4th of July in Truckee! 2023 Guide

There's no shortage of excitement and scenic beauty for Truckee's 4th of July celebrations. If you're attending the festivities, this guide will help you plan ahead and minimize your impact. View the official schedule for the Truckee 4th of July Parade, Fireworks, shuttles, bike valet, and more. Plus, learn how to Leave No Trace and take care. Wishing you a safe, clean, and fun holiday week in Truckee!

Truckee 4th of July Official Schedule of Events

‍7:00 am - 10:00 am Pancake Breakfast - Truckee Fire Station 92‍
9:00 am West End Beach Opens - Donner Lake (Tickets Required)‍
9:40 am - 10:00 am Firecracker Mile - Donner Pass Road from US Bank to Downtown Truckee‍
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Parade - Donner Pass Road from Gateway (near Safeway) to Downtown Truckee‍
1:00 pm - 9:00 pm Games and Music - West End Beach, Donner Lake (Tickets Required)
9:30 pm - 10:00 pm Fireworks - West End Beach, Donner Lake

The grand finale to your July 4th celebrations - fireworks! Truckee’s annual fireworks show happens at West End Beach (view Google map) at Donner Lake. The show starts at 9:30pm and ends around 10pm. While the West End Beach celebration is only open to Truckee-Donner Recreation and Parks District residents, fireworks are visible from around the lake and nearby trails, so there are many ways to watch.

Please report illegal fireworks by calling 9-1-1.

Getting to Donner Lake - Avoid Traffic and Parking Headaches with FREE Transportation Options

Go car-free, it's way easier than trying to find parking on the 4th! Here's an overview of Truckee's free transportation options. For more details, scroll down to the next tab, "Shuttles and Transportation".

FREE shuttle to West End Beach from Truckee High School, 4pm - 11pm
FREE on-demand shuttle in Truckee (TART Connect), 6:30am - midnight
FREE Truckee Tahoe Area Regional Transit, check route schedule
FREE bike valet, 4pm - 11pm

Services/Facilities - Bathrooms, Water Refill Stations, Trash

Bathrooms (porta potties) and trash receptacles will be available at the shuttle pickup area at Truckee High School and along the north side of Donner Lake. Public bathrooms and drinking fountains are located at West End Beach, Donner Lake Boat Launch Marina, and Donner Memorial State Park.

Ways to Watch the Fireworks

Get tickets for the West End Beach 4th of July Fireworks and Celebration. Tickets can be purchased at the Community Recreation Center Main Office for the 4^th of July Celebration at West End Beach (must be a Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District Resident or Homeowner to purchase tickets). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will NOT be sold on the 4^th of July.
Watch from Donner Memorial State Park’s beaches along the east shore of Donner Lake. You’ll be looking west toward Donner Summit, which provides great, clear views of the show!
Sit on one of Truckee’s 37 public piers. Very limited roadside parking will be available along Donner Pass Road. Docks are first-come, first-serve (not reservable) and they WILL fill up fast! Get there early. Walk, bike, or take TART Connect to avoid parking. Share a pier with other parties - fireworks are better enjoyed together!
For experienced hikers, the Donner Lake Rim Trail, Donner Peak, Donner Summit Canyon Trail, Johnson Canyon, and Coldstream Canyon all offer scenic views to watch the firework show. Sunset is at 8:31pm on July 4, 2023 so scope out the trail beforehand so you can find your viewpoint in the daylight. Don’t forget to pack a headlamp with fresh batteries for the hike back to the car.

West End Beach Celebration - Music & Games Schedule

Attending the 4th of July Celebration at West End Beach? Get excited for a full day of fun with music, games, and feel good summer vibes all day. Here's the full schedule:

9:00 am Beach Opens
1:30 pm Egg Toss
1:30 pm Music – 6^th Sense
2:00 pm Tug of War
2:30 pm 3 legged Races
3:00 pm Music – Steel Sparrows
3:00 pm Sack Races
4:00 pm Pie Eating
4:30 pm Music – Wild Ginger
5:00 pm Hula Hoops
6:00 pm Music – Matt Axton
8:00 pm Music – Blues Monsters
9:30 pm Fireworks Show

July 4th is one of Truckee-Tahoe's busiest times of the year. If you're looking for peace and solitude in the mountains, spring and fall is the perfect time for an uncrowded experience. If you're joining us for the holiday celebrations, remember to pack some patience in your pocket. You're on mountain time, so slow down, appreciate the view, and have a plan B if plan A doesn't pan out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Hwy 40 (Donner Pass Road from Donner Lake to Donner Summit) open? As of June 21st, Donner Pass Road is closed to through traffic just west of Donner Lake due to rockfall on the roadway. Nevada County anticipates the closure to extend into July. For updates and more details, check the Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert.

Can I have a campfire or use charcoal BBQs? No, Truckee's annual Fire Ban (June-Nov) begins June 26th. Residential campfires and BBQ’s that burn solid fuel like charcoal briquettes, wood or lump charcoal including the Big Green Egg type are NOT allowed. (Exemption for state and federal campgrounds). View the Visitor's Guide to Wildfire Season to learn more.

How will we know if the Truckee fireworks are cancelled? Truckee-Donner Recreation and Parks District will update their website (view alert bar at top of site) and social media Instagram, Facebook, Twitter in the event that fireworks are cancelled.

Can we buy tickets for the West End Beach fireworks and celebration on July 4th? No, tickets must be purchased ahead of time at the Community Recreation Center main office, located at 10981 Truckee Way. LAST DAY to purchase is July 3rd during office hours. Tickets are $10 per person and are only available for Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District Residents & Homeowners. Learn more.‍

I am a Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District Resident or Homeowner - Can I purchase tickets for the West End Beach fireworks and celebration and bring non-residents? Yes. Adult residents may purchase a maximum of 7 tickets and bring non-residents.

Can I bring food and drinks to the West End Beach fireworks and celebration? Yes, however, NO GLASS ALLOWED. There will be a gate check at the entrance to ensure glass is not brought into the park.

Can I park along the highway I-80 and watch the fireworks? No, CHP and Truckee Police will be monitoring the highway to ensure public safety.

Can I have fireworks in Truckee? No - NO BACKYARD FIREWORKS. Town of Truckee Municipal Code 9.15.010 prohibits the use and possession of fireworks. If you see dangerous backyard fireworks, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call Police Dispatch at 530-550-2320. Fireworks are illegal any time of year in Truckee and are a misdemeanor crime. Thanks for helping to prevent wildfires, and keep our mountain town safe.

Are fireworks allowed in the Tahoe National Forest? No, fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands - every forest, every campsite, every day. More than 90% of fires are human caused. Help prevent wildfires - call 911 if you see illegal fireworks.

Is Tahoe Donner running shuttles to the Beach Club Marina on July 4th? No, however TART Connect (Truckee's free, on-demand shuttle) is available as a transportation option from 6:30am - midnight.

Can I take the 4th of July shuttle from Truckee High School to the Donner Lake docks or Donner Memorial State Park? No, the Truckee High School shuttle is an express route from Truckee High School to West End Beach and will not make additional stops along the way. For transportation within the Donner Lake area, please use TART Connect (Truckee's free, on-demand shuttle) or regular TART public transit (bus).