An Insider’s Guide to July Events in the Hudson Valley
Hudson River tourism directors share their top picks for things to do throughout the month.
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. Even in the face of the coronavirus, there exist dozens upon dozens of ways to experience the best of what the region has to offer. While they might not be traditional per se (virtual art exhibits, anyone?), they are engaging, entertaining, and 100-percent #flattenthecurve-approved.
To help scout out the best 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!
Discover Albany President and CEO Jill Delaney shares her top recommendations for the month.
Starts July 1
Throughout the Capital Region
The much-anticipated release of the Capital Craft Beverage Trail Passport is here! Local drink lovers can collect stamps from 52 of the top producers in the region at any of the 61 participating venues across eight counties to begin collecting prizes. Cheers!
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Slingerlands
Not too far away from Albany central, Pine Hollow Arboretum is one of the Capital Region’s most scenic hidden gems. Visitors are free to walk across the property’s 22 acres during tranquil strolls or self-guided tours to spot some of the more than 3,300 unique plants that call the arboretum home. Did we mention there are 12 ponds on the grounds, too?
Daily
Throughout the Capital Region
Ready to paddle onto the rippling Hudson Valley waters? Do it right with a self-serving kayak rental from Upstate Kayak Rentals this summer. Book online to confirm a location and time, then get ready to row, row, row. Locations include Round Lake in Malta, Klamsteam Kayak Launch in Clifton Park, Albany Corning Preserve Boat Launch in Albany, and Coeymans Landing Park in Coeymans.
Read up on Columbia County Tourism’s highlights for things to do in the Hudson Valley this month.
Catamount Mountain Resort, Hillsdale
Looking for a serious adventure this summer? Catamount Mountain Resort has the thrills covered with its adrenaline-pumping zipline tour. Nicknamed “The Catamonster,” the course is a two-hour experience with three dual zipline spans, one of which is the longest zipline in the United States. Tickets cost $89 per person.
July 2 and 19, 6 p.m.
Online
Dreaming of a day trip to Hudson? Get a temporary fix via this virtual tour of the charming Columbia County town by Big Onion Walking Tours. Along the way, the tour explores everything from the region’s architecture and people to its social history and top stopping points. Tickets run $10-30.
Take a peek at Dutchess Tourism, Inc.’s top picks for things to do in Dutchess County this month.
July 4, 9:30 p.m.
Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers, and Silo Ridge Field Club Equestrian Center in Amenia
Yes, Fourth of July looks a little different this year. But there are still fireworks! Thanks to a unique partnership with Dutchess County Government, not one, but three local venues host the community for a free drive-in fireworks display. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., with the show scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Parking is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
July 13
Online
Missing the open studios that color the Hudson Valley? Poughkeepsie keeps the tradition alive with an online version of its beloved event in July. Visit the website for the chance to learn from local artists, hear about their creative processes, and discover how they craft their one-of-a-kind works.
July 15, 7-8 p.m.
Online
Aspiring space explorers won’t want to miss this interactive talk with NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Joshua Morrison, who will detail the planned NASA Mars Perseverance rover mission. While the talk is perfect for kids ages 8-12, it’s open for anyone with a love of all things outer space.
Look no further for the coolest attractions and activities in Greene County during the month.
July 9-11
Riedlbauer’s Resort, Round Top
A can’t-miss for car lovers, Reidlbauer’s Rodtober’Fest is a one-stop shop for pre-1962 Hot Rods, customs, stock vehicles, and motorcycles. The resort plans to have food, music, a bonfire, vintage movies, games, and more throughout the course of the three days. To take a peek at the types of cars that will be onsite ahead of time, visit the event website here.
July 12, 19, 26
Coxsackie Riverside Park, Coxsackie
Live music + a spot on the grass = a perfect summer in the Hudson Valley, right? That’s why Coxsackie kicks off its Music in the Park series now through August. Swing by the park for tunes from bands like the Downtown Horns, Wyld Blu, and The Reverberators, to name a few. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome at the socially distant shows.
July 12-18
Online
East Durham’s annual Irish Arts Week goes virtual this year. Register in advance for workshops, lectures, and concerts with world-class Irish artists throughout the week. Afterward, access to classes will be available for about eight weeks following the conclusion of the event.
July 16-19
Online
Love a good bluegrass tune? Listen from the comfort of home during The Grey Fox Festival’s online shindig this year. Artists on tap include The Infamous Stringdusters, Fireside Collective, Dry Branch Fire Squad, and Alison Brown, to name a few.
Check out Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana’s selections for the best things to do this month.
Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Cornwall
Cornwall-on-Hudson’s summer concert series is a bright spot during the season. Visit the bandstand every Tuesday throughout July and August for live tunes that vary in style from classic rock to folk, soul, and jazz. See the full schedule on the event website.
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Wooster Memorial Grove Park, Walden
Pack the blankets and lawn chairs to catch the Wednesday night concerts at Wooster Memorial Grove Park. While the shows are dependent on the state’s phased reopening, the lineup for July includes Kevin Cronin, The Bunker Boys, and Midnight Slim & Laurie Anne, to name a few.
July 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Museum Village, Monroe
Depending upon state approval, Sweet Bee’s Honey Festival will continue as planned in July. Head to Museum Village for the sampling and sale of assorted honeys and honey-themed goods, along with a variety of food and drink.
