Running with Sherman at Oblong Books
November 2
A man and a donkey training and running together, that's something you'd never expect to see in everyday life. Chris McDougall, however crazy it may seem, did just this to help rehabilitate a rescue donkey, Sherman, who he fostered. At his upcoming reading, McDougall will talk about Running with Sherman, and how an injured donkey taught him strength. Ticket sales will partially benefit the Hudson Valley Donkey Park in Ulster.
"The Magic Garden" at Colony
November 3
Who remembers the Chuckle Patch? How about the Story Box? (Sing along: "The stories are here / they're all in here / from Crafty Fox to Goldilocks / the Story Box, the Story Box." "The Magic Garden" aired from 1972-84 on WPIX in New York City, and the show's hosts, Carole and Paula were delightfully musical surrogate parents for a generation of children. Incredibly, Carole and Paula are on tour, celebrating 65 years of friendship. Expect stories, songs, video clips, and special guest appearance by Sherlock, the beloved squirrel puppet in this throw-back show at Colony.
Parasite at Upstate Films
Check for dates and times
Korean director Bong Joon-ho's latest is a more realistic narrative than his last two features, the dystopian class struggle of Snowpiercer (2013) and big-pig flick Okja (2017). Parasite is a satirical thriller with a large helping of dark comedy, exploring how a poor family slowly insinuates themselves in the lives of a rich family. Parasite took home the Palme d'Or at the Cannes earlier this year, the first Korean film to do so.
Deborah Hanlon at Helsinki Hudson
November 7
After the death of her four-year-old brother, then three-year-old Deborah Hanlon embarked on a lifelong journey of discovery of science and self to find proof that life after death exists. An intuitive medium, Hanlon's passion for teaching the living how to recalibrate after loss inspired her to open the Center for Being, Knowing, Doing in Newburgh and to teach workshops on meditation/visualization, intuitive development, mediumship, personal development, and energy awareness. Hanlon returns to Helsinki Hudson for a paranormal evening.
Vegan Thanksgiving Cooking Class
November 16
What if we all skipped the turkey this year? The Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties is hosting a three-hour cooking class with chef Sara Boan, coauthor of Compassionate Cuisine. Dishes on the menu include butternut squash and apple bisque with coconut bacon, savory mushroom and white bean wellington, garlic mashed potatoes with rich vegan gravy, and pumpkin crème brûlée. The class will be followed by a feast and a tour of the grounds, including an introduction to CAS's friendly turkeys.
JB Smoove at Paramount Hudson Valley
November 22JB Smoove is best known as Leon from "Curb Your Enthusiasm," but he's got a long and hilarious list of comedy credits: "Saturday Night Live" writer, featured player on "Everybody Hates Chris," and a star turn as Trucky in the blaxploitation satire Pootie Tang with Chris Rock. Returning to his roots in standup comedy after his Comedy Central special "That's How I Dooz It," he is now touring cross country and performing to sold-out audiences. In the Hudson Valley, Smoove makes his appearance at Paramount.
Basilica Farm & Flea
November 29-December 1
Flea markets aren't a new concept, but the handcrafted creations available at the annual Basilica Farm & Flea Holiday Market are definitely a cut above. Join the thousands who pilgrimage to Hudson to see what the makers are making now, from soap to sofas to spirits.
HV Hullabaloo at Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center
November 23-24
A carefully curated selection of craftspeople selling their work, Hudson Valley Hullabaloo returns to the Andy Murphy Rec Center in Kingston for its seventh year. The Hullabaloo stands out due to its focus on design and product quality in its vendors, rather than fitting a theme or aesthetic, which creates a diverse marketplace. Shop here for high-quality craft direct from local Hudson Valley artisans, such as Bold Version Design Co, Willow Vale Farm, and So Handmade.
Dia:Beacon Hudson Valley Free Day
November 24Hudson Valley residents can skip the $15 admission charge to view Dia's massive collection of conceptual art on the last Sunday of the month, year-round. The eligible counties are: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington, and Westchester). Proof of residence is required. A new exhibition of Barry Le Va's horizontally dispersed sculptures opens on November 9, but we go for Serra's monumental steel sculptures and Heizer's holes in the floor. And maybe some Dan Flavin neon too.
