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, with dozens of ways to experience the best of what the region has to offer. Whether your idea of a good time is getting active outdoors, jamming out to live music, or chilling out with a glass of local vino, the Hudson Valley is the place to spend the warm months. Celebrate the arrival of summer with outdoor events and visits to scenic, open-air destinations.
To help scout out the hottest 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
New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration
Empire State Plaza, Albany
July 4, 5–10 p.m.
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At Albany’s annual Independence Day celebration, you can expect live music, tasty food, and a spectacular fireworks display at the Empire State Plaza. Upstate New York’s largest Fourth of July event, the evening also includes a flyover by the 109AW New York Air Guard, pony rides, a bounce house, and a headlining performance by Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers.
Legally Blonde the Musical
Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes
July 17 – August 11
If Elle Woods is your spirit animal, this performance is for you. The cult film makes its way to the main stage at the Cohoes Music Hall this July for a pink-infused powerhouse performance. Don’t judge this musical by its hair color!
Columbia County
Independence Day at Clermont
Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown
July 4, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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During this special celebration of America, Clermont State Historic Site will feature Revolutionary War reenactors, an open house tour of the mansion, and historical crafts and games. The songs and stories of Thomas Hooker Hanford will provide entertainment all day, while readings from Frederick Douglass’ famous “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech will teach about the historical context of our nation’s independence.
Chatham SummerFest 2024
Village of Chatham
July 13, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This annual Chatham event offers family fun for all ages in Columbia County. The summer festival kicks off with a pie-eating contest, bake-off, and dog parade and costume contest. The event also includes a free movie screening at the Crandell Theatre, a dance performance, and live music all day. If that’s not enough, enjoy free hayrides, temporary tattoos, and show tunes as well.
Catamount Thirsty Cat Festival
Catamount Mountain Resort, Hillsdale
July 20–21
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The mountain’s biggest event of the summer season, Catamount is proud to present its second annual Thirsty Cat Festival. With wine, cider, beer, lemonade, and more, this beverage-focused event also features live music from five great bands and craft vendors over its two-day duration. Don’t forget to fill up on food from attending vendors and try your skills at the aerial adventure park or on the zip tour for scenic views.
Dutchess County
Fireworks Spectacular
Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
July 4, 7–10 p.m.
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The City of Poughkeepsie puts on its annual Independence Day fireworks show at the Walkway Over the Hudson again this year. Starting at 7 p.m. with fun activities, the display starts at 9 p.m. for a can’t-miss event over the Hudson River. The show sells out every year, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.
New York Stage and Film Summer Season
Marist College, Poughkeepsie
July 16 – August 4
Since 1985, New York Stage and Film has provided a platform for emerging and established artists in the state. This summer, join in on the fun at Marist for a strong lineup of plays and musicals, from one-woman shows to energetic performances.
Upstate Art Weekend
Throughout Dutchess County
July 18–21
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Art organizations, galleries, museums, residencies, and studios come together for this art- and culture-focused weekend in Dutchess County. The four-day, self-directed, accessible event invites locals and tourists to revel in the cultural vibrancy of upstate New York. With more than 130 artists in participation, Upstate Art Weekend promises an immersive and eye-opening experience for all to enjoy.
Orange County
Port Jervis Food Truck and Fireworks Festival
Riverside Park, Port Jervis
July 3, 5–10 p.m.
A Fourth of July celebration that’s a staple for Orange County, this Port Jervis event is jam-packed. The food is the main attraction, but the fireworks show will certainly keep you entertained throughout the evening. Live bands, games, and food trucks are fun for the whole family before the show starts with fireworks from the peak of Point Peter.
Red, White, and BOOM!
LEGOLAND New York, Goshen
July 4
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This Fourth, a regular-day admission to LEGOLAND New York gets you so much than the usual rides and fun. With themed foods, live music, dancing, and lots and lots of LEGO buildings, the festive day doesn’t even end there. At night, a unique fireworks display will wow thanks to special 3D viewing glasses that turn the fireworks into LEGO bricks. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
Warwick Food Truck Festival
Mountain Lake Park, Warwick
July 18, 2–9 p.m.
Now in its eighth year of delicious eats, the Warwick Food Truck Festival is bigger than ever at a new location in Mountain Lake Park. Come hungry for food truck fare, desserts, sweets, locally crafted brews, live music, and more at this all-day food truck festival in Orange County.
Putnam County
Arts on the Lake Summer Concert Series
Arts on the Lake, Carmel
July 5, 12, 19, 26
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Sit waterside near Lake Carmel at Arts on the Lake for live music and performances this summer. The pay-as-you-wish concerts help fund the arts programs at the venue, and lawn chairs, food, and drinks are welcome, with refreshments available onsite. Come out every Friday for a special show, from Woodstock-era music to Western American tunes.
Putnam County Golf Course
Mahopac
July 12, 13, 19, 26
Visit Mahopac’s Putnam County Golf Course this July for golf during the day and fun shows at night. Every Friday, the venue offers an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet along with live music from popular bands like The Nerds, Journey and Heart cover bands, and Rubix Kube.
Putnam County 4H Fair
Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, Carmel
July 27–28
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A quick drive from the town of Carmel proper, this 4H Fair is the summer event that Putnam County families look forward to all season. With food trucks, treats, vendors, games, demonstrations, exhibits, magic shows, farm animals, and pony rides, the event is perfect for the whole family. For the adults, live music, a car show, and a duck derby are can’t-miss activities.
Rockland County
New York Boulders July Fourth Celebration
Clover Stadium, Pomona
July 3, 4, 6
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Lucky for baseball fans, the New York Boulders are playing ball on the nation’s birthday this year. America’s favorite pastime combines with Independence Day for the ultimate celebration on July 3, 4, and 6. After each night’s game, a spectacular post-game fireworks show will light up the night sky for all to enjoy.
Piermont’s Bastille Day Celebration
Piermont
July 13, 12–10 p.m.
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Piermont is big on French culture, which means that the annual Bastille Day celebration is back for 2024. The village-wide celebration of French culture and history includes music, shopping, kids’ activities, a costume party, and more in the waterside town. Come in your blue, white, and red and fly your French flags.
Nyack Famous Street Fair
Nyack
July 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The event of the summer, Nyack’s Street Fair is this July 14. Main Street and Broadway will be lined with over 360 tents and vendors displaying art, crafts, photography, pottery, jewelry, and kids’ activities. Throughout the day, enjoy great food and live music in the town.
Westchester County
Playland
Rye
All July
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The perfect place for family adventure this summer, Rye’s Playland is the neighborhood amusement park that has it all. With rides, games, food, and a beachside setting, the park has so many summer festivities in store, from Fourth of July fireworks to paddle boat rides to meals at the Tiki Beach restaurant.
Pleasantville Music Festival
Parkway Field, Pleasantville
July 13
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The 18th annual Pleasantville Music Festival hits Parkway Field this July. The fest features a main stage with big headliners and breakout stars and local talent, a beer and wine garden, and fun activities for everyone. Don’t miss The Wailers, The Record Company, and Better Than Ezra at this summer smash.
Westchester Craft Beverage Trail
Throughout Westchester County
All July
Embark on a boozy and tasty journey through Westchester’s Craft Beverage Trail with a free mobile passport. The passport will lead beverage enthusiasts to local breweries, distilleries, and cideries where they can enjoy the best of Westchester’s craft beverage scene.
Related: Catskill Mountain Shakespeare Kicks off Its Summer Season
