Festival of the Local

The Waterhole presents the 2nd Annual Festival of the Local in Saranac Lake, NY. Running from March 19th through March 29th, 2026, this 10-day celebration features a massive lineup of music, live broadcasts, and community lectures "by the local, for the local".

The festival spans both the Upstairs and Downstairs stages, with all Downstairs events being free to attend. Please note that these events are for ages 21+ unless otherwise specified.

Downstairs Schedule (Free Events)

• 3/19: Karaoke with KJ Mateo at 8pm.

• 3/20: "Beat Authority" Live Broadcast with David Sommerstein (3-5pm) followed by RITASKITA (DJ) at 11pm.

• 3/21: Theresa Hartford (6-7pm) and ECHO (DJ) at 10pm.

• 3/22: Josh West & Bill Bentz at 3pm.

• 3/24: Cody McNamara (7pm) and Sal Sarmiento (8:30pm).

• 3/26: Emily Dowd from 7-8pm.

• 3/27: Pat McAvoy Experiment (3pm) and just ben (DJ) at 11pm.

• 3/28: KJ Mateo (DJ) at 11pm.

• 3/29: Josh West & Matt Richards at 3pm.

Upstairs Schedule (tickets for sale online) 

• 3/19: Frankie & The Moonlighters (6pm Doors / 7pm Show).

• 3/20: Daily Deadlys, Doomf**k & Green Pill (7pm Doors / 8pm Show).

• 3/21: The Allens, Slough Creek & Curt & Kary (6pm Doors / 7pm Show).

• 3/25: "First Adirondackers" Book Lecture with Curt Stager & David Fadden (6:30pm).

• 3/26: Last Pages, Tine Hill & Foolish Pride (7pm Doors / 8pm Show).

• 3/27: Cloudspun, Jezzum Crowe & Strange Cereal (7pm Doors / 8pm Show).

• 3/28: All Ages Show with Nubble – Fundraiser for Play ADK (4pm).

• 3/28: Nubble & Sven Curth "Trio" (7pm Doors / 8pm Show).

Come out and support the incredible talent that makes our community so vibrant! Whether you're stopping by for a free show downstairs or catching a headliner upstairs, we can't wait to see you at the Waterhole for this 10-day celebration.