Add These Hudson Valley Events to Your July Calendar
Article by Megan Wilson via HV Mag
Fourth of July celebrations, a Shakespeare fest, Upstate Art Weekends, and more make the month unforgettable in the region.
Looking for things to do in the Hudson Valley in July? We’ve got you covered.
Something Rotten — Albany
Tuesday–Saturday through July 22, 8 p.m.
Set during the Renaissance, this musical comedy and Shakespearean spoof follows two brothers trying to find success as playwrights. Watch it come to life in Washington Park’s Park Playhouse five nights a week through late July, performed by the Playhouse Stage Company. playhousestagecompany.org
Hudson Valley Renegades Independence Day SUPER Fireworks Show — Wappingers Falls
July 3, 6 p.m.
Dutchess Stadium may set off fireworks after every Friday and Saturday game, but they go all-out for Independence Day with a flashier display. Come at 6 p.m. to watch the Renegades play Wilmington. milb.com/hudson-valley
Fourth of July Parade — Saugerties
July 4, 11 a.m.
The celebration kicks off on Washington Avenue at 11 a.m. when the parade begins. Stick around after to watch the Saugerties Stallions play ball; fireworks will illuminate Cantine Field at dusk. villageofsaugerties.digitaltowpath.org
New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration — Albany
July 4, 5–10 p.m.
One of the largest fireworks shows in the state, this event features live music by percussionist Sheila E., food vendors, and more patriotic fun at the capitol city’s Empire State Plaza. Admission is free. empirestateplaza.ny.gov
Warwick Food Truck Festival — Warwick
July 6, 4–9 p.m.
Listen to live music and get your fill of food truck fare when this festival returns to Warwick for its seventh year. Expect sets from Jeremy Langdale with Nicole Deloi and Barrel House Blues; visit their website for a complete listing of vendors. warwickfoodtruckfestival.com
Chatham Summerfest — Chatham
July 8
Gather in Chatham as the town blocks off Main Street for a day of entertainment, food vendors and makers, and more summer activities. Also, catch performances from musicians and variety shows, and enjoy a cool Summerfest parade. visitchathamny.com
Antique Car Show — Poughkeepsie
July 9, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Calling all motorheads: Visit the historic Locust Grove Estate to spend the day viewing hundreds of vintage vehicles displayed throughout the grounds. Admission is $10 per person—children 4 and under are free. lgny.org
Love’s Labor’s Lost — Garrison
Opens July 15
Presented by Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, this comedy follows the story of four young noblemen who take a monastic oath to focus on their studies. Director Amanda Dehnert accompanies the classic text with a modern pop/rock score. See it under HVSF’s open-air tent overlooking the Hudson. hvshakespeare.org
Troy Pig Out — Troy
July 16, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Head to Troy to taste the region’s best barbecue. Walk to each participating restaurant’s brick-and-mortar for $4 samples, with vendors set up throughout downtown. Plus, check out the annual hot dog eating contest in Monument Square. downtowntroy.org
Catskills Irish Arts Week — East Durham
July 16–22
Celebrate the traditions of Ireland with demonstrations and workshops in writing, music, and language at the MJQ Irish Cultural & Sports Centre. The week ends with the East Durham Trad Fest on Saturday, full of musical and dance performances and food from local vendors. catskillirishartsweek.com
Summer Shorts Film Fest — New Paltz
July 20–23
This inaugural festival will present the short cinematic projects—30 minutes or less—of a variety of local and national directors. Films will be presented over three days at the DENIZEN Theatre in the bustling Water Street Market. throughlineartists.com
Upstate Art Weekend — various locations
July 21–24
Now in its fourth year, this three-day self-directed tour features over 130 artists and art centers that will be showcasing exhibitions, projects, and open studio tours throughout the Valley. Participating locations include Garner Arts Center, KinoSaito, The School: Jack Shainman Gallery, and many more. The kick-off event will be held at Magazzino Italian Art, details are available online. upstateartweekend.org
Blueberry Festival — Schaghticoke
July 22, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
To usher in blueberry season, Liberty Ridge Farm will host an all-day festival with u-pick blueberries, live music, food and craft vendors, and an array of berry sweet treats. libertyridgefarmny.com
Bear Mountain Native American Celebration — Stony Point
July 22–23
Join the Red Hawk Native American Arts Council at Harriman State Park for a weekend packed with Indigenous American dance performances, musical acts, and education. Makers selling crafts and food vendors will be onsite as well. redhawkcouncil.org
Climb it for Climate — Highmount
July 29
Phase two of a three-part mountain-running series raising awareness for climate-forward organizations, this event offers a half marathon and a 5K on Belleayre Mountain. Proceeds will benefit The Catskills Center, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the region. therunningkind.net
Escape at The Emerson
Since 2007, The Emerson Resort & Spa in Mount Tremper has been a favorite Catskills retreat. Here’s what’s new this summer: couple’s reflexology workshops, restorative yoga sessions, a nature-guided journaling workshop, plus a variety of beginner arts and crafts and cooking classes. From July–October, book a stay with their Midweek Escape Package, which takes 20 percent off a two-night stay Sunday through Thursday. For more info, visit emersonresort.com. – Micaela Warren