As summer winds down, these upcoming food and drink festivals will delight your taste buds in the Hudson Valley.
Even though the end of summer in the Hudson Valley is in sight, it doesn’t mean the fun has to come to an end. As sunny days turn into fall feels, find the perfect outing with these food and drink festivals in the region.
Tri-State Seafood Fest!
August 19-20
Poughkeepsie
The sixth Annual Hudson River Seafood and Music Festival welcomes fresh seafood sure to satisfy your palate. Dine on seafood dishes such as Maine lobster rolls, ceviche, paella, fried seafood (such as calamari), salmon, and raw bar items. A VIP “Around the World” ticket will allow you to taste creations from around the world such as calamari from Italy, paella from Spain, lobster rolls from New England, and fish and chips from the UK. Enjoy craft, imported, and domestic brews along with seltzers and margaritas. Soft drinks will also be available.
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest
September 9-10
Rhinebeck
Featuring wine from New York wineries, food samples from some of the Hudson Valley’s top restaurants, live entertainment, lifestyle vendors, and more than 100 gourmet specialty foods, the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest has something for everyone. Visitors can watch numerous cooking demonstrations and wine and food seminars, then meet New York winemakers. There are also ample opportunities to sample wines, spirits, craft beers, artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and gourmet foods. As a perk, attendees can purchase bottles of wine, spirits, and beer throughout the day without the need to carry them around thanks to the festival storage and pickup system.
Hudson River Craft Beer Festival
September 16
Beacon
Located at the Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, the Hudson River Craft Beer Festival invites locals to spend the afternoon with friends enjoying over 80 breweries, cideries, and seltzers. There will also be mouthwatering food trucks, games, and live music. VIP admission starts early at 12:30 p.m., and general admission starts at 1:30 p.m.
29th Annual Capital Apple and Wine Festival
September 16-17
Altamont
There is something for the whole family at the Apple and Wine Festival. Located on the Altamont Fairgrounds, the fest welcomes attendees to stop by various barns, tents, and vendor booths to enjoy arts and crafts, specialty foods, wines, spirits, ciders, and, of course, apples. Buy from local makers and sample wine and spirits from over 25 New York State wine, spirit, and cider producers with a commemorative tasting glass. Dine on specialty foods such as tacos, pulled pork, cider donuts, potstickers, shrimp rolls, Jamaican jerk chicken, potato pancakes, and more. A Kids Zone will have a bouncy house, climbing walls, archery, and live owls and hawks. On Saturday, visitors can also enjoy a car show.
Hudson Valley Garlic Fest 2023
September 30 & October 1
Saugerties
Purchase delicious farm-grown garlic and eat garlic-centric food at this one-of-a-kind to-do. Garlic-inspired food from previous years has included garlic fried dough, garlic fries, fresh cheese curds, turkey legs, garlic chicken wraps, and garlic ice cream, to name only a few. Also look out for a variety of craft vendors, with exciting pieces for the home, textiles, and more. Keep an eye on the Garlic Fest website for a list of this year’s vendors.
The Big Sip
October 7-8
Bethel
The third annual Big Sip, held at Bethel Woods, will include unlimited sampling from 50-plus alcohol vendors, top-notch music, and incredible food. Live music on the Horizon stage will include Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl. Entry also includes access to the outstanding food court, shopping, and sampling with local craft, artisan, and specialty food vendors. Step up your tasting experience with VIP Tasting Passes, providing private access to lounges featuring top bourbon and whiskey, tequila and mezcal, and wine producers from across the country. Pass options include access to your favorite category or a universal pass giving you entry to all three tasting lounges.
Related: The Big Sip: An Inside Look at the Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Fest
