Best Things to Do in the Adirondacks Over Labor Day Weekend 2025

Recommendations and tips for the best events, parades, fireworks, and festivities.

Labor Day weekend in the Adirondacks is one of the most anticipated times of year. The air is just beginning to cool, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F, the lakes are still warm enough for swimming, and towns across the six-million-acre park brim with events, festivals, and outdoor adventures. 

Whether you’re drawn to the bustling waterfronts of Lake George, the rugged summits of the High Peaks region, or the laid-back charm of Schroon Lake, the Adirondacks deliver an unforgettable end-of-summer escape.

From the bustling waterfronts of Lake George to the rugged peaks of the High Peaks, we’ve curated a diverse range of activities across the regions of the Adirondacks to help you make the most of Labor Day 2025.

Lake George Region: Fireworks, Boats, and Family Fun

Few places embrace Labor Day quite like Lake George. The lakefront village is alive with energy as summer winds down, and visitors will find a mix of classic events and spontaneous lakeside joy.

• End-of-Summer Fireworks: Bolton Landing will light up the sky with its signature fireworks display on Sunday night. Grab a spot on the lawn at Rogers Memorial Park or take a fireworks cruise to watch the show from the water.

• On-the-Water Adventures: Kayak or paddleboard rentals remain in full swing. For families, the Lake George Steamboat Company or Waterfront cruises offer a nostalgic way to tour the lake.

• Independence Music Festival: Labor Day weekend often coincides with the Independence Music Festival in Lake George. Enjoy three days of music featuring a variety of genres, from rock and pop to country, and some of the top touring bands in the US.

• Rent a Sauna: Make the weekend extra special and treat yourself and your guests to a sauna right at your home. On the Equator Mobile Sauna comes to you. Experience the mental and physical benefits of a sauna.

Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Coast: History Meets Lake Life

The Adirondack Coast, stretching from Crown Point to Plattsburgh, offers a quieter Labor Day experience with a unique blend of history, lake life, and culture. It's a place where history meets the beauty of lake life, offering an exceptional experience for all visitors.

• Fort Ticonderoga Weekend Events: The iconic Revolutionary War site hosts reenactments, demonstrations, and family programs that bring history alive. It’s a perfect stop for history buffs and families alike.

• Lake Champlain Adventures: Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the sandy beaches at Ausable Point State Park or Port Douglas. Sailing and fishing charters also make for an excellent activity for a long weekend.

• Port Henry Labor Day Events: Visit picturesque Port Henry on Lake Champlain and enjoy three days of festivities, including live music, food trucks, a town-wide garage sale, fireworks, and a parade of boats that will light the night on Saturday. Stick around for the parade, car show, and BBQ on Sunday.

Tri-Lakes and High Peaks: Adventure in the Mountains

Labor Day weekend is prime time for hikers, climbers, and explorers in the Tri-Lakes region (Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake) and the surrounding High Peaks.

• Hiking the High Peaks: Popular trails like Cascade and Porter will be bustling, but quieter gems such as Ampersand Mountain or Hurricane Mountain offer equally breathtaking views. Start early to avoid crowds.

• Saranac Lake’s End-of-Summer Festivities: Expect live music, local dining specials, and events like the Saturday farmers market, which is one of the largest in the region. Don’t miss the Norther Current Music Festival on Sunday in Riverside Park.

• The Wild Center in Tupper Lake: Their Wild Walk treetop experience is a family favorite and an ideal activity for a long weekend. The Wild Center also offers special programming that highlights the transition from summer to fall.

• Chase Waterfalls in Wilmington: Interact with Mother Nature at High Falls Gorge, an accessible and thrilling site along the Ausable River.

Central Adirondacks: Small-Town Charm and Outdoor Escapes

The heart of the Adirondacks beats strongest in its central towns like Old Forge, Inlet, and Blue Mountain Lake. Labor Day weekend here feels like summer camp for grown-ups and kids alike.

• Old Forge Labor Day Celebration: Expect parades, fireworks, and plenty of small-town Americana charm. The Enchanted Forest Water Safari remains open through the weekend, making it an excellent choice for families.

• Adirondack Experience Museum on Blue Mountain Lake: Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s immersive exhibits on Adirondack history, art, and culture. Special programs are often scheduled for holiday weekends.

• Great Camp Sagamore: Experience life during the Gilded Age at an Adirondack Great Camp. Sagamore was home to the Vanderbilt family for 50 years. Step back in time at this beautifully preserved historic landmark.

Gore Mountain and Schroon Lake: Mountains, Music, and Relaxation

For a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences, the southern Adirondacks near Gore Mountain and Schroon Lake shine over Labor Day.

• Gore Mountain Gondola Rides: Take a scenic gondola ride up Gore to enjoy sweeping views of the southern Adirondacks beginning to show early autumn hues. Hiking and biking trails from the summit make it a great day out.

• Try Glassblowing: If you're looking for one of the most creative, hands‑on and downright fun experiences in the Adirondacks, visit Adirondack Glassblowing Studio in North Creek, NY, near Gore Mountain.

• Hiking Nearby Trails: Severance Mountain, located just off Route 9, offers a short but rewarding hike with panoramic lake views. Families will find it especially manageable.

Making the Most of Labor Day in the Adirondacks.

Labor Day weekend 2025 marks the unofficial close of summer, but it also hints at the Adirondacks’ most spectacular season—autumn. Whether you’re chasing mountain summits, browsing farmers markets, or simply soaking in a lakeside sunset, this weekend is your invitation to celebrate summer’s end in one of the most beautiful corners of New York State.