Keep the night going! 

Nightlife looks a little different in the Adirondacks. Trade roaring crowds, bustling streets, and bumping nightclubs for music on the beach, sunset hikes, and cozy campfires, all under an incredible blanket of stars. Here, you can soak up your summer evenings with activities that help you unwind and prepare for the days of adventuring you have ahead of you. It’s a busy nightlife all the same, so see what’s in store for you!

Live music

Looking for live music? You’ll find it nested deep in the Adirondack mountains, of course. In summertime, locals and visitors alike love to party, and what better way to do that than with live music while surrounded by breathtaking scenery? Hugging lakes or set against High Peaks, you can unwind in the heart of it all. 

Long Lake

Starting July 11th and jamming on every Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the summer, Long Lake kicks the evening festivities off with Music By the Lake at the Long Lake Town Beach. Paddle, boat, or walk up to the beach and set up your lawn chair for an evening filled with good tunes and sweet summer memories. 

Inlet

Right after July 4th, summer lights up in Inlet with their Sunsets by the Lake concert series, set in Arrowhead Park. Join in the fun every Saturday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live music featuring a robust roster of performers. Rain or shine, this event keeps the party going! In the event of rain, the concert will relocate to Fern Park Pavilion. 

Indian Lake

Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a great concert while watching one of the most spectacular sunsets in the Adirondack Park! Set at the Concert Stage in Indian Lake, take to the park every Saturday at 7 p.m. starting July 19th for Indian Lake's Music in the Park summer concert series.

Speculator

Music on the Point is Speculator's own summer concert series, and it doesn't get much better than this! Sit back on Wednesday nights for music at Osborne Point from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and relax to the sounds of classic folk and country bands as the sun sets. 

The best spots for sunset viewing

Firetowers

There’s more than one way to get the most out of sunsets here. The best vantage points in the region are known as fire towers. Fire towers are an important part of the Adirondacks’ history, serving as lookouts to spot and monitor wildfires. These towers provide a wide-angle view of the surrounding landscape, allowing for the detection of smoke from potential fires. But now, these retired sentinels make for the perfect spots to snap a pic of the mountains or watch as the sun dips down below the trees! If you’re looking to add some competition to your fire tower bucket list, the Fire Tower Challenge is perfect and will reward you with a patch for your efforts. 

Beaches

Now to the lake! Lakeside beaches around Hamilton County make for serene evenings, whether you’re picnicking, taking a dip, or reading your favorite book. When the crowds die down from a day of play in the water, you can soak up the peace and quiet against a stunning backdrop. Beaches of note? Indian Lake, Arrowhead Park, Golden Beach, and Long Lake. 

By the campfire

A staple of the Adirondacks, there’s no better way to celebrate your nights here than getting the campfire roaring and roasting some marshmallows. What’s more, you’ll find plenty of places to gather ‘round that are surrounded by a perfect sunset backdrop. Local lodge and campground owners know how important it is to have that classic Adirondack Experience, so no matter where you book, you’re sure to have everything you need to make classic summer memories. You’ll find cozy accommodations at the Inn on Piseco Lake, the Irondequoit, Adirondack Lake Cabins in Indian Lake, and Forked Lake Campground in Long Lake. 

Night birding 

Like most wild places, resident critters move about at night. And that's no different for the birds of the Adirondacks! Night birding is a unique way to get up close to our more nocturnal feathered friends, such as the Barred Owl, American Woodcock, American Bittern, and the Common Nighthawk. Have headlamps at the ready, and if you’re staying roadside, make sure you are visible to traffic. If you’re visiting new locations, hike them during the day so you can familiarize yourself with the habitat and understand the access and parking conditions.

Stargazing

What do you get when you’re surrounded by miles upon miles of protected wilderness, and find yourself a few hours from any major city? A brilliant starry night! The Adirondacks are home to some of the darkest skies in the country, due to their remoteness and lack of light pollution. What’s more, the region is primed with vantage points, from remote lakeshores to summit clearings, offering plenty of wide, unobstructed areas perfect for lying back and looking up.

If you’re stargazing, watch out for celestial events this summer, including the 2025 Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower happening July 28-29, and the Perseids Meteor Shower, peaking August 12-13. 

The nights are long, spend them in the ADK!

With so much life happening at night, it'll be hard to simply tuck into your cabin and shut your eyes. From stargazing to sunset hikes, live music, and peaceful beaches, your nights will be packed with the perfect balance of fun and Adirondack relaxation.