Though the twilight of summer is on the horizon, the seasonal fun and festivities are far from over! In fact, some may say they’re just getting started.
Now’s your chance to complete everything on your summer vacation itineraries. Enjoy a fun-filled day on the beach, embark on a scenic hike, attend a one-of-a-kind festival experience, and much more. The possibilities are seemingly endless.
Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of August.
August Events
The month of August provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor events. Whether you enjoy performances, athletics, food and drink, or simply a good excuse to go out, you’ll find it here.
Below are just a few examples of events to attend this August.
Stony Creek Mountain Days Festival
Location: Stony Creek Recreation Field
Date(s): August 2nd and 3rd
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Town of Stony Creek welcomes visitors from far and wide for the 21st annual Stony Creek Mountain Days Festival, an Adirondack festival jam-packed with family fun!
Featuring a weekend of live music, free children’s activities, foods and vendors, and, of course, the main event — the New York State Lumberjack Competition on Sunday. There will also be a fundraiser softball game for the local teams on Saturday.
Come to the small town of Stony Creek and channel your inner Adirondack spirit.
*To learn more, check out our Mountain Days Festival event page.
Adirondack Independence Music Festival
Location: Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park
Date(s): August 29th - 31st
Time: -----
Music lovers won’t want to miss the annual, three-day Adirondack Independence Music Festival, located at the beautiful Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park.
Several premiere touring bands currently on the festival circuit will be performing, with two side-by-side stages running continuously until 11:00 PM each night.
The festival will also have a fantastic beer and wine selection, a full bar, and numerous food and merchandise vendors.
Get ready for one of Lake George’s biggest parties of the year.
Lake George Triathlon Festival
Location: Lake George Beach
Date(s): August 30th and 31st
Time: Check out Event Page for a Detailed Schedule
Swim, bike, and run on the pristine shores of Lake George! Are you up to the challenge?
The Lake George Triathlon Festival is a fun and competitive weekend where registrants can compete in various races such as the Alpha Sprint, the Alpha Olympic, and the Alpha Long Course – also known as the Alpha 70.3. Athletes will conquer these distances, with a highly regarded awards ceremony afterwards.
Even if you don’t participate, feel free to attend and cheer on your favorite competitors.
August Activities
There’s still plenty of time to have the best summer ever in the Lake George Area. The grasses are green, the waters are blue, and there’s oh so much to do!
Explore the pristine and refreshing waters of Lake George with a wide range of aquatic-themed adventures. Or perhaps you wish to navigate the woodlands of the Adirondacks through one of many outdoor recreation opportunities. No matter what you choose, summertime fun is guaranteed.
Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of August.
Boating
Set sail on the clean, blue waters of Lake George aboard a boat, and discover why so many have favored the “Queen of American Lakes” for centuries.
One of the most sought-after attractions in the area happens to be the sightseeing steamboat cruises. Both the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises allow passengers to view all 32 miles, while also providing various themed and specialty cruises all throughout the season.
Of course, if you desire a more personal experience, several private boat tours and charters make their home around the lake. Check out our Boat Cruises & Charters page to book an excursion with an experienced captain who will be more than happy to provide a memorable experience.
You can also rent a boat and captain your own crew as you sail for a day of lakeside fun. Various marinas, such as Brodie’s Lakeside Marina and Dockside Landing Marina, offer boat rentals, but you can also check out other companies in the area by visiting our Boat Launches, Marinas, & Rentals page.
Water Sports
Looking for an adrenaline rush while on the water? The Lake George Area is home to several thrilling ways to explore the waters of Lake George, with the refreshing splashes being the ultimate reward.
A more peaceful - yet still energizing – activity, paddling allows for anyone to enjoy the wide-open waters at their own pace. Not only is paddling via canoe or kayak popular on Lake George, but also on smaller rivers and lakes like the Hudson River, Thirteenth Lake, and Brant Lake. Check out more potential paddling spots by checking out our Paddling page.
If you crave some roaring waters, then consider going whitewater rafting with one of the dozen outfitters located in the Lake George Area. Gather a group of family or friends and choose to traverse either the strong whitewaters of the Hudson River, or perhaps the calmer and more beginner-friendly Sacandaga River. Plan your rafting journey by checking out our Whitewater Rafting page.
Soar high above the waters below, and enjoy spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains, by signing up for a parasailing adventure. Fly solo, or bring a friend or two, and catch some serious air with an experienced crew assisting you throughout. Reserve your spot with nearby choices like Parasail Nation or Parasail Joe’s.
