Lake George Winter Carnival

For five weekends each February and March, the Village of Lake George transforms into a frost-kissed wonderland where custom-built outhouses race across frozen ice, canines showcase talents for prizes, and thousands plunge into 32-degree water simply for the thrill. The 64th Annual Lake George Winter Carnival (February 7 to March 8, 2026) represents one of the Northeast’s most enduring winter traditions: a 100% volunteer-run celebration that has continued uninterrupted since 1961, regardless of whether the “Queen of American Lakes” actually freezes.

The event’s magic lies in its dual nature. When Lake George cooperates and freezes solid, which happens roughly 90% of years, the carnival spills onto the ice with motorcycle races, glacier golf tournaments, and the beloved outhouse races. When it doesn’t, the party simply moves ashore, proving that the Adirondack spirit doesn’t depend on thermometers.

Five weekends of escalating winter spectacle

The 2026 carnival expands to five consecutive weekends, each Saturday and Sunday packed with distinct programming. The schedule unfolds strategically. Weekend 1 (February 7 to 8) launches with opening ceremonies along Canada Street, the annual parade, and the crowd-favorite chili cook-off.

Weekends rotate through BBQ, chowder, chicken wing, and mac-and-cheese competitions, all held at the Village Mall’s first floor, where $16.81 tickets grant tasting rights and voting privileges for the winning entry.

The outhouse races, a 42-year tradition since 1983, occur only on the first two Saturdays (February 7 and 14), drawing five-person teams who push and pull custom-built 4×6-foot outhouses across the ice for a $2,000 cash prize pool each weekend. Registration runs $50 per team, with strict construction specifications: outhouses must weigh at least 250 pounds combined with the rider, feature no doors or windows, and race strictly upright.

The final weekend (March 7 to 8) brings the crescendo: the Lake George 2nd Annual “Chillin’ & Choppin’ at the Lake” professional lumberjack competition, a conclusion parade, and the Lumberjacks & Maple Fest, new for 2026.

Polar plunges, keg tosses, and canine performers

Three signature events repeat every weekend. The Polar Plunge (3 PM daily) is entirely free, requiring only pre-registration and water shoes, while participants emerge to bonfires and complimentary s’mores on Shepard Park Beach. Unlike charity plunges elsewhere, this one simply celebrates Adirondack winter enthusiasm.

The Dog’s Got Talent contest (2:30 PM, Saturdays and Sundays) welcomes all canine performers, no pre-registration required, where everything from high-fives to playing dead earns prizes from local sponsors including The Dog Cabin. Dogs must remain leashed and well-behaved.

Meanwhile, keg toss competitions (Sundays at 3:15 PM) invite anyone who arrives at the souvenir tent on time to hurl empty kegs for distance, immediately followed by the Ladies Skillet Toss, sponsored by Adirondack Winery.

Saturday night fireworks ignite Lake George at 7 PM every weekend, launched from MacDonald Pier and reflected spectacularly across the frozen or semi-frozen lake. They are visible from Shepard Park Beach, along Canada Street, or from spots on the ice itself when conditions permit.

Ice racing demands cooperation from nature

The carnival’s most dramatic events depend entirely on ice thickness. AMA-sanctioned motorcycle and ATV races require a custom-built track carved directly into the frozen lake, while car races (hosted by the Adirondack Motor Enthusiast Club) feature drivers with over 40 years of ice-racing experience. The 2026 schedule highlights 4×4 truck drag races on the final weekend.

Ice thickness must reach 8+ inches for vehicle events. The Lake George Association, Darrin Fresh Water Institute, and the Jefferson Project’s 50+ sensors monitor conditions constantly, with Fish307 tackle shop posting regular updates on Facebook.

Average freeze date is January 19, but variability is significant: the lake froze as early as December 20 (1980) and as late as February 29 (1932). In 2016 to 17, it remained frozen only 13 days, the shortest period on record.

When ice proves unsafe, Lake George Battlefield State Park serves as the backup venue for outhouse races and glacier golf. The carnival has never canceled, it simply adapts.

Shepard Park anchors the action

Nearly all activities center on Shepard Park, the heart of Lake George Village at 270 Canada Street. Its 350-foot sandy beach hosts polar plunges, bonfires, dog shows, and the keg toss, while the adjacent pier offers prime fireworks viewing. A new-for-2026 footpath connects Shepard Park to the Visitor’s Center, improving navigation between venues.

