Saranac Lake is known for its thriving arts scene and is recognized as being the art hub of the Adirondacks, so it is fitting that one of the most picturesque times of the year in the Adirondacks will be the scene for a full week of art! September is a magical time in the Adirondacks, when the mountains light up with brilliant oranges and vibrant reds. It is easy to understand why so many creative individuals are drawn to this area for inspiration. This September, during the week of Monday, September 13 through Sunday, September 19, Saranac Lake will be celebrating the arts in so many ways!

Saranac Lake ArtWorks, in conjunction with the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce, will host the final 3rd Thursday ArtWalk of the summer season. Each summer, from July through September, the third Thursday of the month brings artists and performers to the sidewalks and parks of downtown Saranac Lake. Hours are 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., and it is all FREE! Artists of all genres—visual and performance artists—and all skill levels are mixed together throughout downtown, displaying or demonstrating their creative products.

ArtWalk Galleries

• Adirondack Artists Guild

• Georgeanne Gaffney's Studio

• Small Fortune Studio & Gallery

• Mark Kurtz Photography

• NorthWind Fine Arts

• Art at the Pink House

• Piece by Piece Studio & Quilt Shop

• Peter Seward Upstairs Studio

• Cape Air Gallery

• Spectrum Fine Art Studio

• Pendragon Theatre

• BluSeed Studios

Venues include village parks, art galleries, non-profit spaces, and downtown businesses of all kinds. This is a free, self-guided, family event showcasing creative talents of all ages from local and regional areas. Event schedules/maps are available the day of the event at many of the venue locations. Pick up the ArtWalk map and start strolling the streets.

New in 2021, Saranac Lake ArtWorks created two additional outdoor events, the ArtWorks ArtMarkets. The first was held in July and was fantastic the other is coming up on Saturday, September 18. The ArtMarkets include approximately 40 fine artists and craftspeople who will be setting up tents and displays in Riverfront Park, along the shores of Lake Flower in downtown Saranac Lake. Area galleries will also take part. Participants will be displaying hand-crafted items like baskets, jewelry, ceramics, paintings, upcycled clothing, and other unique items. Local authors will have books for sale and there will be live music. Hours are 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and there is no admission fee. The rain date will be the following Sunday, October 2.

More information can be found at the Saranac Lake ArtWorks website.

Additional Arts Events

NorthWind Fine Art Gallery dual show featuring Russ Hartung and Susan Whiteman, will be on display throughout the month of September, with daily hours of 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. every day except for Tuesday. 

The Adirondack Artists Guild will be featuring an exhibit of works by Burdette Parks, "Water and Bob," a show of recent photographs. The show will open at the Adirondack Artists Guild on Friday, September 3. There will not be a formal reception, but the artist will be at the gallery from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to greet visitors. The show runs through September 28.

The Downtown Pop-Up Galleries program seeks to help diversify the local arts scene, offer an opportunity for local artists without current access to gallery space to showcase their work in a visible, public forum, and utilize empty space to beautify and add to the creative character of Saranac Lake. The gallery dates are set up to coincide with the village’s ArtWalks. The second will run Monday, September 13, through Monday, September 27, surrounding the September ArtWalk. The advisory board has arranged to use up to four storefronts for this initiative. Artist information is not yet available for the September displays.

The Waterhole Music Lounge is Saranac Lake’s premier music venue, hosting live music throughout the year in their upstairs music venue, and on the outside patio. On Tuesday, September 14, Rushadicus aka Rushad Eggleston, will be performing an eclectic mix of live music, poetry, and unique showmanship. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., the show begins at 8:00 p.m. This show is 21+ and tickets are $12.00 Adv/$15.00 at the door. Check out these links for more information, or to buy tickets. 

On Thursday, September 16, the Saints & Liars play at the Party on the Patio, The Waterhole’s free outdoor concert series. The show is from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Music starts at 7:00 p.m., admission is FREE, 21+ outside.

Pendragon Theatre presents Hitler's Tasters, a dark comedy, nightly from September 15 through 19, with a matinee show on Saturday. Buy tickets or get more information about the show and other performances at Pendragon.

Full Schedule of Events

• 3rd Thursday ArtWalk - Thursday, Sept. 16, 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

• ArtMarket - Saturday, Sept. 18, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• NorthWind Fine Arts Displays - Russ Hartung and Susan Whiteman, daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except Tuesday)

• Adirondack Artists Guild - Water and Bob exhibit by Burdette Parks, daily 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• Downtown Pop-Up Galleries - Artists and locations TBD

• Waterhole Live Music - Rushadicus, doors open at 7:00 p.m., show begins at 8:00 p.m., 21+ $12.00 Adv/$15.00 at the door

• Party on the Patio Live Music outside at the Waterhole - Saints & Liars, show is from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Music starts at 7:00 p.m., admission is FREE, 21+ outside.

• Pendragon Performances - Hitler's Tasters, Sept. 15 -19, daily at 7:00 p.m.

We hope you enjoy a week of art in the Adirondacks, and everything Saranac Lake has to offer during this beautiful time of year. For more information on places to stay, local dining, and the annual foliage report, or to see other events in the area, please explore our website for additional information to plan the perfect fall visit.