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Hudson River tourism directors share their top picks for places to go, sights to see, and things to do throughout the month of June.
By Matt Moment, with additional reporting by Raphael Beretta
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. Plus, with the warm weather in full swing in the region, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of summer than 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
Pinkster Celebration
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany
June 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Congregate with family and friends at this festival featuring performances by Melody Africa, D. Colin and Pinkster Players, participatory dance, indigo-dyeing, workshops, games, food, and more. The tradition—at one time a Dutch holiday commemorating Pentecost—evolved into a spring festival which celebrates culture brought to the Hudson River by West and Central Africans who were enslaved.
Capital Pride Parade and Festival
Washington Park, Albany
June 12, 12–5 p.m.
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Join in one of the most poppin’ Capital Region events of the year. This parade celebrates LGBTQ+ folks in Albany and beyond with musical performances by Carmit Bachar of the Pussycat Dolls, iHeartRadio Music Award Nominee JORDY, superstar DJ Drew G, and the Grand Central Station Band. Additionally, attendees will be able to spectate the annual drag revue. Hosted by comedian and DJ Shawn Gillie, it’ll be a celebratory—and hopefully, sunny—day you won’t soon forget.
Juneteenth
South Pearl Street, Albany
June 19, 12 p.m.
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Juneteenth is a holiday which commemorates the end of legalized slavery in the United States, as well as the achievements and culture of Black individuals in America. This month, Albany’s Pearl Street will be lined with vendors in the premier freedom festival of the season. The event is organized by the African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region, a nonprofit “committed to educating, enriching, and empowering residents of the Capital Region.”
Columbia County
Pride Parade
Warren Street, Hudson
June 4, 2–4 p.m.
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Following the theme of “out of this world,” attendees of this Columbia County parade can look forward to a full roster of events supporting OutHudson’s goal of queer visibility. While the parade itself falls on June 4, there are events before and after the parade, such as the Nine Pin pride can launch event on June 1 and a “tea dance” on June 5. Read more about the festivities, which span over five different days, here.
Hudson Food Festival
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Hudson
June 18, 12–6 p.m.
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What could be better than food and live music enjoyed outdoors? Come and enjoy the impressive array of cuisine offered at this festival while soaking in the riverfront views of the Hudson. When you’re through with stuffing your face with the best the Hudson Valley has to offer, you’re just a stone’s throw from Hudson’s Warren Street, where you can shop at boutiques, grab a coffee, or find your next summer read.
A Chorus Line
Mac-Haydn Theatre, Chatham
June 23 – July 3
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Get ready to put your hands together for this production of A Chorus Line, the iconic musical which follows the events of a final casting call for a Broadway show. In numbers like “I Hope I Get It” and “One,” the show portrays the realities of making a career as a professional dancer. A winner of nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this masterpiece is a can’t-miss at the Mac-Hadyn.
Dutchess County
Natalie Merchant at Kaatsbaan’s Summer Festival
Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Tivoli
June 3, 6 p.m.
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The Summer Soiree fundraiser will kick off the Summer Festival at Kaatsbaan with a concert and catering. Natalie Merchant, who went solo in the early 1990s after fronting the 10,000 Maniacs, will mark the beginning of summer fun with an intimate performance, complemented by the culinary offerings of celebrity “caterer to the stars” Mary Giuliani. Seating is limited to 100 heads, so be sure to grab your tickets soon.
Sister Hazel
Daryl’s House, Pawling
June 3, 5 p.m.
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The platinum-selling band hits the stage at Daryl’s to show off new tunes and classic hits. Since the quintet formed in Florida, it has topped the adult alternative charts with hits like “All For You.” Its sound exists somewhere between rock and country (the group has also made waves on the Billboard Top Country Album chart), and the band’s chops are on full display at the live performances.
