After two long years on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adirondack Wine and Food Festival is BACK!
On Saturday, June 25 from 11 AM-6 PM and Sunday, June 26 from 11 AM-5 PM, you’ll be able to sample and purchase from over 120 of New York’s finest distilleries, wineries, breweries, cideries, artisan food producers, food trucks—and more—at the Lake George Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Village. This year, guests will also get to experience local talent, as live music and performances have been added to the weekend roster.
The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival was founded in 2014, and quickly became a major part in kicking off the summer season. This year, the festival is expected to draw over 7,700 attendees.
“Two years ago, we didn’t know when we’d be able to hold this festival again,” said Sasha Pardy, founder of the festival and president of Adirondack Winery “….we are 100% committed to bringing our guests the experience they have come to know and love over the years: Sampling the state’s best craft beverage and food products with beautiful Lake George as their backdrop!”
While guests can expect to have a great time at the festival, there’s more to this event than that. Every year, the Adirondack Wine and Food Festival donates a portion of ticket, water, and merch sales to a worthy cause. Since 2018, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks (BBBS)—an organization that connects local children with caring adults for mentorship and support—has been the beneficiary.
In 2019, the festival raised over $15,000 for BBBS, and the goal this year is to surpass that amount and help the organization recoup some of the losses they experienced due to COVID-19 over the past two years. BBBS volunteers will be selling water and running the Drop-Off/Pickup Tent at the festival.
The Drop-Off/Pickup Tent is another fantastic part of the Wine and Food Festival! This free service allows you to drop your purchases off at a designated tent so you don’t have to carry them around as you continue tasting and trying various goods at the festival. You’ll be given a unique number and a voucher, so you can come gather all your goodies at the end of the day. You can continue dropping things off throughout the day, so your hands will be free for samples, group photos, or whatever comes your way.
Special events will take place at the Culinary and Cocktail Tent, where Executive Chef Eric Hudson will present cooking and cocktail demonstrations. Along with Chef Eric, a variety of special guests will utilize products from festival vendors to create delicious dishes and compete in an ‘Iron Chef’ type cook-off. Judges will choose the best dish and crown the winner at the end of the competition!
Additional family-friendly offerings include a Kids’ Activity Tent sponsored by Fun Spot, a natural playground and skatepark at the venue, and a photobooth operated by On the Spot Photos.
In addition to one- and two-day tasting tickets, VIP, designated driver, and underage tickets are available (children under 15 years old are free). DD and underage attendees may sample artisan foods and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as have access to food trucks and all festival activities. A brand-new offering, VIP Cabanas, were also available for an additional price but have already sold out for the event.
Tickets will be available at the door; however, VIP and Saturday tickets have sold out in the past so advance ticket purchase is recommended. General admission tickets are $45 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday. Weekend Warrior (two-day general admission) tickets cost $75, VIP tickets, which include two-day access and early admission to the festival, are $99, and designated driver/underage tickets are $15 per day. Admission is free for children aged 15 and younger!
More event details will be provided to current ticket holders and subscribers via the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival email newsletter, social media accounts (@adkwinefestLG), and at adkwinefest.com.
