Strawberries & Cream Festival @ Raquette Lake

The Strawberries & Cream Festival, often affectionately referred to by locals as the Raquette Lake Strawberry Festival, is a quintessential summer event that embodies the warm and welcoming spirit of the Adirondacks. This annual celebration is tailored for a diverse audience, including families, foodies, and those who cherish the natural beauty and rich history of the region.

At the heart of this event are the families and community members who gather to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The festival is a magnet for anyone with a sweet tooth, particularly those who revel in the simple pleasures of fresh strawberry shortcake. Music lovers will also find delight in the casual, laid-back atmosphere, though there are no specific performances or headliners announced for this event.

The festival takes place on Saturday, June 29, 2025, at the Raquette Lake Fire Hall, situated at 178 New York 28 in Raquette Lake, New York. The event begins at 11 am and continues until the strawberry shortcakes are sold out, making it a morning to early afternoon affair. There are no additional special happenings like fireworks or parades scheduled during this event, but the anticipation of savoring the last strawberry shortcake before they are all gone adds a delightful urgency to the day.

Raquette Lake, the venue for this festival, is a gem within the Adirondack Park. It is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks, boasting over 100 miles of picturesque, pine-covered shoreline. The Hamlet of Raquette Lake, with its old-world charm and small-town feel, provides a perfect backdrop for this community-driven event. For those traveling from afar, the nearest major airport is the Albany International Airport, from which one can take a scenic drive via Highway 28 to reach Raquette Lake. Local transportation and boat access are also available, adding to the ease of getting to this idyllic location.

The primary draw of the Strawberries & Cream Festival is the delectable strawberry shortcake, meticulously prepared by the Raquette Lake Ladies Auxiliary. This treat is a highlight of the summer season, made even more special by the knowledge that a portion of the proceeds benefits the Raquette Lake Fire Department. The event offers more than just a sweet indulgence; it serves as a hub for gathering information about other local events and reconnecting with the community.

The setting itself is a significant part of the festival’s appeal. Raquette Lake’s natural beauty, with its expansive lake and surrounding forests, creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. The historic Raquette Lake Fire Hall, a central gathering point for the community, adds a touch of nostalgia and local charm to the event.

In essence, the Strawberries & Cream Festival at Raquette Lake is an intimate and heartwarming celebration that combines delicious food, community spirit, and the breathtaking beauty of the Adirondacks. It is an event that promises to leave attendees with fond memories and a renewed appreciation for the simple joys of summer in a picturesque lakeside village.