MARCH 21, 2-4PM
Annual Signs of Spring Walk. Ann Guenther, naturalist and former Mohonk Preserve educator, will lead this search for signs of spring, such as new green shoots, bugs, or sap dripping from a maple tree. Enjoy a leisurely stroll during the season of the warming earth. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program includes an easy 2.5-mile hike. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead. Rain date: Saturday, March 28. This is a free program. 845-255-0919; mohonkpreserve.org
MARCH 22, 10AM-4PM
Kingston Model Train and Railroad Spring Hobby Show. 11,000 square feet of operating layouts; dealer and vendor tables; model train exhibits; modular layouts; large-scale garden railroad train display; toy train set raffle; kid’s corner play area, Thomas the Tank Engine trains; refreshments. Adults $6; Children under 12 $1. Murphy Midtown Center, 467 Broadway, Kingston. 845-481-4198; kingstontrainshow.com
MARCH 22, 8PM
David Bromberg Quintet. Bromberg’s sensitive and versatile approach to guitar-playing earned him jobs playing the Village “basket houses” for tips, the occasional paying gig, and employment as a backing musician for Tom Paxton, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Rosalie Sorrels, among others. He became a first-call, “hired gun” guitarist for recording sessions, ultimately playing on hundreds of records by musicians such as Bob Dylan, Link Wray, The Eagles, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, and Carly Simon. Doors open at 7pm. Bearsville Theater, 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock. 845-679-4406; bearsvilletheater.com
MARCH 27 & 28, 8PM; MARCH 29, 3PM
Solas an Lae Illume. Hudson Valley’s celebrated American Irish Dance Company returns to the CENTER in a new theater dance performance called “Illume.” An exciting and compelling work that moves with complexity, artistry, and musicality, while showcasing the superb SAL Company dancers. “Illume” brings into the light the cultural impressions of Deirdre Lowry’s inspiring vision of American Irish dance. 8pm on Friday & Saturday; 3pm Sunday; Tickets $20. Center for Performing Arts, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080; centerforperformingarts.org
APRIL 11, 11AM – 3PM
Sugaring Off: 18th Century Style. Demonstrations of making maple sap into syrup, making jackwax candy, hearthside cooking, whittling out of sumac, wooden sap bucket making, music, and more! No registration required. Free. 296 Fair Street, Kingston. 845- 338-2786; senatehousekingston.org
APRIL 12, NOON
Opening Reception for Gardiner Open Studio Tour. This exhibit of 20 local artisans, from painters and sculptors to photographers and potters, begins on April 4 and welcomes visitors with a reception and refreshments at the Gardiner Library’s Community Room starting at noon. This exhibit runs from April 4 through May 2 and precedes and coordinates with the actual “tour” of all the displayed artists’ studios where many more of their creations will be on sale and display. The actual studio-to-studio artist tour will be held on May 2 and May 3. 133 Farmer’s Turnpike, Gardiner; 845-255-1255 or 845-255-3336.
APRIL 18, 8:30AM-4:15PM
Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners’ Garden Day 2015: “Beauty & the Feast”. This all day program is surely a gardeners’ dream come true, featuring 16 gardening classes, vendors, free gardening information to take away for future reference, free soil tests, a fabulous bake sale, and door prizes. This year’s event features keynote speaker Margaret Roach: gardener, author and garden guru of the popular “A Way To Garden” website and public radio show, where she shares her own of brand of “horticultural how-to and woo-woo”. SUNY Ulster Community College Campus, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge. To request a brochure and registration form, call Carrie at 845-340-3990, ext. 311, or go online to ulster.cce.cornell.edu/events
APRIL 19
33rd Annual Kiwanis Kingston Classic 10k Run. This fun, family-oriented springtime tradition presented by Hits Endurance features a Friends & Family Mile, 5K, 10K and a 13.1 mile half-marathon All events will start/end inside Dietz Memorial Stadium, 170 Front Street, Kingston. For more information, go to hitsrunning.com/kiwanis-kingston-classic-register-to-race; kiwaniskingstonclassic.com
APRIL 19, 3PM
The Harmonic Orchestra: NEXUS, Prana, and Paul Winter. Presented by Garry Kvistad—Grammy award winner, founder of Woodstock Chimes and member of NEXUS, a world-renowned percussion ensemble—this show also features seven-time Grammy winner Paul Winter and Prana (Overtone Singers). This collaboration will be a most amazing, extraordinary, creative, and innovative musical event. Event held at The Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 72 Spring Street, Kingston. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling 845-340-9434; ulsterchambermusicseries.org
APRIL 21, 8PM
Jeff Beck. One of rock’s true virtuosos and one of the most influential guitarists that helped shape blues-rock, the dynamics of psychedelic vibes, and jazz. Tickets available at UPAC box office or online at Ticketmaster; UPAC, 601Broadway, Kingston. 845-339-6088; bardavon.org
APRIL 22, 7-9PM
The Era of the Clipper Ships: The Legacy of Donald McKay. Donald Ross, cousin of profile clipper ship builder McKay, will discuss his findings, including historic records and tales handed down by family members. Q & A, book-signing, tea sampling. Stone Ridge Library hosts the event at the Marbletown Community Center. 3564 Main Street (Route 213), Stone Ridge. 845-687-7023.
