Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Photo by Charles Erickson
From a tulip festival in Albany to a hot-air balloon celebration in Dutchess County, there’s so much to do along the Hudson River.
– Albany County –
Albany Tulip Festival (May)
During a typical year, visitors can see more than 100,000 tulips and attend events over Mother’s Day weekend. This year the festival is virtual throughout the month of May.
– Columbia County –
Basilica Soundscape (September)
This weekend of art, music, and culture features live concert performances, conceptual sound performances, author readings, and more. This year’s event will be held at PS21: Performances Spaces for the 21st Century, in Chatham. Check website for dates.
www.basilicahudson.org/soundscape
– Dutchess County –
Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival (September)
Head to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on September 3–5 to watch hundreds of hot air balloons be launched into the sky.
www.dcrcoc.org/balloonfesthv.org
– Greene County –
Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest (September–October)*
This popular fall event features dozens of food, drink, and craft vendors; live entertainment; crafts for the kids — and free entry.
– Orange County –
Orange County Fair (July–August)
After being cancelled last year for the first time in over 70 years, the Orange County Fair returns July 15–August 1! New York State’s oldest county fair boasts amusement rides, fireworks, live music, and fair food staples.
– Putnam County –
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (June–September)
Experience the Bard in this open-air tented theater at Boscobel House & Gardens for the last time. In 2022, it moves to its first permanent home at Garrison Golf Course. Check website for dates and shows.
– Rensselaer County –
Troy Victorian Stroll (December)*
Downtown Troy is transformed into a Victorian-era street during this month-long event, featuring live performances, shopping specials, and dining opportunities.
– Rockland County –
Nyack Street Fairs (April–October)*
There are typically five street fairs in Nyack during the year, where several village streets close to traffic so visitors can check out hundreds of vendor booths featuring collectibles, home decor items, and more, plus enjoy plenty of food and live entertainment. In 2021, the spring fairs have been replaced with a more social-distant event called Spring Fling, which runs through June 20.
– Ulster County –
Woodstock Film Festival (September–October)
Named among the top 50 film festivals worldwide, the Woodstock Film Festival is a week-long celebration and showcase of independent films and filmmakers, happening this year from September 29–October 3.
– Westchester County –
Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze (September–November)
Marvel at thousands of hand-carved pumpkins as you stroll the grounds at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. Dates to be announced.
* Status of 2021 event undetermined at press time; check websites for updates
