From fair food to rides the Hudson Valley is bustling with family-friendly festivals and fairs this August. We are rounding up the best festivals and fairs for the month and updating often so make sure you bookmark this page and check back often!
August 3-6
Ulster County Fair. The Ulster County Fair has
joined forces with Dreamland Amusements to offer the most popular pay-one-price
ride and show admission in the Hudson Valley. All day, every day. Over 20 rides
for the young and old! Tons of entertainment and fireworks on Wednesday evening at dusk.
Plus, Horse Shows and a Baby Contest. They are also offering The Sensory Safe
Space for families with a child with autism or any individual with sensory
sensitivity. 10am. 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz. 845-255-1380.
August 4
Bard College Music Festival. Through
a series of themed concerts, lectures and panel discussions, this year’s 33rd
annual festival celebrates and explores the life and works of British composer
Vaughan Williams, one of the greatest symphonists of the 20th century. 30 Campus Rd, Annandale-on-Hudson.
August 5
Disability Awareness Parade.
RCAL and Harambee are proud to bring a new experience to Kingston, a Disability
Awareness Parade. Come and show your disability pride or be an
ally. March with us or come show your support. Be a part of our 40th year
of celebrations!
Line up at 9am at People's
Place on St. James Street, Kingston. Step Off at 10am. Speeches and activities
at noon at the Municipal Lot across from Frank Guido's Little Italy (Back
Section). 10am. St James Street, Kingston.
August 5-6
Putnam County Wine & Food Fest. Sip wine, spirits, and cider. Listen to live music, while you shop from vendors including
honey, olive oil, fine crafts, specialty foods, food vendors including the beer
tent which are available to purchase during the event. See the cooking
and mixology demonstrations. Plus, various activities for everyone including the
kiddies, which features face painting, rides, sand arts and other games.
There will also be a pickle ball on the tennis court which is provided by The
Pickleball Barn. Food and beer are not included in the admission price.
Tickets are Non-refundable. Rain or Shine. Children ages fifteen and under
admitted free. 11am. 98
Oak Street, Brewster.
August 6
La Guelaguetza Festival. After a week of
exploring and showcasing Oaxacan culture and traditions during Oaxaca Week in
Poughkeepsie, the 16th-annual La Guelaguetza festival brings everyone together
at Waryas Park for a day-long celebration which includes traditional Oaxacan
dances and costumes, artwork, crafts, live music, kids' activities and a whole
lot of authentic Oaxacan food! Bring the entire family, and don't forget your
appetites! 1pm. Main St., Poughkeepsie.
August 12
Blueberry Festival. Ellenville-Wawarsing
Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Annual Blueberry Festival in the Village of
Ellenville beneath the beautiful Shawangunk Mountains. This event features
craft & food vendors, music and "blueberry" contests. One of
Southern Ulster County's premiere event for over 20 years. 9am. Liberty Square,
Ellenville.
August 12
Third Annual Caribbean Carnival.
Experience a day of Carnival fun, complete with authentic Caribbean food,
music, and various cultural events. In the West Indies, the carnival
celebration signals the “crop over” time, when harvest is complete. Come
celebrate the joy of the West Indies. 11am. Pavilion Street, Saugerties.
August 13
THE BAGEL FESTIVAL 2023. Bagels, Art, Music, Shopping, Car Show, a performance by the Forestburgh Playhouse Resident Company, and so much more! Lowkey Creative and a select few talented artists will be painting huge murals on Broadway throughout the week leading up to the Bagel Festival, with the culmination of their work happening LIVE throughout the day of the Bagel Festival. Bagel Boulevard (Broadway), Wurtsboro.
August 13
Beacon Sloop Club Corn Festival. The
corn is ripe, sweet, and ready! The Beacon Sloop Club’s annual Corn Festival is
a fun, family-friendly event along the shores of the Hudson River. Admission is
free and all are welcome! Featured is fresh-picked, sweet Hudson Valley corn,
boiled and served with butter. In addition, treats such as chilled watermelon
and ice-cold, freshly squeezed lemonade will be available to quench your thirst
on this August day. Two music
stages, one dedicated to the children to enjoy, will provide live music
throughout the day. Numerous food and craft vendors will be on hand.
Environmental non-profits will feature displays of local river history and the
environment, along with information about their organizations. Families can
enjoy many free activities for children. Guests can enjoy the day surrounded by
the majestic Hudson River. The Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, the Woody Guthrie,
will be taking guests on free sails from Beacon Harbor, weather permitting. The
public may sign up for an afternoon sail to relax and experience the beauty,
power, and grandeur of the Hudson. Sign up at the Beacon Sloop Club table
starting at noon. 12pm. Red Flynn Drive, Beacon. (914) 907-4928.
August 13-16
Obon Festival & Gardens for Peace. The
Obon Festival is an annual Buddhist event typically observed between August 13
to 16 and where one honors and celebrates their ancestors. To commemorate this
important holiday, come and hear about these traditional practices and learn
the bon odori dance. Gardens for Peace: Join the North American Japanese
Gardens Association’s (NAJGA) initiative to “rake for peace” and fold origami
cranes at the Hammond. 2pm. 28 Deveau Rd, North Salem.
August 18-20
Grahamsville Little World's Fair. 2023 marks the 143rd annual fair which will feature agricultural and livestock exhibits and contests, daily entertainment including live music and demonstrations, rides for all ages, an array of great food, games, vendors, and a whole lot more! Admission includes free parking, access to exhibits and contests, and free entertainment! Rides are not included in the admission prices above and are extra fees. Rides begin at noon each day. Most rides require 3-4 tickets. Sensory Friendly hour (no music or lights) for sensory-sensitive riders will take place on Saturday from 10am - Noon before general admission. 8230 State Route 55, Grahamsville.
