Thinking about visiting? Here’s some information to help plan your trip.
The Area
Caroga, home to about 1,200 residents, is located in upstate New York’s beautiful Adirondack foothills.
Located on the shore of West Caroga Lake (adjacent to Bath Ave.), Sherman’s Park is the home base for the Caroga Arts Collective. Known as a venue for iconic big bands in the 1920’s and 1930’s featuring the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, Sherman’s provides the perfect up-close setting for an engaging and memorable concert-going experience. Whether its a ride on the historic carousel, a stroll along the lake at sunset or a personal conversation with an artist post-concert, the Caroga Lake Music Festival experience at Sherman’s is unlike anything else.
Where to stay
There are many options to stay overnight in Caroga Lake and the surroundings areas. Check out the Amsterdam Castle for a unique boutique hotel experience in a former armory. Other options include local Airbnb and VRBO rentals, additional rental homes, and inns/hotels including Nick Stoner Inn, Canada Lake Store Rentals, Lakeside Motel in Caroga, and Holiday Inn Johnstown. There are other nearby hotels in Johnstown and Broadalbin as well.
What to do
Come visit and discover the great outdoors with us. Choose from multiple lakes for boating, swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Explore mountain trails for hiking, Wheelerville Trails for mountain biking, streams for fishing, and woods for hunting. In warm weather, tee off at our municipal golf course, enjoy a picnic or dinner at a scenic spot, or sleep under the stars at the state campground. Take in some history at the museum or hear some music around town. In cold weather, go to the snow on your sled, skis, board, or snowshoes. Any time of the year, bring the whole family and be part of our friendly small town experience and endless outdoor adventures in the 44 lakes.
Sherman’s Concerts – Know Before You Go
- General Admission tickets are free for kids 17 and under, or those with a valid high school ID. Premium seating tickets must be purchased for guests of all ages
- For the safety of all concert attendees, dogs are not allowed during events*. Service animals are permitted but otherwise, please leave your pets at home.
- No glass or smoking is allowed on the property – outside food and beverages are permitted. Coolers are permitted for outdoor events, but will be searched for glass. Coolers are not permitted for indoor events. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at most events thanks to Stump City Brewing.
- Seats are first come, first serve in all sections
Outdoor Events
- The doors will open two hours before the event! Come early to set up your chairs, ride the carousel, and purchase food or drink from Stump City Brewing and other local food trucks
- Bring your own chairs! Chairs are only provided for “pavilion” ticket holders.
Indoor Events
- The doors will open one hour before the event. Two hours before the event, the carousel will be open for free rides, and food trucks will be serving food when available.
- Chairs will be provided however, they are first come, first serve
Parking: Please see the parking map included below. Parking is first come, first served. Tickets will only be accepted at the marked “ticket check.” Limited accessible parking is available as shown. You may access these spots by passing the “road closed” barriers.
Additional FAQs
| Where do concerts take place? | Caroga Arts presents concerts and events across the Southern Adirondack region and beyond throughout the year. Please check our events calendar for more details. Sherman’s Park is the primary home of Caroga Arts and is located at 114 East Shore Road, West Caroga Lake Caroga Lake, NY 12032. |
| Where can I find a schedule of the performances? | You can find the schedule of events at carogaarts.org/events |
| How can I support Caroga Arts? | You can support Caroga Arts as a donor or volunteer. To find more information on how to get involved visit carogaarts.org/give |
| Can I rent Sherman’s for my event? | Yes! You can visit carogaarts.org/rental/ and submit your date preference which will be reviewed by our team. |
| Is Sherman’s open to the public on non concert days? | Yes, The grounds are open to the public on non-concert days. |
| Can I attend concerts by boat? | People who have a boats, kayaks, or paddle boards are welcome to listen from their boats. However, entrance to the actual grounds and attendance at the event will need to happen from land at the main entry point near the ice cream stand. |
| What time should I arrive for a concert? | The park opens two hours before every public event. |
| What does my money support? | A donation towards our operations helps us continue to build and grow towards our mission of reimagining Caroga through the power of the arts. These funds help bring in the artists and present them at an accessible rate along with sustain the yearly operations of the festival. As of 2023, Caroga Arts is excited to announce its new “SPACE” Program. This program provides instrument education and mentorship to children throughout the Fulton, Montgomery, and surrounding counties. Recognition of your generous gift will be noted on education program materials during the year |
| Outside of the Music Festival, what programming does Caroga Arts host? | Caroga Arts presents programs throughout the year including the Music Festival. These programs include the Myhil Film Series, Your Body is Your Strad Institute, Inter-Arts Symposium and Seasonal Artist Residencies. There are also Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend concerts, an annual Tree Lighting, and other events like Winterfest and Trunk or Treat. As Caroga Arts grows, it looks to build new programs and create a year-round artist residency with regular performances and educational engagement events for the community. |
| Is parking available at Sherman’s? | Free parking is available on Bath Ave including accessible parking. No street parking is allowed on Caroga Lake Shore Road. |
| When is the Carousel open for rides and do I need a concert ticket? | The carousel is open at every Sherman’s concert presented by Caroga Arts and will be offering FREE rides usually 2 hours before the concert and will end at the start of the concert. Carousel rides are only open to ticket holders during ticketed, outdoor events. |
| How do I purchase concert tickets? | You can purchase tickets online through carogaarts.org/events. Pending sold-out tickets, you can also purchase tickets at the door. |
| What is the rain policy? | We have events rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable in the case of rain. Pavilion tickets are covered from rain whereas general admission and premium tickets are uncovered. |
| What is the seating policy? | For outdoor events, seating is divided into two or three sections: pavilion (inside the pavilion – covered), premium (reserved section near the stage – uncovered), and general admission (lawn seating). For most events, sections are first come, first serve. |
| Is Sherman’s wheelchair accessible? | The venues at Sherman’s are wheelchair accessible. |
| Are food and beverages available at concerts? | Food trucks and beverages are present at all outdoor concerts. Beverages and small snacks are also available for sale at indoor concerts. |
| Can I bring your own food and beverages to concerts? | Yes, you can bring your own food and beverages but glass is not allowed on the premises. Coolers are permitted for outdoor events but not permitted for indoor events. |
| Is there an age requirement to attend a show? | Our events are friendly to all ages. General admission tickets are free to those 17 and under or those with a valid high school ID. |
| Is there a will call? | If you have pre-purchased tickets, you can go to the welcome table and present your ticket or mention your name to be checked in. |
| Are dogs allowed to shows? | For the safety of all concert attendees, dogs are not allowed during events*. Service animals are permitted but otherwise, please leave your pets at home. |
*September 14th, Woofstock: Peace, Love & Drool, will be a dog-friendly event co-benefitting Fulton County Regional SPCA and Caroga Arts Collective.