Jet Skis are another fantastic way to explore the Lake George waters. These motorized watercrafts provide a thrilling experience as you zip across the lake, feeling the winds and the spray of water in your face. Check out available jet ski rentals by visiting our Boat Launches, Marinas, & Rentals page.
Waterfront Dining
Enjoy a top-notch meal with a one-of-a-kind view of the water at one of the many Lake George Area restaurants featuring an outdoor deck or patio. Some restaurants even include private boat docks for those navigators looking to take a well-earned break from a day on the lake.
For a list of available waterfront restaurants, check out our Waterfront Dining page. Our Dock & Dine on Lake George blog is also a terrific resource for those looking for a place accessible by boat.
Beaches
Get ready for a classic summer beach day filled with sand, sun, and plenty of splashing. Cool off in the refreshing waters, or perhaps relax with a good book on the sandy shore.
There are nearly a dozen beaches around the area to choose from, from the Haviland Cove Park Beach in Glens Falls to the Wayside Beach in Lake Luzerne.
To learn more about the available beaches in the Lake George Area, check out our Beaches page, as well as our Lake George Beaches and Beyond blog.
Outdoor Recreation
Of course, there’s plenty more to explore around the Lake George Area than just the waterfront. Located within the Adirondack Park, the area is filled with forests, woodlands, and all sorts of greenery to create the perfect outdoor recreation playground.
With peaks offering breathtaking views, and hundreds of miles of accessible trails, hiking is a widely sought-after activity in the area. There are hiking trails for all ages and experience levels, from the family-friendly Pinnacle to the more challenging Meade Mountain and Beckman Mountain Hiking Trail. Check out our Hiking page to find your perfect climb.
Whether you enjoy mountain biking, fat tire biking, or classic cycling, the area has a wide variety of bike paths and trails to pedal. A popular standout is the Warren County Bikeway, a 9.4-mile paved path that takes cyclists through the sights and sounds of Glens Falls, Queensbury, and the Lake George Village. Don’t forget to check out our Biking page for available paths and routes.
The Lake George Area’s bottomless lakes, wide-open rivers, and backwoods streams are an angler’s paradise. Fishing has proven to be a classic pastime in the area, and with a variety of species to catch, this activity can be enjoyed year-round. For a list of fishing spots in the area, check out the NYS DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation)’s Fishing Locations in Warren County page, as well as our Fishing page.
Trail rides on horseback provide a fantastic sightseeing opportunity through the Adirondack woodlands. There are multiple ranches throughout the area, such as Saddle Up Stables in Lake George or the Circle B Ranch in Chestertown. Check out our Horseback Riding page to learn more.
Fireworks Shows
Gaze in awe and wonder under a rainbow of colors with one of the many fireworks displays that frequent the Lake George Area in the summertime.
If you haven’t had the chance to witness the Thursday Night Fireworks in Lake George, or the Fireworks Cruises hosted by the Lake George Steamboat Company and Lake George Waterfront Cruises, then you’re in luck. These events will be occurring weekly until the end of August, so check out the calendar below and make plans to attend.
There will also be a special Labor Day Celebration at Bolton Landing’s Rogers Memorial Park on Sunday, August 31st, with a special fireworks show to close out the evening. See below for more details.
What to Pack
Before participating in any of the above events or activities, it’s important to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for whatever weather and/or environment you can expect to encounter.
Below are some helpful suggestions for packing for your Lake George Area trip during the month of August.
Fun in the Sun
The sun is as bright and warm as it’s ever been. Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and apply it regularly to prevent sunburn, or worse, sun poisoning.
Lighter clothes are ideal for making certain you don’t overheat, but a light sweatshirt for those brisk summer evenings by the campfire is always a plus.
And, of course, if you plan to do any sort of swimming or water activity, a few bathing suits or swimwear are essential. Don’t forget the towels!
Interacting with Nature
Black flies, mosquitoes, and ticks are everywhere during this time of year, especially in the forests and woodlands. If you’re going to be outdoors, bug spray is crucial in order to stop those pesky bites.
For ticks specifically, make sure you constantly check before they bury themselves deep into the skin. You should also shower after any long bouts of outdoor recreation, such as hiking or mountain biking.
Speaking of hiking, come equipped with your hiking boots or shoes, as well as any hiking gear you feel comfortable carrying.