A signature visual celebration to mark the Olympic Games period. The Olympic Center will be illuminated nightly in themed colors:

• Thursday, February 5 | Empire State Games Opening Night – Red & White
• Friday, February 6 | Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony – Green, White & Red (Italian flag)
• February 7–22 | Throughout the Games – Red, White & Blue for Team USA

Skate on the historic James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, where Eric Heiden won 5 gold medals in 1980 with special themed nights all month long. Opportunities to meet former Olympians or Team USA hopefuls. 

• February 7 | Empire State Winter Games themed colors  
• February 14 |46th anniversary of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games  
• February 17 | USA Hockey Women won Gold in 1998  
• February 20 | Eric Heiden wins Gold
• February 21 & 22 | Miracle Night, 80s music
• Monday, February 16 & 23, 4:30 – 6:30 pm | “Learn About the Olympic Sport of Speed Skating” Join local speed skating icon and US Speedskating World/National Certified coach Tom Miller for engaging sessions designed to educate and inspire. A behind-the-scenes look at the sport that brought Lake Placid Olympic glory, while providing a chance for hands-on learning. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or curious about the fast-paced world of Olympic skating, this is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most experienced coaches.

• • Demonstrations of speed skating form and technique
  • Introductory drills and tips for trying speed skating
  • Personal stories from Tom’s coaching career and experiences with Olympians
  • Ideal for school groups, aspiring skaters, and Oval visitors of all ages

Step into the game! Located on the second Floor of the Olympic Center, the Virtual Jersey Experience is an interactive kiosk where guests can take a photo and see themselves instantly placed inside an official Team USA Hockey jersey. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, this fun digital feature lets you feel the pride of wearing red, white, and blue and show your spirit before hitting the ice or heading to a viewing party.

Available during athlete check in hours for Empire State Winter Games February 4-7.

• Digital photo capture that places visitors “in uniform”
• USA Hockey jersey overlays representing Team USA
• Instant on-screen preview
• Option to save or share the image

February 5 – 8

Celebrate New York State’s largest multi-sport winter event while connecting participants to Lake Placid’s Olympic heritage and the excitement of the 2026 Games.

• February 6 – 9:45 am – 11 am | Free Skate with the Turbo Twins | Olympic Speed Skating Oval
• Ceremonial Torch Relay | Incorporating “Olympic-style” messaging and 2026 themes
• Curated artifacts from past Olympic Winter Games and Empire State Games
• Thursday, February 5, 7 pm | ESG Opening Ceremony  | 1980 Herb Brooks Arena
  • Turbo Twins Show “Where Chill Meets Will”. The Turbo Twins (Dean & Dylan) are Canadian extreme skaters, former Red Bull Crashed Ice champions, and Cirque du Soleil performers known for their high-energy ice stunt shows
  • Parade of Athletes
  • Tributes to the Milano-Cortina Olympics

• “Moments in Time” – Photo & Memorabilia Station | February 1 – April 1 | Museum Learning Center (2640 Main Street)

A curated pop-up exhibit featuring iconic images, artifacts, and memorabilia from past Olympic Winter Games and Empire State Games held in Lake Placid. Visitors can explore how the region has supported winter athletes for generations.

• Medal Count Returns

The popular live medal count tracking board returns to the museum lobby “Miracle Plaza”, tracking Team USA and global standings throughout the Games.

• Athletes & Artists Gallery Talk | February 11, 13, 18, & 20, 10:00 am | Lake Placid Olympic Museum

Visitors are invited to learn how art at the Olympics connects more people across the globe than we might think. Taking place in the Museum, this activity is included in the price of admission.

• Friendship Bracelet Craft Activity with Just Bead It | Saturday, Feb 21, 11 am – 3 pm | Museum Learning Center (2640 Main Street)

Free drop-in activity where visitors of all ages create friendship bracelets representing Olympic values: excellence, friendship, and respect.

• Olympic Winter Games Hub – Pop-Up Learning Displays | January 30 – March 15, 2026 | Museum Learning Center (2640 Main Street)

• • Display 1: “Lake Placid to Italy” – Highlighting local athletes competing in Milano Cortina.
  • Display 2: “Inside the Games” – A general primer on sports, venues, mascots, and fun facts about the 2026 Games.

• Dream Wall | Museum Learning Center (2640 Main Street)

Write a message of good luck to local athletes using pre-made postcards or share your own Olympic dreams!

• Friday, February 6 | 12 – 4 pm
• Saturday, February 7 | 10 am – 12 pm
• Wednesday, February 11 | 12 – 4 pm
• Friday, February 13 | 12 – 4 pm
• Saturday, February 14 | 10 am – 12 pm
• Tuesday, February 17 | 10 am – 12 pm
• Wednesday, February 18 | 12 pm – 4 pm
• Friday, February 20 | 12 pm – 4 pm
• Saturday, February 21 | 11 am – 3 pm
• Community Art Wall | Museum Learning Center (2640 Main Street)

Visitors are invited to contribute to a co-created mural full of winter memories from around the region.

• Friday, February 6 | 12 – 4 pm
• Saturday, February 7 | 10 am – 12 pm
• Wednesday, February 11 | 12 – 4 pm
• Friday, February 13 | 12 – 4 pm
• Saturday, February 14 | 10 am – 12 pm
• Tuesday, February 17 | 10 am – 12 pm
• Wednesday, February 18 | 12 pm – 4 pm
• Friday, February 20 | 12 pm – 4 pm
• Saturday, February 21 | 11 am – 3 pm

Gather during the Olympic Winter Games February 6 – 22 as a community to celebrate key events and support local athletes. 

• Opening Ceremony Viewing Party – Feb. 6
  • Roamers Café: All TVs, themed drink specials
  • Mt Van Hoevenberg Upper Lodge: Public viewing on the second floor
• Daily Viewing Zones at Venues
  • Olympic Center | Featuring sports of Figure skating, hockey, and curling
  • Mt Van Hoevenberg | Featuring sports of Bobsled, skeleton, luge, biathlon, and cross-country
  • Olympic Jumping Complex | Featuring sports of Ski jumping and Nordic combined
• Photo Opportunities at a medals podium in Mid’s Park on Main Street
• TEAM USA photo backdrop at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval.