We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are a ton of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. And as we enter the final stretch of summer vacation, the Hudson Valley bustles with festivals, musical performances, outdoor activities, and more, offering a little something for everyone.
To help scout out the best events in the Valley, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Albany County
Black Arts & Culture Festival
Empire State Plaza, Albany
August 1–3
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Celebrate all things black arts and culture at this three-day festival in Albany. During the event, experience live performances from chart-topping artists, art exhibitions, delicious food, and so much more. Programs from Thursday to Saturday include everything from a teen night with live music and instructor-led yoga to a gospel night with local performers and a finale with a headlining artist.
2024 Altamont Fair
Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont
August 13–18
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Summer means fair season in the Hudson Valley, and Altamont is doing it big for 2024. Now in its 131st year, the event has all the makings of a classic county fair with midway rides, live entertainment like a circus and shark show, farm animals, and demonstrations on agriculture in New York State.
Capital District Scottish Games
Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont
August 31, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
One of New York State’s largest cultural festivals, the Scottish Games are all about tradition. You won’t want to miss this annual Labor Day tradition, complete with Highlands dancing, a Scottish breed dog show, bagpipe bands, vendors, kids’ activities, and more at the Celtic festival.
Columbia County
Scenic Sips Fest
Roeliff Jansen Park, Hillsdale
August 3, 4–8 p.m.
In its inaugural year, the Scenic Sips Fest will feature over 15 local Columbia County craft beverage producers of beer, wine, spirits, and hard cider in Hillsdale. Vendors include Roe Jan Brewing, Whitecliff Vineyard, Harvest Spirits, and Little Apple Cidery. Relax with a drink as you tune into live music and enjoy a variety of food options across multiple cuisines.
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Tours
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Hudson
August 24, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m.
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Book a tour to see the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse this August as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. As you travel down the Hudson River, learn about the important role that the river played in the development of local towns and how the lighthouse helps in the safe navigation of river transportation.
Columbia County Fair
Columbia County Agricultural Society, Chatham
August 28 – September 2
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To close out summer, head to Chatham for six days of fun at the Columbia County Fair. Along with classic midway rides, enjoy entertainment and events all week long, including farm animals, a monster tractor pull, a demolition derby, Sammy Kershaw live, a painted pony rodeo, fried fair foods, games, and more.
Dutchess County
Jazz in the Valley
Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
August 18
This annual jazz festival welcomes world-class musicians and local guests to enjoy jazz music on the Poughkeepsie waterfront. With a backdrop of the Hudson River, the celebration of jazz is perfect for the whole family. Bring a blanket or a chair, or head under the tent for general seating, and listen to the soothing sounds of mingling instruments.
Dutchess County Fair
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
August 20–25
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One of the biggest county fairs in the Hudson Valley, the Dutchess County Fair will welcome thousands of visitors this year to Rhinebeck. Since its debut in 1841, the event has grown from a celebration of homegrown agriculture to a massive festival that includes attractions like livestock shows, educational exhibits, ride, games, top musical guests, arts and crafts, horticultural exhibits, dog shows, and all the fried food you can eat.
Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Tymor Park, Union Vale
August 30 – September 1
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This Labor Day event is the place to be when August ends. Now in its 33rd year, the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival offers a weekend of fun, including tethered hot-air balloon rides, full hot-air balloon flights, helicopter rides, fireworks, live music, food trucks, a beer and wine tent, local vendors, and a whole bunch of family-oriented activities.
Orange County
Thunderbird Farms Sunflower Festival
Thunderbird Farms, Goshen
August 3, 12–10 p.m.
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As the farm opens up its sunflower fields for the season, this first-day celebration will kick things off with karaoke, live music, a vendor market, face painting, tie-dye, food trucks, beer, wine, cider, fresh cider donuts, and so much more. Entry into the sunflower fields is $10, and each festivalgoer can pick three flowers each. Head to the rustic barn afterwards for local beer, wine, and cider.
Tin Barn Brewing Block Party Beer Festival
Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, Chester
August 10, 12–4 p.m.
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This year, Tin Barn Brewing is putting on its first block party with over 150 craft beers to taste from more than 70 breweries, including a number from the Hudson Valley. The bash takes place on the lawn of the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, which is only a short walk from Tin Barn. Live music keeps the party going, and Hungry Lane refuels you all day.
Full Moon Arts Festival
Warwick Center for the Performing Arts and Wickham Arts, Warwick
August 24, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Head to the Warwick Performing Arts Center for performance and visual art in a natural lakeside setting. Guests are invited to enjoy interactive experiences, listen to live music, watch dance performances, and even join artists in hands-on workshops. Along with the art, a curated craft market and local vendors highlight the festival. Â
Putnam County
Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park
Carmel
All August long
Open seven days a week, the Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or to see military monuments, including an authentic M-60 tank and a Cobra AH-IG/S/F helicopter that served in the Vietnam War. At the park, enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and a playground for the kids.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Garrison
Throughout August
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Since its founding in 1987, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has been a critically acclaimed, professional, nonprofit theater company in Putnam County. Known for its lucid, engaging, and highly inventive productions under an iconic open-air theater tent that overlooks the Hudson River, HVSF delivers a stellar summer season that you won’t want to miss.
Mahopac Marina
Lake Mahopac
Throughout August
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Looking for a lake day? Head to Mahopac Marina to rent a boat on beautiful Lake Mahopac. Pontoon rentals last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and boat slips and gas are included in the price, so all you need to do is pack a cooler, your bathing suit, and some sunscreen for a day of fun on the lake.
Rockland County
Haverstraw United Latin Festival
Emeline Park and Haverstraw Elementary School, Haverstraw
August 4, 12 p.m.
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This all-day celebration of Latin culture and heritage kicks off in Haverstraw this August. The festival features a parade, live entertainment, food, vendors, kids’ activities, and more fun for the whole family.
Suffern Restaurant Week
Throughout Suffern
August 18–22, 25–29
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Suffern Restaurant Week is back for two whole weeks of delicious and diverse cuisine throughout the town. Try something new or head to an old favorite for three- to four-course meals that are only $30.99 per person at each participating restaurant.
Nyack Phone & Drone Film Festival
Nyack Center, Nyack
August 23-24
Nyack is throwing its first-ever Phone & Drone Film Festival featuring films produced with smartphones and drones by amateurs, professionals, and companies from all over the world. Not only does the festival provide a platform for aerial filmmakers to showcase their work, but it emphasizes innovative flight techniques, aesthetic beauty, and compelling stories.
Westchester County
Pink Party on the Lawn
Goosefeather, Tarrytown
August 4, 5 p.m.
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Join others at Tarrytown’s Goosefeather for a Pink Party on the Lawn that features rosé all day. As you sip your pink wine, enjoy an all-you-can-eat wood-fired pig roast, delicious sides, music by the resident DJ, and lawn games until 8 p.m.
MoKoomba Concert on the Lawn
Caramoor, Katonah
August 16, 7 p.m.
Acclaimed six-piece band MoKoomba brings its electrifying sounds all the way from Zimbabwe to Katonah this August. The concert on the lawn at Caramoor features a unique blend of Afrofusion and Zamrock, led by Mathias Muzaza’s mesmerizing vocals.
Playland Ferry Tour
Playland, Rye
August 17 & 31
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Discover the Long Island Sound on Playland’s new ferry tour to Mamaroneck. The boat ride takes guests on a historical and informative trip guided by Barbara Davis. The hour-long ride journeys through Westchester’s past, which includes the childhood home of John Jay, colonial mills, and luxurious Gilded Age mansions.
