LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team has announced the return of Tahoe Bear Fest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sugar Pine Point State Park. This free, family-friendly event celebrates Lake Tahoe’s iconic black bears while highlighting the important role local agencies and communities play in keeping bears wild and people safe.

Visitors will enjoy a day filled with interactive booths, educational presentations, guided hikes and activities for all ages. Food will be available for purchase from The Potluck Truck, and Tahoe Pops will be there with frozen treats as we celebrate the last days of summer.

A limited number of posters and stickers will be available free to attendees while supplies last.

Throughout the day, attendees can: 

  • Explore booths and hands-on exhibits from local organizations and agencies. 
  • Participate in games and activities, including investigating a mock campsite, making bear headbands and buttons, playing a bear canister game and more. 
  • Attend presentations from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., including Bear Biology with California State Parks, Meet Karelian Bear Dogs with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bear CSI with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bear Storytime with the Placer County Library and a park ranger meet-and-greet with California State Parks rangers. 
  • Join the California State Parks interpretation team for guided “Bear Walk” hikes covering black bear biology, behavior and habitat. 
  • Stay after Bear Fest for a free screening of the documentary Bears of Durango at 7 p.m. on the lawn overlooking Lake Tahoe below the historic Ehrman Mansion. 

Parking is limited in the Sugar Pine Point day-use area, but additional parking will be available in the campground overflow lot. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Guests may arrive anytime between 2 and 6 p.m.; there is no need to attend from the beginning. The event is free, and parking fees will be waived for the duration of the event.

Participating organizations include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada State Parks, Placer County Library, Sierra State Parks Foundation, U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, The American Bear Foundation, Gallagher Electric Fencing, Sustain Tahoe, Bear-ier Solutions and more.