TAHOE CITY, Calif. – The Joy Foundation announces the return of Tahoe Joy Festival, celebrating the Tahoe Basin’s preeminent bands at its fourth annual benefit music festival on Sunday, June 7, from 12:00–7:00 pm at Commons Beach in Tahoe City. The free, all-day event will be headlined by Dead Winter Carpenters, bringing their high-energy, roots-driven sound to anchor a full day of live music featuring local artists, delicious food, and a vibrant, community-centered atmosphere along the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Joy Festival is a free, one-day benefit music festival showcasing 5 regional bands and a second community stage featuring student musicians, nearly 30 local artisan vendors, food and beverage trucks, and family-friendly activities hosted by local environmental and community organizations. The festival raises both awareness and funds for local nonprofits, with Tahoe Truckee School of Music (TTSM) named as the 2026 beneficiary.

Building on its mission to create meaningful community connection through music, Tahoe Joy Festival continues to grow as a space where artists, nonprofits, and families come together in celebration. This year’s festival also highlights a special moment in Tahoe Joy Festival’s history, with the return of a familiar and beloved headliner, Dead Winter Carpenters. Founder Matt Axton says the announcement reflects the spirit and continuity of the event.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dead Winter Carpenters back to Tahoe Joy Festival,” said Matt Axton, founder of The Joy Foundation. “They were the headliner at our very first festival, and bringing them back feels like a true homecoming. Keeping the festival free allows the entire community to enjoy a full day of live music while supporting the local nonprofits that make Tahoe such a special place.”

Axton emphasized that one of the festival’s core pillars is creating space for youth to step onto a professional stage. For 2026, Tahoe Joy Festival has selected Tahoe Truckee School of Music (TTSM) as its beneficiary, honoring the organization’s role in mentoring young musicians and helping them gain performance experience in front of a live audience. This partnership reflects what sets Tahoe Joy Festival apart—using music not just as entertainment, but as a platform for growth, confidence, and community connection.

“From the beginning, Tahoe Joy Festival has opened the stage to young musicians,” said Ben Martin, founder of Tahoe Truckee School of Music. “Those moments are transformative for students—they gain confidence, experience, and a sense of belonging. We’re proud to be a longtime partner and grateful to be selected as the 2026 beneficiary.”

Tahoe Joy Festival welcomes community participation and support in a variety of ways. Local businesses and organizations are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities, while artists, makers, food vendors, nonprofits, and volunteers are encouraged to get involved in the 2026 event. To learn more about the festival and upcoming opportunities to participate and support free music, visit wwwJoyFoundations.org/TahoeFest.