Ten Reasons to Clear Your Calendar in the Adirondacks this Weekend
Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS take residence in Tupper Lake this weekend.
The Adirondacks are settling into one of the sweetest stretches of the year. Days are noticeably longer, spring green is filling in across the mountains, and the region is shaking off its last traces of mud season.
That timing makes this weekend—June 4–8—feel especially packed. From world-class art and birding to larger-than-life trolls and one of the Adirondacks' most iconic Great Camps, there are plenty of reasons to spend less time scrolling and more time exploring.
As always, this isn't a comprehensive list. These are ADK Taste's hand-picked highlights—the events that stand out for their uniqueness, sense of place, and ability to turn an ordinary weekend into something memorable.
Here are a few of ADK Taste's hand-picked events worth your time this weekend:
Crafting the American Ideal: Gustav Stickley and L. & J.G. Stickley | Old Forge
The View Arts Center's major Stickley exhibition continues this weekend, offering a fascinating look at one of the most influential design movements in American history.
Furniture enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and anyone who appreciates craftsmanship will find plenty to admire. The exhibit explores how the Stickley brothers helped shape the Arts and Crafts movement, a philosophy that still resonates throughout the Adirondacks today.
View Arts Center in Old Forge.
The opening of TROLLS: Save The Humans | Tupper Lake
The Wild Center's newest outdoor attraction officially opens, bringing giant troll sculptures and imaginative storytelling to the forest.
Families will likely flock to this one, but adults shouldn't dismiss it as a children's attraction. The installation combines art, nature, and exploration in a way that feels perfectly suited to the Adirondack landscape. Expect this to be one of the region's most talked-about openings of the summer.
Adirondack Boreal Birding Festival | Paul Smiths and surrounding region
Birders know that the Adirondacks hold some of the most unique boreal habitat in the Northeast, and this annual festival offers a rare opportunity to experience it with expert guides.
Participants can join field trips, workshops, and presentations focused on species that are difficult to find elsewhere in New York. Whether someone keeps a life list or simply enjoys spending time outdoors, this event offers a deeper appreciation of the region's wild places.
The historic campus of Great Camp Sagamore.
Community Day at Great Camp Sagamore | Raquette Lake
Few places capture Adirondack history quite like Great Camp Sagamore. This free annual community day invites visitors to explore the grounds, meet interpreters, and learn more about the Vanderbilt family's legendary wilderness retreat.
Families, history lovers, and first-time visitors will find plenty to enjoy. For those who have never visited Sagamore, this is one of the easiest and most welcoming opportunities of the year to experience the property.
ADK Taste recommendations
Arrive early at popular attractions, especially The Wild Center, where opening-weekend crowds are expected.
Bring binoculars to the Boreal Birding Festival—even casual birdwatchers will get more from the experience.
Allow extra time when visiting Old Forge or Tupper Lake; both offer plenty of nearby shops, restaurants, and side adventures.
Wear layers. Adirondack mornings can still feel surprisingly cool, even when afternoons turn warm.
If visiting Great Camp Sagamore, consider adding brunch to make a full day of the experience.
The Wild Center’s Wild Walk in Tupper Lake.
ADK Taste perspective
This is the kind of Adirondack weekend that reminds people why they return year after year. The region's appeal isn't just mountains and lakes—it's the mix of culture, history, wildlife, creativity, and unexpected discoveries.
Spring is rapidly giving way to summer, and the calendar is only getting busier. For those looking to make the most of the season, this is a weekend worth getting out for.
Here’s what’s happening across the Adirondacks this weekend.
Craftsman design meets Adirondack style this summer in Old Forge. View Arts’ new Stickley exhibition showcases rare furniture, Arts and Crafts history, and timeless American design in the heart of the Central Adirondacks.
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.
Boreal birds, sunrise hikes, and one million acres of wilderness—this four-day Adirondack festival is a must for birders and nature lovers alike. Explore guided outings, rare species, and the wild heart of Hamilton County.
A bestselling Colleen Hoover story comes to the big screen. Reminders of Him screens at Indian Lake Theater, offering Adirondack moviegoers a moving story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances.
A second chance on the big screen. →
One of Lake Champlain's longest-running fishing tournaments returns. Discover why the 40th Annual Rotary International Fishing Classic remains a North Country tradition.
Climb one of the Adirondacks’ most iconic peaks—on two wheels. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race returns June 6 with a grueling ascent, stunning summit views, and a finish you’ll never forget.
Internationally acclaimed pianist Sylvie Courvoisier brings her inventive blend of jazz, classical, and improvisation to The Mill in Westport. Discover why this performance may be one of the summer's most memorable cultural events.
Great Camp Sagamore opens its historic grounds for a free Community Day on June 7, complete with interpreters, self-guided exploration, and an optional lakeside brunch.
A rising international violin star is headed to Whallonsburg. Learn why Hiu Sing Fan's June 7 performance at The Grange is drawing attention from classical music lovers across the Adirondack Coast, from Essex to Westport.
Looking for more unforgettable Adirondack events like this? Sign up for our newsletter to get your weekly guide to the region’s best stories, food, and happenings.
Ongoing events and exhibitions.
A new art show lands in Saranac Lake this spring. Moving Mountains brings together painting, drawing, and storytelling inspired by the Canadian Rockies—plus a live memoir reading on opening night.
Pique your curiosity. →
Upcoming Adirondack events.
It’s never too early to start planning your next adventure in the ADK.
Enjoy an evening of opera and Broadway favorites when Seagle Festival presents Opera Shot at Summit & Spice restaurant at NewVida Preserve in Jay, NY
The Black Fly Challenge is back—and it’s as tough as ever. This 40-mile gravel race through the Adirondacks tests endurance, grit, and self-reliance from Inlet to Indian Lake.
Bagpipes, Highland dancers, musket demonstrations, clan heritage, and Lake Champlain views come together at Scots Day. Discover why this unique Adirondack event is a favorite for history lovers and families alike.
William Shatner returns to Ticonderoga this June for an immersive Star Trek experience inside the iconic USS Enterprise set. Tours, autographs, and once-in-a-lifetime fan moments await in the Adirondacks.
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.
Recent episodes.
