While fall and then our soon to come Indian summer still linger in Lake Placid, there are a few distinctly autumn events you won’t want to miss. Three of them have become well-known annual affairs with large attendance numbers and one is a brand new and exciting event for late October.

Celebrate Bavarian culture

One of our annual events is actually in Wilmington at Whiteface Mountain, but we don’t want to overlook it as it’s such a famous regional event.  With several well known Bavarian entertainers both days, traditional Bavarian foods and German beers, along with lots more for all ages, there’s something for everyone to love at Oktoberfest. October 4th and 5th are this year’s dates. 

You will find complimentary entertainment and rides for both adults and children, discounted rides on the Cloudsplitter Gondola, craft exhibits and vendors, music, dancing and so much more. Come enjoy the culture of Bavaria in a place Bavarian immigrants to this region have long referred to as “Little Switzerland” (the area surrounding Lake Placid and Wilmington).  

Beer, beer and more beer

At the 1932 Rink in the Lake Placid Olympic Center, you’ll find a celebration of beer on October 11th at the 3rd Annual Lake Placid Brewfest.

For a general admission price of $45 you’ll get four hours of sampling (12 samples with admission ticket and additional tickets $5 per 5 tickets). Last year the event attracted over 50 brewers from around the country and this years promises more of the same. Our favorite local brewers will be featured as well.

New this year is a VIP ticket: it gets the purchaser some great SWAG including a sampling glass and some exclusive VIP samples. VIP attendees will also enjoy an hour longer of tasting with complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 2-3pm. General admission allows the attendees four hours of sampling, unlimited samples and a souvenir glass. Everyone gets to enjoy the live entertainment. If you’re a beer lover, don’t miss this popular event.

Celebrate fall in Lake Placid

Another popular festival falls on Columbus Day weekend. Celebrate Mother Nature’s spectacle this year both Saturday and Sunday, October 11 and 12, with the Flaming Leaves Festival: Blues, Brews and BBQ. An outdoor event held each year at the Olympic Jumping Complex, enjoy awesome blues bands as well as craft vendors, BBQ and great beer varieties. Ski jumpers traditionally give demos during the day on the 90 and 120 meter hills.  Also as part of admission, take the chair-lift and elevator to the top of the 120 meter jump to view the scenery from on high. This is always a fun event.

Can you say 'bluegrass'?

Brand new this year on the last weekend in October is a bluegrass festival. Lake Placid Bluegrass Jam will bring some of America’s top bluegrass bands together with a host of local talent. 

Nearly 12 hours of down home tunes and bluegrass roots music will be headlined by Sam Bush and The Del McCoury Band. McCoury will be joined by 8 regionally notable groups including Eastbound Jesus and the legendary Gibson Brothers. To be sure, you won’t want to miss this inaugural Bluegrass Jam taking place in the Olympic Center’s 1932 rink. The doors will open at 12 noon and performers will entertain non-stop from 12:30pm to 11pm. 

As always, some of these events bring large crowds to the region, so make sure you have lodging lined up by checking out our lodging pages and making a reservation in advance. Also make sure to check out our events calendar for all the other events taking place in the region while you're here.