Fall Arts Preview: What to Do in the Hudson Valley This Autumn

From arts and culture to dance and music, there are so many wonderful things to do in the Hudson Valley this fall.

The air is crisp, the leaves are getting lovely, scenic hiking trails are beckoning—plus it’s apple season! Autumn is awesome for so many obvious reasons, but it also happens to be the perfect time to take advantage of Hudson Valley culture. Save the dates for these must-see concerts, dance performances, film festivals, art exhibits, comedy shows, and much more.

Art

Woven Together

Foley & Cox, Hudson

September 2–30

The late photographer Fernando Bengoechea’s unique style of woven photography—and his memory—are kept alive by his brother, Marcelo. A selection of his best photographs, produced as two identical prints woven together to create one image, will be available to view and purchase at Hudson design studio Foley & Cox. fernandobengoechea.com

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“Abandon Places” and “Perfectly Imperfect”

Rockland Art Center, West Nyack

September 7–28

Rockland Art Center’s free-to-the-public exhibits include an interdisciplinary exploration of the meaning of home and a showcase of Korean-inspired ceramic work by RoCA students. rocklandartcenter.org

Purple Haze

Samuel Dorsky Museum, New Paltz

September 9–December 10

A curated collection of works by multigenerational artists, “Purple Haze: Art and Drugs Across the Americas” examines North America’s relationship with drug use and how it is presented in media. Featured artists include Antonio Caro, Zulema Damianovich, and Dash Snow. newpaltz.edu/museum

Grand Opening: The Robert Olnick Pavilion

Magazzino Italian Art, Cold Spring

Opens September 14

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The museum’s new building will make its public debut with exhibitions by glass artist Carlo Scarpa, painter Mario Schifano, and sculptor/painter Ettore Spalleti. magazzino.art

Glass pieces by artist Carlo Scarpa are on display at Magazzino Italian Art’s newly opened Robert Olnick Pavilion. The building adds an extra 13,000 square feet of exhibition space to the museum.
Glass pieces by artist Carlo Scarpa are on display at Magazzino Italian Art’s newly opened Robert Olnick Pavilion. The building adds an extra 13,000 square feet of exhibition space to the museum. Courtesy of Magazzino Italian Art

Kengo Kito: Unity on the Hudson

Hudson River Museum, Yonkers

Through September 24

More than 2,100 bold, colorful hula hoops will take over the Hudson River Museum in this installation designed specifically for the gallery space by Japanese contemporary artist Kengo Kito. hrm.org

A hula hoop installation at Hudson River Museum.
A hula hoop installation at Hudson River Museum. Photo by Steve Paneccasio.

Silver Linings: Celebrating the Spelman Art Collection

Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Poughkeepsie

September 29–January 28

Spanning the 1800s to now, the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art’s collection celebrates sculptures, paintings, photographs, and more by and about women of the African diaspora—and 40 pieces are coming to Vassar College. vassar.edu/theloeb

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Mary Heilmann

Dia, Beacon

Opens September 30

Heilmann’s “Starry Night” series is comprised of a group of unstretched canvases stained black and complemented by clay and bamboo objects coated in textured fiber. The pieces will be displayed in a way that creates a galaxy in the gallery space. diaart.org

Wu Chi-Tsung: Synchronicity

Katonah Museum, Katonah

Through October 1

A series of images made through photography and collage that reinterpret traditional Chinese Shan Shui (mountain-water) paintings will take over the project gallery. A video installation detailing the process will accompany Taiwanese artist Wu Chi-Tsung’s first solo exhibition. katonahmuseum.org

A group of friends meet on the banks of the Hudson in Sylvia Sleigh’s “Invitation to a Voyage.”
A group of friends meet on the banks of the Hudson in Sylvia Sleigh’s “Invitation to a Voyage.” Courtesy of Hudson River Museum

Sylvia Sleigh: Invitation to a Voyage

Hudson River Museum, Yonkers

Through October 15

Across 14 large-scale panels (70 feet in length), you’ll find late American artist Sylvia Sleigh’s panoramic depiction of friends and art-world figures gathering on the banks of the Hudson. hrm.org

