Oktoberfest
51 Old Degarmo Rd, Poughkeepsie
September 7-9
Poughkeepsie kickstarts the Oktoberfest revelry this weekend with a community fest that celebrates the best of German cuisine and culture in the Valley. Visitors to the Germania grounds can watch live music performances as they snack on traditional food and sip hardy German brews. Bavarian dancers, soccer games, and children’s activities provide further entertainment over the course of the three days.
Saratoga Wine & Food Festival
Saratoga
September 7-9
Venture to Saratoga for a luxurious weekend of eating and drinking. The party begins on Friday with an Adirondack Road Tour that departs from the Saratoga Automobile Museum. Later that night, the festivities heat up at Fired Up, the culinary competition that pits the Capital Region’s top eateries against one another. Saturday is the big day for foodies, since it’s when the Grand Tasting event brings together hundreds of restaurants, wineries, and specialty vendors. Finally, on Sunday, attendees can brunch with celebrity event planner Colin Cowie and celebrity chef Todd English.
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
September 8-9
In Rhinebeck this weekend, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest returns for its seventeenth year. Sip from dozens of local cideries, distilleries, and wineries throughout the course of the two days. Don’t forget to take a pause for delectable food truck eats and a little bit of shopping from regional vendors as well. Never been to the fest at the Rhinebeck Fairgrounds before? Consult our guide to make the most of your Saturday and Sunday.
Hogtied Hudson Valley
Kingston
September 8, 1-9 p.m.
In the mood for some country fun? Swing into Kingston for Hogtied Hudson Valley, the LGBTQ hoedown block party that benefits the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center. Put on your finest country clothes for a citywide hootenanny that features live music, drag shows, and performance arts. PAKT will sell Southern-style food and brews throughout the day as well.
Spirit of Beacon Photo Exhibit
Howland Public Library, Beacon
September 8, 5-7 p.m.
This Saturday, the Howland Public Library and the Spirit of Beacon Day Committee come together to present Spirit of Beacon, a photo exhibit that highlights the unique beauty of the riverside town. An impressive 37 photographers will present more than 50 photos to the community. Swing by the free event to take in the stunning imagery of the Valley’s historic architecture, scenic mountains, and colorful shopping areas.
Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Run
James Baird State Park, Pleasant Valley
September 9, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For its sixth year in a row, Sparrow’s Nest of the Hudson Valley hosts a superhero run to benefit families in the Hudson Valley that are battling cancer. Children and adults alike are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes to run or walk in the 9 a.m. 5K or the 10 a.m. children’s fun run. Any groups of five or more that register as a team will be entered to win a special prize.
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
Jennings Landing, Albany
September 9, 1-9 p.m.
Albany’s free music festival takes over Jennings Landing on Saturday for an end-of-summer shindig. Take in the tunes of the Dylan Perillo Orchestra, the Jeff “Siege” Siegel Sextet, The Brighton Beat, Mike Stern, and Maurice “Mobetta” Brown. Local food and shopping vendors will be on the premises, as will activities for kids. There’s no better way to wave goodbye to the warm weather than at this family-friendly happening.
