What COVID-19 Means for Hudson Valley Fairs & Festivals
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Find out which of the region’s spring and summer events are canceled, postponed, or rescheduled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Spring and summer are looking quite a bit different in the Hudson Valley right now.
In a normal year, buzz about craft fairs and outdoor concerts would already be rippling across the region. It would be paired with talks about food festivals themed around everything from cupcakes to burgers or, in the case of Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival, a little bit of everything.
Yet because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the familiar roster of Hudson Valley happenings is more than a little off-kilter.
As the region continues to cope with the effects of the coronavirus, a number of fairs and festivals have taken preemptive steps to cancel or postpone to a later date. Here’s a running list of where the Hudson Valley’s seasonal to-dos stand:
Canceled:
Bard SummerScape
Annandale on Hudson
Bard College’s SummerScape, a seven-week festival of dance, film, music, and theater, is canceled for 2020. With performances now rescheduled for 2021, Bard’s Fisher Center allows anyone who purchased tickets to return, donate, or keep the ticket value for credit.
Burger & Beer Bash
Wappingers Falls
With the safety of the region in mind, Hudson Valley Magazine has canceled its Burger & Beer Bash, normally held at Dutchess Stadium, for 2020. We hope to celebrate the best the Valley has to offer at our Best of Hudson Valley Party later in October.
The Dutchess County Fair
Rhinebeck
One of the most anticipated fairs in the Hudson Valley will not take place this year. The fair will return to Rhinebeck for its 175th year on August 24-29, 2021.
Farm to Fork Fondo
Warwick
The Hudson Valley Fondo that was set to take place in September at Bellvale Farms moves to 2021. In its place, Fondo offers small group bike tours for anyone looking to cruise this summer.
Friehofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival
Saratoga Springs
The annual jazz fest at Saratoga Performing Arts Center is no longer taking place. It anticipates a return on the weekend of June 27-28, 2021.
As for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center as a whole, it canceled all programs for June, with a few events tentatively scheduled for the end of August. Visit the website for updates about individual concerts and performances, including the live-streamed Friehofer’s Jazz Fest Stay Home Sessions.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Cold Spring
Sadly, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival canceled its entire 2020 season in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Anyone who purchased tickets can make a tax-deductible donation, use them as credit for the 2021 season, or request a partial or full refund.
L.A.B. Fest
Garnerville
The too-cool art and beer fest hosted in collaboration with Garner Arts Center, Industrial Arts Brewing, and Garner Historic District is canceled. Current ticket holders will receive a full refund from Eventbrite.
Mountain Jam
Bethel
Originally slated for May 29-31, the music festival will not take place at Bethel Woods this year. It’s the first time in 15 consecutive years that Mountain Jam will not occur. Tickets will be automatically refunded.
In regard to the rest of the summer season at Bethel Woods, the venue has opted to postpone or reschedule on a case by case basis. Visit the website for more information.
New York Renaissance Faire
Tuxedo
Originally set to commence in August, the Hudson Valley’s acclaimed renaissance faire will not be taking over Tuxedo this year. The festival cites its desire to ensure the safety of the community as the reason for its decision to cancel.
Rhinebeck Crafts Festival
Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck’s summertime crafts festival, which was scheduled for June 27-28, is canceled. While the show is no longer taking place, locals can still shop from the makers who would have attended via Artrider’s online marketplace.
TrailBlazer Festival
Hunter
Hunter Mountain’s country music and camping festival is no longer taking place in 2020. Any guests who purchased a 2020 festival, camping, or parking pass will be automatically refunded.
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair
New Paltz
The Memorial Day incarnation of the Ulster County Fairgrounds event is no longer taking place, but the Labor Day weekend fair is still scheduled for September 5-7. Shop from the vendors who would have participated in the market here.
Postponed:
The Collar City Craft Fest
Troy
Troy’s community craft fair, normally held at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, is postponed. A new date has not yet been announced.
Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Rhinebeck
The Hudson Valley’s beloved hot-air balloon fest is postponed to a later date this fall. Some form of the festival will take place, with more details to come. The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is working to craft a festival that is both enjoyable and safe for all.
Reformatted:
The Virtual Great Hudson River Revival
Online
June 20, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Although the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater’s annual outdoor festival is not happening in 2020, the organization plans to host a Virtual Revival on June 20, with music, storytelling, education, and more. Scheduled performers include the Chapin Family, The Riks, Matt Turk, and Arm of the Sea, to name a few.
Catskill Irish Arts Week
Catskill
July 12-18
The 26th annual festival, which was slated for July 12-18, is canceled to prioritize the safety of its artists, students, and staff. The festival organizers are working to put together a virtual program instead.
Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
Oak Hill
July 16-19
For the first time in its 35-year history, the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival is canceled. Instead, the organizers plan to host a virtual Spirit of Grey Fox 2020 event on July 15-19, when the fest was originally scheduled. Nine-time Grammy winner and Grey Fox artist-in-residence Jerry Douglas will co-host, with artists like Della Mae, Fireside Collective, and Charm City Junction scheduled to perform.
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
Hillsdale
July 30 – August 2
The three-day folk music festival plans to kick off its 32nd year as a virtual event at the end of July. Tickets purchased will be available for use as credit in 2021.
Rescheduled:
Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival
Throughout Westchester
September 22-27
Westchester’s hottest food festival is rescheduled to the end of September. All ticket purchases for the original week in June will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Tickets are available now, with events like Party on the Pier at Playland, Burger & Beer Blast, and the signature Grand Tasting Village guaranteed to make the week unforgettable.
Still Happening:
Caramoor Summer Series
Katonah
End of July
Caramoor is currently closed to the public, with in-person summer series shows canceled for June. Live, socially distant concerts recommence on the Friends Field beginning July 18, with additional shows scheduled for July 25 and August 1 and 8. The grounds will reopen for walking and picnicking in mid-July as well.
Online, the venue offers live-streaming performances from talents like Inon Barnaton (July 2), the Calidore String Quartet (July 16), and Sandbox Percussion (August 6). The spring events previously postponed to October and November are currently still scheduled to take place in-person.
Summer Hoot
Olivebridge
August 28-30
The Ashokan Center’s Summer Hoot will take place as planned at the end of August. Tickets will be sold until July 1.
The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice
Phoenicia
August 29
The acclaimed Hudson Valley festival is offering a drive-in live opera performance at the end of August. Look forward to an interpretation of Puccini’s Tosca at a location that is yet to be finalized.
Stormville Flea Market
Stormville
After canceling its Springtime in the Country market at the end of April, its Memorial Day market in May, its family yard sale in June, and its Fourth of July market, the Stormville Airport Flea Market has not yet announced whether it will cancel any of its other warm weather markets this year. The next tentatively scheduled event is the Labor Day market on September 5 and 6.