Courtesy Paul Post
By Paul Post
Good weather, fun attractions and a new state-of-the-art performance stage are contributing to a strong Lake George tourism season, with big things still to come heading into early autumn.
“We’ve had a really healthy, event-driven summer,” said Gina Mintzer, Lake George Chamber of Commerce executive director. “There’s new people coming here in addition to regular vacation folks who have been coming for generations, and we’ve seen a big uptick in bus tours. You might see a little lighter traffic on a Monday or Tuesday as people are making shorter stays, but then it’s full steam ahead Wednesday through the rest of the week.”
From Aug. 5-9, Lake George hosted Wolfsgart, the premier European automotive festival, previously held in Burlington. Participants brought new and classic cars alike and used numerous local venues, including The Ed on South Street in Glens Falls, marking the first time Lake George has partnered with that facility for an event.
“They stayed in hotels and motels, camped, used short-term vacation rentals and were in Shepard Park, Wood Park, and went to Northway Brewery in Queensbury and Bandstand Brew Works in Warrensburg, so they were all over,” Mintzer said.
But the season’s biggest catalyst was the highly anticipated mid-July opening of a new performance stage at Shepard Park, replacing a band shell destroyed by fire just two years earlier.
Lake George Arts Project and the Village of Lake George have partnered to book a variety of top-flight talent in addition to popular local bands and musicians.
“This is a dream come true, a generational project that’s going to be around for 50, 100 years,” Mayor Ray Perryt said. “I’m very excited about the way it came out. We’re going to be able to draw a higher level of talent. At the same time I want to retain our original people who got us here, like Stony Creek Band.”
The facility has potential for year-round use for events such as Winter Carnival, too, he said.
Perry said increased parking meter revenue and more water and wastewater use indicate that more people are visiting Lake George this summer. “And Canadians are back for sure,” he said. “I’ve seen more Canadian license plates than I’ve seen for two years.”
The performance stage opening was attended by a variety of local and state officials who cited its economic impact potential and fast-tracked construction. “Oftentimes government doesn’t move as quickly as people would like,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx. “This was a tremendous job. What a nice way to give back to the people of Lake George.”
“From a business perspective, it’s a great amenity for our guests,” said Holiday Inn owner Vincent Crocitto, who’s also town supervisor. “This is something our guests will enjoy for years to come. They always look forward to Shepard Park. It’s really the center of the village and the community.”
Assemblyman Matt Simpson, R-Horicon, said, “Lake George is one of New York’s greatest treasures. Each year countless people from around the world and across the nation come here, creating jobs and supporting the North Country economy. While buildings can be lost, the memories they create and the people who cherish them will always endure.”
Jim Siplon, Warren County Economic Development Corporation president, said he’s not the least bit surprised at this summer’s strong tourism, following last year’s somewhat soft season. “That sector is remarkably resilient,” he said. “We have a great reputation here. The opportunity for us is to figure out how to produce even more value out of it.”
“We continue to work, looking for ways to expand the tourist season in Lake George and other places such as North Creek, a traditional winter market that’s becoming increasingly popular in summer,” he said. “Thousands of people go rafting, tubing and take Revolution Rail bike rides each year. When we add ORDA’s new zip coaster it will be even more of a summer destination.”
The mountainside thrill ride is scheduled for completion this fall or next spring.
But Mintzer pointed out that the 2026 season is far from over. Upcoming events such as the Adirondack Nationals Car Show (Sept. 10-13) and Jazz at the Lake (Sept. 18-20) bring huge throngs to Lake George, and Mintzer said the village might once again host a “moon glow” during the Adirondack Balloon Festival (Sept. 17-20).
This is followed by the World’s Largest Garage Sale in Warrensburg (Oct. 3-5), Lake George Oktoberfest (Oct. 9-11) and Harvest Fest at Gore Mountain (Oct. 10-11).
Mintzer said the Warren County Tourism Department is planning a summit in late October, bringing together government, tourism business owners and related stakeholders to assess the 2026 season and begin making plans for next year.