Similar to the Saranac Lake region, the Keene and Keene Valley region will bring you into small town living in the Adirondacks. Keene Valley events are one of a kind, just like this close knit community. Happenings in the valley are typically more focused on living in nature unlike the hustle and bustle of large events found in Lake Placid.
Keene Valley is a hiker’s paradise offering the most options of mountains to hike in the region. These hikes include quick trips as well as some overnight options when hiking the 46 high peaks. The community is also heavily focused on the arts, with studios and galleries showcasing local work ranging from Adirondack Style furniture to paintings and photography. With such variety and expertise, finding the perfect piece for your home is a snap.
Keene & Keene Valley Events of Summer
There are quite a few Keene & Keene Valley events that happen throughout the summer to delight & entertain locals and visitors alike. Some of the noteworthy happenings in the region include the Keene Arts Summer Concert Series, Keene Valley Fire Department Remembrance Run, 17th Annual American Legion Car Show and the expansive Keene Valley farmer’s market.
Keene Arts Summer Concert Series – 7 pm $15
Keene Arts Summer Concert Series – 7 pm $15June 10 – Metamusic
A saxophone, violin and piano ensemble.
June 15 – Pianist Dan Linder
Dan Linder is a versatile pianist, chamber musician and teaching artist who has been praised as a “pianistic chameleon.” His solo as well as collaborative performances have occurred in venues across the United States and United Kingdom. Learn more about Dan Linder.
June 17 – Paul Meyers Trio – World On A String
Paul Meyers is an active player in New York’s vibrant Brazilian jazz scene. He currently leads his own group World On a String which features saxophonist Donny McCaslin, pianist Helio Alves, Leo Travesa on bass and Vanderlei Pereira on drums. Learn more about the Paul Meyers Trio/ World On A String.
June 24 – Trillium Chamber Players
Inspiring Adirondack audiences since their founding in 2010, the Trillium Chamber Players perform a wide range of music from the classics of Mozart and Schubert to edgy new repertoire by the likes of Reena Esmail and Oscar Navarro. The group is comprised of Janice Kyle who plays oboe, Janine Scherline who is on clarinet and Timothy Mount on piano. Learn more about the Trillium Chamber Players.
June 29 – Red Canna Trio
A chamber jazz group playing the original compositions and arrangements of pianist/composer Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and a selection of other modern composers. The group features Mitsuko Suzuki of the Albany Symphony on violin, Bobby Kendall on upright bass, Woodbury Kasius on Piano and frequent special guest Shari Seidman Parslow on vocals. Learn more about Red Canna Trio.
Keene Farmers Market – Sundays 9:30am – 2pm – June to October
Keene Farmers Market – Sundays 9:30am – 2pm – June to OctoberThe perfect setting for a Farmers Market, Marcy Field allows plenty of room for vendors to display their goods at this staple of Keene Valley events. Locals and visitors alike come to the field every weekend to take in the beauty of the surrounding Adirondack mountain views and the Ausable river. This farmers market features fresh local produce as well as artisan booths that offer handcrafted products and art work.
Keene Valley Congregational Church Bazaar & Quilt Sale – August 4
Keene Valley Congregational Church Bazaar & Quilt Sale – August 4Occurring each summer, the community comes together for this Bazaar to shop for gorgeous quilts, textile arts and jewelry. Local quiltmakers and textile artists are able to show off their newest products at this popular example of Keene Valley events.
In addition to the opportunity to browse and find the perfect textile product, this sale is a great chance to discover some unique local treasures at the White Elephant Sale in the garage. Local historic camps and homes donate items so you never know what you’ll find. Finish off your visit at the cookout and bake sale where you can meet and talk with new and old friends!
KVFD Remembrance 5k Run/Walk
September 9 | 12pm | Keene Valley Fire Department
Commemorating those that were lost, those who stepped up and those that continue to serve, this is one of the Keene Valley events that really shows the big heart of this mountain community. The KVFD Remembrance 5k Run/Walk gives the athletes and community members the opportunity to remember and thank those who serve. Register today!
17th Annual American Legion Post 1312 Car Show
17th Annual American Legion Post 1312 Car Show September 23rd | 10 AM – 2 PM | Marcy Field
Classic cars and classic Adirondack views! Stop down to Marcy Field to see some classic cars while taking in the beauty of the Adirondacks during the peak of fall. If you are a car enthusiast, this is one of the Keene Valley events you don’t want to miss!
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
HikingWhether you are looking to cross off multiple Adirondack 46ers, or do a smaller mountain after hitting one of the summer’s Keene Valley events, the Keene/ Keene Valley area will give you the most options to hike and explore in the Adirondacks. Here are a few trails to consider:
Johns Brook Via The Phelps Trail – Easy
Starting from the Garden Trailhead, follow the Phelps Trail along Johns Brook through the woods to end at the Johns Brook Interior Outpost. This hike is a 6.0 miles out and back taking about two and half hours on average.
It’s a perfect option if you have a few hours or are just starting to hike. At the Johns Brook Outpost, there are also lean-tos and tent sites giving beginner backpackers the opportunity to enjoy a night in the backcountry!
Baxter Mountain – Moderate
Baxter Mountain offers a fairly smooth trail with mild gradients, except for the upper part where it becomes steeper with rocks. This is a 2.9 mile out and back trail. The trailhead can be found at 10120 State Hwy 9N in Keene, NY.
Giant Mountain Peak – Hard
This trail is very steep with almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain over 3 miles to the summit. This is a 6.1 mile out and back trail that can be accessed by the Ridge Trail.
There are multiple trail options to choose from the Keene/Keene Valley area. Alltrails is one of the best sources to find the perfect hike for your day!
Rock Climbing
Rock ClimbingSome adventurers want to go more vertical. The Keene Region also offers wonderful rock climbing. It contains all the crags around the town of Keene as well as the Cascade Pass. The Cascade Pass is one of the most beautiful in the Adirondacks. MountainProject.com offers the best resource to choose what climb is the best for your skill level.
Biking
BikingKeene recently opened up a new mountain biking trail system last fall. The first trail is a 2 mile multi-use trail system on the East Branch. Easy access from Keene Valley events, this is a great location for families.
BETA (Barkeater Trails Alliance) plans to construct 6 to 7 miles of multi-use trails that will include a pump track near the trailhead. The additional miles are in the works for this coming summer.
Where to Eat
Old Mountain Coffee Company
Old Mountain Coffee Company 1767 NY- 73 Keene Valley, NY | Open 7am – 4pm Everyday
What a better way to start your morning than a fresh coffee that is locally roasted! Old Mountain Coffee Company is the perfect stop if you are looking for locally roasted coffees plus breakfast and lunch options to keep you going on your outdoor adventures.
Cedar Run Bakery & Market
2 Grist Mill Lane Keene, NY | Friday – Monday 8am – 6pm
Cedar Run Bakery & Market is small store that can be found in Keene that was established in 2002 with the mission to provide homemade food for the community while trying to source local and organic products. To start your day ,stop by the bakery to pick up fresh breads, muffins and granola.
At lunch, there is a deli to pick up sandwiches, buddha bowls, salads and deli salads. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery again to pick up cookies, cupcakes or pies for later. If your adventure or your day packed full of Keene Valley events runs long, they also have a take and bake section perfect for a quick meal after your hike!
Noon Mark Diner
1770 NY- 73 Keene Valley, NY | Open 7am – 3:30pm Everyday
Noon Mark Diner is an Adirondack/ Keene Valley classic that has had generations of families and hikers stop in to enjoy homemade food. Most known for their homemade pies, the Noon Mark Diner is always worth the stop. They offer breakfast all day, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. They even serve entrees including lasagna, fried chicken, rainbow trout and sirloin steak! Noon Mark will have you energized for any Adirondack adventure.
Keene Valley Ausable Inn
Keene Valley Ausable Inn 1809 Route 73 Keene Valley, NY | Wednesday – Sunday 11:30 am – 8pm
Keene Valley Ausable Inn is close to hiking and climbing. It offers outdoor dining as well as a full service bar perfect for enjoying sunny Adirondack days. For lunch, pick up a sandwich, burger, salad or some pub fare. At dinner, they have wonderful entrees from poultry dishes to steaks and even fish dishes!
Forty Six
2837 Route 73 Keene, NY | Friday – Tuesday 11:30 am – 8pm
Forty Six is a bistro-style, farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of Keene. They feature local and sustainably sourced ingredients. If you are taking a break from your adventures at lunch time, they offer a selection of sandwiches as well as a few appetizers to start your meal. They also offer dinner for after your explorations with a great variety of entrees including fish, duck, steak and even tofu. This restaurant is perfect if you have any dietary requirements.
Baxter Mountain Tavern
10050 NYS Route 9N Keene, NY | Wednesday – Sunday 4 pm – 9pm
The local spot for refreshing cocktails and a hearty meal, Baxter Mountain Tavern offers made from scratch dishes using fresh locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect spot to stop after your hike or if you are just looking to gather with friends to enjoy the Adirondack summer weather on the deck.
At Adirondack Premier Properties, our top rated agents love living in the communities that we serve and enjoy sharing knowledge of the local area with clients. If you are looking to invest, relocate or travel to the Adirondack region, we hope our Guide to Keene and Keene Valley Events of Summer gives you a good idea of all this area has to offer. Contact one of our agents today for help in selling your Adirondack property of finding the home of your dreams.