APRIL 25, 6-9PM
Astor Round-up Line Dancing. A family-fun line dancing event to benefit the health and safety needs of the children and families of Astor Services. Astor House, 6339 Mill Street, Rhinebeck. 845-871-1171; astorservices.org
APRIL 25-26
TAP New York Craft Beer and Fine Food Festival. This event is all about education and lots of fun. Learn about beer, home-brewing, beer/food pairings, and more. Cooking demos from some of the best chefs in the region. Sample the finest beers produced by over 75 New York craft breweries and brewpubs at this one-of-a-kind beer and food appreciation event. Must be over 21 to attend; no infants or children. Event held at Hunter Mountain. 518-263-4223; tap-ny.com
APRIL 25, 10AM-4-PM
Hudson Valley Draft Horse Association Spring Plow. Lots of wholesome, outdoor, healthy fun on one of New York State’s oldest family-owned farms. See old-fashioned horse and mule plowing and even an ox on display. All ages will enjoy the live music, vendors with food, goodies and crafts—along with kids’ games and pony rides. Free event, but a $5 donation per adult is gratefully appreciated. Saunderskill Farm, 5100 Route 209, Accord. 845-294-9016; email dmjure33@frontiernet.net
APRIL 26, 1-4PM
Healthy Kids’ Day. A free, fun-filled day of activities designed to promote healthy kids and families. Healthy Kids Day is the nation’s largest health day, bringing children and families together and providing the education, activities, and experiences that teach good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun, healthy habits, and shared interests. As a result, youth and families achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body. Frost Valley Road. 845-985-2291; frostvalley.org
APRIL 26, 9AM
Antique Tractor Pull. The first of the museum’s monthly event that brings a wonderful sense of community among farmers, tractor-owners, and visitors. Fun for the entire family and always a treat for kids of all ages. Food concessions are available on the grounds, and the museum’s extensive exhibits are open for viewing. Free. Orange County Farmers Museum, 850 Route 17. For information, call Rikki Lent at 845-926-2727 or email info@ocfarmersmuseum.com; ocfarmersmuseum.com
MAY 2, NOON
Annual Beltane Festival. Welcome the warmer weather at this smorgasbord of a festival. A plethora of different cultural happenings—from larger-than-life puppetry strolling the grounds and horses meandering about and adorned with unicorn horns to folks dressed in medieval costumes and children with painted faces. A fun family day to feast on the local foods while the kids frolic and enjoy picnics, Frisbee, and more. Guests are also welcomed to traverse the hiking trails around the property. Rain date: May 3 at noon. Center for Symbolic Studies at Stone Mountain Farm, River Road, Rosendale. 845-658-8540; symbolicstudies.org
MAY 2, 7:30PM
The Mid-Hudson Rainbow Chorus. A four-part chorus of gay and gay-friendly men and women singers will perform its spring concert of pop tunes and standards at the Old Dutch Church. Conductor and jazz musician Ann Belmont has arranged the concert repertoire, which will feature tight harmonies and lots of syncopation. Keyboard accompaniment by jazz musician Todd Anderson. Doors open at 7pm. $10. Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall Street, Kingston. 845-353-8348; facebook.com/MidHudsonRainbowChorus
MAY 2, 10AM–3PM
Hudson Valley Garden Fair. What better way to welcome spring than with a day of plant shopping, garden education, and inspiration in a historic estate setting? Gardeners of all levels and interests will be amazed at just how many garden businesses and organizations call the Hudson Valley home. Local and specialty garden vendors, area garden groups, free demonstrations, and lectures at Montgomery Place Historic Estate, Red Hook. hvgardenfair.com
MAY 2
