SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The 9th Annual Tahoe Brewfest raised over $110,000 for youth in the community on Saturday, August 29, 2026. More than 40 breweries, cideries and distilleries lined Ski Run Boulevard alongside local food, artisan vendors, DJs and live entertainment – thousands of people showed up to celebrate and support Tahoe youth and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT).

“This year’s event brought our community together for an amazing day of fundraising for our Tahoe kids,” said Aimi Xistra, director of development at BGCLT. “We were blessed with amazing weather, welcomed over 2,500 guests, and truly celebrated ‘Brews on the Boulevard.’ This year was my fifth year involved with this event and by far the best one yet! A huge thank you to Mallory who put her heart and soul into the coordination. I can’t wait to see what our 10-year celebration looks like.”

Every dollar raised goes straight to BGCLT, powering after-school programs, summer camps, mentorship, skills training, and safe spaces where local kids and teens can belong. Tahoe Brewfest isn’t just a festival. It’s a community pledge to youth.

A Celebration Built on Community Support

The VIP Chill Zone, hosted by Cold Water Brewery, featured small-batch collaboration beers created with Alibi Ale Works, South Lake Brewing Co., South of North Brewing Co. and FiftyFifty Brewing Co. Guests sampled Krispy Kölsch, the official 2026 Tahoe Brewfest beer, and enjoyed pizza from Blue Stone Pizza. A special thank you to Emily Werman, head brewer, and Kevin and Melanie Hubbert, owners of Cold Water Brewery, for their year-round partnership. Krispy Kölsch remains on tap at the brewery, with $1 from each pint sold going directly to Tahoe youth.

The festivities extended throughout South Lake Tahoe with the 3rd Annual Tahoe Beer Week, bringing together brewery releases, music, community events and local businesses leading into Brewfest weekend. This year’s Beer Week introduced a venue check-in program, rewarding attendees with prizes while strengthening connections across our city.

Official after-party partners included Tipsy Putt, Lake Tahoe AleWorX Stateline and Paddle House Brews. 

Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible

Tahoe Brewfest extends deep gratitude to title sponsors Cold Water Brewery, Caesars Republic and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, along with Visit Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Artesian Water, Tipsy Putt, Embarc, US Bank and Grocery Outlet. Thank you to Friends of Ski Run for developing and stewarding Ski Run Blvd, creating the vibrant neighborhood space that makes an event like Tahoe Brewfest possible.

Community partners showed up in every way. Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition provided a free bike valet, Barton Health supported the hydration station, and Beach Hut Deli, Tahoe Bagel Co. and Free Bird Chai fueled our volunteers. Thank you to lodging partners Coachman Hotel, Desolation Hotel, Station House Inn, Hilton Vacation Club, HiMark Hotel, Forest Suites Resort, The Landing and Hotel Azure for welcoming Brewfest guests and supporters. 

Special thanks to our media partners Rebecca Kitchen at KOLO 8 News Now, and Howie Nave and Robin Rothschild at KRLT for spreading the word – Robin’s two on-air beer tastings gave everyone a taste of what was coming to Ski Run Boulevard.

We’re grateful to every participating brewery, beverage maker, food vendor, artisan, DJ, musician, artist and photographer who contributed. And most importantly, thank you to the volunteers who believed in this event enough to show up on day-of, and to every person who purchased a ticket and chose to invest in Tahoe youth.

Looking Ahead

“Seeing how much Tahoe Brewfest grew this year was really special,” said Mallory Mahon, Special Events Coordinator. “But what stands out most is how many people come together to make this happen. From our breweries and vendors to our sponsors, volunteers and community partners – this event works because Tahoe cares about its kids. That’s what we’re celebrating on Ski Run Boulevard.”

Tahoe Brewfest will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027. Planning is underway for the milestone year, with more details to come.