Aroma of pumpkin spice. The crunching of leaves under your feet. A slight chill in the air at night. Bright yellows of aspen shimmering in the sunlight. It’s Mother Nature telling you to seize the moment and celebrate the seasons changing with these fall festivals in Truckee.
Taste The Harvest
Sample the bounty of California’s harvest. While the Sierra Nevada is known for its scenery and outdoor adventure, it’s also located right next to America’s beating heart of agriculture. Explore the wine scene by attending the Alpen Wine Fest at Palisades Tahoe. The all-inclusive wine tasting features over forty exceptional wineries. Or set off on a stroll as part of the Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop. The two decade old tradition has you tour through the historic district surrounded by fall colors. Along the way, you’ll sample wine and enjoy delicious bite-sized snacks from over 30+ restaurants and vendors.
- Alpen Wine Fest, Palisades Tahoe, Sept 1st
- Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop, Downtown Truckee, Oct 5th
Family Friendly Fun
Just because the kids are back in school doesn’t mean you can’t slip away for a fun weekend getaway this fall. Round up all your cowpokes for the most rip-roaring shindig this side of the Mississippi - the Wild West Fest at the Alder Creek Adventure Center. Get a taste of the old frontier with a ranch-style BBQ, equestrian performances, pony rides, and other Western-inspired activities. And next in the lineup, it’s the Family Farm Festival at the Kidzone Museum. Along with the fun interactive museum exhibits based on local history, there will be a petting zoo, face painting, a bilingual sing along, and even bulb planting.
- Wild West Fest, Alder Creek Adventure Center, Aug 31st
- Family Farm Festival, Kidzone Museum, Sept 28th
Sample Truckee’s Heritage
Like many mountain towns, Truckee’s history is intertwined with the Gold Rush and the Silver Boom. And yet its story features one-of-a-kind chapters like the hardworking Chinese immigrants who helped build the first transcontinental tunnels, the Washoe people and even the early settlers. Today, the quilt of Truckee’s community includes the Latino cultural traditions which are celebrated as part of the Mexican Heritage Festival. It includes live music, dance, arts, artisan vendors, crafts, food, and games. In addition to supporting and celebrating Mexican artists, the festival is an opportunity to promote and support local and Mexican-owned businesses.
- Mexican Heritage Festival, Truckee River Regional Park, Sept 14-15th
Oktoberfest
For beer lovers, nothing speaks more loudly for fall festivals than Oktoberfest. Truckee isn’t home to just one but TWO events happening on different weekends. Kicking things off is Tahoe City’s Oktoberfest This annual lakeside tradition features craft beers from some of the region’s best breweries, live music, and great food with traditional Bavarian-themed games along with a craft vendor village. Next is Palisades Tahoe's Oktoberfest. Each year, they convert their cozy village into a Bavarian playground filled with live German music, cold beers, and fresh pretzels made by a local favorite: Truckee Sourdough Company.
- Oktoberfest, Tahoe City, Sept 23rd
- Oktoberfest, Palisades Tahoe, Sept 28th
Last Minute Outdoor Adventure
You’ve ridden your bike hundreds of miles. Set off on countless trail runs. It’s now time to test your limits both physically and mentally. While there are many adventure races throughout the summer months for a variety of disciplines, autumn features the final chapter. The Great Trail Race which is either a mountain bike or trail run starts in Truckee and follows a similar path as its winter cousin the Great Ski Race ending in Tahoe City.
- Great Trail Race, Truckee, Sept 28th
Be A Steward Of Truckee
Help ensure your great grandkids can enjoy the Truckee River by joining other nature-lovers at the Truckee River Day & Fair. You’ll help improve wildlife habitat, plant native species, and ensure that this beautiful river remains beautiful. To see past years’ hard work in person, the Truckee River Watershed Council has created this self-guided tour that you can take.
- Truckee River Day & Fair, Truckee, Oct 20th