Its Inside Is Bigger than its Outside

Hudson River Museum, Yonkers

Through October 15

South Korean artist Seongmin Ahn presents a series that blends Eastern and Western art styles. Her paintings depict mysterious open drawers bursting with peonies, plum trees, waterfalls, and butterflies onto the plain outside world. hrm.org

“Waterfall” by Seongmin Ahn, on view at the Hudson River Museum.
“Waterfall” by Seongmin Ahn, on view at the Hudson River Museum. Courtesy of Hudson River Museum

Terraforming: Olana’s Historic Photography Collection Unearthed

Olana State Historic Site, Hudson

Through October 29

A selection of photographs from Frederic Church’s collection of over 2,000 19th-century global prints tells the story of his painting practice and travels. olana.org

Women Reframe American Landscape

Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill

Through October 29

A two-part exhibition that presents 19th-century American painter Susie Barstow as part of the Hudson River School alongside the work of other landscape artists. thomascole.org

Indian Theater: Native Performance, Art, and Self-Determination since 1969

Bard College’s Hessel Museum of Art, Annandale-on-Hudson

Through November 26

The first large-scale exhibition of its kind, this show emphasizes performance and theater’s roles in the development of contemporary art by native populations. Over 100 works and archival materials documenting 1969’s New Native Theater movement will be on display. ccs.bard.edu

“The Universe” by Barrow Parke on view in Albany.
“The Universe” by Barrow Parke on view in Albany. Courtesy of University Art Museum

Barrow Parke: Systems and Mythologies

University at Albany, Albany

Through December 4

The artistic duo of Mark Barrow and Sarah Parke explore visual systems and patterns through a range of textiles, paintings, and wallpapers. albany.edu/museum

Michael Snow: A Life Survey

The School Jack Shainman Gallery, Kinderhook

Through December 16

A retrospective of artist Michael Snow’s career, featuring works of multiple media and genres that emphasize Snow’s originality, artistic evolution, and cerebral thought. jackshainman.com

Dance

Lori Belilove & the Isadora Duncan Dance Company

Untermyer Gardens Amphitheater, Yonkers

September 3, 5 p.m.

Marvel at these world-renowned dancers as they perform in early 20th-century style programs set to classical music. The show will take place on Untermyer Gardens’ newly expanded amphitheater stage. untermyergardens.org

Kaatsbaan Fall Festival

Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli

September 9–10, 22–24, 29–October 1

Immerse yourself in the world of dance for three weekends at this beloved annual event at Kaatsbaan. kaatsbaan.org

Hope Boykin Dance

Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Tannersville

September 16, 7:30 p.m.

A new production from the Hope Boykin Dance company, “…a STATE of love” explores the process of self-discovery through movement and sound. catskillmtn.org

Olivier Tarpaga Dance

Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Tannersville

September 23, 7:30 p.m.

In “Once the dust settles, flowers bloom,” Olivier Tarpaga Dance uses contemporary dance and music to examine conflicts between feminism and jihadism in the West African country of Burkina Faso. catskillmtn.org

Ballet Hispánico

Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill

October 20, 8 p.m.

The largest Latine/Latinx/Hispanic cultural organization in the U.S., Ballet Hispánico celebrates diversity through dance. This performance at the Paramount mixes their four major works: Línea Recta, New Sleep, Sor Juana, and Club Havana. paramounthudsonvalley.com

Cinderella takes the stage at Ulster Performing Arts Center.
Cinderella takes the stage at Ulster Performing Arts Center. Courtesy of the Bardavon.

Cinderella

Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston

November 10, 7:30 p.m.

A full-scale dance production of the classic fairy tale by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine comes to Ulster Performing Arts Center. bardavon.org

Film

Woodstock Film Festival

Woodstock

September 27–October 1

A week full of independent cinema made by both local and national directors. Screening locations are available online. woodstockfilmfestival.org

The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes

Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown

September 30

See the 1987 fantasy in a new light: this special screening will be followed by a moderated discussion with actor Cary Elwes about behind-the-scenes secrets and the making of the film. tarrytownmusichall.org

FilmColumbia

Crandell Theatre, Chatham

October 20–29

Ten days of features, documentaries, short films, and animations on Columbia County’s biggest movie screen. crandelltheatre.org

On the Big Screen: Nosferatu

The Bardavon, Poughkeepsie

October 28, 7:30 p.m.

