Adirondack Weekends Are Back in Full Swing
Bridge over Lake Champlain at Crown Point.
There’s a certain Adirondack weekend each spring when the region suddenly feels awake again. This is that weekend.
Mother’s Day arrives alongside gallery strolls, live storytelling, stand-up comedy, and road races that bring energy back to towns across the Park.
Lake George and Lake Placid are buzzing with runners and early-season visitors. Old Forge is wrapping up the final weekend of a beloved 75-year art tradition.
Upper Jay and Westport are leaning into smaller-scale events that feel distinctly Adirondack — creative, local, and worth the drive.
This isn’t a comprehensive calendar. These are ADK Taste’s hand-picked highlights: the events that feel especially worth your time right now.
The weather is warming, the roads are opening up, and Adirondack spring is finally starting to feel less like a transition and more like a season. Frankly, this is the kind of weekend people wait all winter for.
Here are a few of ADK Taste’s hand-picked events worth your time this weekend:
→ Don’t miss a weekend like this. Explore the full lineup below.
Here’s what’s happening across the Adirondacks this weekend.
From a front yard in 1951 to a defining Adirondack exhibition, the 75th Central Adirondack Art Show at View Arts Center in Old Forge is a standout this season—featuring regional artists and a legacy worth seeing.
A fresh take on familiar Adirondack landscapes, LOCAL LIGHT at Whitcomb’s Arts in Westport showcases Deb Kahler’s vibrant, color-driven paintings inspired by Lake Champlain and beyond.
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. →
Live storytelling returns to Upper Jay. The HOWL Story Slam invites anyone to the stage for five-minute, true-life tales—funny, raw, and unforgettable. One night, one mic, and a room full of Adirondack voices.
Looking for family-friendly things to do? Goat brings animated sports comedy and underdog energy to Indian Lake Theater with free admission for kids 17 and under accompanied by an adult.
Small can ball. →
Big hair, bigger message. Hairspray hits the Annex screen in Lake Placid—part of a feel-good movie musical series worth planning around.
A nationally touring comedy show lands in Westport. Love’s A Joke brings sharp, unfiltered takes on marriage, dating, and everything in between to The Mill this May. Big laughs, small venue, Adirondack setting.
One road. One climb. Big Adirondack views. The Prospect Mountain Road Race returns to Lake George on May 9, challenging runners to conquer 1,601 feet of elevation—all for a great cause.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a 5K or 10K on the Adirondack Rail Trail—complete with mountain views, family-friendly vibes, and a race that welcomes runners, strollers, and even dogs.
A charming spring Adirondack market. Shop handmade goods, fresh flowers, and local treats at Hunter Way Farm’s Mother’s Day Market—plus a free kids craft station that lets little ones create something special for Mom.
The CAT Grand Hike connects Whallonsburg to Lewis with a scenic, town-to-town trek through the Champlain Valley. It’s not about summits—it’s about community, conservation, and a different way to experience the Adirondacks.
Paddle into spring at Saranac Lake’s ‘Round the Mountain race. This 10.5-mile Adirondack favorite winds through lakes, river, and carry routes—welcoming everyone from casual paddlers to seasoned racers.
John Brown Day returns with a powerful mix of history, music, and reflection. From a folk opera kickoff to a meaningful ceremony at John Brown Farm, this event offers something deeper than your typical weekend outing.
The Testament of Ann Lee blends music, movement, and history into something unforgettable. Plus, a special guest adds context to this powerful Adirondack film experience.
Don’t miss this powerful screening.→
The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus Trio brings juggling, comedy, and classic sideshow spectacle to the ADK. A rare, family-friendly show that’s anything but ordinary.
A spring morning, a glassy lake, and the rhythmic splash of oars—Long Lake hosts the Great Adirondack Crew Race. A scenic showdown between St. Lawrence and Union College that’s an Adirondack tradition.
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Upcoming Adirondack events.
It’s never too early to start planning your next adventure in the ADK.
The Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge returns with high-stakes fly fishing, riverside gatherings, live music, and Adirondack tradition. It’s one of spring’s most authentic events.
A rare Adirondack performance: Seagle Festival brings Happy End—a jazz-infused opera satire—to North Creek. Part of a historic statewide tour, this is your chance to catch world-class theater right in the Park.
One of the Adirondacks’ most unexpected Memorial Day traditions is back. The Great Adirondack Garage Sale spans 200+ miles of treasure hunting from Old Forge to Speculator—part road trip, part scavenger hunt, and entirely worth the detour.
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.
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.
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.
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