Ulster County Fair
This fair, which originated in 1886, is acclaimed for its variety of rides for all ages, musical performances, showcase of animals, and superb local food.
Jul 30–Aug 4, Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz, www.ulstercountyfair.com
Dutchess County Fair
Highlights of the state’s second-largest county fair include two midways with rides, craft and food vendors, 4H exhibits and competitions, and a Grandstand concert series.
Aug 20–25, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, www.dutchessfair.com
Columbia County Fair
In addition to midway rides, a firefighters’ parade, and talent competitions, the fair also features lots of live music, including performances by Jimy Graham (who has toured with Wilson Pickett and Grace Jones) and The Voice finalist Moriah Formica, a Latham native.
Aug 28–Sept 2, Columbia County Fairgrounds, Chatham Village, www.columbiafair.com
Food and Fun in the Sun
The annual New York State Food Festival returns for a full day of specialty foods, craft beer, wine, farm produce, and more, all from throughout the Empire State. Free music will be performed on the Plaza Stage by rockabilly king Brian Setzer.
Aug 7, Empire State Plaza, Albany, www.albany.com
Paraside is There
The singer/songwriter — and Hudson Valley resident — Natalie Merchant comes to Hudson Hall for a special acoustic duo set of her ’90s hits like “Wonder,” “Carnival,” and “Kind and Generous,” as well as new material.
Aug 9, Hudson Hall at the Historic Hudson Opera House, Hudson, 518.822.1438, www.hudsonhall.org
Burgers & Beer
Hudson Valley’s 7th Annual Burger & Beer Bash brings together all the greatest elements of summer: juicy burgers, cold beer, music, and competition. Join us when the Valley’s top local chefs come together to present their take on the iconic American burger, and then vote for your favorite in hopes of having it crowned the “Best of the Bash!”
Aug 15, Dutchess Stadium, Wappingers Falls, www.hvmag.com
Tunes in Tannersville
From its origins as a 4-day residency, the 23Arts Summer Music Festival has expanded to an entire month of suggested-donation concerts focusing on jazz, the blues, tango, and more, with some of the world’s best young musicians giving intimate performances at venues throughout Tannersville.
Aug 2-25, Tannersville, www.23arts.org
Bold New Modes
Subtitled “Color & Form in a Visual Rhythm,” Carrie Haddad Gallery’s upcoming PULSE exhibition brings together the work of Dai Ban, Jeanette Fintz, Ginny Fox, and Jenny Kemp for unique takes on abstraction. From Kemp’s bold, O’Keefe-style shapes to the angular wall sculptures of Ban, you’ll likely see something here that you’ve never seen before.
Through Sept 15, Carrie Haddad Gallery, Hudson, 518.828.1915, www.carriehaddadgallery.com
Fancy Footwork
The collaborative work of Bridgman | Packer Dance finds Guggenheim Fellows and National Endowment of the Arts grantees Myrna Packer and Art Bridgman integrating dance and video for an abstract, even absurd style of choreography. They will perform two pieces: “Voyeur” and “Table Bed Mirror.”
Aug 16–17, PS21, Chatham, 518.392.6121, www.ps21chatham.org
Classics on Screen
Mikhal Kolotov’s 1957 Soviet martial The Cranes Are Flying follows two lovers through the crucible of the Eastern Front, finding notes of grace and beauty amidst the untamable vagaries of human nature.
Aug 1, Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville, 914.773.7663, www.burnsfilmcenter.org
