The Return of the Long Lake Bed Races
After a ten-year absence, the legendary Long Lake Bed Races are returning on Friday, July 4, 2026, as part of Long Lake’s Independence Day celebration and America’s 250th birthday.
The first Bed Races rolled into Long Lake in 1980 and became one of the community’s most memorable traditions. For over a decade, homemade beds, costumed racers, and questionable engineering choices thundered down Main Street to the delight of spectators. The races returned again in 2011 and remained a summer favorite through 2016.
Now they’re back.
Somewhere around Long Lake, secret workshops are already underway. We’ve received unconfirmed reports of bed construction taking place behind closed garage doors. Sources tell us competitors are keeping their designs hidden until race day, unwilling to reveal their strategies to rival teams.
As for what will appear at the starting line? Your guess is as good as ours.
The race begins at 5:00 p.m. from the bridge on Main Street and charges downhill toward the Town Beach. Teams of five racers will compete in head-to-head heats as they push their wheeled creations toward glory, bragging rights, and the coveted Bed Race trophies.
Prizes will be awarded for:
- First Place
- Second Place
- Third Place
- Best in Show
Whether your bed is built for speed, style, or complete chaos, there’s a category for you.
Teams may include participants under 18 years old with parent or guardian consent.
If you’re planning to enter, please register your bed ahead of time. Knowing who’s racing helps us organize brackets and keeps race-day chaos at a manageable levelβwhich is important when we’re temporarily shutting down Main Street for a bunch of people racing beds.
Entry fee is $25 per bed.
To register, contact Jake at 518-624-3077 or email events@mylonglake.com.
Participant check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. Race action starts at 5:00 p.m.
So dust off the wheels, grab four friends, and start building.
Because after ten years, the beds are rolling again.
Bed Race Rules and Registration
Bed Race Questionairre – Turn this in early take a photo or scan and send to events at mylonglake.com
