An Insider’s Guide to February Events in the Hudson Valley
Hudson River tourism directors share their top picks for things to do throughout the month of February.
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. In fact, when it comes to actually choosing between one event or another, there’s potentially too much to do. Food fest on Saturday? Great. But there’s also that play you wanted to see. Oh, and that workshop you RSVP’d for in the afternoon. And the…oh wait, that’s already two things too many!
To help scout out the best events in the Valley, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Ulster for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Discover Albany President and CEO Jill Delaney shares her top recommendations for the month.
Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, Albany
February 1, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Undecided about whether to believe the Groundhog’s Day hype? Head to the Albany Pine Bush Preserve to learn more about groundhogs, woodchucks, womp womps, or whatever else you want to call them. In addition to discussing the origins of the holiday during a free, mile-long trek, attendees can also make guesses about how long winter will last.
Henry Hudson Planetarium, Albany
February 15, 2-3 p.m.
Romance your special someone during this illuminating show at the Discover Albany Visitors Center. As a storyteller brings to life tales of mythic romances illustrated in the night sky, visitors can learn the truth about the messages written in the stars. Admission is $5 and includes a sweet treat.
Albany Distilling Bar & Bottle Shop, Albany
February 22, 2-7 p.m.
Albany Distilling adds color to a season of winter whites with its art fest at the end of the month. Held in collaboration with the Albany Center Gallery, the family-friendly block party features live art and installation, plus an ALB Vodka ice luge, ice pong, ice shuffleboard, hot cocktails, and music from DJ Trumastr. Did we mention there’s also a s’mores bar?
Nine Pin Cider, Albany
February 29, 12-7 p.m.
If you can’t get enough of the Hudson Valley cider scene, you’re going to want to pick up tickets to Nine Pin’s sixth annual farm cidery gathering. It’s a rare chance to tour the production floor and taste the goods from cideries across the state. Many producers will have limited and exclusive ciders available for sale, so make sure to scoop up new discoveries while you can. P.S. This event sells out every year, so make a move if you want to go.
Read up on Columbia County Tourism’s highlights for things to do in the Hudson Valley this month.
Hudson Hall, Hudson
February 14-16
If you’ve never been to Hudson Hall’s Jazz Festival before, prepare for a show-stopping lineup of talent like you’ve never seen before. The weekend begins with a romantic Amoureux du Jazz show on Friday, then leads into a solo pianist summit and a performance by the Billy Harper Quintet on Saturday.
On Sunday, it all comes to a harmonious end with a film screening of I Called Him Morgan with brunch by Backbar at 11 a.m., followed by a show by Slavic Soul Party! at 4 p.m.
Take a peek at President & CEO of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. Mary Kay Vrba’s top picks for things to do in Dutchess County this month.
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie
Through February 9
Back for its 18th year, Vassar College’s Modfest celebrates the arts in the 20th and 21st centuries. The theme for 2020 is “reflect to project” and includes performances by Grammy Award-nominated vocal ensemble New York Polyphony, Tony Award-winning actress Celia Keenan-Bolger, and members of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, among others.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook
February 15, 12-4 p.m.
What’s better than a full-bodied glass of vino at Millbrook Winery? A glass of vino with a gourmet meal, of course! As part of its Chef Saturday series, Millbrook invites a different Dutchess County chef to prepare a three-course tasting menu to pair with complementary Millbrook wines.
In February, Farmers and Chefs’ Chef John Lekic of Poughkeepsie swings by the vineyard to wow diners during the limited-seating luncheon.
Poughkeepsie
February 21-23
In honor of Black History Month, the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center, the Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, and Changepoint Theater team up to celebrate the history and music makers of the genre.
At each concert, headliners like the Hudson Valley Community Gospel Choir, Everett Drake, and Just Voices will belt moving tunes.
Look no further for the coolest attractions and activities in Greene County during the month.
Greenville Arms 1889 Inn, Greenville
February 8-9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Now in its third year, the Greene County makers market showcases wares from vendors like Flying Monkey Totes, Moon Glow Gifts, and Peony & Bee, to name a few. Alongside the shopping, the Inn’s Espresso Bar slings drinks, pastries, and more from inside the Vanderbilt Room. For even more shopping, stop by the art, supply, chocolate, and gift shop before hitting the road.
Mountain Top Arboretum Education Center, Tannersville
February 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ever wondered how those nature guides on TV can tell the footprints of a deer from those of a fox or a possum? Learn how the pros do it by following along with Flying Deer Nature Center tracker Josh Wood as he explains which animals make their home – and their mark – in the region. Beginners and experts alike are welcome.
Bridge Street Theatre, Catskill
February 21-23
If you think America’s presidents led interesting lives, just wait until you follow along with the stories of first ladies Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, and Mary Todd Lincoln. With impersonations by ex-con and domestic abuse survivor Colleen McCracken, the show is a dramatic way to celebrate a belated Presidents’ Day.
Check out Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana’s selections for the best things to do this month.
Loughran’s Irish Pub, Salisbury Mills
Thursdays, 7-10 p.m.
