Lake Tahoe offers much more than breathtaking beauty; visitors can also experience culture in the Sierras. Here are four great cultural adventures in the area, perfect for groups to enjoy.
This year, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (775.832.1616; www.laketahoeshakespeare.com) marks its 38th season as a can’t-miss event. From July 9 to Aug. 22, the festival will present the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). The festival’s 1,200-seat amphitheater sits on the shores of Lake Tahoe, providing a nice view for audience members.
"It directly overlooks the water of Lake Tahoe," says Catherine Atack, executive director of the festival.
The festival also includes nights of music, when jazz, blues and Latin artists will perform.
Groups ranging from 200 to 500 people are welcome and can reserve VIP cocktail service or even dinner at Shakespeare’s Kitchen, located on-site.
"There is a VIP lounge next to the stage and a lot of groups will do a wine and cheese reception prior to the show starting," Atack says.
The Lake Tahoe Summer Music Festival (530.583.3101; www.tahoemusic.org) is another great option for groups coming to the area. The festival, slated to run from July 22 to Aug. 7, will feature concerts at various locations in North Lake Tahoe. At press time, the artist lineup hadn’t been released except for Natalie Cole, who will perform Aug. 5.
Groups are welcome at the festival, and group rates are available. Designated seating is also available, as is assistance booking reception locations.
Every year beginning in May, The Valhalla Arts & Music Festival (530.541.4975; www.valhallatahoe.com) lures art, history and music lovers to see what Lake Tahoe has to offer. According to Steve Farnsley, executive director of the Tahoe Tallac Association, the nonprofit that puts on the festival, the best time to go is from late June through September.
"The festival is a lot of fun," he says. "It consists of visual art, music, theater and cultural events that are designed to provide enrichment."
The festival takes place at The Tallac Historic Site, a 74-acre plot of land that includes several historic buildings and mansions.
Artists-in-residence are on hand during the festival, and visitors can also enjoy cultural programs throughout the event.
"Groups are welcome to attend any event," Farnsley says. "They can rent The Valhalla Boathouse Theatre if they want something private. We offer low rates for nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community groups."
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, foodies from all over the West Coast will flock to Lake Tahoe Sept. 10-12 for the Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival (530.581.6900; www.tahofoodandwine.com).
"It’s the party of the year," says Judy Laverty, festival director. "It is a three-day festival that starts with a grape stomp on Friday. Saturday, there are cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, classes on food and wine pairing, cooking classes for children, and wine and spirit seminars.
"Sunday is our culinary competition and grand tasting," Laverty says. "We invite our upper-tier restaurants to come in and prepare a single dish that pairs perfectly with wine. It is a formally judged competition and blind tasting. The winners receive gold, silver and bronze medals. We sell tickets to the public, where they can come through and taste food and wine pairings from over 30 restaurants and wineries."
Groups can arrange to have a private class on food and wine pairing or even a private cooking demonstration.
"We can do group pricing for events already in place or develop special events for a group that are woven into the festival," Laverty says.
