Enjoying your summer getaway at Donner Lake means indulging in fresh mountain air and sunshine. It’s also a great time of year to check out some of the best Truckee summer events on the calendar!
Spending Summer in Donner Lake
Whether you’re a traveler with a passion for summer markets, live music, festivals, or seasonal competitions, Donner Lake is a vacation destination just for you. Staying here puts you just minutes from the Truckee, CA, summer events that make a stay extra memorable. You can balance out the high-energy summer fun with afternoons on the water, savoring a peaceful lakeside setting in your downtime. It’s the perfect blend of fun and relaxation for everyone in your group.
Events You Won’t Want to Miss
If you’re planning a warm-weather getaway to Donner Lake, the following summer events in Truckee, CA, are not to be missed. They’re the perfect way to experience the local community, celebrate culture, and make the most of your time in the Sierra Nevada.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Hosted each summer by Mountain Area Preservation in Truckee, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival is entertainment for a good cause. This two-day event is a celebration of environmental films with a focus on documentaries and outdoor adventure stories.
- Location: Alibi Ale Works-Truckee Public House in Historic Downtown (10069 Bridge Street, Truckee, California, 96161) and Alder Creek Adventure Center in Tahoe Donner (15275 Alder Creek Rd, Truckee, California, 96161)
- Date & Time: May 1-2, 2026, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Entry Fees: $30 General Admission, and tickets include free popcorn
- 2026 Film Lineup
Made in Tahoe Spring Festival
If your travel plans bring you this way in May, you’ll be right on time to enjoy the annual Tahoe Spring Festival. Hosted in partnership with the North Tahoe Chamber TOT_TBID Dollars at Work, this festival is designed to be a family-friendly gathering. Drop by and enjoy supporting Tahoe and Truckee entrepreneurs, organizations, and artisans as you savor local food and beverages. The live music, chefs, and local talent on-site make your experience even more meaningful!
- Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe, 1750 Village East Road, Olympic Valley, California, 96146
- Date & Times: May 23-24, 2026, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Entry Fees: Free admission
- Entertainment Schedule
Truckee Maker Show
Creative summer travelers won’t want to miss out on the Truckee Maker Show in 2026. A staple in the area for more than 10 years, this annual event brings the creative community together to celebrate performers, visionaries, makers, artists, educational partners, and more.
The 2026 Truckee Maker Show will once again host more than 90 booths, highlighting arts such as blacksmithing, candle making, screen printing, block printing, woodturning, and sewing. Attendees can shop for local goods, dance to live music, participate in raffles, and eat delicious food truck fare along the way.
- Location: Truckee Tahoe Airport, 12116 Chandelle Way, Suite E3, Truckee, California, 96161
- Date & Times: June 7, 2026, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fees: General Admission $20 at the door
- Purchase Tickets Online
Truckee 4th of July
The 4th of July in Truckee is a patriotic celebration that includes a parade, family-friendly community events, and an impressive fireworks display. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the food and beverages to the live music and vendor stands.
Location: Various event spaces across downtown Truckee and Truckee Regional Park (10500 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA 96161)
- Date & Times: July 4, 2026, Parade at 10:00 AM and fireworks at dusk
- Entry Fees: Free community event
- Parade Details
Truckee Brewfest
This summer, raise a glass for the kids of Truckee by attending the annual Truckee Brewfest. This summer event is hosted by the Truckee Optimist Club and is presented by Donner Docks. It includes live music, food, wine, a silent auction, and cold beer for attendees, with profits going back to Truckee youth organizations. In years past, it’s been a summer event that’s proudly raised more than $100,000 for kids’ clubs in the area.
- Location: Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road, Truckee, California, 96161
- Date & Times: July 11, 2026, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: $45 for early bird entry and unlimited tastings when tickets are purchased before May 31, 2026
- Ticket Tiers
Donner Lake Triathlon
Summer travelers with a love for competition will be thrilled to put their skills to the test in the annual Donner Lake Triathlon. This race is one of the region’s most iconic athletic events and offers multiple race distances for varying skill levels. Whether you participate or spectate, it’s an impressive route that’s designed to challenge and inspire.
- Location: West End Beach, 15888 South Shore Drive, Truckee, California, 96161
- Date & Times: July 25-26, 2026, 7:00 AM spring start
- Entry Fees: $155 for sprint solo runners, $200 for duathlon Olympic course (prices vary by race length and age group)
- Event Schedule
Truckee Pro Rodeo
Truckee’s Western heritage is on full display each summer at the Truckee Pro Rodeo. This long-running local tradition spans three days of fun each August, and includes roping events, bull riding, barrel racing, and a ton of family fun, including live music!
- Location: McIver Arena, 10050 Brockway Rd, Truckee, California, 96161
- Date & Times: August 27-29, 2026, Shows typically start at 5:00 PM
- Entry Fees: $65 for a one-night event ticket
- Buy Tickets Online
Latitude 39 Music Festival
Hosted in tandem with the Truckee Pro Rodeo, the Latitude 39 Music Festival is an entertaining event in Truckee that’s one-of-a-kind. This late August celebration of music features regional bands, local artists, and plenty of food trucks to set a tasty scene. This year’s headliners will include the Eli Young Band, kicking off the 4th annual festival in style.
- Location: Truckee River Regional Park Amphitheater, 10050 Brockway Rd, Truckee, California, 96161
- Date & Times: August 27, 2026, doors open at 4:00 PM
- Entry Fees: $65
- Purchase Tickets
Stay Close to the Fun with Our Rentals
When you’re traveling to Donner Lake this summer, make sure you have incredible accommodations lined up by booking a summer rental property at Donner Lake Village. Our rentals are spacious, comfortable, and always close to summer fun. While Donner Lake and Truckee are packed with incredible seasonal activities to add to an itinerary, your downtime deserves to be just as appealing. Kick back and relax in our luxe rentals that provide you with direct access to the water and top-tier amenities. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your summer adventure!
