2026 Tahoe Bear Fest
Bear Fest 2026
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) is proud to announce the return of Tahoe Bear Fest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2026, from 2 - 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 to help cool you off with delicious frozen treats as we celebrate the last days of summer.
A limited number of posters and stickers will be available for free for 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 from investigating a mock campsite, bear headband and button making, a bear canister game and more!
• Attend exciting presentations from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m., featuring Bear Biology with California State Parks, Meet Karelian Bear Dogs with Nevada Department of Wildlife, Bear CSI with 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 later for a free screening of the documentary Bears of Durango at 7pm right on the lawn overlooking the lake below the historic Ehrman Mansion.
Parking is limited at Sugar Pine Point Day-Use area but some additional parking will be available in the campground overflow lot; carpooling is strongly encouraged. Guests may arrive anytime between 2 - 6 p.m.; there is no need to attend from the very beginning. The event is free and parking fees will be waived for the duration of the event.
Participating organizations include: 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!
