The Wild Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration | Tupper Lake | July 11, 2026
- The Wild Center 45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake, New York, 12986 United States (map)
Celebrate 20 Years of Wonder at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake
The Wild Center in the heart of the Adirondacks.
The Wild Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration returns to the heart of the Adirondacks on Saturday, July 11, 2026, inviting visitors to spend a full day at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake celebrating one of the region's most beloved family attractions.
This free anniversary festival blends live music, food vendors, maple syrup tastings, animal encounters, paddling adventures, and special programs across the museum's campus, making it one of the standout summer events in the Tri-Lakes region.
Guests can snack from local food vendors while sampling fresh Adirondack maple syrup, then wander the campus where music drifts through the trees and families explore trails, exhibits, and the larger-than-life TROLLS: Save the Humans sculptures. It's the kind of summer day that captures everything people love about the Adirondacks—fresh air, curiosity, and a healthy excuse to spend more time outside.
Love discovering hand-picked Adirondack events like this? Subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste's free weekly newsletter featuring the region's best food, stories, and upcoming events.
A milestone for one of the Adirondacks' favorite attractions.
Since opening in 2006, The Wild Center has become one of the Adirondacks' premier destinations for families, nature lovers, and curious travelers. Its 20th anniversary celebration honors two decades of inspiring visitors to connect with the natural world while looking ahead to the next generation of outdoor discovery.
The celebration is free to attend with reservations, and activities take place throughout the day from 10 am – 7 pm.
Live music comes home to Tupper Lake.
The day's headline performer is acclaimed singer-songwriter Martin Sexton, whose soulful voice and acoustic storytelling helped celebrate The Wild Center's opening nearly twenty years ago. His return creates a fitting full-circle moment as he takes the Main Stage from 3 pm – 5 pm.
Martin Sexton will perform.
Earlier in the afternoon, regional favorite David Wells performs from 1 pm – 2 pm, leading into the official anniversary ceremony featuring a community flag parade, special presentations, and the premiere of the "20 Voices" film celebrating the museum's impact.
Explore everything The Wild Center has to offer.
Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the campus.
Highlights include Creature Feature presentations with live animal ambassadors, otter programs at Otter Falls, guided mini-canoe and kayak trips on the Raquette River, pond stocking demonstrations, rotating films in the theater, interactive art and science activities, and special anniversary exhibits celebrating 20 years of innovation.
Of course, no visit is complete without meeting the towering TROLLS: Save the Humans sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, which remain one of the Adirondacks' most talked-about outdoor art experiences.
ADK Taste pick.
Martin Sexton's return is more than a concert—it's a reunion. Few performers can say they helped open an Adirondack landmark and returned two decades later to celebrate its legacy, making this one of the day's most memorable moments.
Don’t miss the incredible Wild Walk.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive early.
Attendance is expected to be among the highest in The Wild Center's history. Reserve complimentary tickets in advance, allow extra time for admission lines, and be prepared for overflow parking at LP Quinn Elementary School if the museum lots fill. Comfortable walking shoes, refillable water bottles, and a little flexibility will help make the day more enjoyable.
Visitors coming from Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, or the surrounding Tri-Lakes communities should plan to spend several hours exploring both the anniversary festivities and Tupper Lake while they're in town.
For the latest schedule updates, reservations, and parking information, visit The Wild Center's official website or Facebook page before traveling.
Whether attending for the music, the Trolls, the wildlife, or simply an excuse to spend a summer day surrounded by Adirondack forests, this anniversary celebration offers an ideal introduction to one of the region's most distinctive destinations.
Planning an Adirondack getaway? Subscribe to In Good Taste, ADK Taste's free weekly newsletter, for carefully curated events, restaurants, travel ideas, and local stories delivered every week.
Don’t miss Thomas Dambo’s giant troll sculptures at The Wild Center.
Frequently asked questions.
When is The Wild Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration?
Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10 am – 7 pm.
Where is the event held?
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York.
Is the anniversary celebration free?
Yes. Admission is complimentary, but advance online reservations are recommended.
Who is performing at the event?
Singer-songwriter Martin Sexton headlines the celebration with a live concert from 3 pm – 5 pm.
Will the TROLLS be open during the celebration?
Yes. Visitors can explore the TROLLS: Save the Humans outdoor installation throughout the day.
Where should visitors park?
If museum parking fills, overflow parking will be available at LP Quinn Elementary School, with directions provided on-site.
Find the best places to eat, shop, stay and experience near Tupper Lake.
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 near Tupper Lake and the Adirondack Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region.
Navigate to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
- Posted In: Events, Tri-Lakes & High Peaks, Tupper Lake