By Emily Whalen • Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
Mark your calendar for the return of Wally Lake Fest! One of the most iconic summer lake festivals Poconos, this family-friendly, end-of-summer celebration of all that’s great about Lake Wallenpaupack is coming up August 28-30, 2026. Dive into an exciting weekend line-up of events both on water and on land. Wally Lake Fest 2026 takes place during the Big Lake’s centennial year, so it’ll be an extra special occasion. Be sure to book a place to stay nearby so you won’t miss any of the fun!
Float on the waves, watch loads of live music performances, snack on delicious food and drinks, visit the Boat and Outdoor Show, browse vendor fairs and markets and more. Wally Fest packs a ton of Lake Wallenpaupack events and the best of a Pocono Mountains vacation into three days of food, music, watersports, shopping, tours and activities for all ages.
What Should I Know Before I Go?
Be sure to book your room early! It’s worth staying overnight in the area to get the full experience. Treat yourself to a lakeside getaway and end the summer right. Reserve your accommodations in advance to secure a spot close to the fun. Stay within sight of the water at hotels in the Hawley area like Silver Birches Resort, East Shore Lodging, Loch Highlands, Cove Haven Resort, Lakeside Cabins, and the brand new Lakelyn Lodge.
Both The Settlers Inn and Ledges Hotel are one-of-a-kind properties in the heart Hawley, making them a perfect home base for the weekend. Find a vacation home rental like Four Seasons For Fun Bed & Breakfast, Uswick Schoolhouse, or the Cottage on Lake Mocatek or retreats from Davis R. Chant Real Estate, Inc.
Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits and comfortable walking shoes. Reference the official website at https://www.northernpoconos.org/wally-lake-fest to find out what’s happening, when and where to map out your can’t-miss activities in advance. Watch the video below to get a preview of the fun to come.
How Do I Get Around the Festival?
With festival events on and off the water all along The Big Lake’s 52 miles of shoreline, you’re looking at a lot of ground to cover. Fortunately, celebrations are set in three main areas, and free shuttles run to these locations on Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find hot spots in Downtown Hawley and along Route 6 with plenty of things to do in the area.
Parking & Shuttles
Free parking is available at Wallenpaupack Intermediate, Primary and Middle Schools, and free shuttle buses pick up at these locations on Saturday and Sunday. The shuttle buses stop at the Wallenpaupack High School for the Boat & Outdoor Show and Vendor Market, Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center next to Palmyra Township Public Beach, Gresham’s Landing, Hawley Silk Mill and Wallenpaupack Brewing Company.
Ride the Train
Why not take a railroad outing with The Stourbridge Line during your visit? Railroad trips depart from Honesdale like the Pocono Express or the Sunset Dinner Train. To experience a different side of the tracks when the trains aren’t running, take a scenic railbiking trip with Pennsylvania Rail Bike.
Can I Get On the Lake?
Out on the water is the place to be during Wally Lake Fest! Bring your own boat, get a rental or purchase a new vessel from outfitters all around the lake including Pirate’s Cove Marina, Lighthouse Harbor Marina, 1st Klas Marina, Rubber Duckie Rentals, Sterling Marina, and Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours. Relax in a family-size pontoon, give paddleboarding a try, or step up the adrenaline and skim over the water during a jet ski rental or waterskiing lesson with The Boat Shop.
Will There Be Live Performances?
The music never stops at Wally Fest. Check out the website for a complete schedule of live performances all weekend long! On Saturday afternoon, Wallypalooza puts performers out on the lake with the help of a floating stage. Drop anchor free of charge or sit on the shore to catch a set of the musical acts. Sit back along the shore at Silver Birches Resort and savor Wally Lake Fest performances on Saturday and Sunday. To close out the festival on Sunday, head to Glass – Wine.Bar.Kitchen for Blues, Brews & BBQ which will feature a special craft brew from Runaway Train Brewery in Honesdale. Attend a concert in a forest when you get tickets to see Doc Robinson on Saturday and De Tierra Caliente on Sunday in the Harmony in the Woods outdoor amphitheater. If you’re in the mood for a play, head to the Ritz Company Playhouse to see Steel Magnolias!
Where Do I Find Wally Lake Fest Food & Drinks?
Be sure to bring your appetite! You won’t leave Wally Lake Fest hungry. Start your day with a latte and breakfast pastry from Cocoon Coffeehouse & Bakery or a farm-to-table brunch at The Settlers Inn or French Manor Inn and Spa.
Great restaurants near Hawley like Crazy Country Club, The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Glass – Wine.Bar.Kitchen, and Gresham’s Chop House will be serving up delicious meals all weekend long.
Enjoy the air conditioning and order a cold beer from The Wake Zone Indoor Golf and Taproom or raise a glass at Pocono Beverage Trail stops like Jam Room Brewing Company and Wallenpaupack Brewing Company.
Are There Festival Fairs & Markets?
Shop for everything from homewares to watercraft at Wally Lake Fest. The festival features several outdoor markets and fairs, and local Hawley shops set up summer specials for the occasion. Browse the Open Market Fair at the Visitors Center Friday through Sunday or pay a visit to the Boat & Outdoor Show in the parking lot of Wallenpaupack Area High School on Saturday and Sunday. Stop by the Hawley Farmer’s Market in Bingham Park on Friday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. for local and hand-made products, peruse the wares at the Artisan Craft Fair at the Hawley Silk Mill on Saturday and Sunday, or take a short drive to visit the midway and check out the games, rides and more at the Greene Dreher Sterling Fair.
There’s lots more shopping to do beyond the markets! Stop in the Hawley Silk Mill or The Grains Book Store and Gift Shop, both located in historic buildings. Stock up on sparklers at North of the Border Fireworks, sweets at Penny Lane Candies & Candles, and souvenirs at Lake Art.
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