From fair food to rides, vendors, and more, the Hudson Valley is bustling with family-friendly festivals and fairs this summer. We are rounding up the best festivals and fairs for the season and updating often so make sure you bookmark this page and check back often!
Dutchess County
August 19-24
179th Dutchess County Fair. This year's fair features another action-packed lineup of carnival rides, concerts, livestock shows and competitive, historical and educational exhibits, along with an endless supply of tasty food and beverages! Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck. 10am.
August 24
Hudson Valley Horror Fest. The Hudson Valley Horror Fest is the ultimate weekend for horror Fans filled with artists, film guests, panels, cosplay, vendors and more. Get ready for a thrilling weekend packed with: Talented Artists – Discover chilling creations from horror-inspired creators. Film Guests – Meet stars and filmmakers from your favorite horror classics. Engaging Panels – Dive into the world of horror with exclusive discussions and Q&As. Cosplay Fun – Show off your scariest, most creative costumes! Unique Vendors – Shop for horror collectibles, art, and memorabilia. And so much more. Fishkill. 10am.
Poughkeepsie PorchFest. This is a free outdoor event, where participants are invited to stroll Poughkeepsie's Southside Historic District and see musicians and performers on the various porches and lawns. All genres of music, something for everyone. Food trucks available. Feel free to bring a folding chair. Rain or shine, within reason! Academy Street Historic District, Poughkeepsie. 12pm.
August 29-31
34th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Bring your blankets and chairs to watch hot-air balloons ascend from the designated picnic area. Watch in awe as hot-air balloons fill the skies and as they light the night with an illumination moon glow display paired with a fireworks display. Plus, lots of fun activities, food and drink. Tymor Park, 249 Duncan Rd., Lagrangeville. Times vary.
Orange County
August 14-17, 21-24, 28-Sept. 1
2nd Annual Corn Craze. Bring the family for some good, corny fun. Take aim with our corn cannon. Wander through the corn maze. Search for all our scavenger hunt clues. Play with the kids in our playground. Watch one of our special events or shows. Challenge your friends to Cornball. All this and so much more fun for the whole family. Dogwood Acres Family Farm,
Middletown. Times vary
August 16 to October 5, Saturdays & Sundays only
New York Renaissance Faire. Guests will enjoy an exciting, eclectic mix of fun and frivolity. Leave this century behind, join us and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a day in a beautiful, bustling 16th century shire with hundreds of daring, talented and zany villagers. Tuxedo Park. 10am
August 23
Hudson Valley's Fiery Farm Hot Sauce Festival. Get ready to taste a variety of hot sauces from local vendors, enjoy live music, and participate in fiery contests. Whether you're a hot sauce enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event is sure to bring the heat! Don't miss out on this flavorful extravaganza! Long Lot Farm Brewery, Chester. 1pm.
August 30
Village of Montgomery Tractor Parade. A six-man band from Coldenham, The Bunker Boys are a melodious freight train of hillbilly havoc running all over the Hudson Valley! Chambers Tractor Sales, Inc., Montgomery. 12pm.
Ulster County
August 21-25, 28- Sept. 1
Sunflower Extravaganza Festival. Wander through a 6-acre field of majestic sunflowers—thousands of blooms in a rainbow of colors and varieties. This year, they have planted even more sunflowers, creating an even more breathtaking display! Plus, enjoy breathtaking views of Mohonk and the Rondout Valley. Kelder's Farm, Kerhonkson. 10am.
August 23-24
Taste of Summer. We will have a watermelon themed bar where guests can purchase watermelon themed drinks! Our farm will have plenty of peaches and apples available to pick. This is a family friendly event, the playground will be open, tractor rides begin at noon, and we allow friendly, leashed dogs on the property. Admission tickets are required for all guests 5 and older to enter the orchard and winery. Event is held rain or shine. *General Admission ticket fee does not include any food, drinks, or produce. Weed Orchards & Winery, Marlboro. 10am.
August 30-31, Sept. 6-7, 13-14
Honeycrisp Fest. Enjoy the beautiful Hudson Valley views as you pick your own produce! There will be lots of family friendly activities, face painting, playground, hayrides, and live music! We will be serving special apple themed food and drinks and delicious Jane’s ice cream. Don’t forget to get your apple cider donuts! Our farm will have plenty of apples available to pick. This is a family friendly event, the playground will be open, tractor rides begin at noon, and we allow friendly, leashed dogs on the property. Admission tickets are required for all guests 5 and older to enter the orchard and winery. Event is held rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. *General Admission ticket fee does not include any food, drinks, or produce. Weed Orchards & Winery, Marlboro. 10am.
August 30-September 1
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair. Visitors will delight in ongoing craft demonstrations, a variety of small-batch artisanal and prepared-on-site foods and, of course, local wine, beer, and spirits. Live musical performances round out this broad celebration of handmade. This is a family-friendly event, with a complimentary supervised children’s art & crafts tent dedicated to inspiring our youngest makers. Children under 12 are FREE. New Paltz. 10am.
August 31
Mountaintop Record Fair. Spend the day on the mountaintop digging through thousands of vinyl treasures offered. Bargains to be had (plus beer, wine, coffee and groceries from Van Dusen's) all surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Lexington. Kingston. 10am.
Hooley on the Hudson. Get ready for a day of fun, music, and celebration on the Kingston Waterfront! The Hooley on the Hudson™ returns with: Three stages of live music, Irish step dancing, Craft and food vendors, Family-friendly activities for all ages. Thanks to the generous support of our community sponsors, admission is FREE! Kingston. 11:30am.
Apple Picking Kickoff Pig Roast. Join us for our Labor Day Weekend Pig Roast to celebrate the beginning of apple picking! We'll be slow roasting a whole pig in our China Box for 6 hours, so you can enjoy the most tender, crisp pork! Purchase your tickets in advance before we sell out! New Paltz. 1pm.
Updated 8/20/2025
Other articles by HVP Top Lists