Just in time for Halloween, catch the 1922 classic about the vampire Nosferatu, thought to be an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, at the Bardavon. The silent film will be accompanied live by Juan Cardona Jr. on the organ. bardavon.org

Yelaine Rodriguez: EBBÓ

SUNY Albany, Albany

Through December 4

Meaning “sacrifice,” this short film follows a Cuban chamber opera playing among shoreline ruins in the Dominican Republic. Two dancers perform in elaborate costumes designed by artist Yelaine Rodriguez. albany.edu/museum

Music

The Dresden Dolls

The Colony, Woodstock

September 1–2

Led by drummer Brian Viglione and singer and pianist Amanda Palmer, this influential punk-cabaret group are back on the road after a long hiatus to perform dark songs that pull inspiration from other musical greats like The Doors, Black Sabbath, and Nina Simone. colonywoodstock.com

ZZ Top

The Capitol, Port Chester

September 6, 8 p.m.

Catch the iconic Texas rock band on their Raw Whisky Tour playing hits such as “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Rough Boy.” thecapitoltheatre.com

The Kingston Trio

Bearsville Theater, Woodstock

September 8, 8 p.m.

Hailing from San Francisco, The Kingston Trio have been playing folk music across the country since the ’50s. Hear them play guitar-centric songs such as “Tom Dooley,” “Reverend Mr. Black,” and “Desert Pete” on the Bearsville stage. bearsvilletheater.com

Meadowlark Fest

Stone Ridge Orchard, Stone Ridge

September 8–10

In its first year open to the public, this outdoor music festival on the grounds of Stone Ridge Orchard will feature sets by vocal quartet DeVotchKa, blues singer Chris Smither, rock duo Babehoven, and many more. A portion of proceeds will be donated to organizations that support local and national farmers, including Farm Aid and Rondout Valley Growers Association. meadowlarkfest.com

Ray LaMontagne

The Capitol, Port Chester

September 12, 7:30 p.m.

The revered songwriter and his trio perform a fan-requested set list that spans a catalog of eight full-length records; folk artist Tomberlin will kick off the night. thecapitoltheatre.com

Shake Rattle & Roll Pianos

City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery

September 14

Not just any piano performance, this unique show of dueling pianos covers popular hits of all genres, from Billy Joel to Britney Spears. citywinery.com

Grace Potter

The Egg, Albany

September 17, 7 p.m.

Inspired by a recent solo cross-country trip, artist Grace Potter’s new album “Mother Road” fuses genres like soul, blues, country, and rock throughout tracks that reflect self-exploration and personal growth. theegg.org

Ani DiFranco

Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown

September 22

Grammy winner, feminist icon, and pioneer of the DIY movement, Ani DiFranco’s songs fuse genres like punk, folk, hip hop, and even electronica. tarrytownmusichall.org

Ani DiFranco, a pioneer of the DIY movement, brings her genre-bending songs to Tarrytown Music Hall.
Ani DiFranco, a pioneer of the DIY movement, brings her genre-bending songs to Tarrytown Music Hall. By Anthony Mulcahy

Nexus: Farewell Concert

The Bardavon, Poughkeepsie

September 23, 8 p.m.

For 52 years, Nexus has been known as one of the most influential percussion groups. Hear their original compositions live for the final time at their Bardavon farewell concert. bardavon.org

Woodsist Festival

Arrowood Farms, Accord

September 23–24

This annual festival presents two days full of rock, folk, and indie music. Artists on the roster include Kevin Morby, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Woods, Anna St. Louis, and more. woodsistfestival.com

Tubby’s 5 Year Anniversary Weekend

Field Court, Kingston

A staple for live music in Midtown, Tubby’s is celebrating their fifth anniversary with three days full of outdoor performances at Field Court. Acts on the roster include hip-hop duo Armand Hammer, post-punk band Bush Tetras, and psychedelic rock group Ultraam. tubbyskingston.com

Orleans

Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill

September 29, 8 p.m.

Originating 51 years ago in the local music mecca of Woodstock, pop-rock band Orleans is still entertaining audiences with hits like “Dance with Me” and “Still the One” across their 17-album catalogue. paramounthudsonvalley.com

Emmet Cohen Trio

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah

September 29, 8 p.m.

