There are tons of exciting events taking place this summer in the Hudson Valley have the added benefit of being reachable by train. From craft beer festivals to art exhibits (and more), you can easily take a train via the Metro North or Amtrak to reach these events in no time.
To help plan a train trip through the Hudson Valley, there’s a new, interactive Hudson River Train Tour mobile app, recently developed by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, in partnership with the National Park Service. The app provides rail travelers several tools to enhance their excursions, including real-time mapping services, audio guides, and themed trip information on hundreds of tourism sites. These events are listed geographically, heading northward from New York City to Albany.
Hudson Valley Events You Can Get to By Train This Summer
Event: Yonkers Riverfest
Station: Yonkers
The 26th Annual Yonkers Riverfest, one of the largest events in Westchester County, will take place September 15, rain or shine. The free festival will include music entertainment, arts, crafts, food, exhibits, children’s activities, and much more. Events take place along Main Street and Buena Vista Avenue, where the Yonkers Train Station is located.
Event: Hudson Valley Exposition
Station: Peekskill
The Hudson Valley Exposition takes place on August 4, with many events right near the train station. The festival includes a Kidz Zone where children can create art, learn about science, interact with live animals and more. There will also be music, food, drinks and craft beer, and a wellness and technology area.
Event: Hudson River Craft Beer Festival
Station: Beacon
Spend the day on the Beacon riverfront for the Hudson River Craft Beer Festival, September 15. For its 6th year, the festival will bring together beer lovers from all around the area to Riverfront Park, next to the Beacon train station. There will be over 150 releases from some of America’s best breweries to be sampled. General admission and VIP tickets are now available.
Check IPA beers at 52 Brews
Event: The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
Station: Cold Spring
The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is back for another year of shows at the Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison. This year, the productions will include Richard II, The Taming of the Shrew, The Heart of Robin Hood, The Sea-Maids Music and Rip Van Winkle. Shows will take place from July to the beginning of September. HVSF will offer a free round-trip shuttle from the Cold Spring Train Station to the Theater Tent every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this season.
Event: 4th of July Fireworks
Station: Poughkeepsie
Fireworks are even more spectacular over the water. Join the City of Poughkeepsie and the Walkway Over the Hudson for their 4th of July celebration. The park, a 15-minute walk from the station, will open at 7:00 pm. The fireworks display overlooking the Hudson River will begin between 9:00 – 9:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online at $12.50 for adults, $10.00 for Walkway Members, Veterans and Seniors and free for children under 10.
Event: The Dutchess County Fair
Station: Rhinecliff
The Dutchess County Fair, the second largest county fair in New York, will take place this year August 21-26. With over 147 acres of land for farm animals and exhibitions, the grounds become an entertainment destination for all. From the moment you walk in there are free shows and attractions to enjoy. Tickets can also be purchased for the Grandstand Concert Series including The Wallflowers, Chris Lane and Kip Moore.
Event: Basilica Soundscape
Station: Hudson
Basilica Soundscape, September 14-16, is a weekend of art, culture and music held in historic factory building down the street from the Amtrak station. Enjoy live performances by Efrim Menuck, Grouper, Haxan Cloak x Nick Zinner, Insect Ark, Jungil Hong and many more. There will also be conceptual performances, author readings, local vendors and artisans, collaborations and activities throughout the weekend.
Event: Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival
Station: Albany-Rensselaer
The Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival on September 8 takes place on Jennings Landing at the Corning Preserve, just a 2.5-mile drive from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station. This year, the free event features a range of acclaimed local and up and coming artists, vendors, and great food and beverages.
Part travel guide, part audio tour, the free Hudson Valley Train Tour app is available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play, or via Hudsonrivervalley.com/app
