2026 Lake George Winter Carnival

About this event

Get ready to embrace the chill at the 2026 Lake George Winter Carnival! The celebration returns for five high-octane weekends from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

Weekend 1: Opening "A Chili Start" (Feb 7–8)

• Saturday Cook-Off: Chili Cook-Off (Feb 7th) 
• Featured Events: Opening Ceremonies, Jeep Duck Hunt (Sat), 518Jeepin Duck Parade, and Outhouse Races (Sat) 

Weekend 2: "BBQ & Bikes" (Feb 14–15)

• Saturday Cook-Off: BBQ Cook-Off (Feb 14th)
• Featured Events: Motorcycle Races from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Glacier Golf Couples (Sun) 

Weekend 3: "Bowl Battleground" (Feb 21–22)

• Saturday Cook-Off: Chowder Cook-Off (Feb 21st)
• Featured Events: Outhouse Races (Sat)

Weekend 4: "Wacky Wings" (Feb 28 – Mar 1)

• Saturday Cook-Off: Chicken Wing Cook-Off (Feb 28th)
• Featured Events: Lord of the Wings - CRAZY HOT Wing Eating Contest

Weekend 5: Grand Finale "Lumberjack & Cheese" (Mar 7–8)

• Saturday Cook-Off: Mac & Cheese Cook-Off (Mar 7th)
• Featured Events: 4x4 Truck Drag Races sponsored by Mohawk Honda & Chevrolet, Conclusion Parade, Lumberjacks & Maple Fest at Festival Commons, Glacier Golf Tournament (Sun), and the WINNER’S CHOICE RAFFLE (Sun)

Seasonal Highlights:

These fan-favorite activities return throughout the carnival season:

• Fireworks over the Ice: Watch the sky ignite every Saturday evening after dusk with a spectacular display over the frozen lake.
• Traditional Toss Contests: Test your strength at the Keg Toss or join the Ladies Skillet Toss, where competitors fling cast-iron skillets for distance and prizes.
• Dog’s Got Talent Contest: Enter your furry friend in this crowd favorite to win prizes for the most "apaws".
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: Enjoy a scenic tour through the village streets every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
• Souvenir Mug & Hot Chocolate Topping Bar: Warm up with customizable cocoa in a collectible souvenir mug.

Special Signature Events:

Don't miss these legendary carnival competitions and interactive traditions:

• Famous Cook-Offs: Every Saturday, local restaurants go head-to-head as guests sample and vote for the best chili, BBQ, chowder, wings, or mac & cheese.
• LGWC Outhouse Races: A beloved tradition since 1983, witness teams race creatively engineered outhouses on the ice or nearby shore.
• ATV & Snowmobile Poker Runs: Join fellow riders for a high-energy trek through the region to collect cards and win prizes.
• Glacier Golf Tournament: Tee off in a unique 6-hole golf course set up directly on the frozen lake.
• The Polar Plunge: Brave the frigid waters of Lake George every carnival weekend—if you’re daring enough to take the dive!

Make your plans to attend the Lake George Winter Carnival today!

All events are weather permitting and some are ice permitting. LGWC will not be held responsible for any cancelled events or races. The schedule is subject to changes. Please follow the Lake George Winter Carnival on Facebook to stay updated!