Celebrate the bounty of the Hudson Valley with a spin on a beloved autumn tradition as Handcrafted Octoberfest: A Family Harvest Celebration returns to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3.
Quail Hollow Events—the team that has brought us the Woodstock-New Paltz Arts and Crafts Fairs for 40 years—first reimagined Octoberfest into an art and crafts-focused festival in 2019, curating an open-air event full of wares from juried fine artists and craftspeople; food, wine, and spirits; and plenty of activities for family and friends to enjoy.
“Handcrafted Octoberfest champions the craft, training, and story behind each object and attraction,” says Ola Rubinstein, director of Quail Hollow Events. “Featuring works of art and craft, but also gourmet specialty foods, local wine and spirits and agricultural marvels, this fest celebrates the idea of small-batch and hand-spun, with lots of harvest fun for all ages on the side.”
Enjoy a draft horse carriage ride around the fairgrounds before exploring handmade goods in more than 10 media categories, from ceramics to furniture, fiber art, jewelry, and more, then prepare for diverse autumnal excitement.
Nationally renowned fine-art pumpkin carver Hugh McMahon will demonstrate his niche craft, and contenders for the Hudson Valley’s largest pumpkin (likely topping 1,500 pounds) will weigh in on Sunday. For those with kids in tow, there’s a petting zoo, lawn games, and a drop-off tent for making crafts of their own.
And no Octoberfest would be complete without a menu of harvest-themed dishes and drinks to indulge in, so bring an appetite.Vendors will showcase German favorites such as bratwurst with sauerkraut and schnitzel; sweet autumn treats like pumpkin ice cream; and of course, a selection of beer and wine. On Sunday, celebrate the event’s Alpine heritage in style with tunes from Fritz’s Polka Band and a yodeling competition.
Handcrafted Octoberfest at Rhinebeck will take place at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds from 10am to 6pm, Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are available for purchase here.
