Spring in the Adirondacks is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. After a long, cold winter, the Adirondack Mountains come alive with the sights and sounds of spring. From blooming wildflowers to rushing rivers, there's no shortage of natural beauty to take in during this season. 

One of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery and vibrant culture of the Adirondacks is through the creative community of Saranac Lake. From galleries and art classes to outdoor art installations and live music, there is no shortage of opportunities to indulge in the creative spirit of this beloved region.

A resurgence of art events happens in the spring! Take a look at the events calendar and you’ll notice that not only are flowers blooming, but so is our creative community! Spring is the perfect time to come alive with the creativity of our local artists. 

Galleries and exhibits

Saranac Lake is home to several museums and galleries to explore! 

The Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery will be featuring their 25th Juried Art Show this spring. The gallery's extensive collection includes everything from traditional Adirondack paintings and textiles to contemporary art and photography. 

Northwind Fine Arts Studio will be featuring their Poetry Meets Art event at the Hotel Saranac.

BluSeed Studios has an upstairs gallery as well as a smaller downstairs gallery featuring the exhibit Aunt Matilda’s Americana as well as upcoming events, like the Earth Day Fashion Show, and Art Classes (linked below).

You’ll even find art in some less expected places, like the Saranac Lake Free Library’s Cantwell Room, which has Adirondacks Seen on display. 

There are also outdoor installations like the Bug Crawl or the Raining Poetry Project, which are perfect for getting outside (even in the rain) this spring!

DIY

Many artists flock to the Adirondacks for inspiration, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn from the best. Local artists and instructors offer classes and workshops in a variety of mediums. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these classes offer a chance to perfect your craft while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the Adirondacks.

ADK ArtRise and BluSeed Studios have teamed up this spring to offer a wide range of classes! From the Handbuilding Ceramics workshops to drop-in classes, and those for the littles with Me & My Adult Art Classes - there’s something for every age and ability!

For the dancers and the singers

If you express your creativity through dance or song, Saranac Lake’s live music scene is for you!

Waterhole’s signature event, Party on the Patio is a free concert series from April 27 - October 5 featuring free live music outside on the patio. They also have Saturday Night at the Waterhole, which features larger acts inside at the Upstairs Music Lounge.

Friday night there is always music happening at the Hotel Saranac! Their Great Hall Bar features a different free show each week, with music starting at 7pm. There’s also Open Mic on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. 

As spring turns to summer, Saranac Lake will also be host to the popular outdoor events like Music on the Green (MOG) on Wednesday nights, and Live Music in Berkley Green each Friday. 

There are also frequent shows at Bitters & Bones, Garagery, Saranac Landing, Saranac Waterfront Lodge and The Backdoor! Check out the live music page to stay up to date on all the music.

Prefer performative arts?

If you like the drama of the theater, or to laugh at a live performance, then this is the place for you! Pendragon Theatre just released their new schedule of events and Adirondack Center for Writing keeps audiences surprised with popular events like Howl Story Slam’s.

Events

While you are busy enjoying your beautiful Adirondack surroundings, you may want to partake in one of our events. From recurring classics to stand-alone staples, this spring has fun for everyone. 

The return of the Third Thursday ArtWalk and ADK ArtWorks ArtMarkets is a sure sign that the art has arrived in Saranac Lake! These outdoor art events bring the town alive with art, music, and excitement! 

Monthly celebrations of arts and culture happen on the First Friday of the month, and weekly Farmers Markets feature local produce, meats and cheeses, and other hand-made items, both inside (during fall and winter) and outside in Riverside Park.

Trash Couture: Earth Day Fashion Show marries sustainability with art, while Paul Smith’s SAMfest draws on sciences to accompany the arts. Poetry even claims its place in the spotlight with National Poetry Month celebrations where Poetry Meets Art. 

Culinary artistry

It might be a stretch to consider dining an art form, but then again, maybe not? Have you ever tasted locally sourced plates prepared with seasonality in mind? Or sipped the perfectly paired ingredients in a signature cocktail? It’s enough to delight all the senses. So if you subscribe to the notion that you eat with your eyes, then enjoy the arts with Savor SLK, Saranac Lake’s newest dining event!

We hope you find something that awakens your senses this spring in Saranac Lake! Pair your artistic intake with a low-elevation stroll, or a bite to eat. And don’t miss out on the chance to stay in Saranac Lake during this revitalized season of the senses!