SNOWFEST Garwood's Annual Polar Bear Swim

Take the plunge at one of SNOWFEST’s most legendary events — the Gar Woods Annual Polar Bear Swim! Each year, hundreds gather lakeside to cheer on brave swimmers diving into the icy waters of Lake Tahoe.

Feeling bold? Sign up to swim and be part of Lake Tahoe’s largest “shrinkage” event! Compete for cash prizes awarded to the top finishers, or just join the crowd and soak up the Tahoe energy from Gar Wood’s sunny pier.

Whether you’re jumping in or cheering from shore, this is pure SNOWFEST spirit — fun, fearless, and a little bit freezing. Warm up afterward with great food, drinks, and live music inside Gar Woods Grill & Pier.

• Saturday, February 28, 2026
• 12:00 PM  4:00 PM

• Gar Woods Grill & Pier5000 North Lake BoulevardCarnelian Bay, CA, 96140