Back to All Events

NatureFest | Moreau Lake State Park | September 19, 2026

  • Moreau Lake State Park 605 Old Saratoga Road Gansevoort, New York, 12831 United States (map)

NatureFest Brings Wildlife, Family Fun and an Owl Release to Moreau Lake State Park

Photo of Moreau Lake State Park in early Fall.

Moreau Lake State Park.

NatureFest returns to Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort on Saturday, September 19, bringing a free, family-friendly nature festival to the southern Adirondack foothills.

Presented by the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, the annual event runs from 11 am to 3:30 pm with more than 40 exhibitors, live animals, environmental programs, crafts, food and one particularly memorable moment: the release of a rehabilitated Barred Owl.

The owl release, conducted by North Country Wild Care at noon, gives visitors a rare opportunity to watch a rehabilitated wild animal return to its natural habitat. It also captures what distinguishes NatureFest from the typical fall festival: the entertainment comes with a healthy dose of environmental education.

Like finding Adirondack events worth the drive? Subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly guide to Adirondack food, stories, places and events.

Wildlife takes center stage at Moreau Lake State Park.

NatureFest centers on the natural world, but it is not an afternoon of quietly studying interpretive displays. Llamas, alpacas and horses are among the animals expected at the festival, alongside demonstrations and educational exhibits from organizations working in nature, conservation and the environment.

Barred owl in Moreau Lake State Park.

Barred owl.

More than 40 exhibitors are expected, giving families plenty to explore without requiring children to spend the afternoon standing still and reading signs. Crafts and hands-on activities add another layer, including pumpkin painting for $3 and the chance to build a birdhouse for $5.

The Barred Owl release at noon is the clear don't-miss moment. North Country Wild Care rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and seeing an animal reach the point where it can return to the wild makes wildlife rehabilitation feel much more tangible — particularly for younger visitors.

A family fall festival in the southern Adirondacks.

NatureFest also borrows some of the best elements of a traditional community fall gathering. Visitors can browse a Green Team plant sale, enter a basket raffle, check out a silent auction and stop for food, including hot dogs and baked goods.

Admission is free, although NatureFest serves as the annual fundraiser for the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park. Donations are welcome, and proceeds from paid activities, concessions, raffles and other fundraising elements support the organization.

That mix makes NatureFest particularly well suited to families looking for an easy September outing rather than an all-day commitment. Visitors can spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits and activities, or settle in for much of the 11 am – 3:30 pm program.

ADK Taste pick.

The noon Barred Owl release. Fall festivals offer plenty of things that can be repeated next year. Watching a rehabilitated owl take flight again is decidedly less predictable — and likely to be the moment children remember after the birdhouses and pumpkins have gone home.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Arrive before noon. That leaves enough time to explore some exhibits before finding a spot for the Barred Owl release, then tackle birdhouse building, pumpkin painting and the rest of NatureFest afterward.

NatureFest takes place Saturday, September 19, from 11 am – 3:30 pm at Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort. Admission is free, while some activities and food carry modest charges.
For more information, visit the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park website or Facebook page.

For more hand-picked things to do across the Adirondacks, subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste’s weekly guide to the region’s food, stories, places and events.

Hiker experiencing a view of the Adirondack Park in the fall.

Fall in the Adirondacks.

NatureFest at Moreau Lake State Park FAQ

When is NatureFest at Moreau Lake State Park in 2026?‍ ‍

NatureFest takes place Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11 am – 3:30 pm.

Where is NatureFest held?‍ ‍

The festival is held at Moreau Lake State Park, 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831.

Is Moreau Lake State Park NatureFest free?‍ ‍

Yes. Admission to NatureFest is free. Donations are appreciated because the event is an annual fundraiser for the Friends of Moreau Lake State Park. Some activities and food cost extra.

What time is the Barred Owl release?‍ ‍

North Country Wild Care is scheduled to release a rehabilitated Barred Owl at 12 noon.

What can families do at NatureFest?‍ ‍

The festival includes more than 40 exhibitors, live animals, environmental education, demonstrations, crafts, food, a silent auction, raffles and other activities. Birdhouse building costs $5, and pumpkin painting costs $3.

Is NatureFest good for children?‍ ‍

Yes. With animals, crafts, birdhouse building, pumpkin painting and hands-on nature activities, much of the festival programming is designed to appeal to families.


Find the best places to eat, shop, stay and experience near Moreau.


America's Story Runs Through the Adirondacks

From Fort Ticonderoga and Teddy Roosevelt to the Miracle on Ice and the birth of the American vacation, the Adirondacks helped shape the nation.


Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.


Ultimate Guide to the Adirondacks

Your insider’s guide to exploring the Adirondacks—where to go, what to eat, and the experiences that make this place unforgettable.


ADK Talks Podcast

Love the Adirondacks? You’ll love our podcast. We take listeners beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of the Adirondacks. We share stories from the people behind the best places to eat, shop, stay and explore in the ADK. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.



See the top upcoming events in the Sothern Adirondacks.

Navigate to Moreau Lake State Park.

 
Previous
Previous
September 19

Inlet Fall Festival | September 19-20, 2026

Next
Next
September 19

Bolton Landing Live Music Festival | Lake George | September 19, 2026