It’s been said that Tahoe only has two seasons, winter and fixing the roads.

But three festivals over the next two weekends will celebrate an unheralded, and beautiful, time of year in the Sierra Nevada.

Tahoe Donner’s signature Fall Festival takes place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Northwoods Clubhouse, located at 11509 Northwoods Blvd. in Truckee.

The festival includes family friendly, fall-themed activities, including a pumpkin patch.

“Fall Festival offers a little something for everyone,” according to a statement from Tahoe Donner. “Enjoy a beer garden featuring fall beers, Bocce ball, arts and crafts vendors, the annual doggie-dip at the Northwoods Clubhouse Pool and a kids’ carnival area with food and games, face painting, tie-dye, Log Jammer rides, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, bounce house and more.

“Live entertainment will include a magic show and local performances by InnerRhythms and Truckee Cheer, plus live music provided by the Sneaky Creatures, a mischievous alternative gypsy swing sextet playing a blend of rock, jazz and Dixieland fun.”

The cost of an unlimited wristband is $15. Individual activity tickets are $1.

For more details visit http://www.tahoedonner.com.

The inaugural Pony and Pumpkin Festival will take place at the South Shore this weekend.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 12 and 13 and is based at Forest Suites Resort at 1 Lake Parkway.

The festival features live music by Class Act and CQ & Mr. Spoons, demonstrations by the Carson Valley Historical Society, cowboy poets, Native American singing, arts and crafts for all ages, face painting and a bounce house.

Fully-costumed Pony Express riders will hand out junior badges and spread awareness of the work they do. The National Forest Foundation will teach about native Sierra Nevada plants, flowers and trees.

Attendees can shop a variety of local vendors, from woodwork to pottery. Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides will offer pony rides around Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

More information is available at http://www.ponynpumpkin.com.

Next weekend the Tahoe City Public Utility District – Parks and Recreation Department will hold its annual Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Rideout Commmunity Center at 740 Timberland Lane.

The event includes costume contests, pony rides, a pumpkin patch, carnival games, a bounce house, barbecue, a pie-eating contest, face painting, a jousting arena, a bounce house and a pumpkin seed hunt that starts at 11:30 a.m. Pumpkins cost between $3-$7. Activity bracelets cost $15.

For more information contact Sara Scheid at 530-583-3440.