A Cultural Renaissance: 10 New Ways to Experience the Arts in the Hudson Valley
From live music to personal looks into working artists’ studios—cool cultural opportunities abound in the Hudson Valley! Check out this list for some truly intriguing options.
1. Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack | Rockland County
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble presents the first annual Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack–a celebration of classical theater, music, local culture and the creative spirit of community in beautiful Nyack, NY. Live performances every Friday to Sunday, September 16th to October 16th. All performances will be outdoors against the backdrop of the majestic Hudson River! For more information, including tickets and scheduled performances, click here! Phone: 833-681-4800.
2. Hearts of the Hollow at the Whipple Feeley Chapel | Putnam County
Located at the Whipple Feeley Chapel at Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel, NY—this exciting, new musical was inspired by Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” The special seasonal event will delight audiences with 20 original songs and a story where suspense, adventure, and romance merge!
3. Patterson Rotary Blues & BBQ Festival | Putnam County
Live music, great food, kids’ entertainment, and lots of shopping! Come for a weekend of fun. Bring a chair, an appetite, and a love for great bands in an outdoor setting. FREE admission and parking. No outside food or beverage.
4. Collaborative Concepts Outdoor Art at Tilly Foster Farm | Putnam County
Located in Brewster, NY—Tilly Foster comes alive each Fall with visitors who are eager to engage with art and nature. The exhibit is in Putnam County just over the border from Connecticut. Please visit the exhibit, FREE of charge, to see the work of 35 sculptors. Tilly Foster features pastoral vistas, hiking trails, a community garden, charming farm animals, and a farm-to-table dining experience. On View: September 3rd-October 30th. Opening Reception: September 3rd, 12pm – 4pm.
5. Hudson Valley Gospel Festival | Dutchess County
On Saturday, October 1st from 12-5 p.m. at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls, NY—Arts Mid-Hudson presents an afternoon of gospel singers, choirs and praise dancers on the shores of the Hudson River. Feel free to pack a picnic and get ready to sing along!
6. ArtEast Open Studio Tour | Dutchess County
The ArtEast Open Studio Tour lets you plan your own self-guided tour as skilled artists—photographers, painters, potters, sculptors, woodworkers and more—welcome you into their Dutchess County studios! There are 28 participating artists of many disciplines, so there will be plenty to see during the two weekends, October 15th-16th and October 22nd-23rd. You can find the tour brochure at many local businesses throughout the Hudson Valley or click here for details. To have a brochure sent to you, please email info@arteastdutchess.com
6. Fifth Annual 2022 Kingston Design Showhouse | Ulster County
Sponsored by Kingston Design Connection along with nonprofit partner Kingston City Land Bank “to bring together designers, artists, makers, contractors and vendors to produce something truly unique in the region.” Every year, the Kingston Design Showhouse encourages more work to be sourced locally and promotes Hudson Valley design on a national platform. From October 7th-23rd.
7. FilmColumbia 2022 | Columbia County
From October 21st-30th, experience this annual ten-day festival of world-class films representing major studios, independents, international films, animated features, documentaries and children’s short films. In addition to screening approximately 50 films, the festival also features panels, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and screenwriting workshops. Crandell Theatre, 28 Main Street, Chatham, NY.
8. Flyday Music Festival | Greene County
Happening from September 29th-October 1st—Flyday Music Festival celebrates life and creativity, spirit, heart and soul, and friends and family through art, movement and music! Enjoy 20+ regional and national funk, fusion, prog, rock, jam, bluegrass, reggae, and electro-live bands on 2 stages at the 100+ acre Blackthorne Resort which has over 80 rooms on-site, camping and RV sites galore, a pool and tiki bar as well as a creek, hiking, a bar and restaurant, a playground and play fields and courts. And open for us this year...Blackthorne's Massacre Mansion Haunted House!
9. Bacchanalia Arts & Music Festival | Rensselaer County
Check out this first-year event showcasing talent from around the state and around the globe! From September 30th to October 2nd, the streets of Troy will be filled with vibrance and volume as the inaugural year of this event transforms the city into an entertainment paradise. Bacchanalia will feature live music (50+ bands) at multiple venues across Troy, with a main outdoor stage featuring national touring acts. Expect food trucks and pop ups, retail vendors, art exhibits and live, interactive art!