Share
Adobe Stock | Brocreative
The return of beloved county fairs, a music festival at Bard, a blueberry celebration in Ellenville, and more make our top picks.
Ulster County Fair — New Paltz
August 2–7
The Ulster County Fair is returning with food, rides, horse shows, and live entertainment for one week only. The full music line-up is TBA, but you can expect an opening night concert with Sass and Brass on August 2. We can smell the funnel cakes just thinking about it!
ulstercountyfair.com
Bard Music Festival — Annandale-on-Hudson
August 5–14
For its 32nd season, Bard College is hosting a week of concerts, panel discussions, and lectures. This year’s focus is on Russian composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff. The events will explore the many facets of his life, composition work, and culture.
fishercenter.bard.edu
Blueberry Festival — Ellenville
Courtesy of Ellenville Chamber of Commerce
August 13, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Enjoy a full day of vendors, food stands, and live music on Canal Street and Liberty Square in Ellenville to celebrate blueberry season. Get your fill of pies, jams, and fresh pints of berries; admission and parking are both free!
ewcoc.com
Corn Festival — Beacon
August 14
“The corn is as high as an elephant’s eye…” We may not be in Oklahoma, but the Hudson Valley has plenty of corn coming into season, and the Beacon Sloop Club invites all to celebrate at the Pete & Toshi Riverfront Park. Enjoy fresh corn on the cob cooked onsite with live music, environmental displays, and plenty of kid’s activities. Admission is free.
beaconsloopclub.org
Nyack International Film Festival — Nyack
August 14–18
Once again, the NIFF will be returning to Hotel Nyack for a week full of interesting and eclectic independent films, from shorts to full-length features. The kickoff is Sunday at 4 p.m. with film trailer screenings for a taste of this years’ entries.
filmfreeway.com/nyackfilmfestival
La Voz de Tres — Kingston
August 18, 7:30–10 p.m.
As part of Jazzstock’s presentation of both world-renowned and up-and-coming artists, the Senate Garage will host jazz and Latin-American style trio La Voz de Tres for one night only.
jazzstock.com
Hudson Valley Jazz Festival — various locations
Courtesy of Hudson Valley Jazz Fest
August 18–21
Celebrating its 13th season, the HVJF will feature performances by local jazz musicians across the region. Featured shows include international guitarist Oz Noy in Warwick, Stanley Jordan at Woodstock’s Bearville Theater, and the Neil Alexander Group at Unison Arts in New Paltz.
hudsonvalleyjazzfest.org
The Wallflowers — Woodstock
August 19, 8–11 p.m.
Do you remember the 1998 hit “One Headlight?” Now’s your time to sing along to it with Jakob Dylan live, presented by Radio Woodstock at the Bearsville Theater. Dylan will take the stage to perform Wallflowers classics and new songs from their 2021 album Exit Wounds.
bearsvilletheater.com
Garden Party — Highmount
August 20, 5–8 p.m.
Take a scenic ride on the Catskill Thunder gondola up to Belleayre Mountain’s Sunset Lodge for an evening of live music, dinner, dancing, and of course—gorgeous views.
belleayre.com
Dutchess County Fair — Rhinebeck
Sharp images photographic
August 23–28
The granddaddy of local fairs returns for a fun-packed week. With performances by “America’s Got Talent” ventriloquist alumna Darci Lynne and country music star Chris Janson, a horticultural hall, 12 acres of livestock, and century museum village, this fair offers so much more than rides and fried food (but those are great, too).
dutchessfair.com
New York Renaissance Faire — Tuxedo Opens
By Deborah Grosmark
August 27, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
It’s time to dust off that pirate or wizard costume. NYRF kicks off its 2022 season at the end of this month! Drink a pint, listen to lute music, polish your archery skills, view maker booths and buy their crafts, and even throw tomatoes at a bard as you immerse yourself in fairy tales and medieval lore. The entertainment line-up includes a jousting competition, human chess, knife throwing, and a birds of prey exhibition. Pro-tip: arrive early!
renfair.com/ny
New York International Air Show — Montgomery
August 27–28
Planes, helicopters, and all things aerial head to the Orange County Airport for a thrilling weekend of in-flight shows and on-ground aircraft exhibitions. Headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, visitors can also see West Point’s Parachute Team, a flight demo from a Cold War-era jet, and a B-25 WWII bomber.
airshowny.com
Related: What to Do in Nyack: Spend a Day in This Peaceful Waterfront Town