Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sherman’s Park located?
Sherman’s Park is the primary home of Caroga Arts and is located at 114 East Shore Road, West Caroga Lake, NY 12032.
Is Sherman’s open to the public on non-concert days?
Yes, the grounds are open to the public on non-concert days.
Where can I find a schedule of performances and events?
You can find the full schedule of events at carogaarts.org/events.
What time should I arrive for a concert?
The park opens two hours before every public event.
How do I purchase tickets?
You can purchase tickets online at carogaarts.org/events. Pending availability, tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Is there a will call?
Yes. If you have pre-purchased tickets, visit the welcome table and present your ticket or give your name to be checked in.
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.
Are dogs allowed at shows?
For the safety of all attendees, dogs are not allowed during events. Service animals are permitted.
Is Sherman’s wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venues at Sherman’s are wheelchair accessible.
Can I attend concerts by boat?
Boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders are welcome to listen from the water. However, entrance to the grounds must happen from land at the main entry point near the ice cream
What is the seating policy?
For outdoor events, seating is divided into two or three sections: pavilion (covered, inside the pavilion), and general admission (lawn seating). For most events, sections are first come, first served.
What is the rain policy?
Events are rain or shine, and tickets are non-refundable in the case of rain. Pavilion tickets are covered; general admission are not.
Are food and beverages available at concerts?
Food trucks and beverages are present at all outdoor concerts. Beverages and small snacks are also available at indoor concerts.
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Yes, you may bring your own food and beverages. Glass is not permitted on the premises. Coolers are allowed for outdoor events but not for indoor events.
When is the Carousel open, and do I need a concert ticket?
The carousel is open at every Sherman’s concert and offers free rides approximately two hours before the event through the start of the concert. During ticketed outdoor events, carousel rides are available to ticket holders only.
Is parking available at Sherman’s?
Yes, four lots serve the venue. Staff and volunteers manage traffic flow in and out for every event. Caroga Arts coordinates with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for all events, and the road between the main lot and parking area is being marked to improve pedestrian safety.
What kind of amphitheater is being built at Sherman’s?
The amphitheater at Sherman’s will be an open-air theater sited where the former arcade building once stood. There will be no permanent roof, so audiences can enjoy the night sky. The stage will have glass sides for an unobstructed view across Caroga Lake, and audiences will continue to bring their own chairs. A paved area in front of the stage will accommodate seating as well as stage loading. Future phases will add tiered seating with improved sightlines and a curved back structure housing restrooms, a concession stand, and sky boxes on the second level. Total capacity will remain approximately 1,800 — the same as today.
Who designed the amphitheater, and does it respect Sherman’s history?
The design firm is TRW Historic and Preservation Architects from the Capital District — the same firm behind projects like Yaddo, Troy Savings Bank, and Universal Preservation Hall. The amphitheater uses the same thematic colors and materials as Sherman’s existing buildings. Caroga Arts is also exploring a NYS historic listing for the main building and carousel.
Won’t the amphitheater block the lake view?
No. The entire back wall of the amphitheater is glass so audiences can enjoy the lake while watching performances. The structure is also angled so people on boats can catch the action. A later phase moves the bumper car building across Mead Creek, opening the lakeside view even further.
What happens if there’s bad weather?
The stagehouse roof extends well beyond the stage for coverage. A later phase will add a covered back arch structure for seated audiences. Caroga Arts is also planning “onstage” events where audiences are sheltered within the stage structure itself.
Will the amphitheater increase the number of people coming to Sherman’s?
No. Capacity will remain at approximately 1,800 — consistent with fire and evacuation safety requirements and the same as current events. The venue is designed to improve the experience for audiences, artists, and the community, not to expand attendance.
What is the current construction status, and how will it affect events on campus?
Caroga Arts is working closely with Consigli Construction to ensure events proceed as planned.
What will the new $5.2 million NYSCA grant be used for?
The grant from the New York State Council on the Arts is primarily restricted to construction of the next amphitheater phase — public restrooms, a concession stand, A/V and theatrical equipment, sky boxes, and tiered seating. A portion may also be available to purchase Stagehouse equipment, helping to support the completion of this phase of the project. This award represents a significant commitment by NYSCA to the long-term vision and is a strong vote of confidence for the project.
Is the project fully funded?
Not yet, but it is well on its way. Significant philanthropic gifts and grants have already funded the majority of the combined Artist Lodge at Myhil and amphitheater project. Caroga Arts continues to raise the additional support needed to fully complete the Artist Lodge, the Stagehouse, and ongoing operations. The Achieve grant, which could cover a substantial portion of total project costs, is also still being pursued. Philanthropic gifts remain an important pillar of financial support. For more detailed financial information about the project and campaign, please contact us directly at info@carogaarts.org.
Want to help bring the full vision to life? Visit our campaign page to learn more and support the next phase of this transformative project.
Why do these projects cost so much?
Construction and renovation costs are high across the board right now due to tariffs, market changes, and inflation — factors that have affected every project, not just ours. Design and permitting costs are behind us, and Caroga Arts has made modest adjustments to hold costs down. A second construction firm reviewed the estimates to ensure they are reasonable, and Consigli Construction carries a solid reputation. Caroga Arts has conducted thorough due diligence on cost.
Where does grant money actually go?
Funds go directly toward construction of the amphitheater phases and site improvements. Caroga Arts operates as a nonprofit with a mission of stewardship — restoring and sustaining the property for the community. The investment reflects significant volunteer hours alongside grant and fundraising dollars.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
For financial gifts, yes. A purchase of a Caroga Arts sponsorship where benefits are received in return may not be fully deductible. Certain in-kind gifts are also deductible. Caroga Arts sends an end-of-year report to every donor detailing each gift and its tax-deductible value.
