This was originally published in 2021, but was updated in 2022 to reflect current happenings. Enjoy!
What do you get when you combine beautiful scenery, delicious food, live music, and creative art? Why, an arts and culture getaway in Lake Placid, New York, of course!
Known for rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and endless forests and waterways, Lake Placid and the Adirondacks are an outdoor paradise. And while those breathtaking natural features are worthy on their own, Lake Placid’s arts and culture scene is also compelling.
This summer, as events and attractions begin to fill community calendars, join us for good times singing and dancing, listening to music, taking in artwork, and browsing the selection of locally grown foods.
Songs at Mirror Lake
After any activity (hiking or shopping on Main Street), the perfect way to end a day is with a song. In fact, you can hear many songs at Mid’s Park this summer at the weekly Songs at Mirror Lake series. The live music can be enjoyed on land and sea: take a seat on the lawn or paddle up to watch from your kayak. Either way, you’ll be singing along and grooving to the tunes in no time.
Songs at Mirror Lake is hosted on Tuesdays, from 7 - 9 p.m., starting June 28, 2022 and ending on August 22. All shows are FREE!
Performances for 2022 include:
- Tuesday, June 28: Ursa and the Major Key (indie rock)
- Tuesday, July 5: North Mississippi Allstars (country/blues)
- Tuesday, July 12: Farewell Angelina (country)
- Tuesday, July 19: Lao Tizer (jazz)
- Tuesday, July 26: The Ghost of Paul Revere (alt-bluegrass jam)
- Tuesday, August 2: Trigger Happy (Americana)
Up-to-date information on Songs at Mirror Lake can be found on their website.
Lake Placid Center for the Arts
The Lake Placid Center for the Arts (LPCA) is a year-round multi-purpose facility dedicated to presenting the highest caliber of music, dance, theatre, award winning films, and visual arts exhibitions in the Adirondacks. The LPCA provides special arts-in education programs, young people's performances, workshops, and artist residencies.
LPCA is continuing a mix of virtual and in-person events in 2022. For the most comprehensive list of their offerings, visit their website.
Some highlights of past events include: kids' theater camps, 3D collage poem workshop (virtual), adult improv classes (in-person), and an assortment of online lessons and classes. In addition to workshops, LPCA also has a steady stream of concerts and performances throughout the summer.
New in 2021 and continuing in 2022 is the Open Sky Festival, held at the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds. Open Sky is a multidisciplinary festival for arts lovers of every age. Explore multiple days of music, dance, film, and theatre outdoors, under the open sky! The festival will run August 11 - 14, 2022. Check with the LPCA for passes and sales as we get closer to the big day.
Lake Placid Sinfonietta
The Lake Placid Sinfonietta is back again in 2022! The Lake Placid Sinfonietta is a professional chamber orchestra of twenty musicians from across the country, and they have been providing the Adirondacks with classical performances since 1917.
There will be concerts on Sunday evenings at the LPCA and Wednesday evening concerts at Mid's Park. Season dates are July 6 to August 14.
The Sunday Symphony Series evening shows at the LPCA will have in-person tickets available. Wednesday Community Concerts are FREE and first-come, first-seated. The Community Concerts return to Mid's Park in 2022.
More information on specific concerts can be found on the Sinfonietta’s website.
Sunday Symphony Series will be held on: July 10, 17, 23, and 31, and August 7 and 14.
The Wednesday Community Concerts start at 7 p.m. in Mid's Park (in the event of rain, concerts will be at St. Agnes Church):
- Wednesday, July 6: American Patriot
- Wednesday, July 13: Dance Music
- Wednesday, July 20: Travelogue
- Wednesday, July 27: Music of Theater
- Wednesday, August 3: Folksy Music
- Wednesday, August 10: Orchestra Dazzlers
Farmers Markets
After you’ve had your fill of music and art, it will be time for some food! Lake Placid and the High Peaks Region is home to multiple farmers markets, where you’ll find everything from seasonal vegetables to wine to local art.
The Lake Placid Farmers Market is on Wednesdays, from June - September, and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. From fresh local honey to Adirondack inspired ceramics, this market offers tasty treats and artisan crafts. You can find the Lake Placid Farmers Market next to the Green Goddess in the Placid Pond Shopping Center.
The Keene Farmers Market is on Sundays, from early June to mid-October, and runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This market is located outside of town at Marcy Field, between Keene and Keene Valley. Whether you’re headed back home via I-87 or just looking for a relaxing Sunday adventure, you’ll find the Keene Farmers Market a convenient stop. Plus, you can buy locally made cheese, so you really can’t go wrong.
Invent your own perfect vacation
Let’s face it: there’s a lot going on in Lake Placid this summer! You’re going to need more than one day to experience it all. Book a room and stay for awhile. Get outdoors. Dance to live music. If you forgot to pack your dancing shoes, don’t worry—there are plenty of shops downtown that can hook you up.
Most importantly, remember to have fun!