July 25-26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Museum Village, Monroe
A favorite event for families in the Hudson Valley, this Orange County show is a must for rock and fossil lovers. In addition to the gem-related artisans and vendors onsite, the event also features glass blowing demonstrations, a blacksmith, and a fluorescent mineral display from the Franklin and Sterling mines in New Jersey. The show is dependent upon New York State’s phased reopening guidelines, so visit the website for updates.
Read up on Putnam County Tourism Director Tracey L. Walsh’s picks for things to do this month.
Carmel
In the mood to explore the great outdoors in the Hudson Valley? Before venturing over to Clarence Fahnestock State Park, take a virtual tour of the grounds online. Afterward, plan a visit to go hiking, boating, and fishing, with Canopus Beach opening soon.
Patterson
With well-marked trails, flowering meadows, and a stunning waterfall, the conservation area is an ideal spot for families that want to get out and about together in nature. The area has over 800 acres to explore, which means there’s more than enough space for social distancing.
Throughout Putnam County
Escape the house during a socially distant exploration of all Putnam County has to offer with a game of outdoor adventure bingo. Developed by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the game challenges players to picnic at home, snap a photo of a bird in flight, scout for local wildflowers, and more.
Brewster
Salinger’s is a favorite for farm-fresh shopping in Putnam County – and it’s been in the Hudson Valley since 1901. Nowadays, stop by to shop the farm store for local honeys, produce, gifts, and more, and don’t forget to pick up one of the fresh-baked treats for the road.
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.
Online
Thanks to a number of Rockland County organizations, Hudson Valleyites can enjoy art classes, exhibits, and performances online. Visit Garner Arts Center, Rockland County Arts in Public Places, and Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center websites for more information on upcoming offerings.
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, South Nyack
From the Rockland Landing in South Nyack, Hudson Valleyites can bike (or walk) their way across the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge path with an audio tour from the TravelStorys app. The tours move with you, so feel free to stop for a break at any one of the six lookouts along the way. The audio will continue when you decide it’s time to get moving again
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Torne Valley Vineyards, Hillburn
Open for outdoor seating, Torne Valley Vineyards reserves weekends for wine tastings and craft beer drinking. Lunch is available at the café, with live music scheduled as well. Each wine tasting is $8 per person.
Read up on Ulster County Tourism’s event highlights for the month.
July 3; rain date July 10
Accord Speedway, Accord
Keeping with its annual tradition, Accord Speedway hosts a fireworks spectacular for Independence Day. Social distancing is required.
July 3; rain date July 10
Diamond Mills, Saugerties
Look to Diamond Mills for a Fourth of July feast to-go. Order online to pick up the family-style feasts with a culinary twist. Enticing bites like 18-hour espresso-dusted Hudson Valley Cattle Company beef brisket and tofu chili stuffed peppers are on the menu, so the hardest part will be deciding what not to order.
July 3, 10, 17, 24
Opus 40, Saugerties
Opus 40 is the place to be this summer! Head to the Saugerties art hub for picnicking and outdoor exploration throughout the month, with picnic dinners provided by The Dutch Ale House in town. Preorder by noon for meal delivery to Opus 40.
P.S. Can’t make it on Fridays? Opus 40 offers sunset visits during its Stockade Saturdays collaboration with Stockade Tavern in Kingston. Visitors can bring their own picnic, then take advantage of the Tavern’s free cocktail delivery program for delightful drinks onsite.
July 4, 11:30 a.m.
Ellenville
Ellenville’s Fourth of July parade gathers at Liberty Square around 11:30 a.m., and everyone participating must observe social distancing. The walk traverses down Canal Street onto Route 209 before heading north to Napanoch and Kerhonkson for a total of 9.5 miles. Later in the day, fireworks light up the sky from Joseph Y. Resnick Airport at 9:30 p.m.
Opens July 10
Kingston
Beginning July 10, the community museum reopens to the public. Visit to learn more about the history of firefighting in Kingston and take a peek at some of the retro trucks from the archives.
Discover the hottest happenings according to Westchester County Tourism this month.
Throughout Westchester County
The farmers’ markets of the Hudson Valley are open and up-to-date on social distancing protocol. In Westchester, head to these local markets to shop for produce, meat, dairy, and prepared specials.
Wednesdays: White Plains
Fridays: New Rochelle
Saturdays: Bronxville, Chappaqua, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Hilltop Hanover Farm Stand, John Jay Homestead Farm Market, Larchmont, Ossining, Peekskill, Pleasantville, Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow
Sundays: Irvington, Muscoot Farm, Rye
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Tarrytown
New for this summer, the former Tappan Zee Bridge debuts a bright blue walkway for Hudson Valleyites to traverse. The path is 3.6 miles and has lanes for bikers and walkers, along with six different stopping points to rest and admire the views. Access the path via the Westchester Landing in Tarrytown or the Rockland Landing in South Nyack. For more information, check out our full guide to the bridge path here.
Caramoor, Katonah
Caramoor keeps its top-tier summer programming on the annual lineup with a reformatted concert series. Locals can look forward to four live, public, open-air performances on the wide-open Friends Field. Beginning on July 2, the arts venue will host a series of virtual streamed performances by world-class artists as well.
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
