Events in Hudson Valley

Art Exhibits, Fairs & Festivals

The Varga Gallery and Studio will transform Phoenicia into a living art exhibit at the third annual Phoenicia Festival of the Arts. Each of the five days of the festival will feature their own special events, celebrating art and bringing the community together at the same time. Highlights include: Art installations around town opening starting the 28th; a ribbon cutting ceremony starting at 5pm for a brand-new golf course at Parish Field on the 29th; and a festival variety show at 6pm on the 30th at Phoenicia Playhouse. $17.30

Ani DiFranco and Hurray for the Riff Raff

Thu., Aug. 28, 4-9:30 p.m.

Arrowood Farms

236 Lower Whitfield Rd, Accord Accord

$87.60

Hudson Valley Hot‑Air Balloon Festival

Ani DiFranco and Hurray for the Riff Raff come to Arrowood Farms on August 28. Ani DiFranco is a celebrated folk-rock singer-songwriter with more than 20 albums in her repetoire. On her newest tour to celebrate her album Unprecedented Sh!t, she is joined by special guest Hurray for the Riff Raff, a New Orleans folk band. (845) 253-0389

Fri., Aug. 29, 2:30-8:30 p.m., Sat., Aug. 30, 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sun., Aug. 31, 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Tymor Park

Tymor Park Road, Union Vale LaGrange

Fairs & Festivals

The Hudson Valley Hot‑Air Balloon Festival ascends this weekend at Tymor Park in Union Vale. Morning and evening mass launches, balloon glows, fireworks, music, food trucks, artisan vendors, yoga, children’s zones, drone and bubble play—plus tethered and full‑flight rides—offer a radiant weekend of skyward spectacle and small‑town festival charm. (845) 724-5460

DromFest

Aug. 29-31

The Avalon Lounge

29 Church St, Catskill Catskill

$28.49

DromFest is a weekend-long celebration of independent rock on August 29, 30 and 31, 2025. The event will take place in and around the Avalon Lounge. The lineup includes poets and musicians. The weekend will also include a Saturday breakfast performer and a custom Dromedary beer, craft brewed right by Return Brewing. Friday night tickets and Saturday/Sunday weekend passes are available.

Bill Charlap Trio

Sat., Aug. 30, 8-10 p.m.

Maverick Concerts

120 Maverick Road, Woodstock Woodstock

$10 - $65

New York Renaissance Faire

Grammy award winning pianist Bill Charlap has performed with many leading artists, including Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Gerry Mulligan, Wynton Marsalis, Freddy Cole and Houston Person. Born in New York City, Charlap began playing the piano at age three. He is joined by Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums for jazz at the Maverick. 845.684.5527

Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Mon., Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Continues through Oct. 6

New York Renaissance Faire

600 NY-17A, Tuxedo Park Monroe

Orpheum Theatre of Upstate Films

$20-275

Fairs & Festivals

The New York Renaissance Faire will bring 16th-century flair to Sterling Forest on weekends from August 16 through October 5, with plenty of turkey legs and pickles blessed by the Pickle Priest to boot. The Renaissance Faire promises jousts, live Dungeons and Dragons shows, glassblowing, medieval-themed food, magicians, circus acts, and more for anyone with a penchant for the fantastical. (845) 351-5171

They Live

Wed., Sept. 3, 8 p.m. and Thu., Sept. 4, 7 p.m.

156 Main St., Saugerties Saugerties

Film

John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live (1988) mixes pulpy sci-fi thrills with sharp social satire. Roddy Piper stars as a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that expose the world’s hidden truth: billboards and broadcasts pulsing with subliminal commands, and wealthy elites revealed as skull-faced aliens manipulating society. Part action flick, part political commentary, the film is remembered for its iconic imagery, its critique of consumerism and inequality, and an infamously long fight scene with co-star Keith David. (845) 876 2515

Schaghticoke Fair

Through Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Schaghticoke Fairgrounds

