The summer season brings its own array of food-centric events throughout the region. For those who travel far and wide to experience the Hudson Valley’s best culinary creations, these festivals and fairs bring all the heavy hitters together in one place. Eat refreshing lobster rolls, sample deep-fried fair food, and sip the area’s most renowned wines, ciders, and beers at these happenings.
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King’s Court Brewery, Poughkeepsie
July 10
Who absolutely loves a hoppy beer? Lucky Hops partners with King’s Court Brewery to celebrate all things India Pale Ale. Explore the world of New England-style hazy NEIPAs, tart sour IPAs, creamy milkshake IPAs, and so much more. Gather under the beer tent in King’s Court’s backyard and enjoy live music and local food trucks. The regular ticket includes 10 taster tickets, while the VIP option grants visitors unlimited beer tastings.
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Mayor’s Park, Cold Spring
August 7-8
Live music and chef demonstrations mark the phenomenal Putnam County Wine & Food Festival. Held at the scenic Mayor’s Park, this Cold Spring event features beautiful views of the Hudson River. Two days of tastings await, including the region’s most prominent cider and spirits producers. Art exhibits and crafts present fun for the entire family. Bring comfortable lawn chairs and picnic blankets for the ultimate open-air foodie extravaganza.
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Patterson
August 14
Where are all our seafood lovers? This unique Hudson Valley fair celebrates the tasty and refreshing Alaskan snow crab and invites attendees to pair crustaceans with craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Lawn games, polo matches, and other entertainment keep things lively. Guests can hit the dance floor and boogie the day away or grab a seat and watch serene hot air balloons take flight.
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Canal St and Liberty Sq, Ellenville
August 14
Summertime in the Hudson Valley means fresh produce, and this Ulster County fest has juicy fruit in spades. Celebrate blueberry season at Ellenville’s iconic blueberry festival. The fair boasts hundreds of vendors, featuring delicious pies, fluffy pancakes, perfect jams, and everything else one could imagine.
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Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville
August 14-15
Few things pair better than America’s Oldest Winery and fresh seafood. Brotherhood Winery transforms from chic Orange County vineyard into a classic New England seafood town. Chow down on fried calamari, baked clams, lobster rolls, and other downright tasty oceanic street food. Get classy with a large helping of paella or ceviche, and, of course, sip award-winning vinos. Plus, live music from local bands and top-rate shopping from vendors keeps things exciting all weekend long.
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Virtual event, New Paltz
August 20-22
Who makes the ultimate ribs in the Hudson Valley? Locals get to decide at this virtual celebration of all things smoked, grilled, and braised. The annual Hudson Valley Ribfest does not return to the Ulster County Fairgrounds this year, and instead spreads the festivities across the region. Check the website for a full list of participating restaurants soon, and get ready to experience the best barbecue around.
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Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
August 22-27
Though this iconic summer event isn’t a food festival per se, anyone who has ever been knows that old-fashioned fair food takes center stage. Massive French fries, creamy ice cream, savory fried dough, and increasingly unique and experimental creations will not leave a single festival-goer hungry. If you’re craving even more carnival concoctions, explore our guide to county fairs throughout the Hudson Valley.
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Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
September 11-12
Taste your way through the region’s finest wineries, distilleries, and cideries. More than 60 producers showcase their very best. Pair beverages with lunch from one of the many local food trucks and vendors set up at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. Plus, shop crafts and wares to deck out your home kitchen.
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Locations throughout Westchester County
September 21-26
Take a tour of Westchester’s finest eats in September. This week-long event from our sister publication Westchester Magazine highlights the very best of craft beverage and delicious dining with a full lineup. Firstly, explore Italian wines at Kanopi Restaurant and Event Space on the 42nd floor of the magnificent Opus Hotel in White Plains. Party on Playland Park’s pier in Rye, and sample a variety of goods from local restaurants and food trucks. Westchester County’s top bartenders go head-to-head in the Bartender Shake-Off. Later in the week, the Burger and Beer Bash does comfort food the best at Kensico Dam Plaza, and the Wine Collector’s Dinner at X20 Xavier’s on the Hudson delights with fine dining. Finally, the entire week climaxes with the Grand Tasting Village. Endure the gastronomic gauntlet of Valhalla with over 40+ local restaurants and more than 200 wines and spirits represented. Buy tickets online today to individual events.