Out of the many exciting things to do this summer in the Poconos, one of the season’s must-attend events is Wally Lake Fest! This highly-anticipated festival features over 60 fun-filled activities and opportunities to enjoy Lake Wallenpaupack and the surrounding town of Hawley. While you’re planning your summer getaway to Pennsylvania, here is everything you need to know about Wally Lake Fest and how to get the most out of your experience.
While you’re here, don’t forget to stop by Hawley Silk Mill, a vibrant and historic lifestyle center! This is the perfect spot to take a break from the summer heat, indulge in a smoothie, iced coffee and freshly baked treats from Cocoon Coffee House and Bakery.
What to Expect at Wally Lake Fest 2023
Wally Lake Fest has been one of the most popular Lake Wallenpaupack festivals among locals and visitors alike. This August 25-27, our beautiful town in the Poconos will come alive with dozens of activities such as live music performances and artisan fairs. Here is a look at the schedule for this year!
Friday, August 25
Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours (11am to 5pm)
Learn the history of our charming lake region during this 50-minute guided boat tour on Lake Wallenpaupack. Prices are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $14 for children.
Hawley Farmers Market (2pm to 5pm)
Stop by Bingham Park and CJR Memorial Park for fresh and delicious local produce.
Lakeside Live (6pm to 9pm)
Gather at Capt. Wally’s Cocktail Cove at Silver Birches Resort for live entertainment.
Jazz on the Deck (6pm to 9pm)
Join us at The Settlers Inn for dinner and a foot-tapping performance by Spencer & Nancy Ree. There is no cover charge for music and cocktail service in the garden.
The South Side Five (6pm to 8pm)
A “psychedelic western surf” jazz band, brings audiences on a ride back in time through the music of western swing-jazz Tickets for the show at Harmony in the Woods are $22.
Saturday, August 26
Shop, Dine, and Explore Downtown (10am to 8pm)
Stroll around downtown Hawley and enjoy its small town charm and big city culture. As you’re browsing through the shops or dining in one of the many restaurants.
Open Market Fair (10am to 5pm)
Held at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center by the Chamber of the Northern Poconos, this popular event features pottery, painters, emerging artists, organic goods, wood crafts, photographers, local jewelers, and much more!
Boat Show and Outdoor Expo (10am to 5 pm)
Stop by Wallenpaupack Area High School to see a variety of watercraft. Talk to professionals and find out about the latest in pleasure boats, fishing vessels and recreational crafts.
8th Annual Ride for the Lake (10am)
Map and registration available online or call 570-226-3865. A lunch voucher and a T-shirt will be provided. Ride for the Lake registration begins at 10am at Wallenpaupack Area High School. The ride benefits the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed, a nonprofit that is responsible for the overall health of Lake Wallenpaupack.
Vendor Fair and Market (10am to 5pm)
Browse a wide variety of gifts, crafts, foods, keepsakes, art, and so much more. Dozens of crafters, local artisans, and shops will showcase their treasures at Wallenpaupack Area High School.
Artisan Craft Fair (10am to 5pm)
Join us at Hawley Silk Mill for an indoor and outdoor shopping experience with artisans, crafters, local food, bakery sale and free tastings. Don’t forget to grab a drink from the High Noon Seltzer Bar at Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery!.
Wally Lake Fest Brunch (1130am to 2:30pm)
Join us at The Settlers Inn for Wally Lake Fest Brunch! Enjoy a Prix Fixe Menu on Sunday with Live Music for $44/Person or an A La Carte Menu on Saturday. Reservations Suggested.
Last Saturday in Hawley (11am-6pm)
Over 20 merchants, guest makers, and creatives offer live music, cooking/crafting demonstrations, and more throughout downtown Hawley.
Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours (11am to 5pm)
Learn the history of our charming lake region during this 50-minute guided boat tour on Lake Wallenpaupack. Prices are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $14 for children.
Scenic and Recreational Railbiking Adventures
Pedal a scenic six mile route along the Lackawaxen River on a custom-made railbike. Departs from Hawley Train Station.
Lakeside Live with Dan E at Silver Birches (3pm-6pm)
Grab your take out lunch, dinner and drinks to go from The Dock or Captain Wally’s Cocktail Cove and enjoy live music on your boat or the lawn on the shoreline at Silver Birches.
Mike Miz and the Northeast Extension (6pm-8pm)
Mike Mizwinski, joined by the five piece Northeast Extension, is an Americana, Rock n’ Roll singer-songwriter and guitarist known for soulful and energetic live performances. Catch the performance at Harmony in the Woods. Tickets are $25.
Wallenpaupack Boat Rentals (10am-5pm)
Enjoy Wally Lake Fest by renting your own pontoon boat, kayak, or stand up paddle board at Wallenpaupack Boat Rentals!
A Bedful of Foreigners (8pm)
A hilarious farce by the Ritz Playhouse that you won’t want to miss. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students .
Sunday, August 27
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast (8:30 am to noon)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Blooming Grove Twp. Fire Dept. The menu features blueberry or plain pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns and bacon served with coffee or tea. Adults $9, children 10 and under $5.
Open Market Fair (10am to 5pm)
Held in the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, this popular event features pottery, painters, emerging artists, organic goods, wood crafts, photographers, local jewelers, and much more!
