Look no further for hot November happenings in the Hudson Valley. Adobe Stock | Kristen
There are plenty of fun-filled happenings in the Hudson Valley this month to get you ready for the upcoming holiday season.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze — Croton-on-Hudson
Through November 20
Spooky season extends well past Halloween. Don’t miss this grand display of over 7,000 masterfully carved pumpkins on grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor.hudsonvalley.org
Beacon Bonfire Music + Arts Festival — Beacon
November 4 and 5, 5 p.m.–12 a.m.
For the first time ever, visit locations throughout the city for a celebration of Beacon’s cultural scene. Then join others around a bonfire that pays homage to the flames that gave Beacon its name. beaconbonfire.com
The Beckett Trilogy — Hudson
November 4 and 5, 7 p.m.
An interpretation of Nobel Prizewinning author Samuel Beckett’s most important works, this evening-length solo show from preeminent Beckett scholars Conor and Judy Hegarty Lovett features excerpts from the novels Malloy, Malone Dies, and The Unnamable. hudsonhall.org
Newburgh Literary Festival — Newburgh
November 5
Book lovers unite! Safe Harbors of the Hudson presents a full-day event of readings, interviews, film clips, author Q&As and more at the historic Ritz Theater. safe-harbors.org
Wild turkeys were extinct in New York for an entire century. Overhunting and deforestation eliminated the birds in the mid-1840s. It wasn’t until farming declined in the early 1900s—followed by the Great Depression—that the land slowly reverted to its natural habitat. Around 1950, a small population of Pennsylvania turkeys trotted across the border into western New York, and then slowly spread throughout the state (with some human assistance). According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, an estimated 180,000 wild turkeys call New York home today.
Related: Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner at These Hudson Valley Restaurants
Bad Seed Fall Back Festival — Highland
November 5 –6
This festival celebrates both Bad Seed Hard Cider and the best of fall in the Hudson Valley. Join Wilklow Orchards for two days of craft ciders and beers, brick-fired pizza, fresh cider doughnuts, pick-your-own apples, and live music. Admission is free! More info at eventbrite.com.
Kevin James — Kingston
November 6, 7 p.m.
This “King of Queens” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” star is bringing his newest stand-up routine to UPAC in Kingston. bardavon.com/upac
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week — throughout the Valley
November 7–20
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample diverse cuisines and visit restaurants you’ve been meaning to check out. New this fall, diners can choose between two price points: Tier 1 restaurants offer dinner for $45.95 and lunch for $39.95, and Tier 2 restaurants serve dinner for $29.95 and lunch for $25.95. valleytable.com/restaurant-week
John Mulaney: From Scratch Tour — Poughkeepsie
November 10, 7 p.m.
One of the biggest names in comedy today, Mulaney—of “SNL” writing fame—covers topics of drug use, rehab, and his journey from one to another with a twist of humor at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. midhudsonciviccenter.org
Collective Poetry: Transformation — Hopewell Junction
November 11, 6–8 p.m.
Join the Sanctuary for Healing Arts for a night of self-reflection, community, and discussion through participating in guided writing prompts and sharing poetry. mossandmoonlight.com
“About Love” – A Benefit Cabaret Concert — Poughkeepsie
November 12, 2–5 p.m.
Vocalist John North, keyboard player Colin Rose, and guitar and bassist Cary Brown perform classic Broadway tunes, standards, and pop songs to benefit the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center at the VBI Theatre. cunneen-hackett.org
Christkindl Markt — Poughkeepsie
November 18–19
Kick off the holiday season German style at Poughkeepsie Germania’s Wiehnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) where you’ll enjoy authentic German food, treats, handmade gifts, and special activities. germaniapok.com/christkindl
The Polar Express Train Ride — Kingston
November 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27
All aboard! Bring the family to an interactive experience on the Catskill Mountain Railroad, with lively music from the motion picture “The Polar Express” (including hot chocolate served by dancing chefs), and a read-along of the classic book. catskillmountainrailroad.com
The Great Holiday Train Show — Chappaqua
Opens November 19
Presented by the New Castle Historical Society after last year’s wild success, this newly annual event brings vintage model trains and winter village settings to The Greeley House for a holiday display the whole family can enjoy. Weekends only. newcastlehs.org
5th Annual Westchester Turkey Trot — Valhalla
November 24, 9 a.m.
Get your steps in before the big turkey dinner! Line up at parking lot 8 on the Weschester Community College campus Thanksgiving morning to run or walk a 5K or 10K. (Turkey costumes are optional!) Children’s 100 meter Fun Dash begins at 8:45 a.m. Dunkin Donuts will be waiting for you at the finish! tristateruns.com/westchesterturkeytrot
HVArtMarket — Poughkeepsie
November 25–27
Taking over the Locust Grove estate for the eighth year, this holiday market features over two dozen booths to shop for locally made fine art, food, clothing, and gifts. hvartmarket.wixsite.com
