Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Summer in North Tahoe
Truckee/North Tahoe This Week | May 18–24, 2026
Hi everyone, hope you had a great weekend. I’m writing this from a La Quinta Inn outside Fresno after high winds kept me from driving the camper up 395. I had to turn around in Pearsonville, head back through Bakersfield, and take the 99 north instead.
We’ve entered true shoulder-season: freezing mornings to start, sunny 70s by midweek, Palisades wrapping up the ski season, and Memorial Day weekend bringing the unofficial start of summer, lake days, boating season, farmers markets, and community events across North Tahoe. Read on for more!
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE
A cold, windy start, then a warm finish. NWS Reno is calling for widespread freezing to near-freezing temperatures Monday and Tuesday mornings before high pressure builds back in. By Wednesday and Thursday, Truckee should be back in the 70s.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff of summer and lake season in North Tahoe. Tahoe City Downtown Association, the Kings Beach District, and North Tahoe partners are helping coordinate events and promos from May 21–25 across Kings Beach, Tahoe City, the West Shore, and Alpine Meadows, including farmers markets, deck parties, live music, historic tours, gardening events, local sales, and boating/lake activities.
Placer County approved the revised Palisades Tahoe village development plan, a major step in a 15-year debate over Olympic Valley’s future. The updated version reduces lodging and commercial space compared with earlier plans and follows negotiations between Palisades Tahoe, Sierra Watch, Keep Tahoe Blue, and county officials.
Palisades Tahoe is calling Sunday, May 24 its closing day, so this is your last chance for local lift-served laps this season. Grab a few final Gold Coast laps, enjoy whatever late-season terrain is still hanging on, and stock up on Wildflour cookies for summer while you’re at it.
Tahoe Donner opens several summer amenities on Friday, May 22, including the Beach Club Marina, Golf Course, and Bikeworks.
https://www.tahoedonner.com/community/general/enjoy-tahoe-donner/events/
Made in Tahoe returns to Palisades Tahoe on Saturday and Sunday, with local makers, artists, food, beer, music, and community organizations in the Village.
The June 2 Primary Election is two weeks away. If your ballot is still sitting on the counter, now is a good time to check your status and make a plan.
WEATHER OUTLOOK
A chilly start gives way to Summer.
A cold front moved through Sunday, bringing gusty winds, cooler air, and a quick return to winter-ish morning temps. NWS Reno expects widespread freezing to near-freezing temperatures Monday and Tuesday mornings before a ridge builds back in by midweek.
Monday: Sunny, high near 58°F. Cold morning and clear skies overnight.
Tuesday: Sunny, high near 67°F. Another cool morning, then a nicer afternoon.
Wednesday: Sunny, high near 74°F.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 78°F.
Friday: Sunny, high near 77°F.
Saturday: Sunny, high near 77°F.
Bottom line: Cover the plants early in the week, then break out the lake gear by the weekend.
LOCAL NEWS AND COMMUNITY UPDATES
Palisades Tahoe Development Approved
The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the revised Palisades Tahoe village development plan last week, potentially ending one of the longest-running land-use battles in the region. The plan is smaller than prior versions, with reduced lodging and commercial space, and follows negotiations between Palisades Tahoe, Sierra Watch, Keep Tahoe Blue, and county officials. And no water park.
Memorial Day Weekend Kicks Off Summer Around the Lake
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer in North Tahoe, and local organizations are leaning into it with a full slate of lake-season events, business specials, deck openings, live music, markets, historic tours, and community activities from May 21–25.
The Tahoe City Downtown Association and Kings Beach District are listed as organizers, with events and promotions spanning Kings Beach, Tahoe City, the West Shore, and Alpine Meadows. Highlights include the Tahoe City Farmers Market, lakefront deck parties, local sales, High Elevation Gardening Series, historic tours, Made in Tahoe Festival, and Tahoe XC’s summer gear and bike swap.
Tahoe Donner Summer Amenities Open Friday
Tahoe Donner’s Beach Club Marina, Golf Course, and Bikeworks all open for the season on Friday, May 22.
Truckee Town Council Reelection Campaigns
Mayor Anna Klovstad and Councilmember David Polivy have announced reelection campaigns for Truckee Town Council. Two seats will be on the November 3 ballot, with nomination papers opening July 15.
Alpenglow Mountain Running Club Returns
Alpenglow Sports’ free Mountain Running Club returns June 3 at Tahoe Cross Country Center. The series includes weekly Wednesday runs, Saturday bonus runs, demos, giveaways, and a friendly way to ease into trail season.
Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic Coming Up
The Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic weekend is June 4–6, with a new Winemaker’s Dinner Cruise on the Tahoe Gal and the main wine walk in downtown Tahoe City.
RESTAURANT PICK OF THE WEEK
Shadyside Lounge
Shadyside blends Mexican food, cocktails, and a vintage Tahoe lounge vibe that feels fun without trying too hard. It’s a solid pick for tacos, drinks, and an easy Tahoe City stop before or after whatever lake-season plan you’ve talked yourself into.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, May 18
Integration Circle with Tahoe Psychedelic Society
Time: 5:30–7pm
Location: The Alchemy Space, 10075 West River St Suite A, Truckee
Brief Description: A monthly community integration circle focused on reflection, connection, and peer support.
