Lake George has become a vacation destination for all seasons, which can make it difficult to decide on the best time to visit. If you’re struggling to choose a date, we recommend planning your trip around the Lake George Region’s many festivals and events.
Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter Events in Lake George
From motorcycle rallies and car shows to hot air balloon festivals and craft fairs to Oktoberfests and winter carnivals, there’s something happening nearly every month of the year, and for nearly every interest.
Lake George Winter’s Dream – December, January & February
Starting in December and continuing through January and February, guests can step into Lake George Winter’s Dream at the Fort William Henry Historical Fortress. This walk-through attraction features a series of immersive multimedia installations that will rekindle your love of the winter season.
Lake George Winter Carnival – February
The Lake George Winter Carnival is held every weekend in February, and features activities for kids, pony rides, beach bonfires, fireworks, polar plunges and several cook-off contests for chowder, chili, BBQ and chicken wings, as well as the comical outhouse races and other games and contests.
Thurman Maple Days – March
Less than 30 minutes from Lake George, the town of Thurman hosts its annual Thurman Maple Days festival over three weekends in March. Enjoy a wide variety of demonstrations, tours, samples and some super shopping for farm products and artisan gifts.
Americade Bike Week – June
Held annually the week after Memorial Day, Americade is the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally. The week-long event attracts more than 50,000 riders and passengers, and features vendors and exhibits, fireworks and parades, charity rides, demos, contests and much more.
Adirondack Wine & Food Festival – June
The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival is held every summer at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George. Festival-goers sample wines, craft beverages and artisan foods from more than 100 New York State vendors, and attend cooking and cocktail demonstrations in the culinary tent.
Rock the Dock – July
Featuring live music, craft beer, food and art vendors, Rock the Dock is a one-day music festival held on the Lake George Steamboat Company pier. Enjoy the sounds of well-known jam bands from the dock or on board the steamboats surrounding the stage.
Lake George Music Festival – August
The Lake George Music Festival is a two-week long, world-class chamber music and orchestra festival featuring open rehearsals, live concerts and interactive workshops at the Carriage House at Fort William Henry in Lake George.
Lake George Art & Craft Festival – August
Browse artwork and crafts, including basket weaving, wood carving, painting and more, from more than 100 local artists, and enjoy live entertainment and a variety of food vendors. Lake George Art & Craft Festival is a three-day event held one weekend every summer at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons.
Adirondack Nationals Car Show – September
Classic cars, hot rods, trucks and more take center stage at the Fort William Henry Hotel & Conference Center in Lake George every September. Held annually on the weekend after Labor Day, the Adirondack Nationals Car Show is a four-day event featuring car cruises on Canada Street, automotive-related vendors, food, live music, raffles and more.
Adirondack Balloon Festival – September
The Adirondack Balloon Festival is the oldest and largest hot air balloon festival on the East Coast. This free, four-day event is held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in nearby Queensbury NY, and features multiple flights of 70+ balloons, food and craft vendors, kids activities, live music and more.
Jazz at the Lake – September
The Lake George jazz weekend is one of the Northeast’s premier jazz festivals, and admission is free. Talented musicians from around the country perform at the Shepard Park amphitheater in Lake George Village over a three-day weekend in mid-September each year.
Lake George Village Oktoberfest & Fall Festival – October
The Lake George Village Oktoberfest & Fall Festival is a free, three-day event held over Columbus Day Weekend in Lake George Village. Canada Street is transformed into a Bavarian-style street fair with German music and dancing, carnival rides, crafts, local art, a beer garden, Bavarian food, and many other activities.
Lite Up the Village – November
The day after Thanksgiving each year, Shepard Park in Lake George Village is lit by thousands of lights to celebrate the holiday season. Lite Up the Village features horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and live holiday music, followed by fireworks over the lake and a Holiday Light Parade on Canada Street with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Year-Round Lodging in Lake George
Although many of the resorts and hotels in the area are seasonal, our Lake George vacation home rentals are available year-round. Whether you’re looking for a summer lakeside retreat, a sunny spring cottage, a cozy ski chalet, or a mountaintop lodge overlooking the fall foliage, you’ll find it all at Northern Living NY. Select from more than 50 luxury properties, or contact us and allow our concierge professionals to personally pair you with the perfect home for your Lake George vacation.
