Winter Olympic Celebration
As proud host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid will celebrate the Milano Cortina 2026 Games with a month of community and visitor events that honor our past, cheer for Team USA, and inspire future athletes.
During an Olympic year, the energy in Lake Placid is unmatched. World-class venues, a passionate community, and world-class winter sports create an atmosphere where the Olympic spirit isn’t just remembered, it’s experienced.
With Presidents' Day week landing in the middle of the Games, it's the perfect opportunity for a mid-winter getaway!
For a grab-and-go reference of Olympic events, download the attached Olympic Celebrations flyer, or print out our coloring sheet for the kids!
Community Viewing Parties
Gather to watch live Olympic events, cheer for Team USA, and celebrate North Country athletes. TVs at Lake Placid Legacy Site venues, and in bars and restaurants throughout town, will be streaming the Games.
There will be an Opening Ceremony viewing party at Roamers Café starting at 1:00 p.m. on February 6, as well as public viewing on the second floor of the Mt Van Hoevenberg Upper Lodge.
Daily viewing zones at Lake Placid Legacy Sites include:
- Olympic Center | Featuring sports of Figure skating, hockey, and curling
- Mt Van Hoevenberg | Featuring sports of Bobsled, skeleton, luge, biathlon, and cross-country
- Olympic Jumping Complex | Featuring sports of Ski jumping and Nordic combined
Watch parties will also be hosted at local venues including Roamers, Big Slide Brewery, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, The Cottage, Dancing Bears, Generations, Cambria, Lake House, The Boat Tasting Room, Zig Zags and more.
Key Events & Highlights
Lighting of the Olympic Center
February 5–22
Special nightly illuminations celebrating both the Empire State Winter Games (ESWG) and Milano Cortina 2026.
Empire State Winter Games Opening Ceremony
February 5, 7:00 p.m. | 1980 Rink, Olympic Center
A high-energy kickoff featuring the Parade of Athletes, Turbo Twins performance, and a countdown to the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Lake Placid Olympic Museum: 2026 Special Features
February 6–22 | Olympic Center
Interactive exhibits, a live medal tracker, “From Lake Placid to Italy” athlete showcase, craft activities, and a community art mural.
Virtual Jersey Experience
January–February | Miracle Plaza
Step into a Team USA hockey jersey through an immersive photo kiosk experience.
James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval Public Experiences
Themed skating nights, music, hot cocoa, and opportunities to meet Olympians. Includes “Learn Speed Skating” sessions with Coach Tom Miller.
Student Art Project
Local students create Olympic-inspired artwork displayed across schools and the Olympic Center.
Northwood School Innovation Hub
At their Main Street location, Northwood School will broadcast the Games in their street-facing windows. There will also be a display of Northwood athletes who have gone on to compete in the Olympics.
Be part of the action!
Stay connected and share your Olympic spirit:
#LakePlacidADK #LakePlacidLegacySites #TeamUSA #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics
Discover more ways to experience the Olympics in Lake Placid