The Lake Champlain Region is alive with events this time of year. Whether it’s a cultural, historic or community event you're looking for, you're covered.

Dinner and a show

One of my husbands and my favorite summertime activities is to take the drive to Westport for a production at The Depot Theatre. If you’re arriving from any other community in the Adirondacks, it’s a gorgeous drive this time of year in late afternoon. Located in the Amtrak train depot, the theatre sits atop a small hill near the entrance to town on Route 9N. “My Way” A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra is the current production, running through July 27th. Arriving early is a must as the box office also doubles as an art gallery. Make time to browse the gallery before the show. This month the gallery features the works of local abstract artist, Ellen Few Anderson. (They’ll celebrate with a reception for her on Tuesday, July 15 from 5 - 7 pm.) At intermission, you’ll be treated to home made goodies, lemonade, tea and coffee, available for purchase to help support the theatre. Make sure to get a raffle ticket to the 50/50 raffle, to be drawn right after each show's intermission. I won the last time we were there - - 80-some dollars! Make it “dinner and a show” and dine at one of the region's great restaurants before the show. Who knows? You might win the raffle and cover the cost of your dinner like I did!

Bring on the big guns

A highlight of the summer is the Re-enactment of General Burgoyne’s capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the summer of 1777. The re-enactors will authentically portray the events surrounding this momentous turning point in the Fort’s early history in demonstrations and with real battles throughout each day. Download the complete two-day schedule so you don't miss any of this exciting weekend! This climactic summer event of 1777 was key in Burgoyne’s advancement to Albany following the surprising American retreat allowing the British to capture the Fort. Experience the smoky haze and roaring guns as these dedicated re-enactors engage in the battle. Admission to the re-enactment on July 19 and 20 is included in Fort Ticonderoga’s general admission ticket.

Another greatly anticipated event at Fort Ticonderoga is an awesome visual show, “Ticonderoga Guns by Night”. From pistols to the gigantic siege canons and mortars, the firing of these artillery are an awesome sight as they light up the night sky around the Fort. For this very special evening event the site opens at 7:30 pm with the tour beginning promptly at 8 pm. This particular tour is unfortunately not handicap accessible due to the many stairs and terrain to be navigated. Reservations are a must, so book soon before they’re sold out!

A little chamber music

Another highlight of the cultural season in the Lake Champlain Region, the Meadowmount School of Music summer chamber music concerts take place around the region. (See video above.) The students perform at concerts on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings. Some of the local concerts include:

• JULY 27 - HIGH PEAKS HOSPICE BENEFIT CONCERT - Essex Art Gallery, Essex at 3:30 pm

• JULY 31 - BALLARD PARK CONCERT - Outdoor concert in Westport at 7:30 pm

• AUGUST 3 - BENEFIT CONCERT - On Campus CHAMBER MUSIC FEATURING VIOLINIST JOSEPH SILVERSTEIN at 7:30 pm

• AUGUST 6 - FINAL CONCERT - On Campus FEATURING CELLIST LYNN HARRELL at 7:30 pm

Essex is a happening place

Upcoming on the Essex scene is the Essex Theatre Company’s production of "Smokey Joe’s Cafe," opening August 1 at the Masonic Lodge across from the Essex Ferry landing. With its big list of 39 pop standards in the show, this production will delight rock ’n' roll and rhythm ’n’ blues lovers.

Also taking place in Essex on August 2 will be the 35th Annual Downtown Essex Day. A really fun event, it seems everyone in Essex has some sort of sale going on as well as music, food, produce, a flea market and local artisans and antiques sales. Main Street is closed to traffic so it's really got the feeling of a community block party. Don't miss this fun day in Essex!

There are many, many more events in the Lake Champlain Region to keep you busy almost every day. Check our entire events calendar for your dates, or plan a trip around an event you don’t want to miss. Spend a night or two at one of our lodging properties and join in some of our other activities as well - hiking, boating, cycling and more. Make time to enjoy New York’s Adirondack Coast and all the Lake Champlain Region has to offer!