Spring is officially just around the corner, and after some late season snowstorms this year, many Hudson Valley residents are more than ready for the return of some warmer weather and an escape from that ‘cabin fever’ time of year. Luckily, when spring returns to the Hudson Valley, so do many great events, festivals and fun things to do that will get you out, exploring and enjoying our beautiful surroundings.


Kingston Model Train & Railroad Hobby Show

March 19th, 2017, 10:00am-4:00pm

Andy Murphy Midtown Recreation Center, Kingston

All aboard for a showcase of the best of the best in model train displays. Spend the afternoon learning about the models and about trains from local railroad and train museum workers, shop for your own hobby pieces and let the kids explore the Thomas the Tank Engine setup. Food and beverages will be available to fuel you all afternoon.

Family of Woodstock’s 6th Annual Chocolate Lovers Social

March 19th, 2017, 12:00pm-3:00pm

Diamond Mills Hotel, Saugerties

The chocolate social is a local food experience, complete with chocolate martinis, a chocolate fountain and desserts galore. Participate in the silent auction of chocolates, wines, local crafts, gifts and more to benefit the Family of Woodstock. More information about the event can be found at www.myminiaution.com/familyofwoodstock

Riverport Women’s Sailing Conference

March 25th, 2017, 8:30am-5:00pm

Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston

Have you always wanted to learn how to sail? Join in as this group of women teach sailing techniques, navigation and boat maintenance, all organized by the Kingston Sailing Club. This event has a limited enrollment and you must register in advance for the conference at www.hrmm.org


29th Annual Signs of Spring Walk

March 25th, 2017, 2:00-4:00pm

Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead, High Falls

Search for the first signs of spring on this easy 2 mile leisurely hike, led by naturalist and former Mohonk Preserve educator, Ann Guenther. Free hike for all ages to enjoy.

Belleayre Cardboard Classic

March 25th, 2017, 9:00am-12:00pm

Belleayre Mountain Longhouse Lodge

DIY your way down the slope for some unique and competitive family fun. Make your own cardboard and duct tape sled then compete for prizes over a slew of categories including best crash, most ridiculous and most creative.

Pasta Primo Vino!

April 8th & 9th, 2017, 10:00am-5:00pm

Shawangunk Wine Trail Wineries

For its 19th year, the Shawangunk Wine Trail has organized this delicious, Italian themed weekend. All the local Hudson Valley wineries along the trail pair their homemade selections with samples of pasta and other Italian delicacies. Pasta Primo Vino is just one of the well-loved annual events put on by the Shawangunk Wine Trail. Additional festival information, weekend passes and single day passes are available in advance through www.GunksWine.com.

Master Gardeners’ Garden Day 2017

April 8th, 2017 8:30am-4:15pm

SUNY Ulster Campus, Stone Ridge

This day long gardening experience, put on by the Cornell Cooperative Extension, features 16 classes and keynote address from local gardening author all designed to help you create your best garden yet. This year’s theme of ‘Style & Practical Matters’ covers topics ranging from basic bee-keeping to ornamental grasses and contains information for the novice, or experienced gardener. Pre-registration is suggested as classes can fill up fast. A full list of classes is available at www.tinyurl.com/2017-Garden-Day.

Kiwanis Kingston Classic

April 23rd, 2017,  1:00pm-3:00pm

TR Gallo Memorial Park, Kingston

Runners, grab your kicks for the 35th Annual Kiwanis Kingston Classic. Experienced marathoners can participate in a 10K run, or, the less intimidating 2.1 mile walk/run along the scenic Rondout Creek. The races culminate at the waterfront TR Gallo Park in Kingston, where food, beer and live music await those celebrating the finish of the race. More info and registration can be found at http://www.kiwaniskinigstonclassic.com/

Woodstock Book Fest

April 27th-30th, 2017

Various Locations in Woodstock

In its 8th annual event, the Woodstock Writer’s Festival has transformed into the Woodstock Bookfest, still complete with its most loved events, like story slams, panels & speaker events, parties, workshops and more. Passes are available for the full festival, or event by event. The full lineup and details available at www.woodstockbookfest.com

TAP NY Craft Beer & Food Festival

April 29th-30th, 2017

Hunter Mountain, NY 

Just across the border into Greene County, TAP NY is back, bringing craft beers, ciders and other local products to Hunter Mountain for everyone to enjoy, now 20 years running. In addition to the samples of locally crafted brews, every year, the food is built around a specific theme- 2017 theme’s being ‘hot dog creations from ballparks across the country’. Awards will be given for ‘best of’ categories and cooking demos from local chefs and Culinary Institute of America graduates will return this year as well. As always, this is a 21 and older event, so plan ahead before making the trip up the mountain.

