An Insider’s Guide to April Events in the Hudson Valley
Via HV Mag
Hudson River tourism directors share their top picks for places to go, sights to see, and things to do throughout the month of April.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: There are a ton of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. If you caught Hudson Valley‘s April 2024 print edition, you already know what we’re up to this month: spring day trips, upgrading our home interiors, and dining out as much as possible.
For even more ways to explore the region, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Albany County
NYS Writers Institute Albany Film Festival
University at Albany, Albany
April 6, 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Join the NYS Writers Institute for its annual Film Festival, a celebration of storytelling on screen. The festival features full-length films, short film screenings, panel discussions, and more. This year’s special guests from the film industry include Oscar-winning filmmaker James Ivory, screenwriter for Call Me by Your Name, and Abigail Disney, documentary film director and daughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of the Walt Disney Company.
Spring Awakening
Cohoes Music Hall, Cohoes
April 12–24
Don’t miss the Playhouse Stage Company’s performance of Spring Awakening this April at the Cohoes Music Hall. Winner of eight Tony Awards, the musical “explores the tumultuous journey of adolescents discovering the complexities of life, love, and sexuality in a repressive society.”
Dutch Apple Cruises Opening Day
141 Broadway, Albany
April 24
Boarding a Dutch Apple Cruise is a quintessential warm weather experience in Albany. The Dutch Apple sets sail for the 2024 season this April. Take it easy on this sightseeing cruise along the Hudson River and learn about Albany’s history from a new perspective.
Columbia County
Timberdoodle Trek
Siegel-Kline Kill Conservation Area, Ghent
April 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
Ready to do the timberdoodle trek and waddle the way of the woodcock? Timberdoodle is a common nickname for local bird species the American Woodcock. During this guided birding walk, attendees can savor the sunset and trek in the hopes of seeing the Timberdoodle’s unique mating ritual and its distinct sky dance.
Chancellor’s Sheep and Wool Showcase
Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown
April 27, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The rolling hills and river views at Clermont State Historic Site will be alive with the sound of music, the delicious aroma of hot food, and the brilliant yarns, soaps, and artisanal goods by local makers. This family-friendly event, one of the historic site’s oldest and most popular annual festivals, has become a springtime tradition for many in the area. With sheering demonstrations, farm animals, and historic reenactments, there’s something for everyone. The Showcase is a great place for children, with crafts, storytelling, and the chance to meet their first sheep.
72nd Grand Season Opening
Lebanon Valley Speedway, West Lebanon
April 27, 6 p.m.
Come out for opening night at the Lebanon Valley Speedway, known as the “Home of the High-Banks.” Get ready for a turbo-charged adrenaline rush! The 2024 LID LIFTER is revving up to kick off an electrifying season of high-octane motorsports action, featuring big block modifieds, sportsman, pro stock, and super street stock racing. Tickets range from $2 to $20.
Dutchess County
International Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention
MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
April 5–7
This tattoo convention features over 200 of the best tattoo artists from around the globe, including many shops from the Hudson Valley. All the artists have been hand-selected to ensure the highest quality of work and showcase various techniques and styles. This is an all-ages show, with free admission for children under 12 years of age.
Hudson Valley Home Show
Golds Gym Sports & Exhibition Complex, Poughkeepsie
April 13, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., April 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation or a minor project, you’ll find everything for in and around your home at the Hudson Valley Home Show. Kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, roofing, HVAC, windows, solar, and much more. Be sure to check out the Home Show’s hot tub blowout sale.
Dutchess County Sheep & Wool Growers Association Spring Farm Tour
Multiple Dutchess County farms
April 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Dutchess County Sheep & Wool Growers Association presents its spring farm tour, which is the perfect chance to see the animals, shop the farm stores, and see the beautiful countryside of the Hudson Valley. Participating farms include Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park, Lilymoore Farm in Pleasant Valley, Point of View Farm in Stanfordville, Black Sheep Hill Farm in Pine Plains, Morehouse Farm in Red Hook, Patchwork Pastures in Hyde Park, the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center in Wappingers Falls, Nobletown Fiber Works in Hillsdale, Lime Kiln Farm in Coxsackie, and Buckwheat Bridge Angoras in Elizaville.
Orange County
High Tide Homicide: Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner
Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville
April 6, 7–11 p.m.
It’s high jinks on the high seas with Gilligan, Skipper, Ginger, and the whole crew. Climb aboard the S.S. Mackerel for a three-hour cruise to hilarity and murder. You’re in for waves of fun when you embark on a nautical adventure to solve the mystery. The evening includes a full buffet dinner and open wine bar for $110.
