It's three days of sports, shopping, tours, food, music and activities for all ages, and it's coming our way August 26-28, 2016. Wally Lake Fest is an annual end-of-summer event that packs the best parts of a Northern Pocono Mountains vacation into one epic weekend.

Why battle the crowds at the beach when you can play, stay and celebrate on Lake Wallenpaupack? Jump in! Seal your summer vacation with a splash. Read on for tips to help you make the most of Wally Lake Fest weekend in the Pocono Mountains.

~ Before You Go ~ Getting Around ~ Festivities ~

BEFORE YOU GO

  • Book your room - It's worth staying for the full experience. Act early to secure a spot close to the fun.
  • Download a brochure - The map inside is a great resource!
  • Pack for play - We suggest sunscreen, swimsuits and sneakers. Check the brochure for specifics.
  • Call with questions - [570-226-2141] puts you in touch with information specialists at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center.

    Wally Lake Fest on Lake Wallenpaupack

GETTING AROUND
The Big Lake boasts 52 miles of shoreline. With events on and off the water, you’re looking at a lot of ground to cover. Fortunately, celebrations are set in three main areas and free shuttles run on Saturday and Sunday.

Festival Sections
Wally Lake Fest venues are grouped by location. You’ll find hot spots in Downtown Hawley, the North End and the Lake Region.

Parking
Free parking is available at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and the Wallenpaupack Area High School. Free shuttles stop at both locations on Saturday and Sunday. 

Shuttles
Save time and money. Park once and ride the shuttles out to Wally Lake Fest hot spots.

  • The Red Shuttle stops at Gresham’s Landing, the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center and the Wallenpaupack Area High School. Catch it between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
  • The Blue Shuttle stops at the Wallenpaupack Area High School, the Hawley Silk Mill and Downtown Hawley. It operates between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday only.

Train
On Saturday, the Stourbridge Line runs a Wally Lake Fest Express trip from Honesdale to Downtown Hawley. The train arrives at 5 p.m. and boards to return at 7 p.m. Scenic round-trip excursions depart the Hawley Station at 5 and 6 p.m. These "flyer" rides take approximately 45 minutes. Advance purchase is advised. See brochure for details.

Hawley Silk Mill in the Northern Pocono Mountains

FESTIVITIES
Festivities begin on Friday and run through Sunday evening.

On the Water
If watersports are what you want, stick around the North End on Saturday and Sunday. You'll have access to kayak and stand-up paddleboard demos, the Wallypalooza floating music stage, the Wally Lake Fest Boat Parade, scenic boat tours, the Sailboat Regatta, and the Boat, Watercraft and Outdoor Show.

Wally Lake Fest on Lake Wallenpaupack

On Stage
The music never stops at Wally Lake Fest. There are live performances at four locations on Friday night alone.

  • Friday - Warm up for the weekend with live music on the lake, or head into Hawley for Jazz on the Deck. The Dock on Wallenpaupack is all new for this year's Lakeside Luau, a Wally Lake Fest tradition.
  • Saturday - Saturday's Wallypalooza puts performers on the lake with the help of a floating stage. Catch a set before or after the boat parade. Saturday night brings more music to restaurants in the Lake Region. You can also see a theater show at Hawley's Ritz Company Playhouse. The Amorous Ambassador begins at 8 p.m.
  • Sunday - Slide into Sunday with a Bloody Mary brunch on The Dock on Wallenpaupack. The Bloody Mary bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and live music begins at 3. Glass - Wine.Bar.Kitchen presents Blues, Brews & BBQ from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are recommended.

    Stunning waterfalls views at the Ledges Hotel

On the Table
Be sure to bring your appetite. One of the best parts of Wally Lake Fest is the food!

  • Friday - Kick things off with a meal and some music. The Settlers Inn, Boat House Restaurant and The Dock on Wallenpaupack have performances planned. Unwind at one or hop around and have a bite at each place.
  • Saturday - Plan to sample on Saturday. The day’s events include food pairings, fairs, markets and free tastings. Cocoon Coffee House hosts the Don Q Rum Mojito Ice Bar from noon to 6 p.m. and Gresham’s Chop House presents Wally Beer Fest from 2 to 8 p.m. This is a prime spot to catch Wallypalooza, especially since the TITO's RV will be there. Grab a cold cocktail, tour the custom camper and unwind to the on-water entertainment.
  • Sunday - Pancake Breakfast or Bloody Mary Brunch? Both are options early Sunday. Fairs and tastings continue at various locations, and the Boat House Restaurant kicks off its Clam Bake 'N' Brew at noon. Don't forget about Blues, Brews & BBQ. It happens at Glass - Wine.Bar.Kitchen from 6 to 9 p.m.

    Cocoon Coffee House

On Display
Shop at Wally Lake Fest and you could head home with wares or watercraft. The festival features several outdoor markets including the Boat, Watercraft and Outdoor Show at the Wallenpaupack Area High School. Check the brochure for a shopping breakdown, and remember to browse around Downtown Hawley. Local businesses set up specials and events specifically for Wally Lake Fest.

To get the most out of a bash this big, you've got to plan in advance. Visit the Wally Lake Fest website to learn more about daily schedules, activity centers and places to stay.

Got questions? Contact us! We'd be happy to help you plan your trip to Wally Lake Fest in the Pocono Mountains.

We visited Lake Wallenpaupack to film a Snapchat story on August 11, 2016. View the video below to see the story, and add PoconoTourism on Snapchat to see fun weekly features from the Pocono Mountains.