Joined by vocalist Lucy Yeghiazaryan, pianist Emmet Cohen performs a program of original jazz compositions. caramoor.org

Emmet Cohen dazzles with his piano prowess.
Emmet Cohen dazzles with his piano prowess. By Gabriela Gabriella

Ben Folds

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy

September 30, 8 p.m.

The founding member of popular ’90s alternative band Ben Folds Five, the artist has since been touring as a solo act. His work, driven by his piano virtuosity, bends genres, which can be heard on his most recent release, “What Matters Most,” his first album in eight years. troymusichall.org

Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre: A Brief History of Tull

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel

October 5, 8 p.m.

Martin Barre, guitarist for Jethro Tull, is responsible for the band’s unique sound. Hear his skillful playing of riffs, power chords, and solos in the Event Gallery. bethelwoodscenter.org

Plasmatic Music

EMPAC, Troy

October 6

Composed by late spectral music composer Horațiu Rădulescu, this concert is performed by musicians on clarinet, electronics, organ, and flute. empac.rpi.edu

O+ Festival

Kingston

October 6–8

An annual celebration of art, music, literature, and wellness. Free to the community, this festival offers artists access to healthcare clinics in exchange for performances. Donations encouraged. opositivefestival.org

North Mississippi Allstars

Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown

October 13, 8 p.m.

Playing blues and southern rock tunes to national audiences for over 25 years, this family band hits the road once again with songs from their most recent album entitled “Set Sail.” tarrytownmusichall.org

Iconic folk-punk band The Violent Femmes celebrate a big anniversary in Kingston.
Iconic folk-punk band The Violent Femmes celebrate a big anniversary in Kingston. Courtesy of the Bardavon

Violent Femmes

Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston

October 14, 8 p.m.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of their debut album, this folk punk group will play the record in its entirety. Stand out tracks include “Blister in the Sun,” “Add It Up,” and “Kiss Off.” bardavon.org

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes

The Capitol, Port Chester

October 15, 8 p.m.

Fusing Rumba Catalana and flamenco genres, this group from Southern France—led by Nicolas Reyes—have been performing high energy concerts for over three decades. thecapitoltheatre.com

Andy Grammer

The Egg, Albany

October 18, 8 p.m.

This multi-platinum artist makes positive pop anthems that are best shared with audiences at loud, energetic performances. You’ll recognize singles like “Honey I’m Good,” “Fine By Me,” and “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah).” theegg.org

Abel Selaocoe

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah

October 22, 3 p.m.

A genre-bending cellist, Abel Selaocoe moves seamlessly between musical styles, cello techniques, singing, and body percussion during his recitals. caramoor.org

Catch virtuosic cellist Abel Selaocoe at Caramoor, left.
Catch virtuosic cellist Abel Selaocoe at Caramoor.By Mlungisi Mlungwana

The Knights with Chris Thile

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy

October 25, 7:30 p.m.

An orchestral collective of adventurous musicians, The Knights perform vibrant sets rooted in classical music. In this show, they’ll take the stage with Grammy-winning mandolinist, singer, and songwriter Chris Thile of the bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek. troymusichall.org

Alisa Amador

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah

November 3, 8 p.m.

The winner of NPR’s 2022 Tiny Desk Contest, this singer and instrumentalist is known for her bilingual music that spans Latin, jazz, pop, and funk genres. caramoor.org

Cowboy Junkies

City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery

November 7

Active since the mid-80s, this country/folk-rock family band are touring to support their most recent album, “Such Ferocious Beauty.” Hear tracks from the record as well as older hits at the winery. citywinery.com

DakhaBrakha

City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery

November 10

This quartet from Kyiv plays an unexpected fusion of traditional Ukrainian folk music and strong, worldly rhythms. citywinery.com

Abeo Quartet

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah

November 12, 3 p.m.

Caramoor’s 2023-24 string quartet-in-residence plays the music of famous composers Beethoven and Prokofiev, plus the U.S. debut of Lee Bradshaw’s 15-minute piece “Resolve.” caramoor.org

Mat Kearney

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel

November 12, 8 p.m.

