An Insider’s Guide to June Events in the Hudson Valley
By Kayla Sexton 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 June.
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. Plus, with the warm weather in full swing in the region, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of summer than with outdoor events and visits to scenic, open-air destinations.
To help scout out the hottest events in the Valley, 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
Celebrate Pride in Albany
Washington Park, Albany
June 8 & 9
During the second weekend of June, Albany goes all out for pride celebrations. Things kick off on June 8 with live performers, a health and wellness expo, a family space, and more at In Our Own Voices’ annual Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride Celebration. Then, join the Pride Center for the Capital Pride Parade and Festival at Washington Park. The Sunday event is the largest pride celebration in New York outside of the city, complete with live entertainment, carnival rides, and over 150 vendors.
Summer Craft Fair
Shaker Heritage Society, Albany
June 8 & 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Spend time outdoors at the site of America’s first Shaker settlement for a craft fair to start your summer. The event will feature over 60 regional artists, along with Shaker-themed crafts, special tours, craft demonstrations, a petting zoo, sheep shearing, and delicious local treats to enjoy as you listen to live music.
Dad Fest
Washington Park, Albany
June 16, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Celebrate dad this Father’s Day in Albany’s Washington Park for a day filled with special activities. From live music to a classic car show to great food, this dad-centric day is fun for the whole family. Right in the Capital Region’s most picturesque park, the sunny afternoon is your chance to kick back and thank dad for all he has done.
Columbia County
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse 150th Anniversary Boat Parade
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Hudson
June 1, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
As the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse celebrates its 150-year anniversary, the landmark invites locals from Columbia County to come out for this Saturday’s boat parade on the water. A flotilla of boats will sail down the Hudson River, circling the lighthouse before coming back for fun, food, and music at the Hudson Riverfront Park. The parade kicks off at noon – make sure to get your front row seats on the lawn to watch the event.
Hudson Flag Day
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park, Hudson
June 8, 4 p.m.
In Hudson, there’s a day dedicated to the official establishment of the stars and stripes flag we fly in America today. The June 8 event starts at 4 p.m. with a parade on Warren Street, which culminates at the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park with a festival that includes entertainment, rides for children, informational displays about the history of the holiday, food vendors, an air show, and one of the region’s largest fireworks displays.
2024 OutHudson Pride Parade
City of Hudson
June 21–23
OutHudson’s mission is the elevate the visibility and dignity of the local LGBTQ+ community, and this parade and festival seeks to do just that. Rounding out Pride Month, Hudson’s celebration is Age of Aquarius-themed, underlined by a message of peace, love, and understanding. The event starts with a live performance on June 21 at Hudson Hall, followed by a parade through the City of Hudson on June 22, and more fun to come on Sunday.
Dutchess County
RevCon 2024 Revolutionary War Reenactment & History Fair
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, Hyde Park
June 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
History buffs unite in Hyde Park to start celebrating America’s independence early at the FDR Museum. RevCon is a multi-year commemoration of America’s semi-quincentennial, featuring reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution who will demonstrate military camp life, tactics, and weapon usage and answer all your burning history questions. Learn about Dutchess County’s very own Revolutionary heroics and pose for photos with Dutchess Tourism’s “Commander in Cheers” at the event.
Driving Miss Daisy at Bannerman Castle
Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island
June 28–30, 6 p.m.
Spend your evening at Bannerman Castle for a theatrical performance of the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Driving Miss Daisy. The night starts with a scenic 30-minute boat ride from the Beacon dock to Pollepel Island, followed by a lecture about Bannerman Castle before the show. The performance begins at 8 p.m., and snacks, drinks, candy, and, of course, popcorn, will be available at the concession during the show.
Powerhouse Theater
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie
Throughout June
This summer, Vassar College presents its 38th Powerhouse Theater season, which features six weeks of musical and play workshops, along with free readings and training programs. Highlights for this summer include Messy White Gays, Absolute Zero, Shanghai Sonatas, and A Simple Herstory. Vassar also welcomes a new cohort of young actors, directors, and writers as members of the Powerhouse Theater Training Company to present a slate of free theater performances throughout the season.
Orange County
Pine Bush UFO Fair
Pine Bush UFO and Paranormal Museum, Pine Bush
June 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This annual street fair event is back for 2024 in Pine Bush. Be a part of the show and attend in costume as fantastic cosplay characters and extraterrestrials take over Main Street. The fair also includes surprise visitors, pop-up street performances, and photo opportunities. The event is family-friendly, with live music, games, activity vendors, food trucks, and novelty UFO-themed gear. Make sure to stick around for the Best in Galaxy Costume Contest to see how you stack up.
