Things to Do in the Lake George Area in October

*Featured Photo by Kacey O' Brien.

Whether you’re here for the peak of fall foliage, or to celebrate spooky season, the Lake George Area is ready to welcome you with plenty of things to do—ranging from fun and festive to downright frighteningly good times.

So take a walk along forest trails, keep your wits about you as you navigate a haunted tour, or simply kick back and enjoy some authentic German culture at one of many Oktoberfests.

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

October Events

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, communities come together to commemorate the spirit of the season.

The month of October is decorated with various celebrations that create an enchanting atmosphere. From a town-wide garage sale and swap meet to a labyrinth of scares and thrills at every turn.

Below are just a few examples of events to attend this October.

World’s Largest Garage Sale

Location: Town of Warrensburg

Date(s): October 3rd – 5th

Time: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)

The entire town of Warrensburg is transformed into a community-wide garage sale, craft fair, and vendor fest. Spanning across several main blocks and side streets, it certainly earns its namesake as the “World’s Largest Garage Sale.”

This FREE-to-attend event takes place across an entire weekend, meaning attendees will have the chance to browse everything there is to see. Hundreds of vendors will be offering antiques, clothing, furniture, handmade crafts, and, of course, plenty of food options to enjoy as you shop.

Live music and children’s activities will also be taking place throughout the weekend, so make sure you bring the whole family to one of the most anticipated events of the fall season.

*To learn more, check out our World’s Largest Garage Sale event page.

Fright Fest

Location: Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor

Date(s): Every Friday – Sunday in October (+ Monday October 13th)

Time: Check out the Six Flags Great Escape Park Schedule

When the sun goes down, Six Flags Great Escape becomes the place for thrills and chills.

Every weekend after 5:00 PM, horrors lurk around every corner, and the fear factor is cranked up to another level. In addition to your favorite rides in the dark, expect to find various Halloween-themed attractions, including haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and much more.

For fans of all things spooky, Fright Fest is the place to be.

Meanwhile, for the younger ghouls, make sure to check out the family-friendly Boo Fest during the daytime hours.

*To learn more, check out our Fright Fest event page.

Lake George Village Oktoberfest

Location: Canada Street – Lake George

Date(s): October 10th – 12th

Time:

Friday October 10th: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (crafters begin at 12:00 PM)

Saturday October 11th: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday October 12th: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

A delightful Bavarian-style festival is taking center stage on Lake George Village’s Canada Street.

Embrace the German culture with an assortment of attractions and activities. Sample authentic German cuisine, such as bratwurst, potato pancakes, and wiener schnitzel. Taste some handcrafted German-inspired brews from Adirondack Pub & Brewery’s beer garden. And, of course, partake in some fun traditional events like Stein Hoisting and Keg Tossing.

There are also plenty of children’s activities throughout the weekend, including crafts, carnival rides, live polka music, and plenty more in store.

Lake George Village’s 14th annual Oktoberfest is FREE** for everyone to attend, so make the trip for a weekend full of Adirondack fall fun.

*To learn more, check out our Lake George Village Oktoberfest event page.

**Food and Beer will require purchasing, and are cash only.

October Activities

Fall festivities are in full swing, and with it comes several outlets for Adirondack sightseeing, or even just opportunities to get out and enjoy the brisk autumn air.

From nature hikes and scenic drives during the day, to ghost tours and paranormal hauntings in the thick of the night, outdoor exploration finds its way into every part of an October outing, no matter your interests.

Below are just a few activities to do in the Lake George Area during the month of October.

Leaf Peeping

A beloved pastime in the Adirondacks during the fall season, visitors travel far and wide just to see the magnificent foliage colors that paint the landscape.

Want to know the best methods for Leaf Peeping in the Lake George Area? Check out the following blogs for some splendid suggestions and locations.

Hiking

With an impressive collection of peaks and trails, the Lake George Area is a hiker’s haven. Ranging in length and difficulty, every level of hiker is accommodated for, from complete beginners to the most experienced navigators.

The Lake George Land Conservancy maintains nearly a dozen trails and preserves throughout the area, each one varying in length and terrain, but all of them providing scenic views of nearby mountain ranges and waterbodies.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to accomplish multiple—or even a series of—hikes, then check out the selections listed in the Chester Challenge or the Brant Lake Challenge. These adventures are filled with beautiful vistas, overlooks, and summits.

*To learn more about hiking, check out our Hiking page.

Haunted Fun

With the welcomed return of spooky season, hundreds of visitors are eagerly searching for some scary vibes to get into the festive spirit. Although, you needn’t look far, for the Lake George Area is said to be filled with paranormal history.

Whether you’re visiting some of the Lake George Area locations on the Haunted History Trail of New York State, signing up for one of many guided ghost tours—like at the Chapman Museum—or perhaps adventuring at one of many various public spots, there are certainly plenty of haunted hijinks to be had.

*For suggestions and ideas, check out our “Haunted & Mysterious Lake George Area” blog.

Oktoberfests and Fall Festivals

Looking to mix and mingle at some fall-themed celebrations? Check out these Oktoberfests and Fall Festivals happening during the month of October.

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 might encounter.

Below are some helpful packing suggestions for your Lake George Area trip during the month of October.

Preparing for Cooler Weather

October certainly grows cooler during the day, and can definitely become chilly during the night.

As such, it’s best to be prepared with a thicker layer or two, especially when outdoors. Items like sweatpants, sweatshirts, and thicker socks and shoes find themselves becoming more of a necessity as the month goes on.

Interacting with Nature

A good amount of bugs and insects will still be lurking around before the first frost hits. 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.