Peaks and Paws Festival at Squaw Valley

The Village at Squaw Valley is paying tribute to man (and woman's) best friend on August 25-26 with the third annual Peaks and Paws Festival.

Dogs, wine and beer? Can this possibly be the makings for an event? Squaw Valley certainly thinks so.

Dogs and their people can enjoy 16 wineries, great beer, 12 hours of continuous live bluegrass, pet-themed art and activities, plus outings specially designed for our furry friends.

An incredible line-up of some of the best roots and bluegrass acts will play in The Village each day from 2-8 p.m. Outdoor events kick off earlier each day. All of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

Headlining at Peaks and Paws are the Dead Winter Carpenters, a high-energy, Americana/roots-infused five-piece band from North Lake Tahoe. Also featured will be the Emmitt-Nershi Band, whose co-founders cut their teeth with Leftover Salmon and the String Cheese Incident respectively.

The festival lineup also includes a host of other great roots and bluegrass acts, including The Iguanas, David Jacobs Strain, Head for the Hills, Tony Furtado and Bison. The music compliments the perfect setting for sipping delicious wines, sampling craft beers and enjoying the stunning mountain views.

The festival's pet-partner events will kick off on Saturday with the Mutt Strut - a 3K run for dog owners and pets. The run will start and finish in front of Squaw Dogs in The Village. The Mutt Strut costs $5 to enter, with all proceeds benefitting the Humane Society. People without pets are also welcome to participate.

The Peaks and Paws Festival has something for everyone with unique pet products, arts and crafts to peruse from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. 

Wine tasting will also be available in The Village at Squaw Valley from 3-6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday - featuring savory and unique wines from 16 different vineyards.

Bison will perform to accompany the wine tasting street party. The wine tasting costs $25 per day, Price includes a festival wine glass and a $5 discount is available with entry donation. Refreshing flavors of Lagunitas beer will also be available for $4 from 2-8 p.m. All proceeds from wine tasting and beer benefiting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

On both days people and pets can also join guided hikes around High Camp, exploring the unique flora and fauna that lives at elevation 8200 feet. Hikes are free with a Tram ticket or season pass and begin at 12:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. each day, leaving from High Camp.

Peaks and Paws' second annual Fetch Fest at Cushing Pond is on Sunday,  starting at 3 p.m. The event will be a timed ball retrieval contest to see which dog can retrieve the most tennis balls from Cushing Pond before the time runs out. The Fetch Fest has a $5 entry, with all proceeds benefitting the Humane Society.

For more information, visit www.squaw.com or call 800 403-0206.