The Last Conspiritors playing Club Helsinki for the Hudson Music Fest.
Sutherland Pond Bird Walk Tim Dormady of the Alan Devoe Bird Club leads this April 7 walk organized by the Columbia Land Conservancy to scout for migrant waterfowl, rough-legged hawks, and osprey around Sutherland Pond at Ooms Conservation Area in Chatham. Wear boots and bring binoculars. The Conservancy sponsors events throughout the year.
Clctrust.org Antique and Classic Bicycle Auction and Swap Meet Pedal over to Copake Auction for this annual two-day tribute—this year it’s April 21 and 22—to all things two-wheeled and people-powered. Even if you’re not in a buying mood, the many rare, unusual, and beautiful vintage bikes on view are worth the trip.
Copakeauction.com
The Chancellor’s Sheep and Wool Showcase The grounds of Clermont State Historic Site are the grand and gorgeous backdrop of this April 21 celebration of historic fiber arts, culture, and crafts. Shearing, spinning, dyeing, knitting and weaving demonstrations, exhibitions of sheep and other wool-bearing animals, artisans, shops, music, and food.
Friendsofclermont.org
Hudson Children’s Book Festival Held at Hudson Junior and Senior High School on May 5, this commendable confluence boasts appearances by over 85 children’s and young adult authors and illustrators, author and illustrator presentations, crafts, workshops, live music—and hundreds of books!
Hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com Hudson Pride Parade and Festival June 15 and 16 are the dates for this year’s Hudson Pride Parade and Festival, a city-wide event for all organized by LGBT-advocacy group the Hudson Pride Foundation. Dance parties, drag performances, and good vibes abound. (On June 17 is the spinoff Hudson Family Pride Day, which offers live music for kids, storytellers, continuous crafts, sidewalk chalk art, and more.)
hudsonpride.com West Lebanon Raceway Looking for a different kind of drag, perhaps? Nearby East Nassau (Rensselaer County) has the roaring Lebanon Valley Dragway (open April through October), but Columbia County boasts West Lebanon Raceway (open April through September), which features sanctioned dirt-track car and kart racing.
Lebanonvalley.com Hudson Music Festival Last year marked the successful debut of this three-day explosion of live music, which sees mostly local Upstate acts gracing indoor and outdoor stages throughout Hudson in the afternoons and evenings. The 2012 schedule is still being booked, and this season’s festival runs August 10-12.
hudsonmusicfest.com Winter Walk on Warren Street Sponsored by the Hudson Opera House, this extremely popular early December happening brings Warren Street to life with holiday lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, street performers, and even live reindeer. Shops and other businesses stay open and offer refreshments, and the Santa Parade officially welcomes the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves.
Hudsonoperahouse.org