By Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal
Lake Tahoe is in between busy seasons right now.
The beaches around the lake are getting less crowded as temperatures cool, but it’s not quite cold enough for the winter ski tourism spike.
So, what is there to do in Tahoe when it’s not sunny enough for swimming or snowy enough to ski? The communities around the lake are offering a variety of events this month, including moonlit kayaks for those still wanting to enjoy outdoor recreation and costume contests for people wanting to get into the Halloween spirit.
Here’s a closer look at Lake Tahoe in October.
Is it worth going to Lake Tahoe in October?
U.S. News and World Report said that September through November is among the best times to visit Lake Tahoe.
“As temperatures drop (from the high 70s in September to the mid-40s in November), so do prices,” U.S. News said. “The region witnesses a significant tourism slump as the kids go back to school and the wind begins to bite. Visit during late September to catch the last few days of trailblazing, or aim for late November to get a jump on ski season.”
But it’s not all about catching the last days of summer or anticipating winter; Lake Tahoe has plenty to offer in the fall months as well.
Lake Tahoe fall color forecast
Explore Fall is a website dedicated to fall foliage that uses data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other mapping and environmental organizations to create a map showing predictions of when the fall foliage is expected to appear in different areas of the United States.
Explore Fall said the trees around the highest elevations of Lake Tahoe will begin to peak around Oct. 8 and start to lose their colorful leaves by Oct. 16. Around the lake, fall colors are expected to peak Oct. 17, with the peak ending around Oct. 24.
What is the weather like in Lake Tahoe in October, September and November?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects above-normal temperatures in Tahoe and Reno from October to December, with more or less precipitation than usual expected over the season.
Fall events are happening in Lake Tahoe
Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson is a free fall event happening the weekend of Oct. 3-4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. The festival includes traditional Bavarian food like bratwurst, pretzels, and apple strudel. Live music and games will also be available. For more information, see camprichardsonresort.com.
Full Moon Kayak Tour with Tahoe Adventure Company is offering $82 per person kayak tours at Lake Tahoe when there is a full moon. The October full moon is on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25. Tours start at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and begin at 4 p.m. in October. For more information and tickets, visit tahoeadventurecompany.com.
Tahoe Literary Festival hosts a free community event in Tahoe City on Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9 with readings from acclaimed and local poets and participating authors. The evening concludes with a community open mic inviting writers to join in on the fun. Oct. 10’s community events include a book fair at 4 p.m. and a songwriting workshop at 6 p.m. To reserve your spot for the free community events or explore the writers’ workshops part of the festival, visit tahoelitfest.com.
Heavenly Village Car Show – If you missed Hot August Nights or are always looking to see classic hot rods, Tom Argo is organizing a car show at Heavenly Village Oct. 16-18. But this isn’t just any car show; it will be Argo’s last car show before he retires. “Tom has given many years to these events, and we sincerely appreciate the time, energy, and passion he has invested,” said Dreu Murin, spokesperson for The Shops at Heavenly Village. However, Murin said plans remain to continue car shows at The Shops in the future.
Costume contests at Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe is hosting costume contests, live music, and cash prizes on Saturday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 31. On Oct. 24, Tessie’s, along with Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe, will host a Fright Night Halloween crawl starting at 9 p.m. and will feature a $1,000 costume contest. The following Saturday, Oct. 31, Tessie’s will decorate and become a “haunted saloon” for Halloween night, complete with the cover band Full Blast that begins at 10 p.m. with a set that includes Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and a costume contest that awards $1,500 for first place.
On Halloween, the 47th annual Freaker’s Ball at Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort will feature a costume contest with $7,500 for the first-place winner and live entertainment. The event takes place at 9 p.m. on Oct. 31 in the Showroom at Bally’s and costs about $65 to attend when tickets are bought online in advance.
On Friday, Oct. 16, Edgewood Tahoe Resort will host a five-course whiskey-pairing dinner with Frey Ranch Distillery at its on-site restaurant Brooks’ Bar and Deck. The menu features 4 courses, each paired with a cocktail made with Frey Ranch’s signature spirits. The evening begins with a welcome reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $125 per person, and reservations are available at opentable.com.
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
