An Insider’s Guide to March 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. 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.
Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany
March 6 – April 5
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Albany’s Capital Repertory Theatre sets the scene at McCourt’s pub, where a story of heritage, the past, and the future unfolds. Expect traditional songs, show tunes, and even a smattering of pop throughout the performance, which also happens to be theRep’s final one before it relocates to its new home.
Quail St and Central Ave, Albany
March 14
For anyone who’s never been to one of Albany’s over-the-top parades before, prepare for a full day of fun that spans across the city. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. and features bagpipers and far more kilts than you can count.
Knox Town Hall, Knox
March 21, 10 a.m.
There’s no season quite like maple syrup season in the Hudson Valley. To celebrate, Helderberg HIlltowns Association hosts a 5K to raise funds for the community. While the event is fun for all, it’s extra-special for the winners, who take home a medal and a pint of local maple syrup as their prize.
University at Albany, Albany
March 28
Film fans and writers, unite! For the first time ever, the New York State Writers Institute hosts a film festival dedicated to the art of onscreen storytelling. Attendees can take part in local short film contests, watch feature films, listen to panel discussions, and hear feedback from experts during workshops.
Read up on Columbia County Tourism’s highlights for things to do in the Hudson Valley this month.
Club Helsinki, Hudson
March 22, 3 p.m.
A fun to-do for the whole family, Bindlestiff’s NYC Winter Cabaret celebrates its 25-year anniversary with a family-oriented show that captures audiences with show-stopping contortion, juggling, sword swallowing, and trapeze walks. For anyone who wants to go all out, the show welcomes circus-inspired, festival attire.
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.
Revel 32, Poughkeepsie
March 14, 1-6 p.m.
Revel 32 kicks off Hudson Valley festival season strong with its very first Lucky Hops Craft Beer Festival. Hosted in collaboration with Poughkeepsie’s King’s Court Brewing Company, the to-do shines a spotlight on more than 40 beers along with music from Rivergrass band. To keep with the Irish theme of the fest, Revel 32 invites Irish dancers and food vendors to show their stuff alongside local favorites like Mill House Brewing Company and Cousins Ale Works.
MJN–Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
March 27-29
Back for year two, Hudson Valley Tattoo Fest takes over the MJN Center for an expansive shindig dedicated to all things ink. Over the course of three days, more than 200 artists from across the globe set up shop for networking, shopping, and onsite tattooing. With live music, food and drinks, and contests galore, this is one to-do that no tattoo lover will want to miss.
Eastern Dutchess County
March 28-29
The arrival of spring in the Hudson Valley is a magical time for farmers in the region. That’s why the Harlem Valley Farm & Food Alliance takes the opportunity to spotlight local farmers with cheese sampling, milking demonstrations, calf feedings, and more across the Eastern Dutchess County area. Visit the organizations website for a list of events and participating farms.
Look no further for the coolest attractions and activities in Greene County during the month.
Agroforestry Resource Center, Acra
March 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Savor every last drop of syrupy goodness during this maple weekend in Greene County. Attendees can learn how maple syrup journeys from tree to bottle before sampling the final product atop pancakes and in sweet local treats.
Windham Mountain, Windham
March 21, 12-5 p.m.
Three cheers for the return of spring in the Hudson Valley! In ode to the arrival of sunshine and warmer weather, Windham welcomes locals to watch as skimmers fly through the air while DJ tunes keep feet tapping. Registration goes down for 9-11 a.m. for anyone who’s daring enough to try and make it across the pond.
Orpheum Film & Performing Arts Center, Tannersville
March 28, 7:30 p.m.
This is not your Disney-fied Sleeping Beauty. Instead, it’s an onstage spectacle by the Russian National Ballet based upon Charles Perrault’s 1697 fairytale. While the show is a wonder in itself, the elegant choreography and intricate costumes need to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Check out Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana’s selections for the best things to do this month.
Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain
March 6, 7-10 p.m.
It might technically still be winter but Bear Mountain Inn’s vegan cook-out will have locals reminiscing about summer days in the Hudson Valley. Swing by for passed hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, and sweet vegan desserts.
