4th of July Fireworks and Fun

This 4th of July weekend will be full of fireworks and fun all around Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe. The biggest event in store for Independence Day revelry is Star Spangled Sparks, starting the morning of the 4th at Sparks Marina Park and migrating to Victorian Square for an afternoon and evening of family fun and a spectacular fireworks show.

Up at Lake Tahoe, numerous celebrations are planned, including Star Spangled Fourth - Lights on the Lake at South Lake Tahoe. If you go, you'll see a massive fireworks show launched from a barge. Fireworks at Squaw Valley have been cancelled due to extreme fire hazard, but a laser light show will be beamed off the surrounding peaks. Find all the action in our Reno / Tahoe 4th of July article.

Fireworks are illegal everywhere in northern Nevada and California except approved public fireworks displays, period. Under a no tolerance policy, fire departments and the police will bust anyone caught shooting off fireworks, as they should. Don't do it.

Get Thee to The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival begins July 4th with a north Lake Tahoe performance by the Reno Philharmonic on the Village Green in Incline Village. Following the concert, stick around for the Incline Village Red, White, and Tahoe Blue fireworks display. The fireworks are free, but the philharmonic performance requires a ticket.

Starting July 9th, the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival begins in earnest with the opening of Richard III on the outdoor stage at Sand Harbor, on the Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe. For sheer stunning beauty, this venue has no equal. Learn more about the performances, how to get to Sand Harbor, and how to purchase tickets from the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival website.

About.com California travel guide Betsy Malloy has more information in her article about the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.