Read on for May events to bookmark in the Hudson Valley. Adobe Stock | Osaze
A comedy show in West Nyack, Rock The Ridge in New Paltz, and a musical at West Point are among our top picks for May events.
For more events, visit calendar.hvmag.com.
Chris Porter — West Nyack
May 4–6, various show times
Known for his Netflix special “Ugly & Angry” and an appearance on season four of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Chris Porter takes over Levity Live for five sets across three days. Expect jokes based on his childhood in Kansas City and being “a simple man in a complicated world.” improv.com
Rock The Ridge — New Paltz
May 6, 6 a.m.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Rock The Ridge challenges individuals and relay teams (up to four) to run or hike a 50-mile course across the Shawangunks within 18 hours. Held as a fundraising effort for the Mohonk Preserve. mohonkpreserve.org
Hudson Children’s Book Festival — Hudson
May 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Taking place at Hudson Senior High School, this event promotes literacy and a love of reading. Favorite children’s authors and illustrators will be in attendance to sell, sign, and chat about their books, and musical and interactive performances round out the schedule. Exact lineup TBA. hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com
“Hyprov” — Peekskill
May 6, 8 p.m.
From the masterfully funny “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Colin Mochrie and master hypnotist Asad Mecci present “Hyprov,” or improv under hypnosis. The pair will invite audience members on stage at the Paramount and work their magic for a completely unique show. paramounthudsonvalley.com
Rhinebeck Car Show — Rhinebeck
May 6–7
Whether you’re looking to show off your own fancy wheels or catch a glimpse of dozens of pristinely maintained antique and classic cars, head to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where car enthusiasts will gather for the 23rd annual show. Swap meet to take place on May 5. rhinebeckcarshow.com
Woodstock Rock Art & Poster Show — Woodstock
May 6–7, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Join an array of painters, printers, collectors, and more at the historic Bearsville Center for an exploration of rock posters and concert photography throughout the ages. Shirts, prints, stickers, and more will be available for purchase. woodstockpostershow.com
“Madagascar The Musical” — West Point
May 7, 3 p.m.
Coming to West Point Academy’s Eisenhower Hall, “Madagascar the Musical” brings the children’s movie series to life. Follow Central Park Zoo animals as they escape their enclosures and find themselves halfway across the world on an African island. ikehall.com
Step Afrika! — Poughkeepsie
May 9, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and May 10, 7 p.m.
One of the first professional dance companies dedicated to the art of stepping, Step Afrika! highlights a blend of percussive styles mixed with traditional West and South African dances. Songs, storytelling, and humor are integrated into their shows. bardavon.org
The Temptations & the Four Tops — Kingston
May 11, 7:30 p.m.
Popular since the ‘50s and ‘60s, these two famous groups take the stage at Ulster Performing Arts Center for a nostalgic night of R&B. bardavon.org
Cannastock — Poughkeepsie
May 13, 12–6 p.m.
Presented by Radio Woodstock, this festival is a celebration of the legalization of cannabis in New York. At the MJN Convention Center, you’ll find cannabis storefronts, educational forums, live music, food vendors, and more. This event is open to guests 21 and up. cannastockny.com
All aboard! This spring, hop on a historic train ride with Hudson River Rail Excursions, a tour company offering novelty trips up the Hudson. Through November, you can book a trip from NYC to Albany on one of two restored train cars: the circa-1947 Tavern-Lounge No. 43 ($149 on weekdays, $179 on weekends; buffet-style lunch included) and the Hickory Creek ($349 on weekdays, $379 on weekends and holidays; four-course meal, plus unlimited beer and wine included). The Hickory Creek, built in 1948, is the only remaining working train car from the 20th Century Limited line—a railway that offered service from NYC to Chicago and ferried celebs such as Walt Disney and Marilyn Monroe.
After departing from Penn Station, the train chugs up the Hudson and offers views of landmarks like Bannerman Castle and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. All passengers must disembark at the Albany-Rensselaer station for about 2.5 hours while the train is turned on the track. During this time, you can explore the capital before returning to NYC. Visit hudsonriverrail.com for info and tickets. – Micaela Warren
Watercolor Values Workshop — Verplanck
May 20, 1–3 p.m.
If you’ve always wanted to try watercolor painting, consider this beginner class at Kinosaito. Materials are supplied, and each student explore color value by painting still lifes. RSVP online. kinosaito.org
Kevin McKrell — Averill Park
May 20, 8 p.m.
A musician for over 30 years, singer-songwriter Kevin McKrell will perform a blend of music and storytelling at the intimate setting of the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. A founding member of both The McKrells and Donnybrook Fair, McKrell is known for his Celtic folk and bluegrass sound. slca-ctp.org
Beer, food, and music—what more could you ask for? Returning on May 20–21 for its 24th year, TAP New York Craft Beer and Food Festival (the largest and oldest of its kind) brings the best of New York to Bethel Woods for a fun-filled weekend. Tickets include unlimited sampling of 200-plus brews from more than 100 producers including Hudson Valley’s Arrowood Farms, Rough Cut Brewing, Hudson Ale Works, and Equilibrium Brewery. The Wailers and Blues Traveler bands are confirmed, with more acts to be announced in the coming month. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bethelwoodscenter.org or tap-ny.com.
Zach Bryan — Albany
May 26, 8–11 p.m.
Along with special guests Trampled by Turtles and JR Carroll, singer-songwriter Zach Bryan comes to Albany’s MVP Arena performing songs such as “Heading South” and “Oklahoma City.” mvparena.com
Field + Supply Spring Market — Kingston
May 26–28
Returning for the third Memorial Day weekend in a row, Field + Supply brings over 200 makers, live music, and local food vendors to Kingston’s Hutton Brickyards. Peruse stalls selling ceramics, furniture, clothing, jewelry and more. Single-day passes are $20. fieldandsupply.com
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair — New Paltz
May, 27–29, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
One of the region’s largest art shows, this biannual fair returns to the Ulster County Fairgrounds on Memorial Day Weekend with jewelry, prints, leatherworks, plus a food court with local offerings and a craft tent for kids. quailhollow.com
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah offers afternoon tea services on May 19, May 26, and June 2 in the Rosen House Music Room—a lovely way to spend Mother’s Day. After enjoying tea sandwiches, scones, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, you can tour the Rosen House, a Mediterranean-inspired home built in the 1930s by Caramoor founders Walter and Lucie Rosen. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. For more info and upcoming concerts, visit caramoor.org. – Rebecca Aurigemma
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