August 18-19
2023 Sullivan County Youth Fair.
Come celebrate all that Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County 4-H youth
members, leaders, volunteers, and clubs have accomplished throughout the year.
From creative still exhibits to entertaining live animal shows, there is
something for everyone! 10am. Millbrook.
August 19
Hudson River Seafood + Music Festival.
Enjoy amazing tribute bands
playing Bon Jovi, Meatloaf and Billy Joel. Dance away to the mixes of DJ Parag,
the ultimate Pitbull Party Time Experience. Dine on seafood
creations such as Maine lobster rolls, a raw bar, ceviche, paella, fried
seafood, such as calamari, and salmon. They will serve 8 + different
craft, imported and domestic brews, ciders and seltzers and margaritas. Delight
in the official seafood Summer Punch. Also available are soft beverages
lemonade and Jarritos drinks. Please remember this event
takes place Rain or Shine and there are no refunds. 12pm. 14 Civic Center
Plaza, Poughkeepsie.
August 19
Hudson Valley Fiesta Latina.
Hudson Valley’s “Fiesta Latina” Festival Celebrates Family, Faith, and Country.
The committee recognizes one outstanding individual this year, with our annual
“Con Orgullo Lo Nuestro Award”. Also, we will have a 65th Infantry Regiment
“Borinqueneers” the all-Puerto Rican Army unit. Additionally, we will have a
reading and Book Signing by renowned author and best seller Herman Mendoza
“Shifting Shadows” We intend to conduct a press conference and invite the media
on the morning of Saturday, August 19 at 10:00 am. Fiesta Latina promises to be
a thrilling exhibition of hallmark Latin culture as live salsa music” Chico
Alvarez MAFIMBA is scheduled and will be performing. 10am. 1010 Route 17M,
Monroe. (845) 782-8247.
August 20
Community Health and Wellness Fair. The
Community Health and Wellness Fair will be held on Sunday, August 20th, 2023
from 10am – 2pm at the Broome County
Regional Farmers Market. 10am, Millbrook.
August 20
Jazz in the Park. Cross-Cultural Connection
presents the 5th Annual Jazz Festival at the Peekskill Riverfront Green Park.
The program includes six world-class jazz bands: Cynthia Scott, T.K.Blue, CCC
Ensemble, Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, Ray Blue Sextet and Mark Morganelli and
the JazzForum All-Stars Celebrate Brazil! Master Of Ceremonies: Sheila E.
Anderson, WBGO. Bring your friends and family, and your own chairs and food,
and enjoy this wonderful outdoor event. For more information please visit
www.cccjazz.org. FREE ADMISSION. 12pm. Hudson Avenue, Peekskill.
August 20
Jazz in the Valley at Waryas Park.
With awe-inspiring views of the Hudson River providing a breathtaking backdrop,
this annual festival welcomes world-class musicians to the Poughkeepsie
waterfront for a celebration of jazz the entire family will enjoy! General
seating is available in the tent, or you can bring your own chair or blanket
and chill on the lawn. Waryas Park is within walking distance of the
Poughkeepsie Metro-North train station. Click here for updates. 1 Main Street,
Poughkeepsie.
August 20
Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby. Now
celebrating 28 years. The soapbox derby is a parade of non-motorized kinetic
sculptures capable of rolling down lower Broadway. It is an event that brings
professional artists, creatively inclined, families, and friends together to
show off their wild, wacky, and original soapbox creations. 12pm. lower
Broadway, Kingston.
August 22-30
177th Dutchess County Fair.
Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, the Dutchess County Fair
is the second-largest county fair in New York State. Since 1842, it has been an
annual celebration of homegrown agriculture and all the best of what Dutchess
County has to offer! Attractions include carnival rides, concerts, livestock
shows and competitive, historical and educational exhibits. Plus, enjoy an
endless supply of tasty food and beverage options to satisfy every appetite.
The list of vendors and attractions includes agriculture, horticulture, arts
and crafts, antiques, crafts, food and beverages, rides, live music and so much
more! Click here to purchase tickets. 10am. 6636 Spring Brook Ave.,
Rhinebeck.
August 25-27 & September
1-4
5th Annual Sunflower Festival. The
Sunflower Festival at Barton Orchards is truly a unique experience. Take a
hayride up to a breathtaking five-acre rolling field with about 100,000
sunflowers in a variety of sizes and colors. Take your time cutting your own
sunflowers and taking pictures in one of the most photographed spots in the
Hudson Valley. Enjoy live music, wine, and beer served next to the field,
entertainment as well as a variety of craft vendors. 4pm. 63 Apple Tree Ln,
Poughquag. (845) 227-2306.
August 26
Cornhole For a Cause & Community Festival. Join us on August 26th at Dutchman's
Landing in Catskill, NY presented by MVP Health Care to raise funds to advance
In Flight's mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (I/DD) who strive for independence. Cornhole for a Cause will
support programs that address the barriers to independent living including
personal safety, barriers to employment, learning household skills, and
community integration. Not a cornhole player? The day also features food
trucks, live music from Guilty Pleasure, raffles, a face painter, and more!
Cornhole is pay-to-play, but it is free for the community and spectators to
come to enjoy the day! 10am. 10 Main Street, Catskill.
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