Campout at Kirkwood
The VanWood festival is a three day celebration of mountain life, outdoor adventure, and community connection.
Spend your days on the Kirkwood slopes and your nights in the Village and Red Cliffs, where camping, live music, and community events bring the weekend to life. From skiing and snowboarding to DJs, live performances, yoga, games, and the Mini Tahoe Brewfest, there is something happening at every turn.
Whether you are carving spring snow, relaxing at camp, or dancing in your ski boots, VanWood captures the spirit of Tahoe in one unforgettable weekend.
Campout Under the Sierra Stars
April 10-12, 2026
Pull into Kirkwood and make it your basecamp for the weekend. Whether you're parking your van or pitching a tent, you're joining a gathering of people who live for the mountains.
Park up, settle in, and swap stories with other adventurers. You'll meet van lifers, weekend warriors, and everyone in between—all there for the same reason: to be outside, connect with the community, and enjoy spring in the Sierra.
Aprés Pizza Party
Friday, April 10 | 4-8PM Cornice Lodge
Kick off your weekend at the Cornice Lodge with our Après Pizza Party and Karaoke. Grab a slice, relax with friends, and soak in the lively mountain vibe as the lodge comes alive for the evening.
Whether you’re singing along or just enjoying the show, it’s all about great food, good vibes, and community.
From the first bite to the final song, this is where your mountain adventures turn into a night to remember.
Sun Salutations
Saturday, April 11 | 8AM-9AM
Sunday, April 12 | 9AM-10AM
Start your day with Sun Salutations hosted by
Raquel Jander in the heart of Kirkwood Village. This all-levels yoga session is designed to wake up the body, stretch out tired legs, and get you ready for a full day on the mountain. Move through a guided flow while taking in the fresh mountain air and surrounding Sierra views. In the case of weather, the session will be held indoors at Jet’s Hangar.
Whether you are easing into the morning or recovering from the day before, this is the perfect way to reset, recharge, and connect with the VanWood community.
Entertainment
April 10-12, 2026
VanWood features live music and DJs throughout the weekend, highlighted by a free Saturday concert from Scott Pemberton O Theory with special guest Cliff Porter of Jelly Bread and an opening set by DJ Palmer. The celebration continues with performances from Local Anthology and DJ Gabe Gavilenes, plus karaoke, and late night gatherings throughout the weekend.
macduff's Cornhole tournament
Saturday, April 11 | 10AM-12PM
Grab your crew and head to the cornhole boards for some friendly competition. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a bean bag for the first time, this is your chance to connect with fellow campers and show off your skills.
No pressure to dominate. No pressure to take it too seriously. Just good people, good vibes, and a chance to compete for bragging rights. Team up with someone you just met, trash talk a little, and see who takes home the win.
On-Mountain Adventures
April 10-12, 2026
The mountain's open all weekend. Stick around for a Sunset shred session (until 5pm or sunset) as the day winds down on Saturday, April 11. Just good snow, good people, and plenty of reasons to get on the mountain.
Lift Tickets
Please note that VanWood does not include or sell lift tickets. All attendees are responsible for purchasing their own lift tickets directly through Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Coffee chats
Saturday – Coffee Chat with the Mayor – 9AM-10AM
Start your morning in the Village with a warm cup and good conversation. Join us for a relaxed Coffee Chat with Mayor Cody Bass, featuring complimentary coffee and cocoa from Paddle House Brews, light snacks, and a chance to connect with the community before heading out for a day on the mountain.
Sunday – Coffee & Kava Chat – 10AM-11AM
Ease into your Sunday with a cozy morning gathering in the Village. Enjoy complimentary coffee and kava from Bare Roots, light bites, and laid-back conversation with Embarc and fellow VanWood attendees. The perfect way to recharge, connect, and wrap up the weekend.
avalanche dog meet & greet
Sunday, April 12 | Kirkwood Village
Get up close with some of the mountain’s most incredible heroes at our Kirkwood Avalanche Dog Meet and Greet. Hosted by the avalanche rescue team from Kirkwood Mountain Resort, this interactive experience gives you the chance to meet the highly trained rescue dogs and their handlers who play a vital role in mountain safety.
Learn how these dogs are trained, hear real stories from the field, and see firsthand the bond between handler and pup. This is a fun and educational activity for all ages and a unique opportunity to experience during VanWood Tahoe.