This fall, Oktoberfest gets an artful Hudson Valley makeover. Handcrafted Octoberfest at Rhinebeck returns to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck October 10 and 11, bringing together more than 100 juried makers, regional food and drink, live music, demonstrations, and family activities for a full weekend devoted to the pleasures of the season. This year’s festival has moved to a new spot on the calendar, bringing its celebration of craft and the harvest to the October holiday weekend.
Launched in 2019 by Quail Hollow Events, Handcrafted Octoberfest combines the convivial atmosphere of a traditional Oktoberfest with the creative range of a juried craft show. Exhibitors working across 10 media categories will fill the fairgrounds with fine art and functional pieces, including jewelry, ceramics, fiber, leatherwork, woodworking, and more. The lineup offers visitors a chance to meet the makers, learn about their processes, and bring home objects made by hand—not pulled from a warehouse shelf.
The festival’s focus extends beyond the craft booths. Regional beers, wines, and spirits join specialty foods and other harvest-season fare, with a beer garden and entertainment tent providing a place to settle in between rounds of shopping. All tickets include admission on both days, giving visitors plenty of time to browse the sprawling show, catch a performance, and return for a second look at anything that caught their eye.
Live music runs throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Blue Hill takes the stage with a repertoire spanning more than 50 years of rock, blues, country, and jazz. The Hudson Valley band brings together longtime friends and veteran musicians for a mix of classics, recent songs, and deep cuts that seldom make it onto the average cover band’s set list.
Sunday begins with Hudson Valley singer-songwriter Eric Erickson, performing from 10am to noon. Later, Coconut Telegraph turns the fairgrounds tropical with a tribute to Jimmy Buffett and the breezy, escapist songs that made him an American favorite.
Making things is also part of the experience. Festivalgoers can watch demonstrations by woodworkers, fiber spinners, leathersmiths, and jewelers, while master pumpkin carver Hugh McMahon transforms an unwieldy pumpkin into an intricate seasonal relief sculpture. On Sunday afternoon, the festival hosts a giant-pumpkin weigh-off, with one contender expected to tip the scales at nearly 2,000 pounds.
Young visitors can head to the dedicated kids’ craft tent to paint pumpkins, try a seasonal art project, or experiment through open-ended creative play. Parents are welcome to join in or leave children with the activity leaders while they explore the festival. Horse-drawn carriage rides and a petting zoo add to the family-friendly attractions around the fairgrounds.
Handcrafted Octoberfest takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, from 10am to 5pm at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. Tickets, exhibitor listings, menus, and the complete entertainment schedule are available at QuailHollow.com.
