The Tahoe Ten: Upcoming Fourth of July events you don’t want to miss

TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Below are 10 editor’s picks for upcoming events this weekend and next week that you’re going to want to check out.

1. Kings Beach Fireworks and Beach Party

Celebrate Independence Day Eve in Kings Beach with a free party featuring patriotic contests, games, music and food vendors, as well as a beer, wine and mixed drink garden. The night sky lights up with the signature fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free and preferred fireworks seating is available for $15.

Where: Kings Beach, North Tahoe Event Center

When: 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 3

Cost: Free

Online: NorthTahoeBusiness.org

2. Red, White and Tahoe Blue

The annual festival in Incline Village features events all day Friday and Saturday, including veterans tributes; an outdoor concert from Grand Funk Railroad; and, despite what other communities will say, the absolute largest fireworks show at Lake Tahoe, shooting off at 9:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July from the shores of Ski Beach.

Where: Various venues, Incline Village

When: Friday and Saturday, July 3-4

Cost: Most events free

Online: RedWhiteTahoeBlue.org

3. Fourth of July Kid’s Bike Parade

Bring the kids to Northstar California for a fun day celebrating the Fourth of July, where kids are invited to decorate their bikes, razor scooters, big wheels, clothing, even themselves before they are escorted around The Village in a parade to show off their creativity and festive flair.

Where: Commons Beach, Tahoe City

When: 12:30 to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 4

Cost: Free

Online: NorthstarCalifornia.com

4. Tahoe City Beach Bash & Fireworks

Spend the Fourth at the Bell Bottom Beach Bash in Commons Beach, where there will be activities for all ages, including hula-hoops, beach balls and cornhole. Throughout the day, Penney the Clown, Kid Yager and DJ Chapin light up the stage with a variety of talents. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Commons Beach, Tahoe City

When: All day, Saturday, July 4

Cost: Free

Online: VisitTahoeCity.org

5. Free music in Crystal Bay

After a day enjoying the beach, mountains, events and fireworks, stop by the Crystal Bay Casino for an eccentric and energetic performance by Dirty Bourbon River Show, which melds hard-edged blues, Lisztian piano-driven ballads, and New Orleans brass into a new musical landscape.

Where: Crystal Bay Casino

When: Friday, Saturday, 9 p.m., July 3-4

Cost: Free

Online: CrystalBayCasino.com

6. Fourth of July Party at West Shore Cafe

Don’t forget about the West Shore. In Homewood, the West Shore Café will live acoustic music in the afternoon by Ike & Martin, lawn games all day and complimentary s’mores from 8:30-9 p.m. At the end of the night, enjoy the fireworks from West Shore Café’s scenic lakefront deck.

Where: West Shore Café, Homewood

When: All day Saturday, July 4

Cost: Free

Online: WestShoreCafe.com

7. Downtown Truckee Firecracker Mile, Parade

Truckee’s Fourth of July Parade starts Saturday at 10 a.m. at the northeast corner of Highway 89 South and Donner Pass Road, and progresses down Donner Pass Road into historic Truckee, ending at the corner of Bridge and Church streets around noon. The annual Firecracker Mile race and fun run starts at 9:40 a.m.

Where: Donner Pass Road and downtown, Truckee

When: 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 4

Cost: Parade viewing is free

Online: TruckeeChamber.com

8. Donner Lake Fireworks

Family activities will take place all day at Donner Lake’s West End Beach on the Fourth of July, starting at 9 a.m. The annual fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. and will be visible from many spots around the lake in western Truckee.

Where: Donner Lake, West End Beach

When: All day Saturday, July 4

Cost: Entry fees required for beach access

Online: tdrpd.com

9. Annual Run to the Beach

Come out with your friends and family and start your July 4th with a run, walk, or stroll to the beach. Starting at the North Tahoe Regional Park, the courses offer scenic and fun trails. The 5K is a quick course, and the 10K has a signature climb.

Where: Tahoe Vista/Kings Beach

When: 7-8 a.m. registration; race at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4

Cost: Fees vary by age

Online: TahoeTrailRunning.com

10. Beerfest & Bluegrass Festival

The ninth annual Beerfest & Bluegrass Festival features live music from top bluegrass bands including Grant Farm and The McCoy Tyler Band, more than 30 local and regional breweries on tap, special children’s treats and activities, and more; 21 and over.

Where: The Village at Northstar California

When: 3-6:30 p.m. Friday, July 3

Cost: $30 in advance; $38 at door

Online: NorthstarCalifornia.com