Long Lake 4th of July Celebration | July 4, 2026
- Long Lake Town Beach 1258 Main Street Long Lake, New York, 12847 United States (map)
Celebrate Independence Day the Adirondack Way in Long Lake
Experience a small town 4th of July celebration in Long Lake.
There's something wonderfully Adirondack about spending the Fourth of July on the shores of a mountain lake, strawberry shortcake in hand, while waiting for fireworks to reflect across the water.
Long Lake's July 4 Celebration at Long Lake Town Beach delivers exactly that kind of timeless holiday experience, combining hometown traditions with live music, family activities, great food, and one of the region's most scenic fireworks displays.
Visitors looking for an authentic Adirondack Independence Day celebration will find a full day of festivities beginning with friendly competition and ending beneath a sky filled with fireworks.
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Start the day with classic Fourth of July fun.
The celebration begins at 10 am with free Games for All Ages at the Long Lake Ball Field. Expect old-fashioned races, laughter, and a healthy dose of friendly competition—a reminder that some of the best holiday traditions don't require a screen.
By 12 pm, the activity shifts to the Long Lake Town Beach, where the official celebration gets underway with live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities that stretch throughout the afternoon and evening.
One of the first stops should be the Long Lake Lions Club's famous strawberry shortcake, served beginning at 12 pm until sold out. Sweet local strawberries layered over tender cake and topped with whipped cream make this beloved annual tradition worth arriving early for.
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A full day of fun and games for the whole family.
Live music keeps Long Lake celebrating.
Music provides the soundtrack for the afternoon.
From 1 pm to 3 pm, Daydream Fountain brings its imaginative blend of psychedelic improv-rock to the beach. The Capital Region trio has built a reputation for energetic performances that mix adventurous musicianship with an easygoing summer vibe.
Hunger returns right on schedule at 3 pm when the Long Lake Fire Department Cookout fires up its popular sausage and peppers—a classic Adirondack summer meal best enjoyed lakeside.
Families with younger children should stick around for 4 pm, when Penelope the Clown fills the Town Beach Gazebo with face painting, balloon animals, and plenty of smiles.
Then, at 5 pm, one of Long Lake's quirkiest traditions rolls back into town as the Bed Races return for 2026. Equal parts athletic competition and comedy, this crowd favorite perfectly captures the community spirit that defines Adirondack small-town celebrations.
The evening belongs to Long Lake.
As the afternoon gives way to evening, the energy shifts again.
Beginning at 6:30 pm, Grit N Grace takes the stage with its crowd-pleasing mix of country, rock, and dance favorites. The veteran New York band has entertained audiences throughout the Northeast since 2011, making it easy to keep the celebration going until dark.
Around 9:30 pm, the grand finale arrives as fireworks burst above Long Lake. Whether viewed from the Town Beach, aboard a boat, or from the overlook atop Mt. Sabattis, the reflections dancing across the lake create one of the Adirondacks' signature Independence Day moments.
Long Lake.
Why this celebration feels uniquely Adirondack.
Unlike larger holiday festivals, Long Lake maintains the relaxed atmosphere that keeps visitors returning year after year. Families mingle with paddlers, campers, seasonal residents, and first-time visitors, all sharing the same shoreline for one memorable summer evening.
It's the kind of celebration where homemade desserts, volunteer fire departments, local musicians, and mountain scenery all play equally important roles.
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Arrive by late morning and make a full day of it. Park in the Municipal Lot near St. Henry's Church and take advantage of the free Long Lake Little Bus, which provides convenient transportation to the Town Beach within a 3.5-mile radius. If you're planning to watch the fireworks from Mt. Sabattis, head there well before dusk for the best viewing spots.
Event details.
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Long Lake Town Beach, Long Lake, NY
Highlights:
10 am — Games for All Ages
12 pm — Strawberry Shortcake & festivities begin
1 pm – 3 pm — Daydream Fountain
3 pm — Fire Department Cookout
4 pm — Penelope the Clown
5 pm — Bed Races
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm — Grit N Grace
Approximately 9:30 pm — Fireworks
In case of rain, activities move to the Mt. Sabattis Pavilion.
For updates and additional information, visit www.mylonglake.com or call 518-624-3077.
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Happy Birthday, America!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Long Lake July 4 Celebration held?
Most activities take place at Long Lake Town Beach in Long Lake, New York.
What time do the fireworks begin?
Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 pm, once darkness falls.
Is the event family-friendly?
Absolutely. Children's games, face painting, balloon animals, live music, and community activities make it ideal for families.
Where can visitors park?
Visitors can park at the Municipal Lot next to St. Henry's Church and ride the free Long Lake Little Bus to the beach.
What happens if it rains?
Activities move to the Mt. Sabattis Pavilion in the event of rain.
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