Welcome to the Third

Adirondack Nature Festival
for People with Disabilities

Connecting all people with nature.

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The Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities

Location

Paul Smith’s College VIC

Date

Saturday, September 18, 2027

Time

10am – 4pm

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An Important Update on the 2026 Festival

To our community, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we share difficult news. After much thought, we have regrettably decided to cancel the 2026 Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities.
This was not an easy decision. The Festival has always been a labor of love, built by and for people with disabilities, and stepping back for a year was the last thing we wanted. After careful consideration, we concluded it was the right and responsible choice for this year.

What has not changed is our mission or our commitment to it. We fully intend to return, bigger and better, on Saturday, September 18, 2027, at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center, to celebrate community, accessibility, and the healing power of nature.

To everyone who has supported us, our sponsors, vendors, artists, performers, volunteers, partner organizations, and the many friends who make this day possible, thank you. Your generosity and belief in this Festival mean everything, and we hope you will stand with us again next year.

We are nature. We will see you in 2027.

Who is a person with a disability?

A person with a disability is an individual who faces limitations in performing everyday activities due to physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health impairments. Disabilities can manifest in various forms and degrees, ranging from mobility challenges, such as difficulty walking or using stairs, to sensory impairments like blindness or deafness, to cognitive or developmental disabilities such as autism or intellectual disabilities.

It’s essential to understand that disabilities can be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, and they can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Moreover, disabilities can impact not only a person’s physical abilities but also their social interactions, employment opportunities, and access to services and resources.

About the Festival

The third Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities is an accessible event that connects all individuals with nature through a variety of activities, arts, and music.

Our festival is organized by a committee of volunteers with support from Paul Smith’s Visitior Interpretive Center, Accessible Adirondack Tourism, Adirondack Website Design, and many other people, and organizations throughout the Adirondack region.

All are welcome! Whether you are a person with a disability, a member of our community, or want to show support for the broad disability community, there are programs for everyone. Come join us!

More About the Festival

The third
festival for people with disabilities
in the Adirondack region.

Woman pushing boy in wheelchair

Welcome!

This day is dedicated to bringing together people with disabilities to celebrate who we are, to experience the uplifting power of community. You will find opportunities to connect with old friends as well as meet new people while sharing a nature experience, participating in a craft workshop or hanging out listening to live music.

The Festival

Paul Smith's College Visitor Interprative Center

Festival Location

Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interprative Center’s ADA compliant facility, and trail system.

Woman in Wheelchair Painting a glass vase.

Artists and Artisans

People with disabilities will be presenting their artistic works for viewing, listening and sale.

Accessible Adirondack Forest Path

Nature Programs

Accessible nature programs for people with disabilities, their family, friends, and supporters.

Glenn McClure

Entertainment and Food

Award winning regional performers, a variety of food and beverages, and other entertainers.

Testimonials

The Adirondack Nature Festival was truly magical. As someone who uses a wheelchair, I often worry about accessibility at outdoor events — but everything here was thoughtfully planned. I got to experience nature trails, wildlife talks, and eat with everyone in the big tent. It felt like a real adventure. I couldn’t believe they did that just for us.
Emily R., Schroon Lake, NY

This festival showed me how nice the world can be. The volunteers were all very nice, and the equipment display let me try things I never thought possible, and I even got to listen to live music with others like me. It was a day that I laughed alot, and I made some new friends. Thank you.
Marcus T., Albany, NY

My son has sensory processing challenges, and finding inclusive events can be tough. The Adirondack Nature Festival went above and beyond with calming spaces, quiet activities, and understanding staff. He explored the woods, learned about trees, and painted a butterfly. Watching him feel so free and accepted was the highlight of our year.
Sofia L., Plattsburgh, NY (Parent of Attendee)

Nature has always been my happy place, but its hard to find outdoor events that feel safe. At the festival, the guided nature walk, hands-on teaching, the storytelling and the smell of a campfire made everything come alive for me. I felt really good.
Jason M., Syracuse, NY