69 Stillwater Bridge Road, Schaghticoke Rensselaer

Fairs & Festivals, Kids & Family

$15 admission, $13 pre-sale, $2 Aug. 27, free for kids 13 & younger

The fair will celebrate 206 seasons of family fun with exciting midway rides, live music, the Royal Hanneford Circus, interactive Stingray Exhibit, Dinosaur Adventure, motorsports, livestock shows, exhibits and tasty carnival eats. Musical entertainment includes Bryan Martin (7:30pm Friday), DJ KDeuce, Shannon Roy and The Boys, Vinny Michaels Band, Donny Elvis, Legacy, APB, Lennox, Black Mountain Symphony, Girl Blue, and Simply Swifties - Taylor Swift Tribute. Admission: $15, $13 online pre-sale, $2 Wednesday, free for kids 13 & younger. See website for admission and ride savings and grandstand events including truck & tractor pulls, demolition derbies and Monster Truck Freestyle. 518-753-4411

Summer Sound Waves: outdoor sound bath and relaxation experience

Thu., Aug. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Crimson Catskills - Woodstock

24 Hasbrouck Lane, Woodstock Woodstock

Health & Wellness, Workshops & Classes, Music Shows

$25

Featuring Jennifer Muir-Braunstein of Spiraling Heart Sound and Rosie McCobb of Crimson Catskills, this is a unique, outdoor event, set in a private, pine grove that was once part of the larger, original Maverick Arts Colony. SoundWaves serves as a place to experience the beauty of the Catskills, and the growing, modern practice of utilizing live music and sound to create deep relaxation via meditative, healing sound waves. Our artist-designed space features hammocks, sensory swings, tarot readings, and a smart bar. Adults and older kids welcome; kids must be able to sit still and quiet for the 70-minute sound program. 845-391-9899

Ages 45+ Unhinged Speed Dating in Beacon

Thu., Aug. 28, 6:30-9 p.m.

Liquid Fables

1 E. Main Street, Beacon Beacon

Food & Wine, Craft Beverage & Cocktails, Nightlife

$20-$30

Our 45+ speed dating event in Beacon is back—and spots are very limited! 🔥 The last two events sold out, so don’t miss your chance to join. Enjoy quick, flirty one-on-one chats, mingle with like-minded singles, and soak up a fun, playful, unhinged atmosphere. Come as you are and see where the evening takes you!

Plays in Process: Adults at Play

Thu., Aug. 28, 7-9 p.m.

Shakespeare & Company

70 Kemble Street, Lenox Lenox

Trivia Night at The Dutch hosted by Smarty Pints Trivia!

29.50

Theater

Experience a play in its early stages when possibilities are endless! Returning for its fourth year, Plays in Process offers a glimpse into the inner workings of play creation as new works are readied for the stage. Many Plays in Process titles have gone on to become fully realized productions; this season, The Victim by Lawrence Goodman - presented as a reading last year - makes its World Premiere. Adults at Play by Ken Ludwig, whose play Dear Jack, Dear Louise also earned accolades when presented at Shakespeare & Company in 2023. Directed by Ken Ludwig. 413-637-1199

Every other Thursday, 7-9 p.m. Continues through Aug. 28

Dutch Ale House

253 Main Street, Saugerties Saugerties

Nightlife

Gather your friends, unleash your inner trivia master, and indulge in delicious food and drinks while you test your knowledge across various categories. From pop culture to history, science to sports, our Trivia Night hosted by Smarty.Pints.Trivia promises fun-filled challenges. Whether you're a seasoned trivia buff or just looking for a good time, Trivia at The Dutch is the ultimate destination for a night of brain-teasing excitement and camaraderie. Don't miss out - come join the fun and let the games begin! (845) 247-2337

Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight

Thu., Aug. 28, 7-8:45 p.m.

Rosendale Theatre

408 Main Street, Rosendale Rosendale

Upstate Unplugged Presents: Hayley Jane

$10/$6 Members

Film

This engaging film is adapted from Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name and follows 8-year-old Bobo on her family farm in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) at the end of their War for independence. Conflicted by her love for people on opposing sides, she tries to make sense of her life in a magical way. Through her eyes we see the family’s unbreakable bond with Africa, and the deep scars that war leaves on survivors. 845-658-8989

Thu., Aug. 28, 7:30-9 p.m.

White Lake Studios

26 Vly Road, Albany Albany

44.52

ASK Presents The Candlemaker – A New Play in Three Acts by Rik Lopes

Join us for an intimate night of live music with Hayley Jane at Upstate Unplugged on August 28th! 518-456-4360

Thu., Aug. 28, 8 p.m.

