2025 Tahoe Bear Fest

Second annual Tahoe Bear Fest, a free, family-friendly event celebrating Tahoe’s iconic black bears and our community’s role in keeping them wild. 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). Bear Storytime from the Zephyr Cove Library will happen at 1:00 P.M.
• 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.
• Nevada State Parks Foundation will serve hot dogs and hamburgers (available for a small donation) while supplies last.
• Hands-on activities for all ages.

Participating Organizations

Booths and activities will be hosted by:

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

Those interested in becoming a vendor or tabling the event can review the Vendor Packet and submit a Vendor Application linked at the bottom of this page. Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on September 16th. 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 education, Bear Fest promotes safe coexistence—because small actions (like securing food and trash) can make a big difference for Tahoe’s black bears.