Oktoberfest, Scarecrows and Pumpkin Patch, oh my!

The 4th Annual Harvest Festival is just around the corner and that means fabulous family fun. Join the Tahoe City Downtown Association Saturday, Oct. 11 through Oct. 18 as the community celebrates Fall in North Lake Tahoe.

Cobblestone Oktoberfest will take place Oct. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cobblestone Center, located at 475 N Lake Blvd. Indulge in brews, tasty food from Evergreen and live music with Déjà Vu. Activities include apple bobbing and pumpkin painting. Catch a Ski Movie Premiere Saturday evening, 8 p.m., at Lakeside Pizza & Sports. For info and tickets call (530) 583-2000.

Events for the outdoor enthusiast abound. On Sunday, Oct. 12 get outdoors for the Tahoe Rim Trail Harvest Hike, a 9-mile roundtrip hike through the newest section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Guided by Tim Hauserman, author of the Tahoe Rim Trail Book, this trek offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River Canyon. Meet at Fairway Community Center, 9 a.m., 330 Fairway Drive.

Later in the day join in the Wolfdale’s Bocce Ball Tournament, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 640 North Lake Blvd. The $10 entry fee includes Italian Antipasto. Call (530) 583-5700 for more details. Join the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition and co-sponsor Pedal There Thursdays for the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Film Festival at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, hosted by Sawtooth Ridge Café, 877 North Lake Blvd. The event will feature short films, speakers and raffles. To learn about getting involved in Pedal There Thursdays, a green community effort, speak to a volunteer at the Film Festival or stop by the PTT booth on Commons Beach at the Farmers’ Market on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Plenty of events for the foodie will be scattered throughout the week. A Celebrity Waiter Dinner to support the Tahoe Community Nursery School will take place at The River Grill on Wednesday, Oct. 15. For reservations call (530) 581-2644. Shop the Farmers’ Market at Commons Beach on Thursday, Oct. 16 for California-certified farm fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and more. Sample wine and fare during Jake’s on the Lake Fall Food & Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. on October 16. Located in the Boatworks Mall, 760 North Lake Blvd. For more information, call Jake's at (530) 581-0188.

Pick a plump pumpkin for Halloween during the Pumpkin Patch Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy fun family activities and refreshments including a barbecue, face painting, Halloween crafts and carnival games. Rideout Community Center, is located at 740 Timberland Lane. Call (530) 583-3440.
Scarecrows on Parade hit the streets of downtown Tahoe City the first week of October and remain on display through Halloween. This town-wide event features scarecrows created by local businesses, schools and non-profit associations. Cast a vote for your favorite scarecrow and be entered into a drawing for local prizes. Ballots will be available at participating merchants or online at www.visittahoecity.com starting Oct. 4. All votes must be submitted by 2 p.m., October 18.

For more Harvest Festival event and recreation options, such as Monday Night Football specials, live music at Jake’s on the Lake, Full Moon “Open Mic” Night,  and sailing excursions click to www.visittahoecity.com and view the full calendar of events or call the Tahoe City Downtown Association at (530) 583-3348.