The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun in Hudson Valley

With school back in session, and fall just around the corner, it’s time to start penciling in those seasonal plans. Enter: Hudson Valley. The picturesque New York region is a weekend trip no-brainer, boasting fall festivals every week from September to November. To be sure you’re in the loop on all things autumnal in Hudson Valley, we’ve rounded up the best upcoming events, ranging from the food-centric (hello, delicious apples and garlic!) to the arts-focused. Plus, with all the things to do in Hudson Valley in close proximity of Philadelphia, it’s a quick and easy trip. We suggest grabbing your calendars.

Here’s a handy breakdown of some of the fall fun happening in Hudson Valley this season:

• Haverstraw RiverArts Festival: Located in a historic village alongside the Hudson River, this festival packs in four different bands ranging from jazz to rockabilly, a sculpture invitational for everyone from children to professional artists and a host of local artisans, tasty food and children’s activities. Rockland, September 20.

• The Rhinebeck Arts Festival: With over 200 artists and craftspeople in one place, The Rhinebeck Arts Festival is a hotspot for the arts. Attendees are treated to live music and dance performances, as well as interactive experiences and arts and crafts demonstrations. Dutchess, September 26 through September 28.

• Hudson Valley Garlic Festival: This festival isn’t just for garlic fans. Activities and vendors run the gamut from the garlic-centric—like farms and local businesses—to the slightly more universal tastes like craft and food vendors, live music, and children’s activity areas. Ulster, September 28-29.

• Tours of the Dutch Replica Sailing Ship Half Moon: History buffs will thrill over this Hudson Valley day trip. Guests can tour the operational docked ship, a full-scale replica of the ship that discovered what we now call Albany. Bonus: if you visit September 28, you can visit the Early Albany Festival, a commemorative celebration of the Dutch settlement. Albany, September 20-21, 27-28, and October 4-5, 11-13.

• Hunter Festivals: Germany comes to the US at the Hudson Valley’s Oktoberfest. Immerse yourself in German culture at the four weekend-long event with a Gestalt BMW Automobile Rally, Das Laufwerk Eurocar Rally, and wine tastings and farmers markets. Greene, September 27-28, October 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19.

• Applefest: The largest festival in Orange County, Applefest is located in historic Warwick and includes everything from the requisite apple pie contest, to a children’s carnival to a farmer’s market and live entertainment. Believe us, everyone will leave thrilled. Orange County, October 5.

• Colors in the Catskills: Combine motorcycles and can’t-be-beat fall foliage and you’ve got Colors in the Catskills, a weekend-long moto-rally event. Bike buffs will be able to go dirt and trail riding, ride along the open roads, and visit motorcycle vendors, while other patrons can enjoy offerings like live music, food, and beer.  Greene, October 4-5.

• Goold Apple & Craft Festival: This apple festival is an ideal pairing for kids and adults. Little ones can indulge in sweet apple treats from a variety of food stands while adults can imbibe under the Brookview Wine Station Tent where a variety of local wineries will collaborate for $8 wine tastings. Rensselaer, October 12-13.

• The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Jack-o-lanterns—5,000 to be exact—are the main motif of this walkthrough event. It’s perfect for the family and includes tumbling circus acrobats, scenes from The Legend of the Headless Horseman, along with Jurassic-park inspired pumpkins. October 4-5, 16-19, 23-31, and November 1-2, 6-9.

For more information about seasonal entertainment and weekend getaways in Hudson Valley, NY, please visit here.

This is a paid partnership between hudson-valley-tourism and Philadelphia Magazine