2nd annual Tahoe Bear Fest at Spooner Lake State Park

The 2nd annual Tahoe Bear Fest will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spooner Lake State Park. This is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Tahoe’s iconic black bears and the community’s role in keeping them wild. The event is hosted by the Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT).

Celebrate Tahoe’s Black Bears

Tahoe Bear Fest connects wildlife experts, land managers, and community groups for a day of discovery. Visitors will enjoy:

• Interactive booths & demonstrations led by wildlife professionals and partner organizations (see below).
• Presentations on bear biology, safety, and behavior, running every 30 minutes from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the amphitheater (full schedule to be announced).
• Guided “Bear Walk” hikes along the Spooner Lake Trail at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, led by Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space. Exploring bear biology, behaviors, and habitat.
• Food and drink options: Nevada State Parks will serve hot dogs and hamburgers (available for a small donation), and Red White and Brew Coffee will be selling hot and iced coffee options.
• Hands-on activities for all ages.

Participating Organizations

So far, booths and activities will be hosted by:

• U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California State Parks
• Nevada Department of Wildlife
• Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space
• Derek Stevenson Wildlife Art
• Bear-ier Solutions
• Sustainable Tahoe
• Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
• Tahoe Rim Trail Association
• South Tahoe Refuse
• Mountain Lion Arts
• Waste Management

Those interested in becoming a vendor or tabling at the event can review the Vendor Packet and submit a Vendor Application at https://parks.nv.gov/events/2025-tahoe-bear-fest. Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 16. Those received after the deadline will not be considered. Vendors or community organizations who do not submit an application and receive an approval notice will not be allowed to set up at this year’s event.

Plan Your Visit

• Parking is limited at Spooner Lake State Park; please carpool if possible.
• No need to arrive right at the start. Guests are welcome to come and go from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Cost: Free!

Why Bear Fest?

The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team was formed to address rising human–bear conflicts across the Tahoe Basin. Through collaboration and educati