Q1 2026 marked a strong start to the year, with momentum across membership growth,brand visibility, and community-driven initiatives. Key efforts focused on strengthening IVCBA’s value to members through updated membership tiers, enhanced marketing and communications, and increased event engagement. At the same time, progress continued on Main Street beautification, housing initiatives, and Gateway Roundabout improvements, while strategic planning and partnerships positioned IVCBA for a highly active Q2 and summer season.

Communications & Marketing

This quarter focused on strengthening IVCBA’s visibility, brand presence, and member value through consistent communications and targeted marketing efforts. The SnapShot newsletter maintained strong performance, while new opportunities were introduced to highlight local businesses and partners. Key efforts included:

• Weekly SnapShot newsletter with strong engagement and growing advertising value
• Social media visibility campaign (paid and organic) to reinforce IVCBA awareness
• Updated membership tier graphics and sponsorship materials
• Continued promotion of events and programs across digital channels

Membership & Programs

Membership growth and engagement remained strong, supported by updated membership tiers and new opportunities for connection. Highlights include:

• 10 new members joined | 56 memberships renewed
• Launch of Monthly Networking Happy Hour at Glasses with 30+ attendees
• Planning underway for “Lunch & Learn” programs in Q2
• Membership tier updates driving increased renewals and upgrades

Community Events & Programs

Planning and updates for key programs and events continued to build momentum for the year:

• Restaurant Week is returning in May with a new charitable component
• Continued development of member programming and community events
• Ongoing coordination for upcoming Q2 and summer initiatives

Content & Digital Presence

Efforts focused on improving access to information and increasing visibility for key initiatives:

• Updated Main Street and Housing webpages and reports
• Ongoing content across SnapShot, website, and social channels
• Community Calendar is maintained as a central hub for local events
• Spring issue of LIVE.WORK.PLAY in mailboxes

Housing Initiatives

IVCBA continues to stay engaged in regional housing efforts and community education:

• Ongoing coordination with regional partners on workforce housing solutions
• Planning for additional Housing Speaker Series programs at UNR Lake Tahoe

Incline Village Main Street Beautification

Main Street initiatives continue to focus on enhancing the look, feel, and connectivity of the community:

• Expansion of Inclined to Bloom program (pots and hanging baskets)
• Exploration of placemaking elements along Tahoe Boulevard
• Evaluation of trail connectivity and potential improvements

Gateway Roundabout Improvements

Progress continues on the Gateway Roundabout project as a key community enhancement:

• Contract signed for construction (May–June 2026)
• Planned improvements include safety enhancements and landscaping upgrades
• Addition of granite boulders and repositioning of bronze animal sculptures
• Continued fundraising through the Sierra Giving Circle

Community Events

Signature community events continue to be a focus for engagement and connection:

• Planning underway for the Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration
• Parade and Community Fair scheduled for July 3, 2026

Looking Ahead to Q2

IVCBA will continue building momentum with a full calendar of programs and events:

• Annual Meeting (last Tuesday)
• Monthly Networking Happy Hours (May & June)
• Lunch & Learn programming (TBD)
• Incline Green Clean & Summer Kick-Off (June 13)
• Continued preparation for Local Heroes and summer programming

IVCBA Staff
IVCBA’s core team continues to support community growth, member engagement, and strategic programs throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay.

Kristin Derrin, Marketing & Communications Manager – Editor of SnapShot and Live.Work.Play.; leads all marketing and communications. (kristin@ivcba.org)

Michael O’Neill, Operations Manager – Oversees membership, office operations, Biz Buz mixers, member socials, and welcome bags. (mike@ivcba.org)

Julie Malkin-Manning, Events Manager (Sugarpine Events & Marketing) – Coordinates IVCBA community events. (julie@ivcba.org)

Linda Offerdahl, Executive Director – Leads organizational strategy and community partnerships. (linda@ivcba.org)

Free Benefit Music Festival Celebrates Regional Musicians, Artists, and Community at Commons Beach, North Lake Tahoe 

The Joy Foundation has announced the 2026 music lineup for the 4th Annual Tahoe Joy Festival, a free benefit music festival featuring an eclectic mix of musicians from the Lake Tahoe and Northern California regions. The festival will take place Sunday, June 7, from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. Headlined by Dead Winter Carpenters, the event will bring a full day of high-energy, roots-driven music and connection to Commons Beach.

“This year’s lineup reflects what Tahoe Joy Festival is all about — bringing different sounds, different

influences, and different people together in one place. From Americana and roots to funk, rock, and, for the first time, Latin music, we’re creating a space where everyone can feel connected through music,”

commented Matt Axton, Musician and Founder of the Joy Foundation and Tahoe Joy Festival.

