THINGS TO DO

July 4th at Lake Tahoe: When and where are fireworks

Portrait of Brett McGinness Brett McGinness
Reno Gazette Journal

Heading to Lake Tahoe for the Fourth of July? Here's a rundown of fireworks shows, other events and, perhaps most critically, how to get around on one of the busiest holidays at the Lake.

What time are July 4th fireworks shows at Lake Tahoe?

Thursday, July 4: Red, White and Tahoe Blue II, Incline Beach, 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks are back for Incline Village and Crystal Bay on Tahoe's North Shore after a five-year hiatus. For details, visit rwtb.fun.

Thursday, July 4: Tahoe City Drone Show, Tahoe City, 9:30 p.m.

Drone light show over Kings Beach on Sept. 8, 2023.

This North Shore drone show will feature 300 drones in a show that can be seen from the shores of Tahoe City, with musical accompaniment broadcast on 101.5 FM. It's the finale of a full afternoon of events at Tahoe City, California. For details, visit visittahoecity.org.

Thursday, July 4: Lights on the Lake Fireworks, Stateline, 9:45 p.m.

Lake Tahoe's South Shore will be home to what is being billed as one of the top five fireworks shows in the country. The show is set for 9:45 p.m. For details, visit visitlaketahoe.com.

Where to park at Lake Tahoe for July 4th

If you're planning to bring beach chairs and a flotilla of floaties, driving to Tahoe might be your best bet, but be prepared to hit the road well before dawn and fight for a spot in a beach parking lot.

Expect parking at Lake Tahoe's beaches to fill up almost instantaneously, without any significant or predictable amount of availability for the remainder of the holiday. Most of the beaches have parking fees (usually payable only in cash, so bring $5s and $10s).

Below are the beaches with parking along with hours (where listed).

Parking along roadsides and in neighborhoods near the beach is common but risky; there's always a nonzero chance you'll find that your vehicle has been towed if it's parked illegally or on private property. Alternatively, if you're looking to spend the night at Lake Tahoe, you should be able to park at your place of lodging — but be sure to confirm that you'll have a guaranteed space.

How else to get around Lake Tahoe on July 4th

If you want to save the stress of arriving early, braving traffic and finding a parking spot, there are public transit routes from Reno and Truckee to several locations around Lake Tahoe. To plan your route, visit tahetransportation.org/transit.

The North Lake Tahoe Express (northlaketahoeexpress.com) and the South Tahoe Airporter (southtahoeairporter.com) provide shuttle service between the Reno-Tahoe International Airport; booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Private ride services including Uber and Lyft are also options, but be prepared to pay surge pricing on July 4.

What else is there to do at Lake Tahoe for July 4th week?

June 28 - July 3, July 5-7: 'Always ... Patsy Cline,' Incline Village

A summer of performances at Sand Harbor begins with this tribute to a country superstar and her long friendship with a fan, told through a lineup of Patsy Cline's greatest hits. This weekend's performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe NV State Park, 2005 Highway 28 in Incline Village. Tickets are $22 to $110. For details, visit laketahoeshakespeare.com.

Wednesday, July 3: Aerial Showcase, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Lake Tahoe Airport hosts a static airshow (that is, with the aircraft parked on the ground) with a lineup including Pave Hawk helicopters and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. It's happening at the Lake Tahoe Airport, 1901 Airport Road in South Lake Tahoe. For details, visit cityofslt.us.

Keep Tahoe Blue holds its annual cleanup following the Fourth of July at Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

Thursday, July 4: Stars & Stripes for Service Parade, South Lake Tahoe, 9 a.m.

Floats and performances will honor community volunteers in South Lake Tahoe. The parade is set for Highway 50 beginning at Ski Run Boulevard. For details, visit cityofslt.us.

Thursday, July 4: Airshow over the Lake, South Lake Tahoe, 12 p.m.

The California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing will show their skills as they demonstrate a rescue operation in and above Lake Tahoe. It's happening 1,000 feet off the shore of Lakeview Commons, 1004 Lakeview Avenue in South Lake Tahoe. For details, visit cityofslt.us.

Friday, July 5: Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Cleanup, 8-11:30 a.m.

When the party's over, it's time to clean up. Join Keep Tahoe Blue for the annual beach clean-up to remove trash from the lake's beaches. For details, visit keeptahoeblue.org.