Annual Ice Cream Social and Pottery Sale | View Arts | August 1, 2026
- View Arts Center 3273 New York 28 Old Forge, New York, 13420 United States (map)
Scoops, Sundaes, and Stoneware in Old Forge
Photo courtesy View Arts Center.
Spend a delicious summer afternoon with an ice cream sundae in one hand and a handcrafted pottery bowl in the other. On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the 17th Annual Ice Cream Social and Pottery Sale returns to View Arts Center's Point Park in Old Forge, offering one of the Central Adirondacks’ sweetest traditions.
Held from 11 am – 3 pm, this beloved community event combines local art, Mercer's Ice Cream, and small-town charm in the heart of Old Forge. Visitors can browse pottery created by local and regional artists before building a custom sundae worthy of a midsummer postcard.
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A sweet Adirondack tradition.
For 17 years, families, travelers, and art lovers have gathered beneath the summer skies at Point Park for an event that feels delightfully timeless.
The formula is simple: purchase a handcrafted ceramic piece—ranging from $10 to $45—and receive a sundae of your making. Those who arrive without pottery aspirations can still indulge; standalone sundaes are available for $5.
The real challenge, of course, is deciding whether the perfect pairing is hot fudge in a hand-thrown bowl or rainbow sprinkles in a locally glazed mug.
What visitors can expect at View Arts Center in Old Forge.
Expect tables lined with ceramic treasures, from bowls and serving pieces to whimsical works destined for Adirondack camp kitchens.
Local creamery, Mercer's Ice Cream, supplies the star ingredient, while toppings await those ready to embrace their inner sundae architect. Children tend to approach the topping table with admirable enthusiasm. Adults aren't far behind.
The event benefits the pottery studio at View Arts Center, helping support arts programming that has shaped Adirondack culture for generations. It is equal parts fundraiser, community gathering, and excuse to eat ice cream before noon—a combination difficult to improve upon.
Why this event feels uniquely Adirondack.
The Adirondacks have always celebrated makers. Whether it's guideboats, rustic furniture, or pottery fresh from the kiln, there is an enduring appreciation for craftsmanship here.
The Ice Cream Social and Pottery Sale captures that spirit beautifully. Visitors can spend the morning exploring Old Forge's shops, take a cruise on nearby Fourth Lake, or continue to Inlet and Eagle Bay before returning with a one-of-a-kind souvenir that happens to smell faintly of hot fudge.
It's the kind of event that reminds travelers that the Adirondacks aren't merely a destination—they're a collection of traditions shared one season at a time.
View Arts Center: 75 years of arts and culture in the Adirondacks.
View Arts Center in Old Forge has been a cornerstone of Adirondack arts and culture for more than seven decades. In this episode of ADK Talks, listeners can learn about the organization's history, community impact, and its role in shaping the creative life of the Central Adirondacks.
Listen to ADK Talks explore the history, mission, and enduring legacy of View Arts Center in Old Forge, one of the Adirondacks' premier cultural institutions.
Located in Old Forge, View Arts Center continues to connect residents and travelers alike with the arts through exhibitions, performances, classes, and community events throughout the year.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive shortly after 11 am if pottery is the priority. The best selection disappears quickly, especially the smaller bowls that pair particularly well with an ice cream sundae. Parking in downtown Old Forge is generally plentiful, making it easy to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Main Street or visiting nearby McCauley Mountain.
ADK Taste pick.
Sundae anyone?
Choose a bowl you'll actually use at home. Months from now, a scoop of vanilla on a snowy January evening will bring you right back to Point Park and an Adirondack summer day.
Event details.
Event: 17th Annual Ice Cream Social and Pottery Sale
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Point Park, Old Forge, NY
Pottery Pricing: $10–$45 (includes a build-your-own sundae)
Sundaes Only: $5
Benefits: View Arts Center Pottery Studio
Visitors are encouraged to check View Arts Center's website or Facebook page for any updates before attending.
As summer marches inevitably toward Labor Day, events like this offer a gentle reminder to savor the season while it lasts—preferably with extra whipped cream.
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Frequently asked questions.
When is the Ice Cream Social and Pottery Sale in Old Forge?
The event takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11 am – 3 pm.
Where is the event held?
It is held at Point Park in Old Forge, adjacent to View Arts Center in the Central Adirondacks.
How much does pottery cost?
Pottery ranges from $10 to $45 and includes a build-your-own sundae.
Can visitors purchase ice cream without buying pottery?
Yes. Sundaes are available for $5 without a pottery purchase.
Who benefits from the event?
Proceeds support the pottery studio and arts programming at View Arts Center.
What other things are there to do nearby?
Visitors can explore downtown Old Forge, visit McCauley Mountain, enjoy the Fulton Chain of Lakes, or venture to nearby Inlet and Eagle Bay.
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- Posted In: Events, Central Adirondacks, Old Forge