DEAD WINTER CARPENTERS

Headlining this year’s festival, Dead Winter Carpenters are a Tahoe-based Americana band known for rich harmonies, storytelling, and high-energy performances. Their sound reflects the spirit of the mountains and the community, making them a natural anchor for a day of music on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

MATT AXTON & BADMOON

Led by festival founder Matt Axton, Matt Axton & Badmoon blend Americana, country, and rock ’n’ roll with heartfelt songwriting and a strong connection to Tahoe’s musical roots. Their performance brings a personal and authentic energy that lies at the heart of the festival.

LAZWELL

LAZWELL delivers a genre-blending mix of funk, soul, and rock driven by groove and improvisation. Their infectious live energy invites the crowd to move, connect, and share in the moment – a perfect fit for the spirit of Tahoe Joy Festival.

LITTLE HURRICANE

Little Hurricane delivers a raw, “dirty” blues-driven sound rooted in gritty guitar work, driving rhythms, and soulful vocals. Blending garage rock, Americana, and blues, the project brings a stripped-down intensity that resonates in an intimate, open-air setting like Tahoe Joy Festival.

SONIDO SUENO

Sonido Sueño brings a vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and global influences, creating a lively, danceable sound that invites connection across cultures and generations. Their addition marks an exciting expansion of the festival’s sound, reflecting Tahoe Joy Festival’s commitment to inclusivity and shared experience. “I’m especially excited about this year’s lineup and the experience it creates,” Axton continued.

“What sets Tahoe Joy Festival apart is our focus on bringing people together through diverse sounds and shared moments—all rooted in free music and shared joy. Adding a band with Latin influences like Sonido Sueño expands that vision and reflects the inclusive, evolving community we’re building together.”

COMMUNITY STAGE

In addition to the main stage performances, Tahoe Joy Festival features a Community Stage highlighting local talent, including a performance by North Lake Tahoe band Winter Grain, and a showcase of student musicians from Tahoe Truckee School of Music. The Community Stage reflects the Joy Foundation’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and creating opportunities for young musicians to share their voices.The Community Stage is a powerful example of how the festival shows up for the community—creating space for local voices and setting it apart from other summer music experiences in Lake Tahoe.

PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT

The Tahoe Joy Festival is made possible through the generous support of the Tahoe City Public Utility District, which provides access to Commons Beach, and the North Tahoe Chamber. Their support, combined with local business sponsorships, helps ensure the festival is free and accessible to the entire community. 

Additional information on the North Tahoe Chamber is included below.

TAHOE JOY FESTIVAL

Sunday, June 7th, 2026

Commons Beach, Tahoe City

12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Free

ABOUT THE NORTH TAHOE CHAMBER

The North Tahoe Chamber, whose purpose is to cultivate collaborative partnerships, serve as an engaging catalyst, and drive economic impact, has supported a vibrant business community and enhanced the quality of life for North Lake Tahoe residents and visitors since 1954. The Chamber’s priorities, developed in collaboration with the Business and Chamber Advisory Committee, include economic development, advocacy, business services, community vitality, visitor engagement, and workforce development to benefit local businesses and their employees. Using tourism revenues generated by the North Lake Tahoe Business Improvement District (NLT-TBID) these priorities are realized through robust member benefits. 

Learn more and become a member at northtahoechamber.com.

ABOUT JOY FOUNDATION

Founded in 2025 by musician Matt Axton, the Joy Foundation supports independent artists and strengthens communities through high-quality music events and educational programs that celebrate music history, performance, and artistry.

ABOUT TAHOE JOY FESTIVAL

The Tahoe Joy Festival is a free, one-day benefit music festival held annually at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. A signature event of the Joy Foundation, the festival amplifies regional and youth musicians, local artists, and nonprofit partners while creating inclusive, family-friendly experiences. Through live music and community connection, Tahoe Joy Festival raises awareness and funds for local nonprofits and celebrates the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe Joy Festival, now in its fourth year, was founded by Matt Axton as a tribute to his father, entertainment icon and Tahoe City resident Hoyt Axton, whose most famous hit “Joy to the World”

(“Jeremiah was a bullfrog”) inspired the festival’s spirit. The event reflects Axton’s vision of bringing a little more joy to North Lake Tahoe through music. Learn more at joyfoundations.org/tahoefest.

Originally published in Moonshine Ink, 04/09/2026, Written by Megan Ramsey

Editor’s Note April 9: Corrected depths in the pilot project and clarified amounts of litter collected.

