Lake George Summer Concert Series 2026: Free Music All Summer Long

One of the best things about a Lake George summer is how much music is happening — and how much of it is completely free. Shepard Park, with its new performance stage, is the heart of it all. Here's what to know for 2026.

Lake George Community Band Summer Concert Series

Every Thursday at 8:00 p.m., from June 25 through August, the Lake George Community Band plays Shepard Park. Bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring a date — it's the kind of free, easy, lake-breeze concert that defines summer in this Village.

Lake George Arts Project: 2026 Summer Concert Series

Every Wednesday in July and August, the Lake George Arts Project hosts free concerts at 7:00 p.m. in Shepard Park. The lineup spans jazz, blues, folk, and indie — curated by an organization that's been a backbone of the local arts scene for decades. All shows are free, all open to the public, all worth the trip.

Lake George Community Band Festival (July 18)

If one Thursday night isn't enough, the Community Band Festival on July 18 brings concert bands from across the Northeast and Canada to Shepard Park from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is the largest band festival of its kind in the Northeast, and admission is free.

Summer Loving Fun Fest (July 23–26)

Four days of non-stop live music at Shepard Park, plus craft vendors, bounce houses, food trucks, and a beer and wine tent. Opening night (July 23) features the Kelly's Angels Drone Show at 9:30 p.m. followed by Lake George fireworks. Proceeds benefit Kelly's Angels, Inc., which supports children affected by cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

Rockin' for Ronald (July 31–August 2)

A three-day Shepard Park festival benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities Krantz Vacation Cottage — live music, food, beverages, merch and craft vendors, kids' activities. Pure summer.

Beyond Shepard Park

• Lake George Music Festival: chamber music at the Carriage House at Fort William Henry — keep an eye on lakegeorgemusicfestival.org for 2026 dates.

• Luzerne Music Center Faculty Artist Series & Student Showcase Concerts — all summer, free and open to the public.

• Dueling Pianos at Adirondack Winery's Queensbury Tasting Room and aboard the Lac du Saint Sacrement — a few dates throughout the summer.

How to Do This Right

Bring a low chair, a blanket, snacks, and a sweater for after sundown. Get to Shepard Park 30 minutes early for a good spot. Tip the local food vendors that set up around the perimeter — they make summer feel like summer.

There's no better deal in the Adirondacks than a free concert on the shore of Lake George. Make it a weekly habit.