Hudson Valley Honor Flight Ceremony
New York Stewart International Airport, New Windsor
April 13, 6:30 a.m.
Join in the festive sendoff for our nation’s heroes as they take off for Washington, D.C. to be treated to a tour of war memorials and a dinner in their honor. Groups, families, and individuals are welcome to show appreciation for these veterans’ service. Gather family, friends, coworkers, and clubs for an experience you won’t soon forget. Hudson Valley Honor Flight merchandise will be available for purchase.
2024 Earth Day at the Wineries
Shawangunk Wine Trail
April 20 & 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join the second annual Earth Day celebration on the wine trail. Choose one of three itineraries and embark on a self-guided winery tour. The ticket includes a souvenir wine glass and a tasting flight at each location. The first 200 ticket-holders will receive a free white spruce pine tree sapling at their starting winery, while supplies last. Plant the tree to do your part for the planet while enjoying delicious wine.
Putnam County
Casafina Living Warehouse Sale
Casafina Living, Brewster
April 3–7
Head to Brewster for Casafina Living’s exclusive warehouse sale and unwrap the charm of the town in a single day. Dive into a treasure trove of sought-after tableware, bakeware, and accessories at unparalleled prices. But why stop there? Brewster will enchant you with its local culinary gems, scenic trails, and cozy spots that turn shopping into a memorable escape.
Comedy Night at Tilly’s Table
Tilly Foster Farm, Brewster
April 12, 6:30 p.m.
Join Putnam County for dinner and a comedy show at the Funny Farm at Tilly’s Table this April. Laugh the night away with three hysterically funny comedians: Maija DiGiorgio, Dan Altano, and Tony Papadog. Tickets are $53.11 and include a buffet dinner along with the show, with a cash bar available throughout the night.
West Point Foundry History Hike
West Point Foundry Preserve, Cold Spring
April 21, 3–4:15 p.m.
Join the Putnam History Museum on a guided hike through the West Point Foundry – a trailblazer of industry and a vital site for the Union’s success in the Civil War. The remains of this incredible industrial plant have worn down over the years, but they still tell an amazing story of what the center of America’s Industrial Revolution was once. Join PHM Staff on a guided tour and learn about the history of this incredible site, now preserved as Scenic Hudson’s West Point Foundry Preserve, a National Historic Landmark.
Rockland County
12th Annual Nyack International Film Festival
Hotel Nyack, Nyack
April 1–7
Filmmakers and film lovers are cordially invited to the 12th Nyack International Film Festival at the Hotel Nyack. Join others for the opening party on April 1 from 4-5:45 p.m. Celebrate the upcoming week of film presentation with filmmakers, press, and festival introductions, immediately followed by the festival’s first night of selected films beginning 6 p.m.
Nyack’s SpringFest Street Fair
Main Street & Broadway, Nyack
April 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy Nyack’s SpringFest Street Fair on Main Street and Broadway this April. The street fair features over 200 vendors offering unique arts and crafts, jewelry, pottery, home decor, vintage collectibles, and more. Live bands, food trucks, and kids’ activities will entertain all day long at this event that’s fun for the whole family.
Afternoon Tea
Bear Mountain Inn, Tomkins Cove
Every Monday – Thursday, 1–3 p.m.
Every Monday through Thursday, Bear Mountain Inn’s Restaurant 1915 hosts afternoon tea with scenic views. Join other diners to enjoy traditional delights like finger sandwiches, scones, cookies, and more, along with your choice of tea. Admission is $33 per person for this tea-riffic time.
Westchester County
BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical
White Plains Performing Arts Center, White Plains
April 12 – May 5
The premiere of BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical will grace the stage at the White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) starting on April 12. In this eagerly anticipated production, audiences can revel in the captivating story of Carole King’s musical journey, making it a must-see event at WPPAC during this exclusive run.
14th Annual Earth Day Festival
Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining
April 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Green Ossining’s 14th Annual Earth Day Festival will take place on April 20. The event will take place on the beautiful banks of the Hudson River at Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park in Ossining to honor the 54th anniversary of Earth Day.
Lyndhurst in Bloom 2024
Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown
April 20-21, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lyndhurst’s annual flower show, Lyndhurst in Bloom, returns this April with a weekend-long expression of floral design and all things botanical. Witness talented floral designers transforming the space with stunning displays that complement the historic mansion’s opulent interiors. Enjoy activities, including a plant and flower market, special lectures, landscape tours, a pop-up café by Geordanes of Irvington, and workshops.