This multi-platinum, folk-pop songwriter has performed with acts like John Mayer and NEEDTOBREATHE. His autumn performance in the Event Gallery closes out Bethel Woods’ 2023 season. bethelwoodscenter.org

The English Beat

City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery

November 14

Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, The English Beat is a ska-revival band that plays upbeat, funky tunes. You’ll likely recognize popular tracks including “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save it for Later.” citywinery.com

The Bacon Brothers

The Egg, Albany

November 17, 8 p.m.

Did you know famous actor Kevin Bacon is in a band with his brother Michael? The duo brings a shared love of American roots music to the stage with songs that span folk, rock, soul, and country genres. theegg.org

American roots duo The Bacon Brothers to perform at The Egg.
American roots duo The Bacon Brothers to perform at The Egg. Courtesy of The Egg

Performance

The Anastasia File

Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island

September 8–9

A stage reading of a play centered around a woman who claims to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia. bannermancastle.org

Off Peak

Shadowland Stages, Ellenville

September 15–October 1

In this brand-new play, a former couple reunites on the evening “off-peak” train. Entertaining conversations about their shared past—and differing views on it—prompt ultimate forgiveness. shadowlandstages.org

Dracula

Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island

September 21–25

Back by popular demand! Adapted from the classic Bram Stoker novel, this production follows vampiric Count Dracula and his victims. bannermancastle.org

Salon Mondialite

EMPAC, Troy

September 22

Explore the concepts of memory, identity, and colonization with musician Miho Hatori. Structured as a type of talk show, the “segments” are sound stories in front of a video backdrop. empac.rpi.edu

Miho Hatori in the performance piece “Salon Mondialite.”
Miho Hatori in the performance piece “Salon Mondialite.” By Tin Nguyen

Welcome to Night Vale

The Colony, Woodstock

September 26–27

Voice actors from the acclaimed twice-monthly podcast “Welcome to Night Vale” come to the Colony for a live reading of community updates for a fictional desert town. colonywoodstock.com

Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack

Various locations, Nyack

September 28–October 21

This annual festival brings four weeks of art, classical theatre, and more to the riverside village of Nyack. Get ready for professional shows like “Crime and Punishment,” “Scandalton,” and “Pan,” plus performances from the Children’s Shakespeare Theatre and an ARTS ROCK concert. liveartsinnyack.com

Skeleton Crew

Shadowland Stages, Ellenville

October 6–22

It’s Detroit in 2008—and a makeshift family of workers must reconcile their differences and band together amid the foreclosure of their small automotive factory. shadowlandstages.org

No Strings Marionettes: The Hobbit

Doctorow Center for the Arts, Hunter

October 18–19, 3:45 p.m.

Puppeteers controlling marionettes, life-size body puppets, and more will tell the story of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, a fantastical tale of Bilbo Baggins, who leaves his quiet life at home to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. catskillmtn.org

Comedy

Laughs Along the Wallkill

City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery

September 14, October 26, November 16

Every month, catch a set of comedy in City Winery’s Boiler Room. Headliners like Adrienne Iapalucci, Tara Cannistraci, and Isabel Hagen will be accompanied by two upcoming acts. citywinery.com

Pinky Patel: New Crown Who Dhis

The Egg, Albany

September 30, 7:30 p.m.

Known for her commentary and videos made from her “glam cave,” this self-dubbed PTA mom-turned-comedian brings her midlife revelations to the stage. theegg.org

Kevin James: The Irregardless Tour

The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester

October 13, 8 p.m.

Recognizable from his work in television shows and films like “The King of Queens,” “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” and “Grown Ups,” this comedy giant reflects on topics like his youth, his career, his family, and more. thecapitoltheatre.com

Vic DiBitetto

Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill

October 14, 8 p.m.

Vic DiBitetto may be known for his viral video characters, but his topical jokes about shared life experiences come alive on stage. paramounthudsonvalley.com

Alan Cumming is Not Acting His Age

Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown

November 12

The seasoned comedian examines what “acting one’s age” truly means in this show through a combination of jokes and cabaret songs. tarrytownmusichall.org

Lewis Black: Off the Rails!

Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill

November 17, 8 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning comedian Lewis Black entertains audiences with his trademark style of ranting and raving about the many absurdities of life. paramounthudsonvalley.com

Related: Best of Hudson Valley: Arts and Culture in 2023

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