Beltane Festival

April 29th, 2017

Stone Mountain Farm, New Paltz

The largest event run by UlsterCorps and the Center for Symbolic Studies, this festival was attended by over 1,500 people throughout the day last year! The Beltane Festival is a Celtic celebration ushering in the return of spring. The festival is filled with Renaissance Crafts, music, food, drink, artisans, clows, masqueraders, giant puppeteers and much more. Join in the merriment- more information about the festival can be found at www.symbolicstudies.org.

Rock The Ridge

May 6th, 2017,  6:00am

Mohonk Preserve, Gardiner

Do you have what it takes to complete this 50 mile endurance challenge through the Mohonk Preserve? Marathon runner or not, anyone can join in on this challenge and environmental fundraiser and with a 24 hour window to complete it, the challenge has never seemed more possible! Learn more about the Rock The Ridge event and how you can participate at http://mohonkpreserve.org/rock-the-ridge.

New Paltz Regatta

May 7th, 2017

Main Street, New Paltz

New Paltz readies to welcome warmer weather with their annual Regatta boat race down the Wallkill River. The races date back to 1955, originally put on by SUNY New Paltz’s Delta Kappa Fraternity and has since become an iconic local event. The parade of handcrafted rafts and boats meanders down Main Street before being launched downtown and set to race down the river. Prizes are awarded for Best in Show, Funniest and Most Likely to Sink, amongst other categories.

Tulip Festival & Mother’s Day Celebration

May 14th, 2017, 11:00am-4:00pm

Honor's Haven Resort, Ellenville

Let Mom know you love her with an afternoon spent marveling at the tulips, fully bloomed for spring in the Shawangunks. Also enjoy the lunch buffet, live music and large assortment of craft and specialty vendors on site for the day.

Gardiner Cupcake Festival

May 20th, 2017, 12:00pm-6:00pm

Wright's Farm, Gardiner 

Rain or shine, get ready for a sugar rush! The 5K Cupcake Classic, winding through Wright’s apple and peach orchards, will get your appetite worked up for the over 20,000 cupcakes and sweet treats available at the festival. If you think you got skills, enter the Amateur Cupcake contest, or just come for the sugar high, live music, local vendors, wine tastings and activities for kids.

Highland Spring Fest

May 20th, 2017

Vineyard Avenue, Highland

The hamlet gets closed off to traffic so locals can ring in spring with local music and delicious food, while shopping at the artisan and local craft vendor’s booths.

1st Annual Hudson Valley Tango Festival

May 26th- 28th, 2017

Multiple Locations in Kingston

Put on my Argentinean instructors from the Dojo Dance Company, the first Hudson Valley Tango Festival is a weekend long event full of workshops, live music and dances performed by local and world renowned dancers. Workshops and events will be held at multiple locations throughout the city of Kingston and a full schedule can be found at www.dojodancecompany.com/hudson-valley-tango-festival/

Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Fair

May 27th-29th, 2017

Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz

The ever popular and beloved Crafts Fair is back for the first weekend festival of 2017. One of the biggest crafts fairs in the area, over 300 artisans will have their works available for purchase throughout the weekend. Discount admission coupons can be found on the festival’s website, www.quailhollow.com, or tickets can be purchased at the door for the regular rate. 

Walkway Marathon

June 11th, 2017, 6:30am

Marist College Campus, Poughkeepsie

Starting across the river in Dutchess county, this cross-county marathon leads runners over the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park. New this year, is the course route, after listening to the suggestions of past marathoners, the route this year meanders around the Marist campus, avoiding tumultuous hilly routes, and gets runners out onto the Walkway earlier on into the run. Register yourself today at www.WalkwayMarathon.org.

...The fun is just getting started! Ulster County is home to some great festivals and events, and these spring events are just the beginning to a fun-filled 2017 event calendar. Check back with us as we bring you more events and festivals taking place in the summer and fall of 2017!  

Posted by Dylan Taft on
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