Sommelier-Guided Wine Tasting
Cork Wine Bar, Florida
June 7, 7–9 p.m.
Join other wine lovers for this memorable evening of tastings with a range of varietals, from refreshing whites to bold, full-bodied reds, and more from Italy, France, and California. Each attendee will get to taste five meticulously curated wines and enjoy small bites like cheese, cured meats, pickled fare, chocolate, and other foods that flawlessly complement each wine. During the event, owners and hosts Erin and Tom Mattingly will offer their unique perspectives on each wine.
Kingdom Faire
Camp Reimagine, Huguenot
June 8-9, 15-16, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fantasy comes to life at Kingdom Faire in Huguenot this June. Dive into interactive adventures with lively characters as you enjoy live music and theatrical performances throughout each weekend. More than 40 artisanal vendors will showcase their wares, and the original stage play The Pirate Queen is the star of the show with an epic sword fight. Grab your turkey legs and join in on the medieval fun!
Putnam County
Glynwood Farm Lawn Party
Glynwood, Cold Spring
June 9, 1–4 p.m.
Kick off your summer at Glynwood for a day on unforgettable fun this June. The event connects new and old friends together as they indulge in local food and drinks, listen to live jazz music, and play lawn games like giant chess, bocce ball, cornhole, Connect Four, and more. All ticket sales directly support Glynwood’s many programs to build impactful coalitions, increase food access, and train farmers throughout the region.
Putnam County Culture Fest
Putnam County Veteran’s Memorial Park, Kent
June 15, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate diversity in Putnam County at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Kent this June. The Culture Fest, hosted by Community Engagement and Police Advisory Board, features circus acts from Westchester Circus Arts, along with food, kids’ activities, and other live entertainment. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to lounge outside on the sunny lawn as you mingle with members of the community.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Garrison
Throughout June
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is back for the 2024 season! Summer is the perfect time to go to a show with friends and family in Garrison. For the entire 2024 season, the festival is extending it $10 family night discount to include any section and any night this summer. The offer applies to all performances for theatergoers aged 18 and under with the purchase of an adult admission.
Rockland County
Rockland Pride Sunday
Main Street & Broadway, Nyack
June 9, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Now in its 25th year, Rockland Pride Sunday is a can’t-miss pride event this June. Downtown Nyack will be full of pride for the family-friendly event that features the music of David Budway and special guest performers, local drag artists, outdoor dining, shopping, and vendors. A bounce house, face painting, and an arts and crafts tent will be available for the little ones to enjoy.
Rockland County Juneteenth Celebration
Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, Haverstraw
June 15, 3 p.m.
The ninth annual Juneteenth Celebration comes back to Haverstraw this June. The main event is the unveiling of the Beacon of Hope Statue, along with music, vendors, food, kids’ activities, and more. Make it a full weekend celebration by attending a flag raising at Village Hall on June 14 and Gospel in the Park on June 16.
Suffern’s Art & Dine
Lafayette Ave, Suffern
June 22, 2–5 p.m.
The annual Art and Dine event returns to Suffern this June for pop-up galleries hosted at businesses throughout the Village of Suffern, along with dining at local eateries. Browse artists at the in-person component before visiting a nearby restaurant for lunch or dinner. If you can’t make it in person, artists can be browsed online – check back in on the website for the details.
Westchester County
Westchester Magazine‘s Wine and Food Festival
Throughout Westchester
June 4-9
Westchester Magazine’s annual Wine and Food Festival kicks off this June 4-9 with events throughout the county. A wine and food pairing with Kevin Zraly, Party on the Pier at Rye Playland, Burger and Beer Blast, Wine Collector’s Dinner, Grand Tasting Village, and Bubbly Brunch and Beats are all highlights of this year’s festival.
Sleepy Hollow Music Festival
Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow
June 8, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
With a main and a local stage, the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival hosts big names in music at Kingsland Point Park. After all, what’s better than outdoor concerts in picturesque settings in the summer? Come out to see headliners like Cold War Kids, Danielle Ponder, Nightingale All-Stars, and more.
Yonkers Pride Festival
Downtown Yonkers
June 8, 1–7 p.m.
Presented by the City of Yonkers Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, Yonkers Pride Planning Board, and the Yonkers Downtown Business Improvement District, the seventh annual Yonkers Pride celebration comes to Westchester this June. The outdoor event showcases celebrity entertainment, food, merchandise, activities, and many community organizations that come out to show their support.