Get hyped for St. Patrick’s Day with February fun at Loughran’s. The Irish bar in Orange County dedicates every Thursday to traditional Irish tunes alongside dishes like hot pastrami and pork chops with red cabbage and potato pancakes.
Safe Harbors of the Hudson, Newburgh
February 8, 8-11 p.m.
Winter may be in full swing for another month or so, but don’t let that stop you from embracing warm weather vibes at this Caribbean dance party. Look forward to live music and dance lessons, along with dessert and drinks galore throughout the night
Applewood Winery, Warwick
February 14-17, 12-5 p.m.
No, you won’t get frostbite at Applewood’s February fest. What you will get, however, is a whole lot of winter fun at the picturesque Orange County winery. With live music every day and outdoor bonfires, a cocktail bar, cider on tap, and Smokin Grate BBQ on deck for the event, a little winter chill never sounded so wonderful.
Long Lot Farm Brewery, Chester
February 14, 8 p.m.
Laugh your way through Valentine’s Day at Long Lot Farm Brewery’s first comedy night. The free show stars Monty Mason with Rebecca Cadiz and Billy Doyle and pairs perfectly with one of Long Lot’s crisp brews.
Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, Greenwood Lake
February 15-16, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
For two days in February, Greenwood Lake delivers a serious dose of family fun with its winter carnival by the waterfront. Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including live music, snow tubing, and even a polar plunge for those daring enough to take a dip for a good cause.
Take a browse through Director of Economic Development and Tourism Jeremy Schulman’s picks the hottest things to do in Rockland County throughout the month.
Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain
Weekends and holidays
Don’t let January fly by without skating your way around the rink at Bear Mountain. A true Hudson Valley bucket list activity, ice skating at the scenic spot is a must during the winter season. Check the website in advance for dates and times for public skating, then grab your skates (or rent a pair) and hit the ice. The rink is outside, so make sure to dress warmly before you pack into the car.
Rockland Community College Field House, Suffern
February 14-17
Want to make your RV dreams a reality? Find the camper to suit your needs at Rockland’s 46th annual product show. There will be more than 50 vendors onsite with motorhomes, travel trailers, camper vans, and more. Admission is $11 for adults and $3 for children 10-15.
The Rittenhausen Theater, Nyack
February 16, 2 p.m.
Only a Guinness Book of World Records holder could host a show this spectacular! On the middle Sunday in February, bubble wrangler Jeff Boyer wows the crowd with bubble magic that will leave little ones in awe. Watch as he blows bubbles around people, erupts bubble volcanoes, and creates bubble-blowing chain reactions. The show is sensory-friendly, and tickets run $18 apiece.
Rockland Community College Field House, Suffern
February 21-23
Just in time for home improvement season, Rockland Community College hosts a home show to help locals find fixer-upper experts for every project imaginable. With contractors, designers, installers, landscapers, and solar energy specialists scattered throughout the field house, the show is a one-stop home improvement headquarters.
Rockland Community College, Suffern
February 27 – March 1
This one’s for all the nature lovers in the Hudson Valley. Presented by Progressive, the comprehensive event has a little bit of everything for fishers, hunters, and outdoor explorers. Swing by for hunting dog demos, live birds of prey, a fishing simulator, and a scavenger hunt for kids, to name only a few attractions.
Read up on Ulster County Tourism’s event highlights for February.
Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, Highland
February 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The holiday season might be over, but Ulster County keeps the winter spirit alive with an outdoor shindig in January. With a spicy chili contest, roasted chestnuts, toasted marshmallows, and snacks and drinks galore, the to-do is a fun way to escape the house with the little ones. Don’t forget to hop on a wagon ride or watch a wood-carving demonstration, too.
Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville
February 14-17
Make the most of winter in the Hudson Valley by getting out and about during the extended Presidents’ Day weekend. Frost Valley opens its grounds for cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. Also onsite, the climbing gym, archery range, and arts and crafts programs provide even more family fun.
Robibero Family Vineyards, New Paltz
February 14-17
Robibero brings all the Valentine’s Day vibes to the Hudson Valley with its sinfully delicious cupcake and wine pairing. For $22 per person, attendees can sample three mini cupcakes from The Cake Artist along with three wines from Robibero. Afterward, everyone can stick around for three additional wine samples as part of the ticket price.
Ashokan Center, Olivebridge
February 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
When it comes to winter festivities, it doesn’t get much better than the hot chocolate hoopla at the Ashokan Center. Now in its third year, the sweet shindig invites Hudson Valleyites to sample hot cocoa in flavors like banana, coconut, coffee, peppermint, raspberry, and spice. Chef Bill Warnes will serve lunch for purchase, and the center will have a variety of colonial crafts, blacksmithing, and broom shop demos as well.
SUNY Ulster Dining Hall, Stone Ridge
February 29, 2-7 p.m.
The unofficial comfort food of winter takes center stage during Women’s Studio Workshop’s annual chili bowl. Get ready for a spice-filled afternoon as Hudson Valley chefs come together to donate more than 50 gallons of chili to support local arts. There are options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters, so everyone can have a blast. P.S. Admission is $10 from 2-4 p.m. and free from 4-7 p.m.
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