Rhinebeck Crafts Festival
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
June 25, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Meet up with fellow art and craft lovers at this nexus of Hudson Valley creativity. Over 200 makers will share their products, including original fashions, accessories, jewelry, and art as well as gourmet foods and tastings from local distilleries and wineries. Kids (and particularly fun adults) can look forward to an interactive puppet theater, face painting, stilt walkers, and more.
Greene County
Tour of Thomas Cole’s Studio
Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Open through October 30
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Following the theme of “memory and inspiration,” this tour of Thomas Cole’s studio highlights the final space where the artist worked. The tour sheds light on the methodology Cole employed during this period, in particular his transcendent landscapes which pushed the genre into the arena of conceptual art.
Viennese Masters and Ukrainian Dreams
Doctorow Center for the Arts, Hunter
June 11, 8 p.m.
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The lauded faculty of the Academy of Fortepiano Performance will grace the audience with a range of music, played on historical pianos from the Catskill Mountain Foundation Piano Performance Museum. How often do you get to enjoy centuries-old music on instruments of the same period? The performers include Audrey Axinn, Maria Rose, Yi-heng Yang, and special guest Sylvia Berry.
Second Saturday’s Outdoor Film Series
The Athens Cultural Center, Athens
June 12, 8:30–10 p.m.
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The Athens Cultural Center presents art-house flicks on the second Saturday of each month. To commemorate Pride Month, the film of choice is Thirsty (2016), a true story of a drag queen who impersonates Cher. After the screening, the film’s lead, Thirsty Burlington, will perform live at The Stewart House.
Orange County
UFO Fair
Main Street, Pine Bush
June 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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For the 11th year running, this one-of-a-kind fair colonizes Main Street in Pine Bush for the greatest extraterrestrial celebration in the known universe. Attendees are encouraged to don “out of this world” costumery as they enjoy live music, kids’ activities, food vendors, and arts and crafts. The free, all-day entertainment also includes an interactive alien-themed game show, “You Bet Your Asteroid,” and the fan-favorite “Best in Galaxy” beauty pageant with a $500 prize.
Father’s Day Brunch
Blu Pointe, Newburgh
June 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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What better way to say “I love you, Dad” than with a brunch buffet courtesy of the culinary team at Blue Pointe? (They do say that food is the way to the heart.) After you dine to your tummy’s content, take a stroll along the waterfront and soak in the view of Beacon across the river.
The Swan Becomes the Sun, Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra
Aquinas Hall (Mount St. Mary College), Newburgh
June 25, 7:30 p.m.
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The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra presents this homage to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, known for his “Swan Theme” inspired by the migration of the bird. The group will perform his Symphony No. 5 in addition to Nielsen’s Helios Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite. This performance is an especially sweet deal for students and individuals under 18, since admission for those groups is free of charge.
Putnam County
Kingdom Faire
Putnam Valley (parking at 600 Lee Boulevard, Yorktown Heights)
Open through June 26, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (open weekends)
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Pick a side in the battle between royalty and rogues at Kingdom Faire! This joyous festival will feature live theatrical performers like Circus Siren Pod—a group of water artists—and Pyro Department—a talented cast of fire benders—immersing you in a world of “piratical fantasy.” Whether comedy, music, or acts of daring be yer cup of tea, the Kingdom Faire likely has something for you. Regular admission tickets start at $15, with discount options available for families and season pass holders. Patrons are asked to park at 600 Lee Boulevard, Yorktown Heights, and ride the shuttle to the grounds.
Putnam Pride Celebration
Main Street, Brewster
June 12, 1 p.m.
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Join in the rainbow-hued fun as the Putnam Pride parade returns for the third year. Angel Elektra and ShayD’Pines, who headlined last year, return as the event’s hosts. Those who attend can look forward to two dozen local vendors, speakers, performers, live music, and family-friendly activities. Make sure you catch this celebration of queer visibility and the LGBTQ+ community.
NY Cider & Cheese Marketplace
Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison
June 25, 1–6 p.m.
