Labor Day in the ADK
Summer may be ending, but the Adirondacks still have a lot of gas in the tank. We think Labor Day Weekend is a great way to kick off the fantastic fall and winter seasons. With that in mind, here are our hand-picked Labor Day weekend 2023 activities.
Travel back in time to the ’50s and ’60s with a celebration of classic hits with a Tony and Grammy winner from the “Jersey Boys” original cast, John Lloyd Young.
View Center for Arts and Culture 3273 New York 28 Old Forge, NY, 13420 (map)
I Love BBQ Festival | Lake Placid | September 1-3
The Town of Lake Placid becomes the best-smelling village in New York State when the I Love NY BBQ and Music Festival kicks off on September 1. We can’t wait for three full days of great barbeque, live music, family-fun activities, and BBQ team competitions under the sanctioning of the esteemed Kansas City Barbecue Society.
North Elba Showgrounds 5514 Cascade Road Lake Placid, NY, 12946 (map)
Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival | September 1-3
Get ready for a weekend full of gnarly mountain biking events, plus live music, local food and craft beers in the gorgeous High Peaks region of the Adirondacks in Wilmington, NY.
Wilmington Recreation Park, Park Road, Wilmington, NY, 12997 (map)
Scoops and Brews | Common Roots Brewery | September 1
We can’t think of a better way of starting our Labor Day Weekend than by sampling award-winning delicious ice cream paired with acclaimed brews from Common Roots Taproom on September 1.
58 Saratoga Avenue South Glens Falls, NY, 12803 (map)
Parsons Dance | Lake Placid | September 1
Parsons Dance comes to the Lake Placid Center for the Arts to electrify audiences with its world-class modern dance performances.
Lake Placid Center for the Arts 17 Algonquin Drive Lake Placid, NY, 12946 (map)
Lake George Triathlon | September 2-3
Looking for a way to get your heart rate up? At Lake George’s Triathlon on Labor Day weekend, participants get the thrill of competing in the ultimate endurance challenge while enjoying jaw-dropping views at every turn. It’s like a double espresso of inspiration and excitement.
Lake George Triathlon Race Site 34 Fort George RoadLake George, NY, 12845 (map)
Tupper Lake Triad Challenge | September 2
You don’t have to be a tri-athlete to compete in outdoor activities this weekend. Check out Tupper Lake’s Triad Challenge, which includes conquering three stunning Triad hikes: Coney Mountain (2 miles, RT, easy to moderate), Mount Arab (2 miles, RT, moderately easy), and Goodman Mountain (3 miles, RT, moderate).
Competition begins at Coney Mountain trailhead, NY 30, Tupper Lake, NY (map)
Port Henry Labor Day Celebration | September 2-3
For over 130 years, the quaint town of Port Henry has hosted its annual two-day Labor Celebration. We reckon they are pretty good at it by now. 2023 events include a town-wide yard sale, Port Henry Regatta, live music festival, and Parade of Lights, and that’s just the first day!
Port Henry, NY, 12974 (map)
Schroon Lake’s Annual Labor Day Garage Sale | September 2
Ahoy, Treasure Seekers! Town Park in Schroon Lake is your hunting ground for unique finds and hidden gems. Plus, with a location above the beach on Dock Street, you’ll have spectacular views while you peruse the merchandise.
Schroon Lake Town Park Schroon Lake, NY, 12870 (map)
Annual Monarch Festival | Paul Smith’s | September 2
It’s Lepidopterist Lollapalooza at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center on Labor Day weekend. The Breck Chapin Memorial Native Species Butterfly House is at the center of a day-long celebration of the beautiful Monarch before it embarks on its annual flight to points south and west for the winter.
Paul Smith's College VIC 8023 New York 30 Paul Smiths, NY, 12970 (map)
Dancing in the Streets | Schroon Lake | September 2
What better way to celebrate Labor Day than by getting your groove on at Schroon Lake’s Street Dance? The whole family is welcome to shake a tail feather from 7 to 9 pm on Dock Street in the middle of town.
1 Dock Street Schroon Lake, NY, 12870 (map)
41st Annual Olympic Car Show | Lake Placid | September 3
Meet up with other car enthusiasts on Sunday of Labor Day weekend at the Olympic Car Show right on the Skating Oval in the center of Lake Placid. You’ll see current models, concept cars, vintage autos and out-of-production classic cars, all while surrounded by the beauty of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks.
41st Annual Olympic Car Show 2634 Main Street Lake Placid, NY, 12946 (map)
Northern Current | Music Festival | Saranac Lake | Sept. 3
Get your groove on at the annual Northern Current Music Festival. Enjoy this day-long community event in beautiful Riverside Park in Saranac Lake. Enjoy great music, food, beverages, fun activities for the Lil’ ADKers and more.
Bolton Landing Labor Day Celebration | September 3
Celebrate Labor Day in Bolton Landing on Lake George on Sunday, September 3rd. Enjoy live music from 5 to 8 pm with Radio Junkies, and then fireworks will commence around 8 pm at Rogers Memorial Park.
Bolton Landing Labor Day Celebration 4922 Lake Shore Drive Bolton, NY, 12814 (map)
Ring of Flames | Piseco Lake | September 3
Experience the annual spectacle that is the Ring of Flames on Piseco Lake. Lakefront residents and visitors build bonfires on the shoreline after sunset and then sit back and enjoy the view of a ring of campfires around the lake.
Ring of Flames on Piseco Lake NY, 12139 (map)
Coming Up: Fall Events.
Lookit: the Adirondack region is not a one-trick pony; we’ve got game beyond the summer season. The fall is one of the best times to visit the ADK, and the winter is pretty special, too. Thank your lucky stars ADK Taste is here to help you suss out the great places to visit and events to attend. Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the ideas we have for you in the coming weeks.
Discover Biathlon — Did you ever wonder how Olympians compete in an event that requires incredible physical energy and then the ability for composure to fire a rifle? Here’s your chance to understand and engage in the biathlon experience — September 4 and 8 (and more dates to follow).
Wilmington’s Festival of Colors — 75 local vendors, artisans, food and beverage purveyors and more come together for a genuine hometown festival celebrating Autumn — September 9.
2023 Minerva Irish Day — Experience a fun-filled day of traditional Irish harvest festivities, including food, dancing, music, authentic Irish vendors and more — September 09.
Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival - September 21-24 — This will be the 50th anniversary of the Festival. This iconic fall event is one of the top three hot-air balloon festivals in the US. Over the course of four days, attendees have the opportunity to partake in a number of incredible events.
And these are just a few of the events to look forward to in the Adirondacks. To stay in the know, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
