Pumpkin Carving Contest
The Bakery, New Paltz​
October 31, 6-10 p.m.
Feeling crafty this Halloween? Test your carving skills at The Bakery, which hosts its 28th annual Night of 100 Pumpkins contest to showcase the area’s talented artisans. Anyone who is interested in participating can bring a carved or painted pumpkin to The Bakery on Tuesday, October 30. The following day, local artists will judge the competition, which ends with the awarding of prizes and Jack o’ Lantern cookies to all participants. Free hot cider, cocoa, and pumpkin bread will be available throughout the evening as well.
Red Hook and The Chocolate Festival
Village of Red Hook
November 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Channel your inner Willy Wonka on Saturday at Red Hook’s fifth annual chocolate festival. The Dutchess County village honors its cocoa-producing history with tastings, vendors, cooking demos, and a sweet competition. The fest, which is free to attend, also includes a Hot Chocolate 5K to benefit the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Attendees can run for a good cause, then treat themselves with a cup of homemade hot chocolate from J&J’s Gourmet, cupcakes from Whipped Cupcakes, or colorful cookies from DW Sweet Confections. Keep an eye out for Wonka while you’re there!
Day of the Dead Celebration
Unison Arts Center, New Paltz​
November 3, 4:30-9 p.m.
Head to Unison Arts Center on Saturday to honor and remember those who have passed at the Dia de los Muertos fete. The New Paltz party kicks off with a sugar skull workshop for kids to paint and decorate the traditional symbols of the holiday. Later in the day, delectable food and live mariachi music from Viva La Mexico will color the evening.
Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market
Stormville Airport, Stormville​
November 3-4, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get a head start on holiday shopping at Stormville’s final flea market weekend in 2018. The “Christmas in November” show features over 600 vendors and includes everything from antiques and crafts to new merchandise and food. Admission and parking are free onsite, so the only thing you need to worry about is figuring out a way to tote all your treasure home.
Hudson Valley Vegfest
Gold’s Gym, Poughkeepsie
November 3-4, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just a food lover in general, plan a visit to Hudson Valley Vegfest this weekend. The second annual event brings vegan awareness, information, and eats to Gold’s Gym over the course of two days to educate and inspire others about vegan lifestyles. If 2017’s inaugural showing, which brought more than 2500 participants and attendees to Poughkeepsie, is any indication, this year’s fest is sure to be a hit.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Throughout the Hudson Valley
October 29-November 11
Although it’s not exactly a one-off event, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week inspires such a wave of excitement for foodies in the Valley that we couldn’t not include it. The biannual food fest runs for two weeks and gives local eaters the chance to experience prix fixe seasonal specials and menu deals from top dining locations throughout the region. Not sure which eatery to book a spot at first? Don’t worry, we rounded up a few delectable destinations to get you started.
