(updated June 2023)
It’s about soaking up all the sunshine that summer can offer! Although there are dozens of amazing and fun activities, we have picked some of our favorites; whittling it down to 6 things to do in summer in the Hudson Valley. Included are outdoor concerts, food festivals, county fairs, and movies under the stars.
Doesn’t it make you wish you were a kid again and had the whole summer to spend as you please? Do the next best thing; plan a getaway and check out a couple of these great activities. Book your room now, and get packing. Take a day trip, visit a fair or festival, go to a drive-in, and embrace the scenic beauty all around. While the list is long, summer is always way too short.
Chester NY Concert Series
Jarvis Boone Memorial Amphitheater, 12 Bank St, Chester NY
Every Tuesday night at 7pm — June 13 – September 5, 2023
Located in an outdoor amphitheater named for a descendent of Daniel Boone, the Chester NY Concert Series is back! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy live music every week, varying from country to a Linda Rondstadt tribute to brass. Check the schedule, there are a couple of additional Saturday night concerts as well!
Upstate Art Weekend
Multiple locations including Beacon, Newburgh, and Garrison
July 21 – 24, 2023
This year the Upstate Art Weekend will feature over 145 participants in multiple locations along with 50 open studios. Download the map, plan a fun tour, and appreciate the variety of artwork created by local artists. During the weekend spend extra time with your favorite artists.
Ulster County Fair
249 Libertyville Rd, New Paltz NY
August 1 – 6, 2023
Nothing says summer like a visit to a traditional county fair, and the Ulster County Fair has it all! Live music, all that great fair food, racing pigs, tractor pulls, carnival rides, a rodeo, and so much more! They have been doing it since 1886, so they know how to do it right!
Putnam County Wine and Food Festival
Mayor’s Park, 61 Fair St, Cold Spring NY
August 5 – 6, 2023
Celebrating its 11th year, the Putnam County Wine and Food Festival highlights the area’s agri-business. Expect to see arts and crafts, food vendors, cooking and mixologist demonstrations, children’s activities, and live music. There will be samples available from local wineries, hard ciders, and distilleries.
Movies under the Stars
Warwick Drive-In Theater, 5 Warwick Tpk, Warwick NY; Daily showings
Bannerman Castle, dock at 2 Red Flynn Dr, Beacon NY; Friday night showings
If summertime to you means watching a movie under the stars, we have two options. Take a trip down memory lane and watch a movie under the stars at the Warwick Drive-In Theater. Offering three screens, you can take your pick from six first-run movies each night. Whether you drive in for a night of family fun, a hangout with friends, or a romantic date, this is a great summer evening activity!
For a different type of adventure, take a cruise to Bannerman Island and watch a movie in the castle. Don’t worry, they have a concession stand with water, drinks, snacks, candy, and popcorn to complete the experience.
West Point Music Under the Stars
West Point’s Trophy Point Amphitheater
117-119 Washington Rd, West Point NY
Saturdays, 7:30pm June – August
The West Point Band is performing every Saturday night during the summer. Thrill to the sound of the active-duty soldiers playing a wide variety of musical genres. Bring a blanket, or chairs, and a picnic, and take in the view of the Hudson that George Washington designated, “the key to the continent.” The West Point Music Under the Stars is free!
Make sure you read the information regarding entrance to West Point before setting out. Give yourself some extra time, and walk around the iconic grounds.
Come and make some memories with a summer vacation to the Hudson Valley. If you need more inspiration than our 6 things to do in summer in the Hudson Valley, just ask! We would be happy to customize the perfect summer getaway for you. Our bed and breakfast in Salisbury Mills is conveniently located near many area attractions, yet is still tucked away for a relaxing and private getaway. Book direct today!
