Frequently Asked Questions

Sample the Sierra is a farm-to-fork festival celebrating the Sierra Nevada region. Restaurants/chefs prepare a dish using local ingredients from farmers or producers and then pair this dish with wine, spirits or beer. For more information, visit our About page.

Sample the Sierra is Saturday, September 19, 2026. The festival begins at 1:00 pm and ends at 4:00 pm.

Sample the Sierra is set in Bijou Community Park, South Lake Tahoe, California. Bijou Community Park is located at 1201 Al Tahoe Blvd. Visit our Directions page for more information about getting to the festival.

You can purchase tickets through Event Brite.

A full-tasting ticket includes entry into the event and the opportunity to sample from all of the participating vendors.

Children three and under do not need a ticket.

A ticket is required to sample from any food or drink vendor at the event.

The festival is open to the public and you may peruse the art marketplace; however, if you are interested in tasting any samples you will have to purchase a ticket.

If you purchased your tickets online on this page, you should receive a confirmation email with your tickets attached as a PDF. If you do not have your tickets at the event, your name will be on a will call list.

Visit our Directions page to learn how you can get to Bijou Community Park via walking, driving, biking or public transportation.

• Parking is available at Lake Tahoe Community College across from Bijou Community Park.
• Overflow parking is available at U.S. Forest Service building located at 35 College Dr. South Lake Tahoe, and at the Al Tahoe Center at the intersection of Hwy 50 & Al Tahoe Blvd.
• A limited number of handicapped spaces are available at Bijou Community Park by accessing the back gate closest to Hwy 50.

Sample the Sierra encourages attendees to ride their bikes if possible to the festival. Secure parking for bikes will be available through our partnership with The Lake Tahoe Bike Coalition. Visit the Bike, Don’t Drive page for more information.

There is not an ATM on site. The closest ATM is located in the Rite Aid on Al Tahoe Blvd.

Sample the Sierra accepts all major credit cards and cash for tickets at the festival. Most vendors accept major credit cards and cash.

Children are allowed. Children 3 years old and younger are free. Children older than 3 years must purchase full tasting ticket.” and replace with “Children are allowed. Children 8 years old and younger are free. Children older than 8 years must purchase full tasting ticket.

Only service dogs are allowed into Sample the Sierra. However, dogs are allowed in the dog park located in Bijou Community Park.

Sample the Sierra is always looking for more participants! If you are interested in becoming a vendor, sponsor or volunteer for the festival, visit our Participate page for more information.