Arts Society of Kingston

97 Broadway, Kingston Kingston

Tickets: $20 Gen Adm./ $15 Students

Theater

The Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) is proud to present the world premiere of The Candlemaker, an original play written and directed by Rik Lopes. Performed over three nights—August 26, 27, 28 at 8:00 PM in ASK’s Great Room—this powerful new work invites audiences into a gripping world of secrets, sacrifice, and the haunting roles we are forced to play. A wind with no name. A child with no wings. A house that hears nothing at all. Blending mystery, myth, and raw human emotion, The Candlemaker is set in a society unraveling under illness and suspicion 845-338-0333

THE CANDLEMAKER: Original play written and directed by Rik Lopes! Staged reading - tix $20/$15

Thu., Aug. 28, 8 p.m.

Arts Society of Kingston

97 Broadway, Kingston Kingston

tix $20/$15

Theater

8/28 @ 8 PM: THE CANDLEMAKER: Original play written and directed by Rik Lopes! Staged reading - tix $20/$15 845-338-0333

Willie Nile

Thu., Aug. 28, 8 p.m.

Daryl's House

130 Route 22, Pawling Pawling

Board & Brilliant: Senior Gaming Hour

Fourth Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre

219 Main Street, Hurleyville Hurleyville

SCAPE - Sculpture, Community, Arts, Peace, Environment

FREE (reserve your spot through the ticket link)

Outdoors & Recreation

Join us for a self-led event once a month where seniors can enjoy a variety of free card and board games at their own pace. It’s a great chance to relax, socialize, and have fun with friends in a casual, welcoming environment. All are invited to come and play! 845-985-4722

Through Oct. 19, 12 a.m.

Woodstock Spa

62 Ricks Rd, Woodstock Woodstock

Bridge Music, 16th Season

Curated by Linda Dubilier and Jen Dragon, the 2025 outdoor sculpture installation presents contemporary sculpture set in the Catskill Mountain landscape. This year’s exhibition is hosted by the Woodstock Spa, adjacent to the historic Byrdcliffe Colony. SCAPE features sculptures by fourteen artists that explore the space of the surrounding meadows and woodlands at The Woodstock Spa. 8456792079

Through Oct. 31, 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m.

Mid Hudson Bridge

US 44 / NY 55 over the Hudson River, Poughkeepsie Poughkeepsie

Free

"What's Missing?" Artworks in the Olana Landscape

Bridge Music is a globally recognized music installation on the Mid-Hudson Bridge itself. created from the raw sounds of drumming on the girders, cables, beams, etc., Walk out to the kiosks on each tower & play the music at the touch of a finger. This Top-Twenty Billboard charting music is also heard 24/7 on 95.3FM on your radio year-round in Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie and Johnson-Iorio Park in Highland. 8456917245

Through Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Olana State Historic Site

5720 Route 9G, Hudson Hudson

FREE

Art Exhibits, Outdoors & Recreation

Olana is the most intact historic artist’s environment in the U.S., encompassing the Main House, historic farm complex, and 250-acre landscape designed by Frederic Church. Despite its preservation, several structures from Church’s time were removed before Olana became a landmark. Their absence erased stories of those who built and used them. Foundations, archaeological evidence, photographs, maps, or oral histories remain. These buildings vanished, but their stories live in the landscape. For "What’s Missing?" The Olana Partnership commissioned Ellen Harvey and Gabriela Salazar to create site-specific artworks responding to these missing pieces of Olana’s landscape history. olana.org/whatsmissing 518-751-0344

Equestrian Summer Programs

Through Aug. 29, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Toad Farm

172 Burnt Meadow Road, Gardiner Gardiner

Full Day -$700/week Half day - $375/week

Workshops & Classes

We offer a series of week-long programs throughout the summer. Full and half days are available for any age or ability. Our programs concentrate on English riding skills, horsemanship, and barn duties. Attendees will ride each day as well as help to care for the horses in the barn and pasture and learn about animal husbandry. Some of our programs are themed, such as our Wee Farmers or Wee Riders Advanced, designed specifically for younger students. 845-220-8693

In Pursuit: Five Artists

Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through Sept. 7

Tyte Gallery

3280 Franklin Ave, Millbrook Millbrook

'remnants and schemes,' an Exhibition by Bill Schuck at Garrison Art Center

Featuring the diverse paintings of Maxine Davidowitz, John McGiff, Mya Muchineuta, Doug Shippee, and Mimi Young. 845-677-6100

Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Sept. 14

Garrison Art Center

23 Garrison's Landing, Garrison Garrison

Boundless Spirit: American Folk Art at the Fenimore Art Museum, April 1 – December 31, 2025

'remnants and schemes,' Bill Schuck’s first solo exhibition at Garrison Art Center, runs August 16–September 14, 2025, with a public reception Saturday, August 16, 5–7 PM. Schuck creates self-generating works using custom-built systems of pumps, timers, and switches to release ink, bleach, or vinegar one drop at a time. These liquids form additive or subtractive radial patterns, gradually revealing each surface’s topography. Some pieces remain in motion; others are complete. Mounted on walls or suspended in space, the works capture transformation, time, and the surrender of control—records of a process where the artist’s role shifts from author to steward. 8454243960

Through Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fenimore Art Museum

5798 State Highway 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown Cooperstown

'Axons,' an exhibition of work by artist Marieken Cochius is exhibiting at Garrison Art Center

Boundless Spirit: American Folk Art at the Fenimore Art Museum. April 1 – December 31, 2025. Boundless Spirit brings together the best of Fenimore Art Museum’s distinguished collection of American folk art to share the complex spirit of a diverse and ever-changing nation. These voices from the past and present have much to tell us about ourselves and the heritage we all share. 607-547-1400

Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Sept. 14

Garrison Art Center

23 Garrison's Landing, Garrison Garrison

Garrison Art Center is pleased to present 'remnants and schemes,' an exhibition of self-generating devices and objects by artist Bill Schuck

Axons, Marieken Cochius’s first solo exhibition at Garrison Art Center, runs August 16–September 14, 2025, with a public reception Saturday, August 16, 5–7 PM. Featuring welded steel sculptures and works on paper, the show draws on energy patterns in nature—root systems, water currents, and neural pathways. Cochius uses a welder like a drawing tool, forming wire into intricate structures that cast dynamic shadows. Her paper works, with dendrite-like pencil marks and glassine collage, mirror the textures and forms of the metal pieces, exploring growth, movement, and communication in the natural world. Artist Talk: Sun., Aug. 24, 2 - 3 PM 8454243960

Image: Garrison Art Center is pleased to present 'remnants and schemes,' an exhibition of self-generating devices and objects by artist Bill Schuck

Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Sept. 14

Garrison Art Center

23 Garrison's Landing, Garrison Garrison

'remnants and schemes,' Bill Schuck’s first solo exhibition at Garrison Art Center, runs August 16–September 14, 2025, with a public reception Saturday, August 16, 5–7 PM. Schuck creates self-generating works using custom-built systems of pumps, timers, and switches to release ink, bleach, or vinegar one drop at a time. These liquids form additive or subtractive radial patterns, gradually revealing each surface’s topography. Some pieces remain in motion; others are complete. Mounted on walls or suspended in space, the works capture transformation, time, and the surrender of control. Artist Talk is Sun., Sept. 14, 2025, 3 - 4 PM 8454243960

In Pursuit: Five Artists

Mondays, Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues through Sept. 7

Tyte Gallery

3280 Franklin Ave, Millbrook Millbrook

Mary Cassatt / Berthe Morisot: Allies in Impressionism, May 24 – September 1, 2025

Featuring the diverse paintings of Maxine Davidowitz, John McGiff, Mya Muchineuta, Doug Shippee, and Mimi Young. Opening Reception: July 5, 2025 | 3 PM - 6 PM 845-677-6100

Through Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fenimore Art Museum

5798 State Highway 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown Cooperstown

The Power of Photography: 19th-20th Century Original Master Prints, May 24 – September 1, 2025

The summer is highlighted by the exhibition Mary Cassatt / Berthe Morisot: Allies in Impressionism (May 24 – September 1, 2025). Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot, two artists thrust together due to their involvement in the Impressionist circle, have always served as an interesting comparison for art historians. Morisot proved to the Parisian art scene a woman could have both a family and a successful career while Cassatt held the belief a woman only needed her independence to be fulfilled. 607-547-1400

Through Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fenimore Art Museum

5798 State Highway 80 (Lake Road), Cooperstown Cooperstown