Cook-off competitions unfold at the Village Mall (289 Canada Street, first floor), while the ATV/UTV Poker Run checks in at Duffy’s Tavern each Saturday at 9 AM. Paint & Sip Sundays ($35 to $37.84) convene at the Holiday Inn Resort.

Winter street-side meters throughout the village are covered and free, a small but meaningful perk, with additional parking at Beach Road Lot, West Brook lot, and James Street lot.

Weather reality and essential gear

February temperatures in Lake George average 28 to 30°F highs and 12 to 15°F lows, with approximately 10.5 inches of snowfall throughout the month and 85% humidity, the region’s highest.

Layers prove essential: waterproof boots, thick gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf protect against wind whipping across the frozen lake. Bring hand warmers, a backpack for stashing layers as you warm up, and if participating in the Polar Plunge, water shoes (required) plus warm clothing to change into immediately afterward.

The all-day bonfire on Shepard Park Beach offers free s’mores and a warming station. The hot chocolate bar ($16.81) includes a souvenir mug in limited quantities.

Families find plenty to occupy all ages

The carnival has “always been a family celebration,” with no age restrictions on most events. Children gravitate toward indoor bounce houses, face painting, arts and crafts, and the unique snow tie-dye t-shirts ($2), creating designs using actual snow.

The “Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?” contest runs when snow permits, while Sundae Fun-day (Sundays, noon to 3 PM) features Stewart’s ice cream with toppings and karaoke. Naturalist-led snowshoe hikes offer educational adventures, and pony rides operate throughout each weekend in Shepard Park. The cupcake decorating station, run by Lake George Baking Company, provides another low-key activity for younger visitors.

Weekend 1 (February 7) features the family-friendly LGWC Duck Hunt ($22 to $30 per team), a scavenger hunt across Warren County for rubber ducks with a $500 grand prize, limited to 100 teams.

The lake itself is the real attraction

Lake George earned its “Queen of American Lakes” title from Thomas Jefferson himself, who wrote in 1791 that it was “without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw.” At 32 miles long with over 170 islands, it ranks as the longest lake in New York State and was named the cleanest lake in the United States by Travel + Leisure in 2024.

Its crystal clarity, visibility often exceeding 15 feet, comes from mammoth underground springs and a watershed that’s more than 90% preserved forest.

When frozen solid, the lake supports ice fishing for trophy lake trout (10+ pounders are common), skating on black ice so clear you can see submerged railroad tracks from the old ice-harvesting era, and snowmobile crossings via 300+ miles of connected Adirondack trails.

The Beach Road Skating Rink operates throughout winter (Thursdays to Sundays) with free admission and $5 skate rentals.

The carnival’s signature events, glacier golf, outhouse races, ice motorcycle racing, simply couldn’t exist without this frozen expanse. But the shoreline programs ensure the party continues regardless. Since 1990, Lake George has failed to freeze completely 13 times, yet the carnival has proceeded every single year, demonstrating the resilience that defines Adirondack winter culture.

Timing your visit and navigating crowds

Opening weekend (February 7 to 8) draws the largest crowds: the parade, opening ceremonies, and outhouse races create concentrated energy. The final weekend (March 7 to 8) rivals it with the lumberjack competition finale and conclusion parade. Middle weekends offer more breathing room.

Sundays trend quieter than Saturdays. Arriving before noon secures better parking and allows exploration before afternoon events peak. Cook-offs routinely sell out, purchase tickets in advance through the official Ticketleap page.

Most activities (fireworks, polar plunge, watching events, bonfire) remain completely free. Only cook-off tastings, certain competitions, and specialty experiences carry fees.

Before The Ice Melts

The Lake George Winter Carnival succeeds precisely because it refuses to be precious about winter. Outhouse races began as a joke in 1983 and became a $2,000-prize-pool institution. Polar plunges celebrate discomfort as communion. Fireworks explode over a lake that may or may not be frozen beneath them.

This 64-year-old celebration represents something increasingly rare: a community event sustained entirely by volunteers, adapted to whatever weather arrives, and designed primarily to make the coldest months the most memorable. The frozen lake, when it cooperates, is spectacular, but the carnival works just as well when it doesn’t.