Waterhole Music Lounge
Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Adirondacks rests the Waterhole Music Lounge. Considered the premier live music venue of the Adirondacks, Waterhole features two bars, three stories, extensive outdoor patio space, and a diverse drink menu. Situated in Downtown Saranac Lake, Waterhole’s prime location attracts both local residents and tourists to gather with friends and enjoy great music and food. The variety of events hosted throughout the year makes the gorgeous venue a worthwhile vacation destination at any time. 
The Waterhole Music Lounge’s signature series is “Party on the Patio.” This beloved free concert series takes place on Waterhole’s multi-tiered outdoor patio space. Free performances for this series occur every Thursday throughout May to October from 6-10 pm. It should be noted that all performances are 21+.
The history of the Waterhole Music Lounge includes several different owners. First established in 1970, the venue changed many hands throughout the years. Billy Allen, a longtime investor, and former owner, transformed the bar into a music venue in 1986. In 2015, Waterhole briefly closed due to some locals wanting a new restaurant. However, the club’s talent booker, Eric Munley, and his partner, Kiki Sarko, intervened and bought Water from Allen. After working out a deal with Allen, the couple leased the business without going through a bank and reopened the venue in 2016, becoming full owners in 2018.
The lounge is also Saranac Lake’s only live music venue. Moreover, Waterhole contains all the amenities a small town could need. While the upstairs concert hall is only open for private events and live music, the street-level bar is open daily. Additionally, although the busiest time of the year is during the summer’s Party on the Patio series, Waterhole hosts an annual Winter Carnival. This event takes place in early February and offers a music marathon featuring almost 20 bands.
A visit to the Waterhole Music Lounge is worth the trip, whether you’re a music aficionado or simply seeking to experience a beautiful landscape. The venue sits on Sacaran Lake’s Main Street, allowing visitors to access the amazing view of the area. Another great part of the venue is that it is completely accessible, as it’s built into the side of a hill. Thus, it has entrances that open onto each floor, including the balcony level. A stop by Waterhole promises to be an exciting and entertaining visit for anyone.
