Before Summer Slips Away: Adirondack Events Worth the Detour
Antique and Classic Boat Show in Lake George.
Late August has arrived in the Adirondacks, bringing that annual contradiction: summer is still very much here, but the calendar says otherwise. College students are packing cars, back-to-school lists are appearing, and suddenly those remaining August weekends feel considerably more precious.
Fortunately, this one offers plenty of reasons not to surrender to September just yet. In Lake George, gleaming mahogany and meticulously restored vessels take center stage at the Antique & Classic Boat Show.
Cyclists can see the Adirondacks from two wheels during BikeADK’s Pat Stratton Ride in Saranac Lake, while the 33rd Annual Ticonderoga Area Car Show brings another kind of classic horsepower to Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park.
And that’s just the starting line. ADK Taste has hand-picked the events worth knowing about across the region—not everything happening, but a curated collection of good reasons to make the most of these last full-throttle days of Adirondack summer.
Scroll on, pick a direction and go.
See more of our curated guide to current and upcoming events in the Adirondacks.
Here’s what’s happening across the Adirondacks this weekend.
Saranac Lake becomes an open-air studio August 17–22 as 40 juried artists capture Adirondack landscapes in real time. Watch them paint, catch the two-hour Quick Draw, then see — or buy — the finished works at Town Hall.
By the power of Grayskull — He-Man has reached Indian Lake. *Masters of the Universe* plays Indian Lake Theater August 17–23, with $8 adult admission and free admission for accompanied kids 17 and under.
See who has the power. →
Spider-Man is trading Manhattan for Schroon Lake and lands at The Strand August 14–27, bringing one of summer’s biggest blockbusters to a small-town Adirondack screen.
My spidey sense is saying don’t miss this. →
The Man in Black is bound for Westport. Ring of Fire brings Johnny Cash’s music, hard-lived stories and unmistakable American songbook to the intimate Depot Theatre from August 20 – September 6.
More than 50 gleaming antique wooden boats return to Lake George for one of the Northeast's most celebrated classic boat shows.
Ride 25, 50 or 100 miles through the northern Adirondacks, then collect the sweetest reward: fresh-baked pie. The Pat Stratton Ride returns to Saranac Lake on August 22, raising money for local youth programs with every mile.
Trade the trail map for a little restoration. Wellness Day at It’s About Thyme Farm brings a gentler kind of Adirondack outing to Olmstedville, surrounded by gardens, fresh produce and mountain air.
It’s About Thyme to unwind. →
North Creek is trading ski gear for lawn games at Community Day on August 22. Head to the Ski Bowl for food, music, kids’ activities, old-fashioned races and half-price scenic skyrides — all wrapped in a free Adirondack summer afternoon.
Simple, useful—and unexpectedly modern. “Form and Function: The Beauty of Shaker Design” brings rarely exhibited Shaker furniture, tools, and everyday objects to The Hyde Collection, marking 250 years since the Shakers first settled in upstate New York.
Late summer, under the stars. The Last of the Mohicans returns to Lake George with live reenactments, cannon fire, and a setting that makes the story feel close to home.
Chrome, fins and classic horsepower roll into Ticonderoga August 23. The 33rd Annual Ticonderoga Area Car Show fills Bicentennial Park with vintage vehicles, live music, food and a little automotive nostalgia.
Shift your weekend into gear.→
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Ongoing events and exhibitions.
Remember Storytown, roadside motels, classic attractions, and the family vacations that defined Lake George? Bolton Museum's newest exhibit brings the golden age of Adirondack tourism vividly back to life.
Six giant trolls are taking over The Wild Center this summer. Created from reclaimed materials by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo, these whimsical guardians invite visitors to explore the Adirondacks through art, storytelling, and environmental stewardship.
Upcoming Adirondack events.
It’s never too early to start planning your next adventure in the ADK.
The Adirondack Canoe Classic returns this September, sending 275 boats across 90 unforgettable miles from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. Here's where to watch, what to expect, and why the 90-Miler remains an Adirondack tradition.
Bluegrass, folk, and Americana meet breathtaking Lake George views at Silver Bay's Mountain Music Festival. Spend a September weekend surrounded by great music, historic charm, and one of the Adirondacks' most beautiful waterfront settings.
Mark your calendar for the annual Sasquatch Festival in the historic Champlain Valley town of Whitehall, NY, bringing together Bigfoot believers, cryptid-curious travelers, researchers, live music fans, and families for one of the Adirondacks’ quirkiest and most unexpectedly beloved pop culture events.
Big foot, big….?→
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.
To see all our recommendations for upcoming events in the Adirondacks, visit our events page.
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.
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Channel your inner Guardian… of the woods. This cheeky "May the Forest Be With You" Adirondacks t shirt is perfect for hikers, campers, and anyone who prefers pine trees over palm trees. With a design that pays tribute to a galaxy far, far away—while keeping your boots planted firmly in the Adirondack backcountry—this shirt is a must-have for nature lovers and science fiction fans alike.
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Whether you're exploring the High Peaks or grabbing a beer in Lake Placid, this tee makes it clear: the forest is strong with you.
Why You'll Love It:
100% ring-spun US cotton (heather options include polyester)
Lightweight, breathable, and perfect for year-round wear
Classic unisex fit with a crew neck for versatile style
No side seams = no twisting or rubbing
Tear-away label for tag-free comfort
Ethically made by Gildan, a member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol
Get yours before they disappear into the forest mist.