Start Thanksgiving Off With a Bang at These Hudson Valley Events

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the prime time to think about how to celebrate Turkey Day. Lucky for us, the Hudson Valley is full of fests to rev up excitement for the food-centric celebration. Take a browse through our guide for turkey trots that benefit local communities, a themed party on Thanksgiving Eve, an early 19^th century food tasting that takes you back in time, and even an educational program that gives insight on the bird we all know and love. 

Columbia County  

Turkey Talk  

Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center, Ghent 
November 10  

Did you know that the turkey almost became the national bird of the United States? Learn more facts about the winged wonder at the Mud Creek Program. The hands-on approach of the day combined with the use of learning spaces both indoors and outdoors create an engaging and educational experience that attendees of all ages can enjoy. 

Dutchess County 

Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club Turkey Trot   

Arlington High School, LaGrange  
November 22 

Come out to Arlington High School before your Thanksgiving feast to participate in one of four races. More experienced runners can give the 25K a shot, while fitness enthusiasts can test their endurance in the five and two-mile run. Children can participate as well with the one-mile kids run. Awards will be given out based on age groups.   

Rhinebeck Ferncliff Forest Turkey Trot 

68 Rutsen Rd, Rhinebeck 
November 22 

Kickstart the Thanksgiving festivities and register for Rhinebeck’s Turkey Trot.  At the beginning of the event, runners can snack on refreshments like bagels, fruit, and drinks. The racer who wears the best Thanksgiving–related costume will win a prize. All money raised will go to the forest fund to support projects and expenses at Ferncliff Forest.   

Greene County 

Totally Awesome 80s Party 

The Shamrock House, East Durham 
November 21 

Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest party days of the year, so celebrate by stepping back in time to the age of leather jackets and leg warmers. Break out a plain black t-shirt or an all–leather ensemble for this 80s–themed extravaganza. Bring your dancing shoes because music will be playing all night.   

Orange County  

Wallkill East Rotary Turkey Trot 

Galleria at Crystal Run, Middletown 
November 22   

Do you want to burn some calories before Thanksgiving dinner? If so, sign up for the 6^th annual Wallkill East Turkey Trot. All proceeds go to the Wallkill Rotary Club and the charities it supports. Participants who dress up in the best costume and wear the most memorable hat may even win a prize.  

Thanksgiving Tasting  

Museum Village, Monroe 
November 10 and 11  

Sample Thanksgiving delicacies from the Civil War era and World War I at this holiday event. On Saturday, old favorites like turkey and cranberry sauce will be served with a twist; think chocolate cake made with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce sans sugar. Other menu items include corn mush, parmesan celery, vegetable soup, and sweet pickles. Stay up to date by following the event page.  

Rensselaer County 

71^st Annual Troy Turkey Trot 

4^th St, Troy 
November 22 

This turkey trot is one of the oldest races in the county. It started in 1916 as a remembrance run for veterans and has continued annually since 1964.  All participants will be given a t-shirt, while finishers of the 10K, 5K, mile, and walk will receive a medal. Cash prizes will also be given out to 10K and 5K runners in the categories of gender, age, and teams. If you don’t think you have a shot at placing in the race, you can still win a cash prize by participating in the costume contest. Judges will base the votes on creativity, presentation, and functionality.  

Rockland County  

Turkey Trek 

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Wildlife Education Center, Cornwall-on-Hudson 
November 15 

While hiking on McKeon Loop trail, learn about the turkey’s history and the adaptations the species made at the Wildlife Education Center’s nature program. The WEC runs multiple interactive and engaging programs throughout the year based on nature and science. 

Ulster County  

New Paltz Turkey Trot 

10 Main St, New Paltz 
November 22 

This annual trot returns to New Paltz on Thanksgiving morning to support the Family of New Paltz’s Food Pantry and Crisis Services. Come in costume, since prizes will be given out to participants who don the most creative garb. Children 12 and under can enjoy the famous half-mile Mashed Potato Fun Run, while grown-up participants can enter the 5K race, which uses chip timing for a third year in a row. At the end, all runners will be photographed at the finish line and can download the images for free off the event’s website. Awards will be given out based on age group and gender for first, second, and third place.  

Harvest Pie & Homegrown Cider Run 

43 Mt Zion Rd, Marlboro 
November 17 

What’s better than fresh-pressed cider, homemade pie, and apple cider donuts? Not much. Take a run around the farm and then stick around for the after-party. The first 200 runners will receive a t-shirt, a free drink, a medal, and, of course, a cider donut. Live music, local vendors, and food will be onsite as well. This fun-for-all event has a community component too, with all proceeds from the competition heading directly to Sparrow’s Nest.  

Phoenicia Turkey Trot 

Parish Hall, Phoenicia 
November 24  

Now in its eighth year, the 2.4-mile run is fun for all ages. All donations from the event benefit the Phoenicia United Methodist Church Food Pantry. As part of the family-friendly competition, children five and under can participate in the Tot Run free of charge. 

Related: Give Back to the Community at Hudson Valley Food Pantries