Hudson Valley Events

The Art of Outdoor Painting: Plein Air Workshops at Olana | Friday, September 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM | $75 - $300 | Experience Olana's stunning views while learning the art of plein air painting in this three-part workshop led by nationally recognized artist Shawn Dell Joyce. Inspired by Frederic Church's approach to outdoor painting, participants explore sketching, color matching, and completing finished works from observation at different locations throughout the historic site. Participants may register for one or all three sessions and should bring their own paints and brushes in any medium. Advanced registration required. | Olana State Historic Site, 5720 NY-9G, Hudson | https://olana.org

Rhinebeck Porchfest 2025 | Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | KID FRIENDLY | The village transforms into one big stage as 40+ talented local musicians perform on porches, lawns, and sidewalks throughout Chestnut and Livingston Streets. Featuring everything from folk and jazz to rock, blues, americana, and singer-songwriter performances, this family-friendly community celebration includes The Bill'$ Toupee Band as the finale act. Notable performers include Finding Alice, Chris Jackson, Faith and the Forgotten Souls, Starlight Trio, and dozens more. A parade at 5:30 PM leads to the finale at Platt & Mulberry Streets. Free parking at the Fairgrounds on Mulberry Street, with food trucks, merchandise, and portable restrooms available. Rain or shine event supporting the Tommy Thompson-Sally Mazzarella Park. | Village of Rhinebeck Historic District, Rhinebeck | https://www.rbkporchfest.com

Up The River Blues Festival | Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM | FREE ADMISSION | KID FRIENDLY | Eight hours of live blues music featuring local, national, and international artists performing riverside in beautiful Louis Engel Waterfront Park. Headliners include King Solomon Hicks, Willa & Company, The Traveling Riverside Blues Band, BlueFireSoul, and Backbone featuring Rae Simone. Blues legends Big Frank Mirra and Mike Smith Juke Joint Duo will perform during band transitions. The festival includes food trucks, vendors, a beer and wine garden, and craft vendors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for this waterfront celebration of authentic blues music. | Louis Engel Waterfront Park, 25 Westerly Road, Ossining | https://www.uptheriverbluesfestival.com

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze | September 12 - November 16, 2025 | Various evening times | Starting at $24 | KID FRIENDLY | Meander through the 18th-century landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o'-lanterns, all hand-carved on site by artisan teams. This year's spectacular features iconic New York landmarks carved in pumpkins, a Pumpkin Promenade with weekly themed displays, a big top adventure made of jack-o'-lanterns, and a massive emerald-hued storybook pumpkin dreamscape. Complete with synchronized lighting, original soundtrack, life-sized dinosaurs, a 24-foot spider web, Pumpkin Planetarium, working carousel, and the Headless Horseman's Hideaway for spooky encounters. VIP experiences available at Gourd & Goblet Tavern. Advance tickets only - no on-site sales. Members and children 2 and under free. | Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson | https://hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze/

Ukrainian Festival | Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM | $15 adults / $5 children under 12 / Free for children 5 and under | KID FRIENDLY | A vibrant celebration of Ukrainian culture featuring folk dancers, singers, musical groups, arts and crafts, and traditional Ukrainian cuisine. The day-long festival runs from noon to 6 PM with performances and vendors, followed by dancing to live music until 10 PM. Spearheaded by the Capital District branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, this community gathering welcomes the public for an authentic cultural experience. All festival proceeds will be donated to humanitarian and benevolent aid for Ukraine, making this both a celebration and a meaningful way to support those in need. | Albany Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany | https://www.albanypcc.com

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