SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — If you’ve ever wanted to sip tea on a manicured lawn, sway to the sounds of live jazz, or play croquet in your finest 1920s attire—all while surrounded by the historic charm of Lake Tahoe’s south shore—then it’s time to mark your calendar. The 38th Annual Great Gatsby Festival returns next weekend, August 9–10, 2025, at the Tallac Historic Site, and it’s one of the most whimsical and unique summer events in the Sierra Nevada.
A True Tahoe Tradition
Started in the 1980s, the Gatsby Festival celebrates the spirit and splendor of the Roaring Twenties, all set against the backdrop of the beautifully preserved Pope and Baldwin Estates on national forest lands along Highway 89. It’s not just a festival—it’s a living, breathing time capsule.
This is a family-friendly and visually rich event, perfect for locals and visitors alike who are looking to experience something distinctly South Lake Tahoe. It’s one of those weekends that makes you feel like Tahoe still knows how to throw a party—with grace, history, and a touch of old-world charm.
What to Expect This Year
- Live jazz and ukulele music
- Vintage vendors with everything from Art Deco accessories to retro clothing
- Classic cars and costumed actors portraying life at the estates
- Lawn games and family-friendly fun
- Free general admission all weekend
The highlight for many is the elegant Tea and Fashion Show held at the Pope House on Sunday, August 10, from 2–4 p.m. Tickets are $68 per person, and they tend to sell out quickly, so don’t wait if you’re dreaming of dressing to the nines and sipping tea in true Gatsby fashion.
For a complete schedule and parking info, visit the official 2025 Great Gatsby Festival webpage.
Why We Love It
At Sierra Rec Magazine, we think the Great Gatsby Festival is one of the South Shore’s best-kept cultural gems. It celebrates the outdoors and history in a way few events manage to do. From the timeless melodies floating across the pine-scented breeze to the sight of families picnicking in vintage garb along the lake, it’s the kind of event that brings community, creativity, and nostalgia together in one unforgettable weekend.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, don’t miss your chance to step into the past and experience a little local magic at this year’s Great Gatsby Festival.
Make it a weekend. Make it a memory. See you on the lawn.