Link
Tuesday, May 19
Good Morning Truckee: In the Know: What’s Ahead for Truckee & Our Region
Time: 8–9:30am
Location: Truckee Town Hall, Town Council Chambers
Brief Description: Monthly community breakfast with updates from Town of Truckee Public Works, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and Common Pine Hotel founder Rikesh Patel.
Link
Truckee Certified Farmers Market
Time: 8am–1pm
Location: Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road, Truckee
Brief Description: Fresh produce, flowers, meats, cheeses, baked goods, artisan crafts, food trucks, and more. Runs Tuesdays through the season.
Link
Truckee Planning Commission Meeting
Time: 6-10pm
Location: Town Council Chambers, Truckee Town Hall
Brief Description: The Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
Link
André Is an Idiot Film Screening
Time: 8–10pm, doors at 7:30pm
Location: Gravity Haus Truckee, 10918 Brockway Road, Truckee
Brief Description: Bristlecone Film Collective presents the Sundance award-winning documentary, followed by a post-film Q&A / discussion.
Link
Thursday, May 21
Tahoe City Farmers Market
Time: 8am–1pm
Location: Commons Beach, Tahoe City
Brief Description: The lakeside farmers market returns with local produce, food, flowers, handmade goods, and lakefront browsing.
Link
Friday, May 22
Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina Opening Day
Time: See event page
Location: Tahoe Donner Beach Club Marina
Brief Description: Tahoe Donner’s Beach Club Marina opens for the summer season.
Link
Tahoe Donner Golf Course Opening Day
Time: See event page
Location: Tahoe Donner Golf Course
Brief Description: The Tahoe Donner Golf Course reopens for the summer season.
Link
Bridgetender Patio Party & Car Show
Time: Live music starts at 5pm
Location: Bridgetender, Tahoe City
Brief Description: Part of the Memorial Day weekend lake-season kickoff, with live music by Jameson Roads and a classic Tahoe City patio scene.
Sunnyside Party on the Deck
Time: Live music starts at 11am
Location: Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, West Shore
Brief Description: Kick off lake season with live music on the deck.
Family Movie Night
Time: 6pm
Location: Northwoods Clubhouse, Tahoe Donner
Brief Description: Friday night family movie at Northwoods Clubhouse.
Link
Saturday, May 23
Made in Tahoe Spring Festival Day 1
Time: 11am-5pm
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Brief Description: A free celebration of Tahoe and Truckee makers, artists, businesses, chefs, organizations, food, beer, and music.
Link
Watson Cabin Grand Reopening
Time: 12pm
Location: Watson Cabin, 560 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City
Brief Description: Celebrate the reopening of the restored Watson Cabin with local history, light refreshments, and family-friendly festivities.
Link
Sunday, May 24
Palisades Tahoe Closing Day
Time: 8am–2pm
Location: Palisades Tahoe
Brief Description: Palisades is targeting Sunday, May 24 for closing day, with one last spring skiing sendoff for the season.
Link
Made in Tahoe Spring Festival Day 2
Time: 11am-5pm
Location: The Village at Palisades Tahoe
Brief Description: Day two of the local maker, food, drink, and community festival at Palisades.
Link
Annual Summer Gear & Bike Swap
Time: 11am–4pm
Location: Tahoe XC
Brief Description: A major fundraiser for TCCSEA youth programs, with summer gear and bike swap deals.
Link
FUTURE EVENTS
Keep Tahoe Blue Post-Memorial Day Cleanup
Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 8–11:30am
Location: Kings Beach
Brief Description: Help clean up after the holiday weekend and keep trash out of the lake.
Link
Tahoe City Food & Wine Classic
Dates: June 4–6
Location: Tahoe City
Brief Description: A weekend of wine, food, lake views, and downtown Tahoe City strolling.
Link
SKI + TRAIL REPORT
Ski Report
This is the final week of skiing at Palisades Tahoe, with closing day targeted for Sunday, May 24. Expect Gold Coast (with some park features) and Shirley.
Trail Report
Trail season is turning on, but it’s still early. Expect some muddy or sensitive areas after the cold front, and check closures before heading out. Tahoe Donner’s Euer Valley area has multiple trail and road closures tied to restoration work, and forest health projects are affecting areas near Alder Creek / Highway 89.
Tahoe Donner trails | Truckee forest project updates | Lower Carpenter Valley closure
Lake Report
Memorial Day weekend is the big signal that summer lake season is here. The weekend looks warm and dry, but the lake is still cold, so treat early-season paddling and boating with respect.
Memorial Day weekend lake-season details
COMMUNITY ALERTS AND REMINDERS
Nevada County Alerts Now Live
Nevada County’s new opt-in emergency alert system is live. Residents can register up to five addresses, and a countywide test is scheduled for May 28.
CAL FIRE Burn Permits Required
Free burn permits are required for hazard reduction burning in Nevada, Placer, Yuba, and Sierra counties.
Donner Lake Summer Parking and Safety Changes
The Town of Truckee is implementing summer updates around Donner Lake focused on safer walking and biking, reduced roadside conflicts, parking management, lower-speed travel, and lake protection. Check the town’s page before heading that way on busy summer weekends.
Trail Closures and Forest Health Work
Several forest health projects may impact recreation areas and trail access this season, including Alder 89, Cabin Creek, and related project areas. Check updates before heading out.
Truckee Forests | Truckee Donner Land Trust
June 2 Primary Election
The June 2 Primary Election is coming up. Check your voter status, ballot status, and polling information here: