CAROGA LAKE, NEW YORK – The 3-Day Caroga Winter Carnival is back again for 2026, beginning on Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1.
The event kicks off Friday evening with a Winter Tournament Series of Events featuring Sleigh Races, a Cornhole Tournament, Closest to the Pin contest and highlighted by a four man/woman teamed Tug-of War competition, at the new Royal View Pub and Campground, located at 2533 St. Hwy 10 in Caroga with live music by Philip Arcuri, food and beverages.
The carnival weekend will consist once again with the vintage snowmobile show, new this year – a lighted snowmobile rave parade on West Caroga Lake at dusk followed by a fireworks display presented by the Fulton County Visitors Bureau. The extremely anticipate Outhouse Races will once again fly across West Caroga Lake on Sunday, information will be available at the Caroga Lakeview Store.
Plans are shaping up for another kids ice fishing clinic, a pancake breakfast, the chilly chili cook-off, and an endless variety of winter activities. Vrooman’s snow-volleyball tournament, and nightly live music is planned. The all new Liquor By The Lake is having their grand opening with sample tastings all weekend. This is a town-wide event with local businesses, merchants and organizations all participating in their own way. Much more information is to come.
As always, Royal Mountain Ski Area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, while Wheelerville Trails hosts avid downhill fat biking on its famed mountain biking trails. There will be opportunities to snowshoe, X-C ski and ice skate.
A welcomed addition to this years carnival; the Caroga Arts Collective will be shining their festive lights, ice skating, carousel rides and host beverages from Stump City Brewing. The Chilly Chili Contest will be Sunday at Sherman’s – be sure to cast your vote for best chili! Sunday evening, tune in to a Grammy watch party at Nick Stoner Inn & 19th Hole to cheer on the nine CLMF Participants up for Grammy’s this year
Last year, the Fulton County Visitors Bureau was looking looking to assist with a winter event that would showcase all Fulton County has to offer during the winter months. With so much focused on the county’s endless summer amenities, it was a chance to reinforce Fulton County as a four-season destination. Caroga Lake businesses and organizations literally hit the ground running and created this now annual winter event. Please join us for a weekend full of exciting events, great food, music and definitely adventure!
Click here to download the 2026 Outhouse Race Rules, Regs and Application:
Check back for an event schedule in the near future!!
