Up… Up… and Away!
An annual rite of summer is the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival. Look skyward to see dozens of hot air balloons dotting the sky over the region. The evening and morning mass launches are not to be missed. Festivities include balloon and helicopter rides, hayrides, live music, farm area activities, food, fireworks, and “moon glow.” July 7–9, 5 a.m.–10 p.m., Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, 845.454.1700; www.dcrcoc.org/balloonfestival
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Forever Young
Rock legends Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper both have a knack for transforming their careers (him to American standards, her to Broadway) and remaining relevant, decades after they came on the music scene. See them together at Bethel Woods, when Stewart headlines and Lauper is his special guest. July 21, 7:30 p.m., $48+. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, 866.781.2922; www.bethelwoodscenter.org/events
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​Rhinebeck Hosts a By-Gone Era
Based in Windham, The 77th Regimental Balladeers have been playing and singing the music from the Revolutionary and Civil War era for almost 20 years, featuring Irish jigs and fiddle music. Reading of letters from that era is included in the program. July 8, 2 p.m., $10, children under 12 yrs. free. Rhinebeck, 845.876.3727
Oh My Goshen, Look at This Fun!
The 36th annual Great American Weekend is a two-day Independence Day celebration with more than 20,000 in attendance each year. It features more than 150 craft vendors, antiques, exhibits, live entertainment, children’s amusement rides, food vendors, and more. Simultaneously, Grand Circuit Harness Racing will be held at the adjacent Goshen Historic Track at 1 p.m. July 1–2, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free event. First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen, 845.294.7741; www.goshennychamber.com
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Strike a Pose
Celebrating 10 years, the popular Yoga with a View entices the senses as you stretch and pose overlooking the Hudson River from the beautiful landscape of Boscobel House & Gardens, truly one of the most picturesque and serene settings in the Hudson Valley. All levels of yoga will be taught by internationally certified instructor Ellen Forman. Mondays to Sept. 4, 6–7:15 p.m., $18/class. Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, 845.265.3638; www.boscobel.org
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A Castle & A Cruise
Take a history tour of Bannerman Island, part of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, followed by a cruise on the Hudson River to enjoy Independence Day fireworks. The rich history of Bannerman Castle and the beautiful scenery provide a wonderfully enriching day for the whole family. Lasts 2.5 hours and departs from Beacon. Register online for tickets. July 4, 7 p.m., $40. 845.256.4007; www.bannermancastle.org
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Feel the Need for Speed
The Accord Speedway hosts the STSS North Region Modified Battle of the Bullring Competition for the fourth year in a row. A fun family event that fuels excitement with screeching tires and burning rubber, as cars race around the track for 54 laps competing for a $5,400 prize. July 3, opens at 4 p.m., race begins at 7 p.m., $24 adults, $22 seniors, $5 kids 11 and under. Accord Speedway, 299 Whitfield Rd, Accord, 845.626.3478; www.accordspeedway.com
Comedy in Albany
The comedy show of John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous comes to the Palace Theatre. Mulaney has appeared on Comedy Central and formerly wrote for Saturday Night Live. Entertainment Weekly hailed him “as one of the best stand-up comics alive.” July 27, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., $25+. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave, Albany, 518.465.3334; www.palacealbany.org
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Octopus, Fish, and Flamingos
Get close to some of the most strangely beautiful animals in the sea as The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers a summer exhibit of Chilean flamingos, a new 3,000-gallon coral reef exhibit featuring more than 40 species of Indo-Pacific fish, and a larger natural habitat for one giant Pacific octopus. Exhibits run daily Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., adults $22.95, seniors/youths $20.95, children 3–12 yrs. $15.95. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St, Norwalk, 203.852.0700; www.maritimeaquarium.org
