and block parties.

When: July 3 – 7, events all day

Where: Squaw Valley

Cost: Free, must have season pass or lift ticket to attend on-mountain events

Firecracker Mile

Start your day with the Firecracker Mile, a fun, family friendly race through historic downtown Truckee. It’s a great kick off to a day of celebrations! Click here for more information and register online here.

When: July 4th at 9:45 AM

Where: US Bank to Train Depot, Truckee

Cost: Adults $40, Juniors $35 (register early and save!)

Truckee 4th of July Parade

Bring the family and watch this iconic parade. It starts at Truckee High School and follows Donner Pass Road to downtown Truckee, ending at the corner of Bridge Street and Church Street. This year’s theme is the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad in Truckee.

When: July 4th at 10:00 AM

Where: Truckee High School to Bridge Street

Cost: FREE

Beerfest and Bluegrass Festival

Head to the village at Northstar for this fun festival. There will be two stages with live music, lots of craft beer and cider, and activities like yoga, a beer run, and more!

When: July 6th from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: The Village at Northstar

Cost: Free, Beer Tasting Tickets – Advance $45, Day Of $55

Sunset Kayak Tour

Join Tahoe Adventure Company for a sunset kayak tour on fourth of July weekend! This is a great way to learn about the natural and cultural history of Tahoe and enjoy the evening colors from the water.

When: July 5th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Tahoe Vista Recreation Area

Cost: $65

Summer Concert on the Green

It’s the 9th annual Summer Concert on the Green – Tahoe Donner’s biggest event of the year. Listen to Woodie and the Longboards, a Beach Boys tribute band, and Neon Velvet, playing classic dance hits, on Friday. The Fog City Swampers, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, and Hollywood U2, a U2 tribute band, will play on Saturday.

When: July 5th & 6th, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Where: Tahoe Donner Driving Range

Cost: Adults (13 and up) $40 per day, Kids (5-12) $20 per day, Toddler (0-4) Free

Beach Party at Kings Beach

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Tahoe and a lakeside fireworks show at the Kings Beach Fireworks and Beach Party. The beach party is on July 3rd, an early kick off to July 4th celebrations! There will be food vendors and a beer garden.

When: July 3rd from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Where: Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Cost: FREE

Donner Lake July 4th Celebration

Spend your 4th of July at West End Beach! There will be music, games, BBQ and fireworks at this family friendly event. *This event is open to TDRPD residents and homeowners.

When: July 4th from 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Where: West End Beach, Donner Lake

Cost: $7

Watch Fireworks!

There will be fireworks all over North Lake Tahoe and Truckee on the 4th. Here’s where to catch the show!

Donner Lake

July 4th, 9:30 PM

West End Beach, Donner Lake

Squaw Valley – cancelled

July 5th, 9:30 PM

KT Deck, Squaw Valley

Tahoe City

July 4th, 9:30 PM

Commons Beach in downtown Tahoe City

Kings Beach

July 3rd, 9:30 PM

Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Want to go hiking while you’re here? Check out this list of the Best Hiking Trails in Tahoe.