Attention Foodies: You need to add these festivals to your bucket list! The Lake George Area has an abundance of food festivals taking place throughout the year in which restaurants exhibit their variety of cuisines, while chefs show off their culinary talents and innovative recipes. Sample and shop award-winning artisan foods, craft beverages, and organically-grown produce. One of the best ways to experience the Lake George Area is to eat like the locals!

December, January, and February features hearty stews and competitive cook-offs. Here is the Winter Edition of our Festivals for Foodies series:

Stews N’ Brews

Date: January 24, 2026

Time: 12 to 3 p.m.

Location: Multiple Locations in the Lake George Area

Cost: $3 per cup of stew + $2 off special draft drinks 

There is no better pair than a seasonal draft and hearty stew to warm you up in the winter. Over a dozen local establishments take part in this event that brings together local breweries and restaurants within the Lake George Area. Stews N’ Brews is a great opportunity for foodies to revisit their favorite hangouts or experience new flavors. A number of these participating establishments also feature live, local tunes for the occasion. 

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Participating restaurants include: 

Lake George Winter Carnival Cook-Offs

Dates & Times: 

  • Chili Cook-Off: February 7, 2026 (1 to 3 p.m.)
  • BBQ Cook-Off: February 14, 2026 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Chowder Cook-Off: February 21, 2026 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Chicken Wing Cook-Off: February 28, 2026 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Mac & Cheese Cook-Off: March 7, 2026 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.)

Location: Lake George Village Mall

Cost: Voting Ticket – $15.00 + service fees

Served ‘til it’s gone! Every Saturday during the Lake George Winter Carnival, Lake George restaurants compete in cook-offs and YOU decide the winner! Each cook-off is always a different theme, and feature Chili, BBQ, Chowder, and Chicken Wing Cook-Offs and returning this year - Mac & Cheese! Lake George restaurants go head-to-head, you sample from each ‘til it’s gone, and then your vote counts in crowning the winners of the 64th annual Winter Carnival!

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2025 Winners:

1st Place Chili: TR's Restaurant 

1st Place BBQ: The Garrison

1st Place Chowder: YMCA Camp Chingachgook

1st Place Chicken Wings: The Lagoon

1st Mac & Cheese: The Lagoon

Voting Ticket is only valid for the specified cook-off and voting information is made available the day of.

*Originally published October 22, 2023.