Fairs, Flea Markets, & Festivals

July 20–31:Apple Blossom Day 

More than 65 craft vendors selling wares as varied as jewelry and puppets come to Red Hook for this much-anticipated festival. Live music and entertainment throughout the day include a mix of genres that appeal to most. Kids adore the pony rides and bounce house, as well as face painting. (May 13, 2017; various locations in the Village of Red Hook; 845.750.2254; www.redhookrotaryclub.org)

 

Artisan Faire/Muscoot Farm 

Shop more than 25 local craftspeople for elegant and unique gifts. Products ranging from artisan wood-turned items, quilted textiles, and ornaments to pen and ink stationery and neat origami are among the choices. (Early December; Muscoot Farm, 51 NY-100, Katonah; 914.864.7282; www.muscootfarm.org

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Basilica Farm + Flea


PHOTO BY MARGIT WENZEL

With more than 80 vendors, this marketplace makes a great first pit stop for holiday shopping, showcasing ceramics, home and garden items, toys, jewelry, textiles, clothing, art, and bath and body products by regional makers. Farmers, local chefs, and collectors of high-quality vintage wares also offer their products and goods. (Nov 24-26; Basilica Hudson, 110 South Front St, Hudson; www.basilicahudson.org)

 

Country Living Fair 

More than 200 vendors from 25 states draw throngs to this annual gathering with a rustic twang. Antiques, crafts, art, upcycled and handcrafted goods, and more are on offer. Cooking demos and make-and-take workshops fill up fast. (June 2-4, 2017; Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Springbrook Ave [Route 9], Rhinebeck; 866.500.3247; www.countryliving.com/country-living-fair)

 

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The Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts plays host to a plethora of musicians in warmer months, but come September, the nonprofit cultural center opens its fields for the annual Harvest Festival. Each weekend has a different theme; past festivals included a butterfly tent, mazes, and a full-sized VW Bug for kids (and parents) to personalize with paint! (Sundays, Sept 3–Oct 1, 2017; Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel; www.bethelwoodscenter.org)

 

Hudson Valley Hullabaloo 

Not your traditional craft fair, this design-focused holiday market gathers the works of local artists, craftspeople, and designers in a relaxed, party-like environment. Woodenware, bangles, natural fiber clothing, and apothecary products are just a few of the wares for sale. Just for fun, a photo booth and DJ round out the event. (November; Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center, 467 Broadway, Kingston; 845.750.8801; www.hvhullabaloo.com)

 

Mower’s Saturday/Sunday Flea Market 

You never quite know what you’ll find at this two-acre flea market, which was named to Fodor’s Top 10 list in 2015. Vintage rules — including retro clothing — but there are also crafts like ethnic textiles and Portuguese pottery.  (Opens May 20, 2017; Maple Ln, Woodstock; 845.679.6744; www.mowerssaturdayfleamarket.com)

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New York State Sheep & Wool Festival 

This fleecy fest grows by leaps and bounds each year. And little wonder: With sheep shearing demonstrations, animal shows, wine tastings, authors, fiber arts workshops, cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities, and a plethora of goods for yarn junkies to purchase, there’s something for everyone. (Oct 21-22, 2017; Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Springbrook Ave [Route 9], Rhinebeck; www.sheepandwool.com)

 

O+ 

Yes, it’s named for a blood type, but this festival seeks to connect artists ranging from muralists to musicians with medical providers, including doctors and dentists, who provide the participants with medical care and information. During the event, Kingston’s historical buildings provide a colorful backdrop for art displays and live music. (Oct 6–8, 2017, Uptown Kingston; www.opositivefestival.org/kingston)

 

Plein Air Paint-out & Festival 

Watch artists at work capturing spectacular vistas at the legendary estate of Frederic Church and then bid on their artwork at a live auction. Visitors are welcome to walk more than five miles of historic carriage drives. Later, an artist tent sale in downtown Hudson offers a second opportunity to scoop up your dream paintings. (Oct 6–8; Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson; 7th Street Park Tent Sale, Warren St, Hudson; 518.828.0135; www.olana.org/pleinair)

 

Rhinebeck Crafts Festival 

Head to the fairgrounds for a selection of wares from 200 diverse modern American craftspeople. Along with artist-made clothing and jewelry, choose from uncommon home furnishings like industrial lamps, outdoor sculptures, and much more. (June 24-25, 2017; Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Springbrook Ave [Route 9], Rhinebeck; www.rhinebeckcraftsfestival.com)

 

Spring & Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst

These annual events feature 300 artists, designers, and craftspeople of all sorts. Talented artists will be on site to sell accessories, wood furniture, hand-woven fashions, pottery and blown glass, and more, while craft demos such as canoe building and fiber spinning complement each affair. Children’s activities include a puppet theatre, face painting, and crafts. (May 5–7, 2017; Sept 15–17, 2017; Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown; 914.631.4481; www.lyndhurst.org)

 

Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market 

Six times per year, more than 600 vendors from eight states converge at this long-running market, where you can find everything from sunglasses to ’50s dinette sets and collectible majolica. Kids will love the inflatable slides, and everyone enjoys the fair-style food like fried dough. (April 29-30, May 27-28, July 1-2, Sept 2-3, Oct 7-8, Nov 4-5, 2017; 428 Route 216, Stormville; 845.221.6561; www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com)

 

Woodstock/New Paltz Art & Craft Fairs 

Known for its beautiful displays and high-quality work, this 35-year-old event draws more than 10,000 visitors and features 300 juried artists and craftspeople from across America. Expect alpacas at the Labor Day event! (Memorial and Labor Day Weekends, Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd, New Paltz; www.quailhollow.com)


County Fairs

 

Orange County Fair

July 20–31
Motocross racing, a demolition derby, an indoor safari, antique fire truck show, rides, and food concessions make this fair a fun place for kids and adults alike to spend a memorable day. (Orange County Fairgrounds, Carpenter Ave, Middletown; 845.343.4826; www.orangecountyfair.com

 

Putnam County 4-H Fair

July 28–30
A three-day weekend of fun and learning, this true country fair features animals, an auction, a horse demo, and master gardener plant sale. (Putnam Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gipsy Trail Rd, Carmel; 845.278.6738; www.putnam.cce.cornell.edu/putnam-county-fair)

 

Ulster County Fair

Aug 1–6

People love this fair for the horse shows, Country Showdown music event, and all the fun at reasonable rates (one wristband takes you on all the rides).  (Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd, New Paltz; 845.255.1380; www.ulstercountyfair.com)

 

Dutchess County Fair

Aug 22–27

For generations of locals and folks far and wide, August means the Dutchess County Fair: 162 acres of farm animals, agricultural exhibits, horticultural displays, animal and food competitions, a concert series, rides, and, of course, those famous milkshakes at the 4-H booth made with Hudson Valley Fresh milk. (Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6550 Springbrook Ave. [Route 9], Rhinebeck; 845.876.4000; www.dutchessfair.com). 

 

Columbia County Fair

Aug 30–Sept 5

For a true rural experience to cap off the summer, head to the 177th annual Columbia County Fair for a rodeo, volunteer firefighting parade, pig races, plenty of live entertainment, and lots of rides and attractions. (Columbia County Fairgrounds — Rt 66 & 203, Chatham Village; 518.392.2121; www.columbiafair.com)

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