Boat Show and Outdoor Expo (10am to 5pm)
Stop by Wallenpaupack Area High School to see a variety of watercraft. Talk to professionals and find out about the latest in pleasure boats, fishing vessels and recreational crafts.
Vendor Fair and Market (10am to 5pm)
Browse among a wide variety of gifts, crafts, foods, keepsakes, art, and so much more. Dozens of crafters and local artisans and shops will showcase their treasures at Wallenpaupack Area High School.
Artisan Craft Fair (10am to 5pm)
Join us at Hawley Silk Mill for an indoor and outdoor shopping experience with artisans, crafters, local food, bakery sale, and free tastings.
Shop, Dine, and Explore Downtown (10am to 8pm)
Stroll downtown Hawley and enjoy our small town charm and big city culture. As you’re browsing through the shops or dining in one of the many restaurants, you can also partake in “hometown” games hosted by several local businesses throughout the day.
Youth LIVE Music (2pm-5pm)
Listen to the area’s most talented youth musicians as they entertain the crowd in the courtyard of Gresham’s Ice Cream Shoppe.
Scenic and Recreational Railbiking Adventures
Pedal a scenic six mile route along the Lackawaxen River on a custom-made railbike. Departs from Hawley Train Station.
Wally Lake Fest Brunch (1130am to 2:30pm)
Join us at The Settlers Inn for Wally Lake Fest Brunch! Enjoy a Prix Fixe Menu on Sunday with Live Music for $44/Person or an A La Carte Menu on Saturday. Reservations Suggested.
Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours (11am to 5pm)
Learn the history of our charming lake region during this 50-minute guided boat tour on Lake Wallenpaupack. Prices are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $14 for children.
Lakeside Live with Andrew Moses at Silver Birches (3pm-6 pm)
Grab your take out lunch, dinner and drinks to go from The Dock or Captain Wally’s Cocktail Cove and enjoy live music on your boat or the lawn on the shoreline at Silver Birches from 3pm-6pm.rt.
Blues, Brews, and BBQ at Ledges Hotel (6pm to 9pm)
The Blues, Brews, and BBQ event is one of the best ways to bring Wally Lake Fest to a close. While listening to Dustin Douglas and the Electric Gentlemen play, you’ll have the chance to indulge in mouthwatering selections from the grill, picnic fare sides and craft beer from a local brewery. Reservations are strongly recommended.
A Bedful of Foreigners (8pm)
A hilarious farce by the Ritz Playhouse that you won’t want to miss. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students .
Wallypalooza (Saturday, August 26 at 11am to 3pm)
It’s the most popular of all the Wally Lake Fest events! The floating concert that takes place on Lake Wallenpaupack! Visitors are invited to find a seat along the shores of the lake or listen to the music while aboard boats, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, floats and more. If you’d like to rent a powerboat or kayak during the festival, be sure to check out the rentals available at Silver Birches Resort. All afternoon, you can gather around the floating stage and enjoy performances from regional bands.
Need help getting around? Take the free shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday to all of the Wally Lake Fest locations and activities.
Best Accommodations for Wally Lake Fest
Need a place to stay for Wally Lake Fest? Hawley is home to several wonderful hotels and resorts, some of which will be a part of all the Wally Lake Fest fun. Just to help you get started, here are some suggestions based on your needs and group size!
Couples and Small Groups/Families
The Settlers Inn: The Settlers Inn is a charming Arts & Crafts style lodge that also boasts one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Hawley. The cozy and thoughtfully-decorated guest rooms are ideal for couples or small groups seeking a peaceful and romantic place to unwind after a full day of Wally Lake Fest activities.
Ledges Hotel: These modern accommodations are perfectly equipped with highly-appointed amenities and panoramic views of the river gorge and falls. You can also choose between one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites that feature more space for small groups and families.
Silver Birches: Silver Birches is a lakefront resort that offers a wide variety of vintage-style accommodations. They’re also one of Wally Lake Fest’s presenting sponsors! Couples and smaller groups will benefit from the cozy standard king/queen rooms, suites, and deluxe rooms. The Bunkhouse and Cottages are also great options and feature two bedrooms, spectacular lake views, and a wide variety of comfortable amenities.
Large Groups and Families
Silver Birches Houses: The full-sized houses at Silver Birches Resort are the perfect home-away-from-home for your next Hawley vacation. They can sleep 6-10 guests and provide plenty of space for everyone to relax and unwind together. The Fairview House is the largest and most luxurious of all the homes and can sleep up to 14 people! During your stay, you’ll enjoy an indoor heated pool, a game room, home theater, and full property privileges at Silver Birches Resort.
Come to See Us at Hawley Silk Mill
While you’re participating in all the Lake Wallenpaupack events, we invite you to visit our vibrant lifestyle center in Hawley, PA. Our historic factory has been a beacon of the Hawley community for years. Browse through our unique and eclectic shops for the perfect gifts and souvenirs. Delight your inner artist and view masterpieces from around the world in the art gallery. Attend our wide variety of fun-filled events such as pop-up restaurants or cooking classes. Whatever you decide to do, you could spend an entire day enjoying everything our center has to offer.