The air has been turning crisp and the leaves are beginning to fall but the music scene in the Adirondacks is heating up. The Waterhole Music Lounge, Saranac Lake’s legendary destination venue, has announced the Fall/Winter 2025 Live Music Lineup, featuring a handpicked slate of shows on a stage that is truly the heartbeat of the Adirondack’s live music scene.
Sept 20 – Matt Heckler If you haven’t heard of Matt Heckler yet, it’s time to get familiar. This one-of-a-kind, internationally touring multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter has been hitting stages worldwide in support of acts like Devil Makes Three, Lost Dog Street Band, and Flogging Molly. His sound is hard to pin down—somewhere between Appalachian mountain music and raw bluegrass, delivered with gritty passion and authenticity. Last time he played The Waterhole, it was an intimate solo set; this time, he’s bringing backup from Joe’s Truck Stop, a band blending bluegrass, honky tonk, and western swing.
Sept 27 – Stand-Up Comedy Night Get ready to laugh loud and often! The Waterhole is bringing stand-up comedy to the heart of Saranac Lake with a mix of rising stars, local legends, and one headliner guaranteed to bring the house down. This special seated event features two showings.
Oct 11 – Driftwood w/ Nubble – Driftwood’s return to The Waterhole is more than just another show—it’s a homecoming. As longtime staples of our stage, this Upstate New York band has grown alongside our venue, creating countless performances fueled by raw energy and heart.
Though their shows here have become less frequent, their roots run deep in the Waterhole community, making this night extra special. Known for high-energy, emotionally charged Americana, Driftwood blends traditional folk and bluegrass instrumentation with pop and country hooks—pushing genre boundaries with every performance.
Kicking off the night is local favorite Nubble, an alternative folk band from Saranac Lake. Known for Adirondack-themed music and a distinctive atmospheric sound, Nubble captures the spirit of the region through songs rich with local color and emotional depth.
Oct 18 – Ghost Funk Orchestra w/ Lux Deluxe We’re beyond excited to welcome Ghost Funk Orchestra to The Waterhole for the first time—this show feels almost too good to be true. After their 2022 performance at the Northern Current festival, the local community was hooked on their funky sound and soulful female vocals.
Based in Brooklyn NY, and led by producer/multi-instrumentalist Seth Applebaum, this 10-piece band blends soul music with psychedelic rock, Latin grooves, and more. Expect big horns, strong vocal harmonies, and rhythms that keep you guessing—different, exciting, and guaranteed to get the room moving. Opening the night is Lux Deluxe, bringing joyful, high-energy rock and roll with a sound that blends vintage flair and modern swagger.
Oct 31 – Halloween Bash This year’s Waterhole Halloween Bash is bigger, louder, and spookier than ever—because for the first time in years, it falls on the actual night of Halloween: Friday, October 31st! Two Waterhole crowd favorites will bring the heat: the funky, bluesy grooves of All Night Boogie Band and the high-octane rock and roll of Chestnut Grove.
There will also be a costume contest with fun prizes and plenty of laughs, so get creative, get spooky, or just show up as your weirdest self. Whether you’re in full costume or just ready to party, this is a night you won’t want to miss.
Nov 1 – South Catherine Street Jug Band Reunion Show –The South Catherine Street Jug Band Reunion show sold out almost immediately, proving just how beloved this group remains. Fans are eagerly anticipating a night filled with classic, foot-stomping sounds that made them local favorites. Special guests Maddie Walsh & The Blindspots will open the evening.
Nov 21 & 22 — Up Next NY is a new showcase series spotlighting fresh talent from the upstate New York music scene. This special two-night event will feature four up-and-coming bands— two each night—offering audiences a chance to discover the next wave of regional artists making their mark.
Tribute Shows Lineup
The Waterhole’s Fall/Winter lineup continues with exciting tribute shows celebrating some of rock’s most iconic bands:
• Nov 7 – Strictly Hip: Masters of the Music of The Tragically Hip, a heartfelt tribute to the Canadian rock legends.
• Nov 8 – The Brokes, delivering the raw energy and indie rock vibes of The Strokes.
• Dec 7 – Band of Brothers, honoring The Allman Brothers with soulful guitar harmonies and jam band magic.
• Dec 13 – The Seven Wonders, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band capturing timeless hits and signature harmonies.
Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Bash – Ring in 2026 at The Waterhole’s Annual New Year’s Eve Bash! This year features a special reunion show from JIM… a legendary North Country band with a unique sound that leans into alternative and experimental rock with a quirky, energetic edge. Their last reunion was two years ago during the FISU Games in Lake Placid, making this return even more special.
Opening the night are The Daily Deadlys, a high-energy local punk rock band known for their raw sound and infectious energy—the perfect act to get the crowd pumped for an unforgettable night.
Tickets for all Waterhole Music Lounge Fall and Winter performances can be purchased online at saranaclakewaterhole.com or in person at the bar—always with no ticketing fees. Please note the venue is always 21+.
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