Why Sample the Sierra is a Must-Attend Festival in 2025
Brandi Brown | June 21, 2025 | Blog • Chamber News • Community News • Featured Events
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South Lake Tahoe’s Food & Wine Festival Returns September 6, 2025
Sample the Sierra, South Lake Tahoe’s signature Food & Wine Festival, is returning to Bijou Community Park on Saturday, September 6, 2025—and it’s shaping up to be the biggest celebration yet. As the region’s largest gathering of local culinary talent, craft beverage creators, and artisan makers, this one-of-a-kind community event is a true reflection of the Tahoe spirit.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or planning your first visit, Sample the Sierra offers an unbeatable mix of flavor, community, and fun. This year is already shaping up to be one of the best yet, with over 15 food vendors, 20 beverage vendors, and more than 23 artisan makers confirmed—and more being added each week. Attendance is expected to top 1,500 guests, and with a history of selling out, now is the time to secure your tickets.
Tickets are available now at samplethesierra.com
- $65 for Food & Alcohol Sampling
- $45 for Food & Non-Alcohol Sampling
- Free admission for children under 9
The festival runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and a great appetite. Enjoy an afternoon filled with community connection, shaded seating under the trees, and family-friendly features like Bijou Community Park’s skate park and bike park. This year’s soundtrack will be provided by local favorites The Imposters—a fun and energetic live band that always gets the crowd moving.
What sets Sample the Sierra apart isn’t just the incredible tastes—it’s the connections. Where else can you sip a locally crafted brew while chatting with the chef who created your favorite dish? Or stroll through booths where artisans share the inspiration behind their handmade work? It’s a celebration of creativity and collaboration, and a perfect way to show visiting friends and family the best of what Tahoe has to offer.
Interested in Participating?
Applications for food vendors, beverage partners, and artisans are still open! Join a dynamic lineup and gain meaningful exposure to both local and out-of-town guests. Each food vendor will be paired with a beverage vendor to share a tent and create a one-of-a-kind pairing experience. Visit the “Participate” tab at samplethesierra.com for more information and to apply.
Ready to Support Beyond Attending?
Sample the Sierra is proudly supported by community-minded partners like Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Camelot Party Rentals, and Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty, whose sponsorship helps bring the event to life. If your business wants to be part of this high-visibility, high-impact celebration, there’s still time to join as a sponsor. Opportunities include everything from branded napkins and sampling plates to Sierra Stage sponsorships and booth space at the festival.
Sponsors receive pre-event marketing, social media promotion, onsite branding, and the chance to connect directly with more than 1,500 guests. Whether you’re a local favorite or looking to grow your footprint in the Tahoe market, sponsoring Sample the Sierra is a unique way to align with a beloved community tradition.
For more details or to explore a customized sponsorship package, contact Jessica Grime at events@tahoechamber.org.
We can’t wait to see you at the park this September—come hungry, bring your crew, and get ready to experience South Lake Tahoe’s food and wine scene at its most flavorful!