Lake George Village announces 2016 Shepard Park free entertainment schedule

Free concerts, festivals, fireworks and magic shows will fill Shepard Park in Lake George Village beginning the last weekend in June and will continue through July and August. The Shepard Park amphitheater will host a variety of shows with performances by local and nationally renowned musicians representing an exciting mix of genres. Arts and crafts festivals with children’s activities fill out the schedule of family-friendly events. There is no charge for these events.

Summer 2016 Shepard Park entertainment schedule:

Beginning July 10, The Larry Rundle Variety show and Bobby Dick will take the stage Sunday evenings.

Mondays — Family Night

Beginning July 11, Mondays will feature the magic of Jimmy Brown and music by Lake George guitarist Rich Ortiz and a favorite with kids, the Zucchini Brothers Band.

Wednesdays — the Lake George Arts Project’s Summer Concert Series

• July 6: Driftwood (Rock n’ roll folk)
• July 13: Professor Louie & the Crowmatix (American roots)
• July 20: High Rollers Featuring Jill Hughes & Matt Mirabile (soul, R&B, blues, rock)
• July 27: John Jorgenson Quintet (Gypsy Jazz)
• August 3: Dustbowl Revival (American roots)
• August 10: Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (art-rock jazz fusion)
• August 17: Alex Meixner Band (folk, jazz, polka, party)
• August 24: Mako with the Lake George Music Festival Orchestra (electronic dance and classical music collaboration, really, that’s what they are doing)
• August 31: Koehler & Kelly (Celtic, New England Contra)

All concerts begin at 7 p.m., with the exception of the August 24 Mako with Lake Goerge Music Festival Orchestra, which will begin at 8 p.m. In the event of rain, call (518)668-2616 for rain venue. While there is no charge for these concerts, the Lake George Arts Project appreciates donations to support the series.

Thursdays — Community Band and fireworks

The Lake George Community Band will perform June 30, July 7, July 14, July 28 and August 4 at 8 p.m. Every Thursday night beginning July 14, the Village will shoot off fireworks over the lake. The fireworks displays begin at 9:30 p.m. and may be viewed at any point along the lakeshore.

Fridays — Fridays at the Lake Bands and Brews

Opening acts begin at 4 p.m., headline bands at 6 p.m. each week. A different local restaurant will serve craft beer, wine and food. Bounce houses, face painting and other activities are offered for the kids.

• June 24: Opening act — Red Shift; Main act — Georgie Wonders Orchestra (big band/swing) Beverages by King Neptune’s Pub.
• July 1: Opening act— Richie Ortiz; main act — New York Players (funk) Beverages by Backstreet BBQ.
• July 8: Opening act — Jonathan Newell Band; main act — Audiostars (rock) Beverages by King Neptune’s Pub.
• July 22: Opening act — The After Fab; main act — The Refrigerators (Party Band) Beverages by Duffy’s Tavern.
• July 29: Opening act — The Tumbling Dice (Rolling Stones tribute band); main act —Emerald City (rock) Beverages by The Boardwalk Restaurant.
• August 5: opening act — Meet the Mockers; main act — Grand Central Station (pop) Beverage by Fire & Ice Bar & Grill.
• August 12: Opening act — Richie Ortiz; main act — Spiritual Rez (reggae/ska) Beverages by Backstreet BBQ.
• August 26: Opening act — Jonathan Newell Band; main act — Funky Dawgz Brass Band (funk/jazz) Beverages by The Boardwalk Restaurant.
• September 2: Opening act— Red Shift; main act — Skeeter Creek (country) Beverages by Duffy’s Tavern.

Festivals and special events:

• June 24 – 26: Summer Festival — Hosted by the Lake George Fire Department, the festival features arts and crafts, food vendors, games of chance and children’s activities. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• July 4: Independence Day special 10th-anniversary fireworks show — Get into town early. Parking is usually tight for this annual celebration. Or better yet, hop on the GGFT trolley for an easy ride into the Village.
• July 15 – 16: Community Band Festival — The Lake George Community Band hosts a gathering of community bands from around the region.
• August 5 –7: S.A.V.E. the Lake Festival — Features the Stony Creek Band, Grand Central Station and the Bluz House Rockers. Groovin 2000, a tribute show to top American singers, headlines Saturday.
• August 19–21: Family Festival — Hosted by the Lake George Fire Department, the festival features arts and crafts, food vendors, games of chance and children’s activities. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Shepard Park is located on Canada Street along the Lakefront Walkway. The park features an open-air amphitheatre, a grass-covered lawn, playground equipment and a beach on Lake George. Metered parking is available on the streets and in nearby public parking lots.