September Hits Its Stride: An Adirondack Weekend Worth Planning
September is beginning to make its move in the Adirondacks. A few maples are flashing red and orange, mornings have a little more bite, and summer is slowly giving way to the season that tends to steal the show around here.
The calendar is transitioning, too. Teddy Roosevelt Weekend in Newcomb reaches back into Adirondack history, while paddlers tackle 90 miles of lakes and rivers during the legendary Adirondack Canoe Classic, better known as the 90-Miler.
At Silver Bay, the Mountain Music Festival brings live music to the shores of Lake George, and Wilmington gets remarkably well-timed with its annual Festival of Colors.
That’s only part of what’s happening September 10–13. ADK Taste has hand-picked the events that look especially worth the drive, the detour or the extra layer this week—not everything on the calendar, but a curated collection of reasons to get out and see what early fall is bringing to the Adirondacks.
The leaves are just getting started. The weekend, however, is ready to 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.
Nearly 1,500 classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars roll into Lake George for the 37th Adirondack Nationals. From the Show & Shine to nighttime cruises on Canada Street, find out what to know before you go.
Ready to go the distance? The Old Forge Marathon returns with races from a 5K to an Ultra 50K—plus multi-race challenges, gravel cycling and the Ky-Tri. It’s four days of endurance sports with a distinctly Adirondack twist.
Apple season has arrived. The annual Apple Warrensburgh Apple Festival returns on September 11 with local apples, cider donuts, baked treats, cider pressing, farmers, artisans and live music—a deliciously Adirondack way to get an early taste of fall.
125 years ago, Theodore Roosevelt raced through the Adirondacks toward the presidency. Newcomb and North Creek bring the story back to life with reenactments, Great Camp tours, theater, film and events held in the very places where history happened.
The Adirondack Canoe Classic returns, 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.
Don’t paddle past this story. →
Silver Bay’s Mountain Music Festival pairs bluegrass, folk and Americana with an intimate historic campus, lakeside lodging and early-fall Adirondack scenery. Here’s why this young festival deserves attention.
Gravel, fall scenery, craft beer and pizza: Handlebarley returns to North Hudson with a 43-mile Saturday ride through Ironville and Moriah, plus Sunday’s scenic spin to Boreas Ponds. Ride one day—or make a weekend of it.
Flannel season starts early in Wilmington. The Festival of Colors returns with food trucks, Adirondack makers, live music, pumpkin painting and the all-important cupcake contest. Here's why this hometown favorite deserves a spot on the fall calendar.
Twigs, bark, antlers and plenty of imagination: the annual Rustic Fair returns to ADKX September 12–13 with 40 makers showcasing handcrafted furniture, art and rustic design. Come for the fair, then make a day of exploring Blue Mountain Lake.
Branch out at the Rustic Fair. →
Cheers to 12 years! Ausable Brewing Company celebrates with specialty beer releases — including a nostalgic favorite and something brand-new — plus live music all day and a special menu from Northern Feast.
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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.
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.
Upcoming Adirondack events.
It’s never too early to start planning your next adventure in the ADK.
Look up! The Adirondack Balloon Festival returns with 60+ balloons, sunrise launches, special shapes, food, crafts and the dazzling Moonglow. Here’s when to go—and what to know before heading to Queensbury and Glens Falls.
Lake George swings into fall as Jazz at the Lake returns for its 42nd year. The free weekend pairs nationally recognized jazz with lakefront performances at Shepard Park, plus barbecue, pierogi, wood-fired pizza and more.
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….?→
To see all our recommendations for upcoming events in the Adirondacks, visit our events page.
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.
Bring a bold splash of the Adirondack spirit wherever you roam with this vibrant, adventure-ready tote bag. Featuring a chic golden hue and a retro-style design, this tote is more than just an accessory—it’s a statement of your love for the mountains, forests, and lakes that make the Adirondacks legendary.
Crafted from durable, easy-care polyester and finished with reinforced stitching, this bag is made to go the distance—from farmers’ markets to campsites, library runs to beach days. The roomy boxed corners make packing snacks, sweaters, books, or souvenirs a breeze, while the sturdy navy or black straps sit comfortably on your shoulder no matter how full the day (or the bag).
And with the playful “Find the Good Stuff Here” message on the reverse, this tote is a nod to curiosity, good vibes, and great finds.
Perfect for:
Day trips to your favorite lake or historic site
Grocery hauls and artisan market strolls
Picnic gear, beach towels, or a cozy flannel
Commuters who love to keep it wild
Gift-givers looking for something both beautiful and useful
Product Features:
100% polyester for strength and durability
Reinforced handle stitching for everyday carry confidence
Spacious 16" x 16" design with boxed corners for easy packing
Soft yet sturdy medium-weight fabric
Stylish navy handles to complement any outfit
Go ahead—Find the Good Stuff. Carry it in style.
A perfect gift for Adirondack lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who believes “Forever Wild” is more than a motto—it’s a way of life.