A vacation to Lake Tahoe is often packed with paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and boating, which, let's be honest, is the reason we all love to play here. But did you know Lake Tahoe and Truckee are also home to some pretty sweet live music venues? You can see free concerts almost every day of the week in the summer! Check out our Top 10 Tahoe Summer Music Venues below.
1. PJ's at Gray's Crossing
Who wants to wait for the weekend to groove to some live tunes? Gather on the lawn overlooking the golf course, or make a reservation and enjoy dinner from the full Bar & Grill menu. The Gray's Crossing Live Music Series is one of the hidden gems when it comes to live music in Truckee. Tuesdays at 5:30 pm.
2. Regional Park, Truckee
Music in the Park is an annual tradition both locals and visitors look forward to each year. Talent takes the stage at the Regional Park Ampitheater, just above the Truckee River. Bring blankets or beach towels and grab a spot on the grass while the kids head down to the dance floor in front of the stage. Picnics welcome! Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.
3. Common's Beach, Tahoe City
With Lake Tahoe as your backdrop and the Tahoe City Boardwalk just across the street, it's no surprise that Concerts at Commons Beach is one of the biggest events of the summer in North Lake Tahoe. Bring a picnic dinner and beverages for the adults, while the little ones enjoy the lakeside playground. Sundays at 4:00 pm.
4. Cottonwood Restaurant, Truckee
The Cottonwood is a live music destination year round, but in the summer this establishment turns it up a notch and brings the music out to their expansive deck, with views of downtown Truckee below. Arrive early to get a great seat and take advantage of Happy Hour Specials from 4:30 to 6:00! Thursdays and Fridays at 6:00 pm.
5. Village at Squaw Valley
For acclaimed blues musicians performing live in a beautiful setting, check out Bluesdays at the Village at Squaw. Quench your thirst at the Blues Bar in the Events Plaza, or grab tasty eats from any of the Village restaurants. Tuesdays at 6:00 pm.
6. The Village Stage, Northstar California
Conveniently located halfway between Truckee and Kings Beach, Northstar California is the four seasons resort with a little something for everyone, and their music series is no exception. The perfect way to wind down after a day of biking or boating, you can enjoy live music every weekend at The Village Stage. Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm.
7. Kings Beach State Recreation Area
Start your weekend off right by enjoying live music on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Tahoe. At Music on the Beach you can relax on a blanket or get up and dance! Beer, wine, soda, and food are available for purchase. Fridays at 6:00 pm.
8. Garwoods Grill & Pier, Carnelian Bay
As if we needed another excuse to sip a Wet Woody on the deck at this North Shore Tahoe staple, you can now enjoy live music late into the evening at Garwoods as well. Reservations are recommened if you're looking for dinner service, and you can arrive in style thanks to Garwood's complimentary boat valet service. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm.
9. West Shore Cafe, Homewood
Want to enjoy the best of Tahoe's free live music, while also sampling fine wines, craft cocktails, and high end cuisine? At Live Music Fridays you can have it all. Musicians take the stage on the deck at the West Shore Cafe, against the panaromic backdrop of a sunset on the water. Fridays at 5:30 pm.
10. River Grill, Tahoe City
With one of the best happy hours in Tahoe City, hands down, the riverfront deck at River Grill is a must stop spot after a day on the lake. Musicians take the stage on the deck for three hours during these fun summer nights. Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00 pm.