On a clear and calm Thursday morning, a group of six meets on a pontoon boat at the Tahoe City Marina for a dive. Though everyone there is a return volunteer, Clean Up the Lake Operations Manager Klemen Robnik reviews the plans, everyone’s tasks, and boat and high-altitude-dive safety. After the safety debrief, volunteer Roman Versch, who serves as the group’s boat captain, navigates the boat to the last marked GPS location in Hurricane Bay where the previous divers left off.

Most of the lake’s litter and debris is never seen by people who recreate here, but it is quietly collected by Clean Up the Lake, a volunteer-based (1,300 strong) nonprofit organization. CUTL is on its second circumnavigation of Lake Tahoe’s 72-mile shoreline — this time at a greater depth.

READ MORE >

Photo: NITROX and diver propulsion vehicles allow scuba divers to more efficiently search for debris between 35 and 55 feet deep, a more taxing depth than the 25 feet of the first circumnavigation cleanup. Photos courtesy Clean Up the Lake

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 04/07/2026, Staff Report

Pet Network Humane Society is turning summer into a movement with the launch of its Tahoe Tailblazers Summer Camp, an immersive, high-energy program designed to empower youth, strengthen community connection, and bring its mission of “radical good” to life.

Held July 20–24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pet Network’s campus (401 Village Blvd., Incline Village), Tahoe Tailblazers is designed specifically for children ages 6–8, offering a unique, age-appropriate opportunity to engage, learn, and give back.

At a time when families are seeking meaningful, enriching summer experiences, Tahoe Tailblazers fills an important community need, creating space for young children to connect with animals, build empathy, and understand the power of helping others. Through hands-on shelter experiences, crafts, games, and interactive learning, campers won’t just hear about animal rescue, they’ll actively participate in it.

READ MORE >

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 4/3/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

The white and green-trimmed clock greets an average of 50,000 visitors each year as they enter the front doors of Travel North Tahoe Nevada’s Welcome Center. The interior that greets guests on the other side of those doors will soon look different once the current remodel is complete.

“Knowing that the building is going to be seen by a lot of tourists,” remodel architect Dale E. Smith, at Smith Design Group, explained, “I wanted it to be an excellent representation of North Tahoe.”

Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) felt the best way to do that was to hire local companies that are not only familiar with North Tahoe, but can also keep dollars circulating in the local economy.

READ MORE >

Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 4/3/2026, Written by Katelyn Welsh

A $298 million financing package may soon change the state of the Cal Neva. The historic venue is one of a handful of major properties at North Tahoe’s state line that once welcomed visitors, but are now boarded and fenced, creating somewhat of a hospitality desert there.

Colorado-based real estate investment and development firm, Realberry, along with hospitality management company, Proper Hospitality, announced the recent closure of the large financial deal on April 2.

100 years after it first opened, the financial package marks a new chapter for the Cal Neva, set to open under a new name in 2027 as the Lake Tahoe Proper Resort and Casino.

READ MORE >

Originally published in the Tahoe Gifting email newsletter, 03/31/2026

There’s a lot happening at The Cut, from our 5-Year Anniversary Edition of Meat & Greet to a lineup of creative workshops with local makers. If you’re planning to preorder meat for the event, don’t wait too long, orders close March 31 and pickup will be at the party on April 4. After that, we’ve got plenty more cozy, creative reasons to get out of the house and join us.

Upcoming Schedule of Events & Workshops

April 04 | Meat & Greet: 5-Year Anniversary Edition April 08 | Candle-Making Workshop April 11 | Botanical Resin Jewelry Workshop April 16 | Botanical Hanger Workshop

Full Schedule of Events

BUY TICKETS:      https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tahoephilharmonic

Tahoe Philharmonic (Lovers of Harmony) Orchestra and Chorus continues Maestro James Rawie’s 21st annual WinterFest with the “Passion of Bach/The Joy of Handel” concert series March 31 thru April 5.  Maestro Rawie presents for the 21^st consecutive year the sweeping drama of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Part 2 – performed in English).  This epic performance features antiphonal orchestra, chorus, and his most demanding vocal solos.  Experience the universal power and emotion of Bach’s largest and yet most personal work, a spiritual journey for all.  Maestro Rawie was the Founder and Artistic Director of TOCCATA for the past 19 years, presenting more than 500 classical concerts and soirees throughout the Reno/Tahoe Basin. Tahoe Philharmonic is now under his Artistic Direction.

