An insider’s guide to May events in the Hudson Valley

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are a tons of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. The month of May in particular is a joyful month, when all nature in our area comes into colorful bloom. For those seeking adventure, there’s plenty to do outdoors, especially if your pup is up for getting out and about. Those more interested in indoor activities can look forward to live music, world-class art exhibitions and more.

To help discover the Valley’s most popular events, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for activities. Check out their selections and start planning!

Albany County

Lupine Festival

Albany Pine Bush Reserve, Albany
May 1-31

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In the Capital Region is the Pine Bush Preserve, where nature lovers can discover the rare blue Karner butterfly flitting and fluttering through fields of violet lupine flowers. It’s truly a sight to behold and visitors can also look forward to hands-on activities, live music, games and craft and food vendors during this one-day event.

76th Annual Tulip Festival

Washington Park, Albany
May 11 & 12, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m

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Returning for its 76th year, Albany’s Tulip Festival is back for Mother’s Day weekend. Discover garden beds with more than 140,000 tulips in 150 different varieties, shop with nearly 100 artisans selling handmade crafts and enjoy a fine arts show, delicious food, children’s activities, the Coronation of the Tulip Queen, the Capital Region’s Best Mother Ceremony and two entertainment stages with headliners including The Front Bottoms.

Pentecostal

Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, Albany
May 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m

Once a colonial Dutch holiday, Pentecost is an 18th-century tradition that has evolved into an African celebration of family, hope and culture. Pentecost became a spring festival during which enslaved men and women reunited with friends and loved ones and participated in storytelling, music, dancing, food, and the coronation of the Pentecostal king. The celebration at the Schuyler Mansion will include musical performances, participatory dancing, live music, fabric stamping, food, open house tours of the mansion and more.

Columbia Province

Hudson Children’s Book Festival

Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson
May 4, 10am – 3pm

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The Hudson Children’s Festival has been held in the heart of historic Hudson since 2009. The festival aims to create, sustain and nurture a culture of literacy in collaboration with the surrounding community and schools. The event is free for families and children to see authors and illustrators as they browse books and other literature.

24 hour drone

Basilica Hudson, Hudson
May 18, 12:00 PM – May 19, 12:00 PM

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This immersive event at Basilica Hudson is an all-encompassing experience with 24 hours of uninterrupted music. In the international series, musicians and sound artists experiment in space to create continuous sound for 24 hours. The event is an experimental event that pushes the boundaries of what a communal and conceptual experience can be.

Hudson Berkshire Wine Festival

Columbia County Fairgrounds, Chatham
May 25 and 26

Explore family farms and operations while enjoying their handcrafted wines and spirits. The unique, interstate festival features award-winning local wineries, distilleries and cideries under one roof. In addition to drinks, there are displays from local artisans, jewelers and artisans, as well as gourmet cheeses, olives, pickles, jams, maple syrup, pastries and more.

Dutchess County

Silver Needle fashion show on the catwalk

Marist College, Poughkeepsie
May 3, 7:00 PM

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The Silver Needle Runway, a student-run fashion show presented by Marist College’s fashion department, is an annual showcase of student-designed clothing and creations. For this year’s 38th annual Silver Needle Runway, the theme is “Interlinked,” which invites audience members to give up close control over their lives in favor of embracing the greater idea of ​​humanity and everything around them.

Hudson Valley Theater Festival

Throughout Dutchess County
May 3-5

The Hudson Valley Theater Festival, presented by the New Deal Creative Arts Center, features three days of performances throughout the Hudson Valley region, including Dutchess County. The festival celebrates new theatrical works and supports playwrights by providing opportunities and accessibility to established and emerging local, national and international talent.

Pride in the air

Walkway over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
May 17, 6 p.m

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Kick off Pride season in the Hudson Valley with the Walkway Over the Hudson’s first-ever Pride Night. The evening will be highlighted by the Walkway’s new LED lighting system, which will illuminate a vibrant rainbow in honor of Pride. As part of the celebration, a DJ-driven dance party will take place in the center of the Walkway all night long.

Orange Country

Spring Outbreak Carnival

Blue Arrow Farm, Pine Island
May 1–5

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The fair and carnival season has started in the Valley! On Pine Island, welcome spring by making memories with the family at the Spring Breakout Carnival. Enjoy rides, games, music, classic snacks and treats for the whole family. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 18. All proceeds go to animal protection.

Original flea market

Newburgh Vintage Emporium, Newburgh
May 4, 9am – 6pm

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Legend has it that the first outdoor flea market in the United States was held in Newburgh in 1752. Keeping with tradition, the Original Flea Outdoor Market features more than 30 local makers, vintage and antique dealers, food trucks and other treasures in the parking lot. lot and grounds of the Newburgh Vintage Emporium.

Mother’s Day brunch

The Thayer Hotel, Westpunt
May 12, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day at the historic Thayer Hotel with a very special brunch. Enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River while enjoying a delicious meal with the whole family. The menu includes everything from spring vegetarian salads to breakfast classics to fresh seafood, followed by some sweet desserts.

Putnam County

Hop into the Hudson Makers Market

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Cold Spring
May 4 & 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m

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Head to Cold Spring to check out more than 60 artisans, food trucks and live music at the Hops on the Hudson Makers Market. The event will take place outdoors on the church lawn, which features scenic views of the Hudson.

Please note the new parking system in Cold Spring: The year-round meter system, along with the residential parking program enforced on side streets, launched April 5 and requires visitors to pay to park on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday, as well as on Monday holidays. Paid parking on Main Street costs $4 per hour for up to three hours. with payment by credit or debit card via the ParkMobile phone app or at kiosks in front of the village hall and near the corner of Main and Kerkstraat.

History Walk: Denny Mine

Fahnestock State Park, Carmel
May 18, 10am – 12pm

Join the Putnam History Museum on this guided history walking tour and explore Fahnestock State Park and the Denny Mine. As you explore the surrounding Denny Mine area, the guided walking tour will delve into the discovery of iron in the Putnam County area and the role the mines played during the Civil War. The walk is moderately difficult.

Red Rooster Drive-In

Brewer
Throughout May

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What started as a simple summer custard stand has grown into a Putnam County mainstay in Brewster since 1963. It’s never a bad time for ice cream, and Red Rooster has it all, from classic burgers to crispy fries and old-fashioned shakes. If it’s a nice day, head outside to the mini gold course next to the patio.

Rockland County

Music sessions at ROCA Presents: Kate Taylor

Rockland Center for the Arts, West Nyack
May 4, 7:30 PM

This evening of music at Rockland Center for the Arts welcomes singer-songwriter Kate Taylor for a special show. Taylor is an American recording artist and the younger sister of famous musician James Taylor, a six-time Grammy winner. Join other locals for this unmissable music session.

Mother’s Day brunch

Bear Mountain Inn, Tomkins Cove
May 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m

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This May, give mom the culinary gift she deserves at the Bear Mountain Inn. Head to Inn’s Restaurant 1915 for brunch featuring traditional morning dishes, specialty cocktails and delicious desserts in the unique and historic setting of Bear Mountain State Park. There are three sittings: at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Hudson Valley Maker Faire

Garner Arts Center, Garnerville
May 18 and 19, 12 noon – 6 p.m

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For the second year, the Hudson Valley Maker Faire returns to the Garner Arts Center in May. The event showcases the visionary projects and work of regional makers, artists and artisans. Take part in interactive workshops and technology demonstrations throughout the weekend, or visit open artist studios to see immersive installations. Local artisan food and drinks are available to enjoy, along with live music and performances.

Related: Where can you celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Hudson Valley?