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Sample local specials, sip craft beers, and taste award-winning wines at these fall-themed food and drink events across the Hudson Valley.
By Julia Colombo, with additional reporting from Raphael Beretta
Foodies flock to the Hudson Valley in every season, but fall is where the region’s specialties truly shine. Beer begins to flow and cider donuts start to fry the moment green leaves fade into red, orange, and yellow hues. The Valley’s award-winning producers showcase delicious fall food at a variety of festivals, pop-up events, and demonstrations. Foodies, you’d be remiss to miss these fall events chock full of local beverages, fun activities, and, most importantly, good eats!
Sunset Sensations Wine and Food Event
Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie
October 13, November 10, December 1, 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
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Spice up your Thursday evening this fall by reserving your place at one of Sunset Sensations Food and Wine Fest’s four sessions. Guests can tour the Locust Grove Estate gardens with the Director of Horticulture, enjoy hors d’oeuvres inspired by the heirloom vegetables of the Estate kitchen gardens, watch wine pairing and cooking demonstrations, or simply sip fine wines while soaking in the breathtaking view of a sunset over the Hudson River.
Octopurrfest
Revolution Hall, Troy
October 13, 5:30–8 p.m.
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Sponsored by the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Octopurrfest is the nation’s only feline-centric Oktoberfest. While this is a cat-themed celebration, it features excellent grub for humans as well as Brown’s craft beer, fun activities, and the crowning of the Feline Festmeister! Get your tickets online to take part in this whimsical festival.
Rosendale International Pickle Festival
Rosendale
October 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
After a two-year hiatus, the Rosendale International Pickle Festival will be back in full swing this month. Over 100 vendors will set up tents to sell crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and, of course, every sort of pickle imaginable.
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Among the pickling contests is the Pickle Triathlon, during which contestants eat pickles, drink pickle juice, and participate in a pickle toss. The Pickle Festival will take place rain or shine, so dress warm and enter the pickle paradise of your dreams.
Boos and Brews
Barton Orchards, Poughquag
October 22-23, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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A visit to Barton Orchards during the Halloween season is almost a rite of passage in the Hudson Valley. This year, the family-friendly Dutchess County destination makes things extra spooky with its Boos and Brews festival. Haunted houses, jack-o’-lantern trails, a new giant slide, hayrides, and apple and pumpkin picking will surely get you in the trick-or-treat spirit. Sample orchard-fresh cider and local draught beers in the taproom, plus a host of goodies from food trucks. And speaking of fall food, don’t forget to pick up a fresh batch of cider donuts while you’re there!
13th Annual Taste of Sand Lake
Old Daley Inn on Crooked Lake, Averill Park
November 1, 6-9 p.m.
In the 13th rendition of this event, The Sand Lake Center for the Arts takes over Old Daley Inn on Crooked Lake for this fundraising night of local food and entertainment. Gift cards, passes, and products from local businesses are offered as raffle and silent auction prizes that winners can enjoy even after the event is over. Buy your tickets online so you don’t miss the vendors and activities at this evening that only comes once a year.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Hudson Valley
November 7–20
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There is no food festival quite like Valley Table‘s Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. The biannual celebration unites the region’s diverse eateries, offering two straight weeks of prix fixe special menus. Fall means farm-to-table fare and seasonal flavors, so expect unique dishes that highlight local harvests. If there’s a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance, there’s no better time than Restaurant Week.
Bourbon and Bacon
City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery
December 1, 6 p.m.
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Bacon goes with everything. City Winery Hudson Valley knows this, which is why it puts together an event during which Executive Chef Tony Moustakas tempts diners with an expert tasting menu featuring bourbon and bacon. This special evening will take place in the winery’s gallery. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal along with wine, beer, and spirits pairings from the winery’s winemaker. Visit the website to view the full menu and purchase your tickets for this unique night in December.
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Wine and Chocolate Festival
MVP Arena, Albany
December 3, 1–4 p.m., 5–8 p.m.
Albany’s Wine and Chocolate Festival is the place to be on December 3. Chocolate, cheese, a candy bar, and unlimited samplings of dozens of wines, ciders, and liquors await ticket holders in the MVP Arena.
Vendors set up mini-boutiques as well, selling purses, clothing, jewelry, and more. Check in on the website for when tickets go on sale!