Black Fly Beer Camp Brings Craft Beer and Adirondack History to Great Camp Sagamore
Great Camp Sagamore on Sagamore Lake.
Few places capture the spirit of the Adirondacks quite like Great Camp Sagamore. On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the historic wilderness retreat near Raquette Lake hosts Black Fly Beer Camp: Lunch, Presentation, & Tasting Tour. This afternoon pairs regional craft beer with Adirondack history, architecture, and scenery.
Part beer festival, part educational experience, and part Adirondack adventure, the event runs from 12 pm – 4 pm and invites guests to spend a leisurely afternoon sampling outstanding craft beverages while exploring one of the region's most iconic Great Camps.
For travelers seeking unique Adirondack food and drink events this summer, this one checks all the boxes.
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Lunch overlooking Sagamore Lake.
The afternoon begins with lunch in Sagamore's historic Dining Hall, where large windows frame views of Sagamore Lake and the surrounding forest.
It's an appropriately Adirondack setting for an event that celebrates craftsmanship, community, and a sense of place. Guests can settle in, enjoy lunch, and prepare for an afternoon devoted to one of America's favorite beverages.
Camp Sagamore’s dining room.
A deep dive into craft beer history.
Following lunch, beer writer and historian John Holl of All About Beer presents The History of Craft Beer.
Holl is one of the most respected voices in the brewing world, making this presentation a compelling addition for casual beer drinkers and serious enthusiasts alike. His talk explores how the American craft beer movement evolved from a niche industry into a cultural phenomenon that transformed brewing nationwide.
The presentation adds depth to the experience, giving attendees a richer appreciation for the beers they'll taste throughout the afternoon.
Adirondack craft beer tasting tour at Great Camp Sagamore.
After the presentation, guests set out on a guided tasting tour through the historic camp grounds.
Participating breweries will be stationed on the porches of Sagamore's historic buildings, creating a uniquely Adirondack tasting experience. Instead of standing in a crowded convention hall, visitors wander through one of the region's most celebrated historic properties while meeting brewers and sampling their creations.
Participating breweries include:
Common Roots Brewing Company (South Glens Falls, NY)
Drop-In Brewing Company (Middlebury, VT)
Eastwood Brewing Company (Syracuse, NY)
Scale House Brewery (Hector, NY)
Prison City Brewing (Auburn, NY)
Wild Bloom Beer (Littleton, NH)
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company (Hawley, PA)
Expect a wide range of styles, from crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to creative seasonal offerings and brewer favorites.
Looking for more Adirondack events worth planning around? In Good Taste delivers a curated roundup of the region's best food festivals, concerts, outdoor adventures, and cultural happenings each week.
Great Camp Sagamore campus.
Why this Adirondack beer event stands out.
Many beer festivals focus solely on sampling.
Black Fly Beer Camp adds something more memorable: place.
Guests experience regional craft beer while exploring a National Historic Landmark nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks. The combination of historic architecture, lakeside scenery, forested pathways, and conversations with brewers creates an experience that feels distinctly Adirondack.
It's difficult to imagine a better setting for an afternoon of craft beer appreciation.
Explore Great Camp Sagamore before your visit.
Planning to attend Black Fly Beer Camp at Great Camp Sagamore? This video offers a look at one of the Adirondacks' most remarkable historic Great Camps, helping visitors understand the setting that makes this craft beer event so unique.
Take a visual tour of Great Camp Sagamore near Raquette Lake, one of the Adirondacks' most significant historic Great Camps and the setting for Black Fly Beer Camp.
Located in the heart of the Adirondacks near Raquette Lake, Great Camp Sagamore combines history, architecture, wilderness, and events like Black Fly Beer Camp into one unforgettable destination.
ADK Taste pick.
The guided tasting tour through Sagamore's historic buildings is the event's standout feature. Sampling beer while strolling between porches, cabins, and lakeside views creates an experience that goes far beyond a traditional tasting event.
Learn the story behind Great Camp Sagamore.
Before sampling craft beer on Sagamore's historic porches, take a deeper dive into the remarkable history of Great Camp Sagamore. In this ADK Talks episode, Great Camp Sagamore Executive Director Courtney Bastian shares the story of the camp's Gilded Age origins, preservation, and enduring place in Adirondack history.
Located near Raquette Lake in the central Adirondacks, Great Camp Sagamore remains one of the finest surviving examples of the Adirondack Great Camp tradition and continues to host educational programs, tours, and special events throughout the year.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive a little early and spend time exploring the grounds before lunch begins. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tasting tour encourages guests to move between several historic camp buildings while enjoying the scenery.
Event details.
Black Fly Beer Camp: Lunch, Presentation, & Tasting Tour
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 12 pm – 4 pm
Location: Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY
Admission: $54.95
Admission includes lunch in the historic Dining Hall and the afternoon tasting tour. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.
Visitors should check the official Great Camp Sagamore website for tickets, availability, and event updates.
FAQ.
What is Black Fly Beer Camp at Great Camp Sagamore?
It is a craft beer event featuring lunch, a keynote presentation on craft beer history, and a guided tasting tour with regional breweries.
Where is Great Camp Sagamore located?
Great Camp Sagamore is located near Raquette Lake in the central Adirondacks.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $54.95 and include lunch plus the tasting tour.
What breweries will attend?
Seven breweries from New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania will participate, including Common Roots Brewing Company and Prison City Brewing.
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes. Advance registration is required and space is limited.
Is this event suitable for casual beer drinkers?
Absolutely. The educational presentation and relaxed tasting format make it enjoyable for both dedicated craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers.
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