Hudson Valley Magazine Event: Excellence in Nursing Awards
The Grandview, Poughkeepsie
May 8, 6-10 p.m.
Join us on Wednesday as we honor the top nurses in the Hudson Valley at a special dinner and award ceremony. During the event, we’ll bestow a top honor on one very special nurse, then gift a $1,500 scholarship to a local high school student who plans to pursue a career in nursing after graduation. The cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 7 p.m. and dessert and dancing at 8 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, see here.
33rd Annual Silver Needle Runway
Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie
May 10, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
In a celebratory year-end event, the Marist Fashion Program hosts its 33rd annual Silver Needle Runway on Friday. Held inside the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, the show spotlights the finest collections by the college’s senior design students. During the evening show, a presentation of scholarships and awards, including Outstanding Garment, Outstanding Portfolio, and Outstanding Collection, will follow the catwalk presentation. If you want a sneak peek at the latest trends and budding designers, you won’t want to miss this.
Albany Tulip Festival
Washington Park, Albany
May 11-12
It’s back! This weekend, the Hudson Valley’s top flower fest returns to Albany’s Washington Park to celebrate the area’s Dutch heritage and seasonal blooms. Head to the Capital Region to scope out more than 140,000 tulips (yes, really) in 150 varieties. Once you’ve had your fill – and taken ALL the photos – stick around for the craft shopping, a fine arts show, children’s activities, and live entertainment.
Leap for Autism
Skydive the Ranch, Gardiner
May 11, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Dive high from the sky at Greystone Programs’ third annual Leap for Autism event. Like the name suggests, the day is all about skydiving to raise funds for autism awareness and support in the Hudson Valley. If you’re not up to diving yourself, don’t let that stop you from following along with the action and taking part in the party on the ground, which features food and fun from the Grill Wagon, Greyston Bakery, Angry Orchard, and Sloop Brewing.
All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Picnic
Benmarl Winery, Marlboro
May 11, 12-6 p.m.
Treat mom to an early Mother’s Day lunch at Benmarl Winery on Saturday. Throughout the afternoon, the Marlboro spot partners with Hudson Valley Seafood for a special all-you can-eat brunch featuring the most scrumptious seafood in town. Look forward to dishes like fried Gulf oysters, grilled Maine lobster, fried calamari, she-crab mac ‘n’ cheese, and so much more. If fish dishes aren’t your thing, you can happily munch on the local cheese and fruit platters or the chicken coq au vin too.
Smell the Damn Roses Art and Hobby Fest
Marbletown Community Center, Stone Ridge
May 11, 12-6 p.m.
Now in its second year, Smell the Damn Roses invites the Hudson Valley community to explore creativity and test out new hobbies. The fun-for-all occasion is designed with affordability in mind, which means locals can try everything from bookbinding and knitting to sewing, kite-making, and herbalism for the $10 ticket price. Local experts lead the mini classes, so feel free to ask questions about techniques and inspiration while you’re there.
Common Ground Farm Plant Sale
Cross and Main St., Beacon
May 11, 2-5 p.m.
Infuse your home with all the flora, herbs, and vegetables you can imagine at Common Ground Farm’s one-day plant sale. If you’re going to be in or around Beacon on Saturday, the sale is a worthwhile pitstop to make. Shop greenery like basil, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, kale, and eggplant seedlings, all of which were grown in organic potting soil that is free of chemical additives. If you want the best selection, plan to swing by the corner of Cross and Main Streets early, since the top crop is bound to sell quickly.
Pride Kick-Off Tea Dance
The Forsyth B&B, Kingston
May 12, 4-7 p.m.
Get into the springtime spirit at the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center’s festive tea dance. Held at The Forsyth in Kingston, the dance features foot-tapping tunes by DJ Cherry Pop. Add to that a cash bar with drink specials, food from The Lunchbox, and a special appearance from Hudson Valley drag queen Valkyrie Hail, and you have one excellent way to spend your Sunday.
