Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
September 4–6 at Tymor Park
More than 120 balloon flights are scheduled across five mass ascensions at the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival. Early risers can watch dawn launches and practice sunrise yoga, while evening crowds get balloon illuminations and fireworks. Tethered and full-flight rides are available, alongside live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, children’s activities, and a craft beer and wine tent. All balloon activity depends on wind and weather. Advance online tickets only; morning admission $13.95, evenings $26.95.
Balloonfesthv.org
“The Trial”
September 5, 12, 19, and 26 at Savage Wonder in Beacon
Savage Wonder returns Franz Kafka’s unfinished bureaucratic nightmare to its comic roots with an adaptation translated and directed by Christopher Paul Meyer. Five actors cycle through 25 roles as Josef K. confronts a court that refuses to name his crime or provide answers. Staged in the company’s “flash-to-bang” style, the cast rehearses by day and performs that night, on book and without props or costumes. The $50 ticket includes dinner, cocktails, and live music. 7pm.
Savagewonder.org
Nerd Nite Hudson Valley: Back to School
September 11 at Unicorn Bar in Kingston
Beacon-based Nerd Nite Hudson Valley crosses the river for its Kingston debut, bringing three lively illustrated lectures to Unicorn Bar. Hanna McCaslin explores queer ecology; Cara Marta Messina examines how fanfiction can help audiences imagine better worlds; and Nerd Nite NYC host Ben Taylor considers the social lives of insect queens. Music, prizes, refreshments, and suitably brainy company complete the back-to-school edition. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors 7pm; talks 7:30pm.
Hudsonvalley.nerdnite.com
Garden Conservancy Open Days
September 12 at gardens across Ulster County
The Garden Conservancy and Hortus Arboretum invite visitors inside two private Olivebridge landscapes. Dinsmore Garden pairs formal hedges, paths, and an arbor with lush perennial plantings, a Chinese pagoda, and dry-stone creek; Tongore Acres balances free-seeding meadows with orderly parterres. Two ticketed “Digging Deeper” programs explore rewilding with dahlias in Highland and native plant succession in Stone Ridge. Self-guided garden admission is $10 or $5 for members; children 12 and under enter free. 10am–4pm.
Gardenconservancy.org/opendays
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
September 12–13 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds
The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival marks its 25th anniversary with more than 300 vendors filling the Rhinebeck fairgrounds. Sample pours from New York wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries; graze through a food-truck corral; and browse gourmet goods and artisan wares. The weekend also brings live music and demonstrations by chefs and mixologists. Tasting tickets start at $50 at the gate; designated-driver admission is $10. Saturday 11am–6pm; Sunday 11am–5pm.
Hudsonvalleywinefest.com
“Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker”
September 15–20 and 25–26 on Bannerman Island
Duane Boutte plays 10 characters in Jim Helsinger’s one-man adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic. Sent to Castle Dracula on business, Jonathan Harker becomes the Count’s prisoner, escapes, and joins Van Helsing in a hunt for the undead monster. Christian Conn directs the show on Bannerman Island, where castle ruins and nightfall supply an eerie backdrop. Tickets include a round-trip cruise from Beacon and an island tour or lecture. Cruises depart at 6pm and 7pm.
Bannermancastle.org
The Democracy Plays
September 17–20 at Rosendale Theatre
Five Hudson Valley playwrights examine government from national politics to the school board in this festival of 10- to 12-minute plays. Works by Darrah Cloud, David Simpatico, Danielle Frimer, Ivy Meehan, and Brian Petti bring humor and insight to the ways public policy enters private life. Ann Citron directs the evening, with music by Marta Waterman. The League of Women Voters staffs a voter-registration table in the lobby. 7:30pm Thursday–Saturday; 2pm Sunday.
Rosendaletheatre.org
“Paper Dolls: A Midnight Ballet“
September 18 at Assembly in Kingston
Performance artist Gentle Mothh brings together contemporary dance, burlesque, pole, drag, and storytelling for a “midnight ballet.” Set to the live debut of Mothh’s album Paper Thin, the interdisciplinary production uses sensuality and spectacle to explore autonomy, safety, and the political dimensions of the body. “Paper Dolls: A Midnight Ballet” pairs its stage performances with a postcard advocacy campaign, extending the show’s concerns beyond Assembly’s walls. For ages 21 and over. Doors 7pm; show 8pm.
Assemblykingston.com
Rhinebeck Porchfest
September 19 throughout Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck turns porches, lawns, and sidewalks into neighborhood stages for a free day of music. Local performers spread along Chestnut and Livingston streets with sets ranging from folk and jazz to rock and singer-songwriter fare. Audiences can wander between performances, stop at food vendors, and encounter the village as one sprawling open-air venue. The family-friendly festival benefits Starr Library and unfolds rain or shine. Check the website for the final lineup, schedule, and map. 11am–6pm.
Rbkporchfest.com
Art Walk Kingston
September 19–20 throughout Kingston
More than 150 artists open their studios and exhibit at over 50 locations for the 11th annual Art Walk Kingston. Free maps guide visitors through Uptown, Midtown, and the Rondout, with stops spanning galleries, museums, shops, and working studios. Highlights include ceramics by Scott Zimmer, Aurelie Hug’s hand-embroidered textiles, Sharon Frey’s portraiture, and historical objects at the Reher Center. Saturday-only events include a steamroller print demonstration and live music from M’Bollo with painter Nancy Ostrovsky. Noon–5pm.
Artwalkkingston.com
Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Weekend
September 25–26 at Stone Ridge Orchard
Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Weekend expands its signature runway show into a two-day celebration of circular style at Stone Ridge Orchard. Friday’s Organic Runway IV presents regional designers whose garments are locally produced from at least 90 percent repurposed materials, turning the working apple orchard into a catwalk. Saturday’s inaugural Slow Fashion Fair features textile demonstrations, interactive workshops, vendors, music, clothing swaps, mending materials, fiber crafts, and apples. Friday 4–8pm; Saturday 11am–5pm.
Hvsfw.org
Greater Mysteries
September 25–26 at Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale
Artist and composer Kelli Scarr returns to the Widow Jane Mine with an immersive gathering shaped by music, myth, storytelling, ritual, and communal participation. Songs from Scarr’s 2025 album Greater Mysteries become a living score inside the cave’s natural acoustics, drawing on ancient traditions of transformation. Interdisciplinary artist Koyoltzintli joins Scarr, mythologist Catherine Svehla, ritualist Mary Evelyn Pritchard, and an ensemble of musicians and facilitators. Tiered registration is available, with free admission for Hudson Valley farmers. 6pm.
Greatermysteries.com
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
September 26–27 at Cantine Field in Saugerties
The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival proves that one pungent bulb can sustain a weekend. Garlic farmers, chefs, food vendors, and artisans take over Saugerties’ Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex with braids, bulbs, spreads, sauces, and garlicky dishes ranging from sensible to gloriously excessive. Chef demonstrations, lectures, live music, craft vendors, and children’s activities round out the festivities. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties, proceeds support local charities. $10 advance, $15 gate. Saturday 10am–6pm; Sunday 10am–5pm.
Hvgf.org
“Is My Black Still Beautiful?”
September 26–27 at Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison
Violinist and composer Gwen Laster transforms her Detroit upbringing into a meditation on colorism, shame, identity, and self-acceptance. Inspired by Laster’s memoir, Is My Black Still Beautiful? Reflections of a Childhood in Detroit combines storytelling, original live music, dance, and projected visuals, framing one woman’s experience within a larger Black hero’s journey. The multimedia work receives a developmental staged reading at Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison. Times and prices vary.
Depottheater.org