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Cider may be having a moment in the Hudson Valley right now, but the beverage is anything but new. This event celebrates the 350 years of the apple’s history through the tradition of cidermaking. Lovers of cider and cheese can look forward to meeting and sampling from over 20 cideries and cheese merchants while enjoying Boscobel’s Instagrammable views and gorgeous grounds.
Rockland County
YouthFest
Clover Stadium, Pomona
June 12, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Take a walk around Clover Stadium and peruse the booths of over 150 vendors, along with hands-on activities, live performances, entertainment, inflatable party adventures, and more. The festival serves as an opportunity for the community to interact with the many amazing businesses and services of Rockland County. There is even one booth where you can get your own plant to take home!
Rockland Pride
Downtown Nyack
June 12, 12–5 p.m.
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Celebrate Pride Month at this parade hosted by the Phyllis B. Frank Pride Center of Rockland County! There will be musical performances by the likes of Frankie D and The Boys and David Budway as well as a drag show, outdoor dining, shopping, vendors, and the Crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride. There will be fun activities for kids, too! Little ones can look forward to bounce houses, face painting, and arts and crafts.
Stony Music Festival
Riverfront Park, Stony Point
June 25, 12 p.m.
This festival, returning for the eighth year, is an opportunity for music lovers to congregate and savor the sonic talent of the Hudson Valley. What began in 2015 as a jam session among friends has turned into a full-fledged event, now with all-star headliners and activities throughout the day. If a day of rock, jazz, hip-hop, and acoustic music sounds like your kind of party, the Stony Music Festival is the place to be.
Ulster County
World Oceans Day
Rosendale
June 8
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Members of the town of Rosendale will work together to commemorate World Oceans Day with a range of activities, food, and shopping. From 4–7 p.m., there will be an interactive watercolor demonstration, and at 5 p.m., the iconic Rosendale Theatre will show the lauded documentary My Octopus Teacher. The Big Cheese and other food businesses will feature “aquatic culinary offerings,” and Postmark Books will display a curated section on the ocean and its constituents.
Strawberry Festival
Klyne Esopus Museum, Ulster Park
June 11, 12–6 p.m.
After a half century of strawberry celebrations, this tradition came to a halt in 2020 due to the coronavirus. This June, the festivities return! Attendees can look forward to activities old and new during a day of eating, storytelling, and sharing in the wonder of one particularly tasty berry.
Sausage and Cider Festival
Bad Seed Cider Co., Highland
June 25, 12–8 p.m.
Do you like sausage? Do you like cider? If you answered “yes” to either one of those questions, then you’ll want to take a trip to this festival, where you will enjoy all sorts of sausages along with over 16 kinds of small-batch craft hard ciders made with Hudson River Valley apples. Attendees pay one flat rate per vehicle, so be sure to carpool with a group of your chums for an especially sweet deal.
Westchester County
White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival
Tibbits Park, White Plains
June 4–5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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For half a century, this festival has brought arts and crafts to this park in the heart of White Plains. Local artists and artisans will be selling paintings, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, and more. Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift? The WPOAF has you covered! As if that wasn’t enough, the event also features emerging artists, the work of scholarship winners, a free children’s art workshop, and food vendors.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Lyndhurst Mansion
June 18 – 22
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For nearly a century and a half, this show has featured superlative canines in competition and celebration. Hosted at the Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, “America’s finest Gothic Revival mansion,” the event spotlights pups who will go head-to-head in categories like agility and obedience. If you can’t make it to the Kennel Club in person, don’t fret—the event will be televised.
Pride and Prosecco Reception
Caramoor, Katonah
June 26, 3 p.m.
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Pride, prosecco, and piano? Count us in! Enjoy a musical revue and toast to Pride at Caramoor, one of the leading concert venues in the Hudson Valley. Inon Barnatan, a pianist known for his “breathtaking charisma” on the keys, will perform the Time Traveler’s Suite, which follows the progression of music from Baroque to modern masters.