Will there be donor recognition opportunities?
Yes. There will be multiple recognition opportunities for major donors, and Caroga Arts plans a central art installation where donor names will be recognized. Please reach out to discuss specific opportunities.
Who owns Sherman’s Park?
Caroga Arts owns the former Sherman’s Amusement Park outright, thanks to the generous philanthropic donation of the property from the Abdella family.
What’s happening with the amusement park features — carousel, Ferris wheel, and bumper cars?
The carousel is up to code and offering free rides on weekends. A new foundation has been built for the Ferris wheel, which is being refurbished and relit for this summer. The bumper car pavilion will be relocated across Mead Creek to serve alongside a new playground as an education and picnic pavilion. Both the Ferris wheel and carousel are planned to be preserved as part of the campus master plan — Caroga Arts is a careful steward of Sherman’s history.
Are there environmental concerns raised by the campus master plan?
No. The campus master plan included a full environmental review as required by New York State, and no environmental issues were raised. The master plan has been approved by the Adirondack Park Agency. The design also anticipates that boaters will continue to attend concerts from the water, and the plan includes both a boat dock and boardwalk on the edge of Caroga Lake.
What does the full buildout of Sherman’s look like?
Beyond the amphitheater, future phases include beach renovation, a boardwalk, docks, Ferris wheel and carousel improvements, a playground, restaurant space, and a full renovation of the historic main dance hall building into a year-round venue — with a jazz club and bars upstairs. Caroga Arts’ long-term vision is a vibrant campus alive with concerts accessible by boat or by foot, a boardwalk filled with public amenities, well-renowned artists, and year-round family-friendly activities.
Where do Caroga Arts concerts and events take place?
Caroga Arts presents concerts and events across the Southern Adirondack region and beyond throughout the year. Sherman’s Park is the primary home. Please check carogaarts.org/events for the full schedule.
What programming does Caroga Arts offer beyond the summer music festival?
Caroga Arts presents programs throughout the year, including 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, Winterfest, Trunk or Treat, community events, school graduations, movie nights with live orchestra, and lake association functions. As Caroga Arts grows, programming will expand to include summer stock theater, art exhibits, and a year-round artist residency with regular performances and educational engagement events.
What is the SPACE Program?
Launched in 2023, the SPACE Program provides instrument education and mentorship to children throughout Fulton, Montgomery, and surrounding counties. Recognition of donor gifts is noted on education program materials throughout the year.
What are the benefits of the artist-in-residence program, and how is it different from guest artists?
Artists-in-residence spend extended time in Caroga contributing to events, performances, and community education programs. They are often prominent artists, scholars, and educators who provide world-class learning opportunities. Many go on to further success and return to Caroga Arts, bringing new audiences and enthusiasm with them.
Caroga Arts is also developing an artist-in-residence fellowship program for up to 30 recent college graduates, offering one-to-two-year positions with living accommodations at Myhil, a small stipend, and opportunities to perform, teach, collaborate, and mentor SPACE Program students.
Guest artists participate during the Caroga Lake Music Festival each summer, contributing to the collaborative environment and broadening Caroga Arts’ reach. In 2026, 10 Caroga Lake Music Festival artists received Grammy nominations, including Laufey, Michael Mayo, Sierra Hull, Eddie Benjamin, and others.
What other successful organizations does Caroga Arts draw inspiration from?
Caroga Arts looks to organizations like the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada and the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan — examples of artistic venues that have grown and flourished in rural areas.
How does CAC benefit the local community?
Caroga Arts pays sales tax on merchandise, fire tax, and income tax for all employees. It hires Fulton County residents part- and full-time, drives tourism that supports local lodging and restaurants, and partners with schools and touring artists. As the campus grows, demand for services and interest in the area will increase — benefiting all local businesses. Caroga Arts is not in direct competition with existing Caroga businesses; it is establishing itself as a regional destination, creating a rising tide of economic vitality for the whole community. The long-term goal is for Sherman’s to serve as a cultural and economic anchor for the region for generations to come.
Where does the Caroga Lake Music Festival audience come from?
The audience comes from near and far — Gloversville, Johnstown, Saratoga, Utica, New York City, the Capital Region, the Adirondack Park, Western New York, the Midwest, California, Texas, the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, and internationally. As Caroga Arts grows, so will the audience.
What is Caroga Arts’ vision for the future?
The growth of the campus is about more than an amphitheater or artist housing — it is the evolution of a cultural hub and a pillar of the Caroga community and the broader international arts world. When completed, the vision includes:
- A vibrant campus alive with concerts accessible by boat or on foot
- A boardwalk filled with public amenities for all
- The Dance Hall home to a jazz club
- Well-renowned artists hosting concerts, participating in the Summer Festival, and offering unique opportunities for the Caroga community
- Year-round, family-friendly activities fostering a love for the arts and a deep connection to Caroga, the Adirondacks, and the power of music
How can I support Caroga Arts?
You can support Caroga Arts as a donor or volunteer. Visit carogaarts.org/give for more information on how to get involved. Donations support the mission of reimagining Caroga through the arts — bringing world-class artists to the region, sustaining operations, and growing education programs like the SPACE Program.
Can I rent Sherman’s for my event?
Yes! Visit carogaarts.org/rental/ and submit your date preference, which will be reviewed by our team.