Finding Home Farms, Middletown
March 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Maple is the name of the game at OCNY’s sappy celebration. After touring the maple sugar house, attendees can stick around for maple-themed food and drinks, live music from local acts, and activities for little maple syrup lovers.
Downtown Port Jervis
March 8, 3-5 p.m.
This year, Port Jervis takes the “green” of St. Patrick’s Day to heart with a town-wide parade complete with 25 bagpipers. The march winds its way from Pike Plaza all the way to the Eric Depot, so sneakers are highly recommended.
Orange County Government Center, Goshen
March 15, 2-4 p.m.
As one of the largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Hudson Valley, the Orange County march honors Irish heritage all day. After a mass and brunch in Middletown, the to-do heads to the Orange County Government Center for step-off at 2 p.m.
Orange County Fair Speedway, Middletown
March 21-22, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Engines will rev, rubber will burn, and auto lovers will be over the moon during Middletown’s motor-centric show. The to-do features all kinds of race cars as they compete for best in show. For guests, a pit crew challenge, tire changing contest, Ms. OCFS pageant, and Little Miss OCFS pageant keep everyone entertained throughout the two days.
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.
Torne Valley Vineyards, Hillburn
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Looking for a new Hudson Valley winery to try? Head to Torne Valley Vineyards during any weekend in March to sample the wines (or craft beer, for anyone who has a hankering) and grab a bit to eat at the onsite café. Live music kicks off at 1 p.m.
Rockland Community College Fieldhouse, Suffern
March 8, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mark your calendars, families! This free happening showcases hundreds of vendors with hands-on activities and demonstrations to keep everyone engaged. Little ones will love crafting and face painting, while parents will relish the chance to kick back – kind of – and let the kids do their thing.
Elmwood Playhouse, Nyack
March 13-15, 20-22, 27-29
For theater-goers in the Hudson Valley, Elmwood Playhouse’s March show is a must. The dramatic tale follows the story of corrupt junk dealer Harry Brock as he journeys to Washington D.C. with his chorus girl mistress. What happens next is a soap-worthy special of romance, jealousy, and more than a few plot twists.
Downtown Pearl River
March 22, 1:30 p.m.
Now in its 58th year, Rockland County’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade departs from the Pfizer parking lot at 1:30 p.m. sharp. From there, it twists and turns all the way to the Pearl River Post Office in ode to the Irish heritage and values of the region.
Read up on Ulster County Tourism’s event highlights for March.
Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz
March 1, 2 p.m.
Designed with little ones in mind, the Samuel Dorsky Museum invites families to engage with its Totally Dedicated: Leonard Contino, 1940-2016 exhibit. Afterward, stick around town for a cozy cup of coffee or lunch in the community.
Kingston
Throughout March
With a full month of programming, Kingston’s Women’s History Month festivities extend through the city and feature everything from panels and readings to receptions and talks. Visit the program’s Facebook page for the full rundown of happenings, which include a talk on farming while black by Soul Fire Farm’s Leah Penniman and a free presentation on author Zora Neale Hurston.
Kingston
March 15, 11:30 a.m.
The luck o’ the Irish is strong as can be during Kingston’s St. Patrick’s Day march. Arrive early for the lineup at 11:30 a.m., then get ready to step off and stroll through town at 1 p.m. Just before it, the Shamrock Run is on deck for anyone who wants to go the extra mile – literally – prior to the parade.
The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge
March 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
March might signify the arrival of spring, but, in the Hudson Valley, it’s all about maple syrup season. At The Ashokan Center, syrup takes center-stage with all-day pancakes (gluten-free varieties available), tree tapping and sugar-making demonstrations, and guided tours of the grounds. Admission is $5, and entry is free for children 12 and under.
Murphy Midtown Center, Kingston
March 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Train enthusiasts of all ages will be awestruck during the largest model train and hobby show in Ulster County. Expect locomotive layouts, dealer tables, and trains of all sorts throughout the center, along with food and raffles for attendees. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under.
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