Rock the Ridge. A 50-mile endurance challenge and environmental fundraiser set in the natural beauty of the Mohonk Preserve. The goal is to traverse a 50-mile course within 24 hours by walking, running, or any combination thereof. The course winds along carriage roads and paths through the forests and over the ridgelines of the preserve. The time limit accommodates people with a wide range of abilities, including walkers and hikers, as well as joggers, runners, and ultramarathoners. Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz. 845-255-0919; mohonkpreserve.org/rock-the-ridge
MAY 2-3, 10AM-5PM
Gardiner Open Studio Tour. Visit and shop the studios of 20 local area painters, potters, photographers, sculptors, and other renowned artisans. Each artist will be opening their studios to the public for a most visually stimulating and inspirational tour. A wonderful opportunity to purchase pieces for a personal collection or as gifts. Studio tour map will be posted at GOSTartists.org prior to tour. 845-255-3336; email info@GOSTartists.org
MAY 2, 7:30PM
SUNY Orange Community Orchestra. Under the direction of Hilarie Clark Moore, the SUNY Orange Community Orchestra will return for their final spring concert of 2015. $10 per person. Tickets for SUNY Orange Students with ID and Military personnel will be complimentary. Paramount Theatre, 17 South Street, Middletown. 845-346-4195; middletownparamount.com
MAY 9, 10AM-5PM
39th Annual Rhinebeck Antiques Fair. This one-day, rain-or-shine event will be held at a new location for 2015—The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Adults $5 and children free. 661 Route 308 Rhinebeck. 845-635-3374; rhinebeckantiquesfair.com
MAY 16, 11AM-3PM
Planting 18th century-inspired vegetable and herb garden. Sheep shearing demonstration and lectures, bee-keeping demonstration, kite-making, wool-spinning demonstration, and music. No registration required. Free. 296 Fair Street, Kingston. 845- 338-2786; senatehousekingston.org
MAY 16
Opening Day at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. The 57th year celebrates an original 110-acre airfield with an incredible array of airplanes from the 1909 oldest flying airplane around and other pre-World War I planes to World War II aircrafts. Air shows start on Saturday, June 13. Open cockpit biplane rides available starting at 10am. Shows are only on Sat. and Sun. from 2pm-4pm. Museum open daily, 10am-5pm. Stone Church Road, Rhinebeck. 845-752-3200; oldrhinebeck.org.
MAY 16, NOON- 6PM
8th Annual Gardiner Cupcake Festival. Thousands gather in the orchard under commercial-size tents (rain or shine) for this endearing community event. Cupcakes, music, vendors, wine tastings, and children’s activities. New to the festival this year is the 1st Annual Cupcake Classic. Popular amateur cupcake contests available, such as “Best Decorated,” “Best Tasting,” and “Most Creative” cupcake. Activities for kids include face painting, cupcake decorating, helicopter rides, pony rides, wagon rides. and bouncy houses. Wrights Farm, Route 208, Gardiner. gardinercupcakefestival.com
MAY 22-25; 10AM-4PM
2nd Mysteryland. Aiming to create a diverse global community of creative, free-spirited fans coming together to celebrate, explore, and discover the new boundaries in the ever-evolving electronic music culture. For an enhanced camping experience at Mysteryland 2015, you can camp on a new outdoor camping stage, “The Pineapple Paradise,” in addition to the return of the Caming Circus and BangOn!—a total of three Holy Ground stages. Bethel Woods, 200 Hurd Road, Bethel. 1-888-745-3000; bethelwoodscenter.org
MAY 22-25
A Frost Valley YMCA Memorial Day Weekend. The perfect place to welcome the warmer months with outdoor activities for the whole family. Programs include climbing, hiking, archery, canoeing, ziplining, and challenge courses. Spend the weekend relaxing with natural facials, stretch and meditation classes, and stargazing at the observatory. Enjoy their 2nd annual Family Field Day. 845-985-2291, ext. 450; frostvalley.org/group-and-family-retreats/family-weekends
MAY 23, 24, 10AM-5:30PM; MAY 25, 10-4PM
Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Fair. Experience one of America’s largest variety of arts & craft demonstrations while being entertained by the best regionally based musicians, and savor the very best the Hudson Valley has to offer in both New York state wines and locally produced handcrafted specialty foods. Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz. 845-679-8087; 845-246-3414; quailhollow.com
MAY 24
Williams Lake Classic. The second year of this fantastic New York State Mountain Bike Series will be, once more, held at Williams Lake. The course is approximately 4.2 miles per lap of a mostly technical flowing single track. Online registration closes at 11:45am, May 22. Presented by Favata’s TRT
Bicycles and sponsored by Hudson River Valley Resorts. 424 Williams Lake Road, Rosendale. This is a tentative date—call to confirm. 845-658-7832; trtbicycles.com
JUNE 5-7
Country Living Fair. Great shopping for antiques, furniture, “Made in America” crafts, art and artisans, vintage and upcycled goods, home and garden decor, plants, and more. http://dutchessfair.com
JUNE 7
9th Annual Ride the Ridge. Identified by Bicycling Magazine as one of the best cycling events in June, sign up for a five-mile family ride, eleven-mile intermediate scenic ride, thirty-mile countryside ride, or fifty-mile Bud Clarke Shawangunk ride. All proceeds benefit High Meadow School in Stone Ridge. ridetheridge.org
JUNE 10, 5:45PM
Hudson Valley Triathlon Club Sprint Triathlon. A fun-filled sporting event with a 400-yard swim, 12-mile cycling, and a 2-mile run. Held at Kenneth L. Wilson State Park. 859 Wittenberg Road, Mount Tremper. nytc.org
JUNE 20, 10AM-4PM
Rondout Valley Garden Tour. A full-day, self-guided exploration of the area’s most lovely private gardens and horticultural attractions. Co-sponsored by the Ulster Garden Club and the Rondout Valley Business Association. Tickets are pre-sold at Victoria Gardens and online at RVBA website. Sold day of at Victoria Gardens, Sauderskill Farm, and Davenport Farm. Proceeds benefit the RVBA and the Ulster Garden Club. Reception to be determined. Victoria Gardens: 845-687-4567; RVBA: 845-658-9007
JUNE 20
Beer, Bourbon & Bacon. Presented by The Hudson Valley Craft Beer Fest, this rain or shine event will feature live music and entertainment—all day long. Ticket cost includes a special tasting cup for sampling some of the best beers and bourbon. Complementing foods available for purchase. No one under 21 admitted.Specially-priced designated driver rates offered. Dutchess County Fair Grounds, 6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck. 845-876-4000; beerbourbonbacon.com
JUNE 20 & 21, 10AM-DUSK
Clearwater Festival. Since the 1960s, the Clearwater Festival has grown into the country’s largest annual environmental celebration, with its music, dance, storytelling, education, and activism attracting thousands of people of all ages to the shores of the Hudson River. All ages will enjoy the multiple music stages, children’s activities, working waterfront—where you can sail on the sloop Clearwater, activist area, and, of course, food. Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson. 845-265-8080; clearwater.org.
JUNE 21
Father’s Day Half Marathon and Family 5K. Another year for good ol’ healthy family fun due to the efforts of the Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation of New Paltz. Save the date and get more information by calling 845-255-0243 or visiting newpaltzchamber.org
JUNE 28, 8AM-3:30PM
The 10th Annual Tour de Kingston. Something for every cyclist. Ride a five, 16, 25, or 50 mile route, or go off-road with a nine, 15, or 25 plus-mile endurance ride. Bring the family and join in ice cream rides, the family fun ride, and the children’s bike rodeo. Sponsored by HealthAlliance Foundation. Held at Forsyth Park, 157 Lucas Avenue, Kingston. 845-334-2760; tourdeulster.com
JUNE 29-JULY 24
Yoga Teacher Training. A 200-hour course, deep hatha yoga training. Level 1 certificate at the beautiful Shanti Mandir Ashram in Walden. Enrolling now; course information with enrollment pack available. Call Shanti Mandir at 845-778-1008; shantimandir.com
