Back for its 14th year, the annual Palisades Tahoe Art, Wine & Music Festival returns to the Village at Palisades Tahoe Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12th, mixing a variety of regional artwork, fine California wines, and live music for two days of creativity, color, taste and sound.

The Art, Wine and Music Festival has become one of the most popular events for those who appreciate the finer things in life while supporting a Tahoe non-profit, Disabled Sports USA Far West. Talented artists, musicians and performers gather at the base of Palisades Tahoe to showcase their creativity in the resort’s pristine alpine setting.

"This is really a singular event for the region," commented Eric Brandt, of the Palisades Tahoe Visitor Channel, who intoduced the inaugural festival years ago. "The combination of a dynamic variety of art forms, from watercolors to weaving, with live music, fine wines and brews, and the serene Palisades Tahoe setting, is incomparable."

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., wine lovers can sample offerings from numerous regional and California wineries.  Wine tasting is $25 each day and includes a commemorative festival wine glass. All proceeds benefit Disabled Sports USA Far West.  

New this year, attendees can paint their own wine glass. Hosted by The Painted Vine, adults can create a hand-painted wine glass, and kids can paint a mug. Fees are $25 for adults and $20 fir kids. Additionally, a complementary communal canvas painting welcomes everyone's creative touch and will be donated to Disable Sports following the event.

While sampling wine, visitors can admire the fine art and crafts of over 30 artists. The exhibition features artwork that spans the mediums, including gorgeous paintings, photography and jewelry.

Art, wine and music aficionados can experience free outdoor concerts on two stages in the Village by some of the area’s most talented musicians. The festival features local flamenco guitarist Milton Merlos, Tim High, and on Sunday, Sandor Y Su Mecanica: Music Cubana.

Disabled Sports USA Far West, the event beneficiary, has been providing adaptive sports and recreational activities for people with disabilities for over 40 years in the Lake Tahoe area. They offer adaptive snowsports, waterskiing, cycling, paddle sports, 4WD adventures and campouts throughout the year. Their motto, “If I Can Do This, I Can Do Anything” focuses on the abilities of people with disabilities and the powerful, positive health and confidence building effects of their programs that pervade all aspects of a person’s life.

Entrance to the festival is free and open to all ages.

The festival also caters to kids with additional activities such as an 18-hole miniature golf course, a bungee Sky Jump, and free lawn games trampoline in The Village – plus swimming, roller skating, and hiking at High Camp, atop Squaw’s scenic Aerial Tram.

For more information and activity pricing, see www.squawalpine.com.