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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.
Fermentation Festival
Twin Star Orchards, New Paltz
June 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Be kind to your gut and experience the wildly flavorful culinary offerings at Twin Star Orchards’ Fermentation Festival. The June event packs a punch with fermented foods ranging from gooey natto to sour pickles to indulgent cheeses so that everyone can try gut-healthy foods. Fermentation experts will lead workshops, demonstrations, and talks all day to teach about the wonders of healthy bacteria.Â
Bavarian Summer Fest
Riedlbauer’s Resort, Round Top
June 22-23
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You’ve heard of Christmas in July, but what about Oktoberfest in June? Greene County gears up for this Bavarian celebration of all things bratwurst, schnitzel, and beer at Riedlbauer’s Bier Garten. Enjoy the usual Oktoberfest offerings at this summer festival, along with other festivities and live German music.Â
Thirsty Cat Festival
Catamount Mountain Resort, Hillsdale
July 20-21
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Head to Columbia County this July to sample a wide variety of craft beers, ciders, wines, and more at Catamount Mountain Resort. Along with beverages, the Thirsty Cat Festival will feature local live music, food vendors, craft vendors, and kids activities. Three different tasting packages allow attendees to try over 50 local and regional distilleries, breweries, and wineries, along with a lemonade tasting for the little ones.Â
Blueberry Festival
Canal Street and Liberty Square, Ellenville
August 10, 9-4 p.m.
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.
Tin Barn Block Party 2024
Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center, Chester
August 10, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Hosted by Tin Barn Brewing, this block party event is a first-of-its-kind round up of over 70 local and national breweries under one roof. Party on the lawn at Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center as you taste over 150 different beers this August. Along with the brews, the event will feature performances from Kickin’ Nash and DJ Skyhook to keep the party going all day long. Once you’ve had your fill of beer, take a stroll down Hungry Lane to browse delicious food vendors.
Dutchess County Fair
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
August 20-25
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Though this iconic summer event isn’t a food festival per se, anyone who has ever attended 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, stay tuned for our guide to county fairs throughout the Hudson Valley.
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
September 7-8Â
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Taste your way through the region’s finest wineries, distilleries, and cideries. More than 300 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.
Putnam County Wine & Food Festival
Wells Park, Brewster
September 21-22Â
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Live music, exhibits, and games mark the phenomenal Putnam County Wine & Food Festival. Held at the scenic Wells Park, this Brewster 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.
Let the Good Times Roll
Fun seafood-themed events around the region this season.
Oyster Party
Throughout the Hudson Valley
All summer
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Snack on oysters at various hotspots for the entire summer. Oyster Party serves up lobster rolls and oyster platters every Friday–Sunday at Backbar in Hudson. For an updated lineup, find them on Instagram @oysterparty.
Real Maine Lobster Bake
Windham
Through Labor Day
Bring your bibs to the mountains: Every weekend, lobsters are shipped overnight from Maine to the Catskills. On Saturdays from 5–7 p.m., dive into deep-fried lobsters, shrimp cocktails, smoked and barbecued meats, and more.
Lobster Brew & Chew Festival
Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
August 17, 1-6 p.m.
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Enjoy a full day of New England seafood and culinary creations in the heart of Dutchess County this August. Along with a lobster boil, local craft beer and beverage producers will feature delicious drinks to wash down your food. Live music provides the perfect entertainment for the day.