Bach takes a personal approach to retelling the Passion story through  music. The piece touches on basic human problems: love, hate and betrayal. Bach’s music, with unrivaled variety and breadth, brings the text alive and compels the listener to respond to the drama.  Although Bach uses Biblical passages, with soloists portraying characters in the drama and the chorus acting as his disciples or the angry crowd, the most moving texts are written specifically for this work. Bach brings the listeners in on the action by having the chorus represent us, reacting to the story or answering questions raised by it. And many solo arias are Bach’s most deeply-felt responses to what is occurring.  The “Passion” is an oratorio, not an opera, and Bach relies on the power of the music alone to illuminate these texts. Part of Bach’s brilliance is how sensitive he is to the text settings. Minor and dissonant chords underlie texts on suffering and sacrifice; the music turns to major keys when the subject is redemption. Listen, too, for Bach’s “word-painting” — a raindrop-like staccato to depict falling tears, or a musical earthquake following Jesus’s death on the cross, or his “halo” represented by the strings alone. If you follow the text as you listen, your spirit will be moved.  

Two of this year’s performances include selections from parts 2 and 3 from Handel’s Messiah.  Following the Passion, which ends with Jesus in the tomb,  Handel’s selections focus on the life of Jesus and the resurrection, culminating in the finale, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, Amen, and the famous Hallelujah chorus. 

When and Where:

Tuesday, March 31 7pm RENO: St Thomas Aquinas Cathedral   (310 W 2nd St);  

Saturday, April 4 4pm MINDEN:  CVIC Hall    (1604 Esmeralde Ave.)

Sunday, April 5 4pm  RENO: St Rose of Lima Catholic Church  (100 Bishop Manogue Drive)

Tickets are available at the door for all concerts or online at www.Tahoe-Philharmonic.com.  General admission to PASSION/MESSIAH concerts is $30 for adults.  Preferred seating is $40 adults/$15 youth and Premium seating is $50 adults/$25youth.   Benefactors row is $100/seat.  Under 23 years of age are admitted free in general admission seating , to most regular season concerts in 2026. Seniors enjoy $5 discount in all areas.   There are “back row” seating tickets at no set charge, just donate what you can afford for this concert.

TahoePhil / Maestro James Rawie’s 21^st Anniversary Summerfest  begins June 1-9 with Classics+, featuring Beethoven’s Symphony #5  “Victory”  and Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor with guest pianist Jennifer Savage.

It’s spring in Lake Tahoe… Actually, with temperatures in the 70s at Lake level this week, it almost feels like summer! But we’ve still got snow on the slopes and a slate of great spring events coming up that you won’t want to miss. So read on for event updates, and then make plans to join in the fun!

Pro Tip: 2026-27 season passes are on sale now and include spring access for the remainder of this ski season. It’s the best deal in Tahoe! 

New Date for Dummy Downhill – Sunday, March 29The big news is that we are pushing the Dummy Downhill event forward to ensure we have enough snow to build the dummy launch ramp. The new date is Sunday, March 29. Everything else about the event remains the same – same incredible creativity, same entertaining dummy flights, same fun DJ dance parties.

Saturday, March 21 – Spring Summit Pop Up Bar

Anyone who’s ever enjoyed a beverage at Snowflake Lodge will appreciate the incredible views available all over the mountain. For one day only, that view gets elevated to the top of the Crystal Express chairlift for the Spring Summit Pop Up Bar. We’ll offer a selection of canned beers, cocktails, hard seltzers and non-alcoholic options, plus packaged snacks for sale at the custom-made snow bar on top of Crystal Ridge. Click here for full event details.

Note: Spring Summit Pop Up Bar is only accessible to intermediate/advanced skiers and snowboarders who can ski/ride down Crystal Ridge.

Friday, March 27 – 60th Anniversary $60 Lift Ticket Day + DJ Party

Enjoy old-school pricing with $60 lift tickets, $60 ski or snowboard rentals packages, and $60 first-time learn-to-ski and learn-to-ride lesson packages on March 27. There is no limit to the number of lift tickets available on our $60 days, but the learn-to-ski/ride packages are subject to availability. Click here for full details.

The fun continues in the afternoon with DJ Dom spinning tunes on the Loft Bar Deck from 2 – 5pm.

Saturday, March 28 – Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival & SkiMo Race. 

There is nothing quite like the feeling of ascending and descending a mountain under your own power. At Diamond Peak’s 7th annual Luggi Foeger Uphill/Downhill Festival, rather than riding the chairlifts to the top of the resort, participants will climb the slopes using whatever human-powered method they prefer – skins, snowshoes, running shoes, etc. – then ski, snowboard, snowshoe or run back down to the finish line. 

It’s part endurance challenge, part in-bounds adventure, and completely customizable to participants’ personal fitness levels. 

Advance Registration Required (competitive divisions)

The competitive divisions require pre-registration, and the Beer Luggi offers a pre-registraion discount. So don’t delay – get registered today.The discounted pre-registration deadline is March 27! Register now and save big compared to the day-of rates! (Reminder: There is no day-of registration in the competitive divisions – you MUST register in advance.) 

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

Photos and information from Diamond Peak Ski Resort