The Wild Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Celebrate 20 years of curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world at 
The Wild Center’s 20th Anniversary Party 
on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Tupper Lake.

JOIN THE PARTY

The party is open to the public, with complimentary tickets available online.

Open 10 am to 7 pm

Tickets are limited so be sure to reserve yours in advance!
Tickets

Headline Performer 
Martin Sexton

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Martin Sexton will headline the celebration, returning to The Wild Center, where he also performed at its 2006 opening. Known for his soulful voice, genre-blending sound, and powerful storytelling. Sexton’s performance anchors a full day of anniversary festivities.

ABOUT MARTIN:
Martin Sexton released his tenth studio album this year and is touring with what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice,” acoustic guitar, and a suitcase full of heartfelt songs.

The latest release (2020 Vision) is produced by three-time Grammy-nominee John Alagia with John Mayer guesting on guitar.

Sexton’s stated mission continues to be unity through music with a commitment to sharing peace and harmony through song.

Full Schedule

All Day

  • Member Tent, Art & Science Tent, Maple Syrup Tasting — Parking Lot: Enjoy hands-on activities, local flavors, and family fun
  • Food Vendors — Parking Lot: Lions Club, Nick & Bennie's American Grille, and Sugar Shakers Lemonade & Pretzels
  • 20 Year History Exhibit & Plain Jane — Naturalist Cabinet: Learn about the Center's 20 years & watch live tattooing
  • Trolls: Save the HumansWild Center Trails: Traveling exhibit by Thomas Dambo

11:00–11:30 am

  • Creature Feature — Great Hall: Meet one of our animal ambassadors and learn about their natural history

11:00 am–3:00 pm

  • Drop-in Mini Paddle Trips — Waterfront: Canoe and kayak on the Raquette River and participate in citizen science

11:30 am–12:30 pm

  • LIVE MUSIC: David Wells — Main Stage: Singer-songwriter rooted in the landscapes and stories of Northern NY

12:00–12:30 pm

  • Otter Program — Otter Falls: Get to know our river otters—their playful personalities and wild lives

12:30–1:30 pm

  • Special Showing of Wild Adirondacks Film — Theater: Introduction from the artists and a Q&A with Carl Heilman II

2:00–4:00 pm

  • Pond Stocking — Animal Viewing Area: Learn about fish species & the restocking of Greenleaf Pond

2:00 pm

  • 20th Anniversary Celebration Program — Main Stage: Flag parade, anniversary speakers, 20 Voices film premiere
  • Live Stream of Celebration Program — Theater

3:00–4:30 pm

  • LIVE MUSIC: Martin Sexton — Main Stage: Known for his soulful voice, genre-blending sound, and powerful storytelling

4:00–4:30 pm

  • Creature Feature — Theater: Meet one of our animal ambassadors and learn about their natural history

5:00–5:30 pm

  • Otter Program — Otter Falls: Get to know our river otters—their playful personalities and wild lives

About Plain Jane Flash Tattoos

ALL APPOINTMENT SLOTS ARE FILLED

But don’t fret-if you didn’t claim one, you can come check out the hand-poke station in the Naturalist Cabinet at The Wild Center on 7/10 and 7/11 and snag a coupon to come visit Jane at her home shop just north of Albany in Mechanicville, NY! There will also be an emergency waitlist in case of no shows- if you put your name and phone number down you may still have a chance to get a tat during this special event.

For those who don’t want to wait- Jane's July books are currently open. Visit her website and book online. Wild Center flash can be done at larger sizes and in placements other than arms and legs at her private studio.

Know Before You Go

The Wild Center is experiencing some of the highest visitation in our history. We can't wait to welcome you—here's how to make the most of your day.

Expect lines: You may wait at admissions and encounter crowds along the trails and at the troll installations. Please build a little extra time into your plans.

Tickets: Although a free event, ticket reservations are required. Tickets are limited- reserve yours at wildcenter.org/tickets.

Parking: Parking can be found at our meadow parking lot and once filled, we're using overflow parking at Tupper Lake Waterfront Park on Demars Blvd to accommodate overflow parking. There will be a shuttle to bring you to The Wild Center from the park.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST

The Wild Center officially opened its doors on July 4, 2006, welcoming 5,000 visitors to celebrate a vision that began with local community conversations in 1998. Joined by state and local leaders, the opening marked the launch of a 31-acre campus featuring an eco-friendly exhibit hall—soon to become the first LEED-certified building in the Adirondacks—and the leadership of founding Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe. It was the beginning of The Wild Center story, with so much still to come.
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