Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair and a blanket, and enjoy a weekend of free jazz concerts overlooking Lake George. The Lake George Jazz Festival, officially known as “Jazz at the Lake”, is held annually over a three-day weekend in mid-September with multiple daily performances at the open-air amphitheater in Shepard Park, and at locations around town. This year’s event will be held September 18-20, 2026.
About Jazz at the Lake
September 2026 marks the 42nd annual Jazz at the Lake Festival, which is hosted by the Lake George Arts Project and made possible in part by local sponsors and donations. The three-day event brings together talented musicians from around the country, and is ranked one of the top 20 longest, consecutive-running jazz festivals in the U.S. It is also one of only two festivals on the list that are entirely free.
The weekend typically kicks off with a live performance at 6pm on Friday night, followed by concerts at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm on Saturday, and more live jazz at 1pm, 3, pm and 5pm on Sunday.
About the Venue
Jazz at the Lake is held at the Shepard Park Amphitheater, an open-air stage that sits on the shores of Lake George, located on Canada Street in the heart of Lake George Village. Although there are benches throughout the park and stone, tiered seating near the stage, many attendees bring their own chairs and blankets to sit in the surrounding grass, and beneath the shade of the trees.
In the event of inclement weather, the rain location is the Lake George High School Auditorium & Theater.
Parking for Lake George Jazz Festival
Shepard Park does not have a parking lot, but paid street parking is available throughout Lake George Village. Most meters use the ParkMobile app, but a few old meters still require quarters. There are also paid parking lots a short walk from Shepard Park, including the James Street Parking Lot, the Sewell Street Parking Lot, Beach Road Public Parking, the Steamboat & Public Parking Lot on Beach Road, and the Million Dollar Beach Parking Lot.
Lake George Jazz Festival Food & Drink
Several food and drink vendors are available inside the park during Jazz at the Lake, and you’ll find dozens of dining options just outside the park boundary in Lake George Village. Attendees are also welcome to pack a picnic or cooler and bring their own food and drink. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited in the amphitheater and lawn area.
Where to Stay for Lake George Jazz Festival
The best place to stay for Lake George Jazz Festival is at Cramer’s Point Lake Breeze. We are located just a 5-minute drive from Shepard Park and Lake George Village with a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including cabins, suites, standard motel rooms, and vacation home rentals. When you’re not taking in jazz at the lake, enjoy our many amenities, including Lake George beach access, complimentary kayaks and canoes, outdoor games and activities, campfires, grills, and more.
Check availability and book online, or call (518) 668-2292 to make your reservation for Lake George Jazz at the Lake.