Empire Skate Plaza
Albany
Tuesdays–Sundays through March
Lace up your skates and hit the rink at the Empire State Plaza before it closes for the season. Skating is free to all, and rental skates are available for a $5 fee. Ice rink hours are subject to change due to weather—check online for updates before you go.
Winter Fest
Rensselaerville
February 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Visit the 2,000-acre Huyck Preserve for the annual Winter Fest, a celebration of the season complete with both indoor and outdoor activities.
Attendees can shop from local vendors, interact with animals, watch educational demonstrations, and more.
Hudson Valley Wingfest
Poughkeepsie
February 1, 5 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Head to the MJN Convention Center for the 18th annual Wingfest, an evening full of the best wings from around the region. The soundtrack to the event will be provided by Psycho Circus NYC, a tribute to Kiss, and DJ Frankie Cutlass.
Hudson Highlands Pipe Band Robert Burns Supper
Philipstown
February 1, 6:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Celebrate the birthday of famed Scottish lyricist and poet Robert Burns at The Garrison. The Hudson Highlands Pipe Band will play traditional music throughout the evening; after dinner, all are invited to get up and dance.
Teatown Hudson River EagleFest
Croton-on-Hudson
February 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of a grand bald eagle from Croton Point Park during this annual festival. In addition to searching for the feathered fliers on guided walks, Teatown will be putting on live shows spotlighting birds of prey, crafts and exhibits will await in heated tents, and food trucks will be on-site.
Sam Gravitte “A Song for You”
Pine Plains
February 1, 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
The Stissing Center presents Broadway actor Sam Gravitte as an early Valentine’s Day treat. Throughout the evening, Gravitte will perform selections of the best love songs from songwriters such as Stevie Wonder and Stephen Sondheim.
Snowfest
Pearl River
February 1, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Join O’Grady’s Castle as the center kicks off its first-ever Snowfest, an outdoor event with food trucks, a beer garden, crafts, games, and other activities. Proceeds will benefit Pearl River Boys & Girls Soccer and the Diamond Club.
The Gruffalo’s Child
Purchase
February 2, 3 p.m.
Touring charity Tall Stories performs an adaptation of the award-winning picture book The Gruffalo’s Child on stage at SUNY Purchase’s Performing Arts Center. The 55-minute program is recommended for children 3 and up and will feature songs, laughs, and elaborate animal costumes.
Grease
Rhinebeck
February 7–9, 14–16
At The CENTER for Performing Arts, Teens on Stage presents the classic musical Grease. The story of Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 will run for two weekends, with actors clad in leather jackets and poodle skirts singing songs reminiscent of the ‘50s.
Alentine’s Day
Kingston
February 7, 7:30 p.m.
Local singer-songwriter Al Olender takes the stage at the Old Dutch Church for her third annual Alentine’s Day celebration, a night full of music, special guests, and community.
Cirque Zuma Zuma
Peekskill
February 8, 5 p.m.
Described as an African-style Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Zuma Zuma is a show that takes viewers on a journey through African culture. Acrobats and other performers will display extraordinary feats to the tune of live music driven by pulsating rhythms.
Little Richard: I Am Everything
Kingston and Poughkeepsie
February 20, 7:30 p.m.
The Bardavon and the Ulster Performing Arts Center present a simultaneous free screening of Little Richard: I Am Everything, a 2023 film by Lisa Cortés that explores the impact of the seminal musician, often described as the “Architect of Rock and Roll.”
Bob Schneider
Montgomery
February 21, 7:30 p.m.
At City Winery Hudson Valley, catch Austin-based singer-songwriter Bob Schneider on the main stage. The former frontman of rock bands The Ugly Americans and The Scabs, Schneider’s solo act combines folk, rock, funk, and other genres.
Introduction to Theater Improvisation
Sleepy Hollow
February 22, 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
At the Hudson Valley Writers Center, Shannon Stowe (a theater professor from The New School) will teach an improv class geared toward beginners—no previous experience is necessary. Participants will take part in traditional improv activities like the “name game” and “yes, and” to build confidence and boost creativity, both on stage and off.
Live Music With Hudson Lorde
Kingston
February 28, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Join Newburgh-based musician Hudson Lorde at Rough Draft Bar & Books for an acoustic set of soulful music that blends folk, R&B, and indie influences.
Sowing Beauty
Calling all creatives
Through February 28, Goshen nonprofit farm All One One All is accepting applications for its third annual Artist in Residence program. The residency, which runs from April to October, allows a cohort of local artists to make weekly farm visits to immerse themselves in the flora and fauna that grace AOOA’s 14 acres. During the program, selected artists will have the opportunity to lead creative workshops, interact with visitors to the farm, and display their work in two showcases in July and October.
Related: Here’s What to Do in the Hudson Valley This Week
