*Featured Photo by Kacey O' Brien.

 

It’s the heart of summer, and the Lake George Area is in full swing with a packed itinerary of events and activities. There are festivals, musical performances, water sports, outdoor recreation, and, of course, plenty of fireworks — even outside the 4th of July weekend!

 

Whether you stay for a day, a week, or even longer, there’s always something happening, particularly during this time of year.

 

Here’s what visitors can see and do in the Lake George Area during the month of July.


July Events

Besides the wide assortment of festivities taking place during the 4th, there are still so many celebrations to attend during the rest of the month. Whether you enjoy concerts, performances, 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 July.

 

Adirondack Theatre Festival

Location: Charles R. Wood Theater

Date(s): July 10th – July 18th, July 25th – July 27th

Time: ----

 

Entertaining audiences every summer through various plays and musicals, another season of the Adirondack Theatre Festival returns to downtown Glens Falls. Every production is original, meaning you're seeing a brand-new show!

 

July 10th through the 18th features “Gutenberg! The Musical” — a musical comedy about the inventor of the printing press, Johann Gutenberg. The story revolves around his love interest, Helvetica, and an evil monk set out to prevent the townspeople from knowing how to read. Relish a satirical play with no limits in its comedic power.

 

Meanwhile, the weekend of the 25th through the 27th brings “The Last American Newspaper,” a true local story about Glens Falls’ newsroom. From their 2009 Pulitzer Prize win, to the exposing of large-scale issues such as environmental disasters and the opioid epidemic. This is a highly anticipated show, and one to remember.

 

Purchase your tickets and find out when showtimes are by checking out Adirondack Theatre Festival’s 2025 Season online.

 

*To learn more, check out our Adirondack Theatre Festival event page.


Rock the Dock

Location: Lake George Steamboat Company

Date(s): July 12th

Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

 

Rock ‘n’ roll on the shores of Lake George at the historic Lake George Steamboat Company’s steel pier for this one-of-a-kind concert experience.

 

With the Adirondack Mountains as the perfect backdrop, the steamboats will surround the stage, inviting attendees on board. Enjoy the sounds of several well-known jam bands, including Umphrey’s McGee, Pink Talking Fish, Wild Adriatic, Chestnut Grove, The Switch, Neon Avenue, and Capital Zen.

 

Plenty of vendors will also be in attendance, providing food, drinks, merchandise, and more.

 

This event is for all ages, so bring the whole family and get ready to “Rock the Dock!”

 

 *To learn more, check out our Rock the Dock event page.


Smoke Eaters Jamboree

Location: Warrensburg Recreation Field

Date(s): July 25th and 26th

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

 

Two evenings of classic summertime family fun in the Town of Warrensburg.

 

At the Smoke Eaters Jamboree, you’ll find a carnival, rides, live entertainment, plenty of delicious food vendors, and more. Don’t forget to check out the fireworks show on Saturday night, the 26th.

 

This event is held at the Warrensburg Recreation Field, providing a picturesque landscape of the Southern Adirondacks. Brought to you by the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company.

 

*To learn more, check out our Smoke Eaters Jamboree event page.


July Activities

Prepare for 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 July.

 

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 Luzerne 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.

 

The 4th of July features some of the most spectacular fireworks shows of the year, as several towns hold their own patriotic events that conclude with these cascading colors.

 

Check out these fun Independence Day weekend events:

Of course, fireworks don’t need to happen on just the holiday weekend alone. There are plenty of other celebrations and happenings to catch a mesmerizing light show — including the famed Lake George Thursday Night Fireworks happening weekly!

 

Check out these opportunities to catch some Fireworks in the Lake George Area:


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 July.

 

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.