Summertime is a season that’s meant to be savored, and there’s no better place to do so than in the picturesque Hudson Valley. While there are some tried-and-trues, such strolling the region’s winding riverside roads, visiting charming farmers markets and annual festivals or finding the perfect ice cream cone, there are also some unique experiences to add to your Hudson Valley bucket list this summer. Check out some of our favorites:
Nyack’s Famous Street Fair
July 14, 2019, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nyack, New York
There is something for everyone at Nyack’s Famous Street Fair, which returns on July 14 to picturesque Main Street, Broadway and Cedar Street in downtown Nyack. A proud venue for over 300 vendors from several states, the fair offers quality handmade arts and crafts, antiques, retail items, collectibles and home décor. To top it off, delicious festival foods will be available along with Fair Specials from Nyack’s popular restaurants and outdoor cafes. Musician Ritchie G will perform live, and children will be entertained at the Kid’s Zone, featuring a variety of inflatables. This free event will be held rain or shine. For information about the street fair, go to www.pjspromotions.com or call 201-666-1340.
Photo credit: Robyn Silverstein
Jazz in the Garden at the Edward Hopper House
Thursday evenings, July – August 2019
82 North Broadway, Nyack, New York
Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and groove to some great music as Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center presents Jazz in the Garden every Thursday from July 11 to Aug, 15, at 7:30-9:30 p.m. The lineup includes Scott Reeves, Mayra Caseles & Cocomamas, Don Falzone Quartet, Adam Kolker & Scott Wendholt Quartet, Judi Silvano & the Zephyr Band and a celebration of Dick Voigt. A $5 entrance donation will support preservation of the House & Garden, which focuses on the life and work of iconic 20th century American artist Edward Hopper. Refreshments are available for purchase prior to the concert and during intermission. If it rains, the event will be held at Grace Church, 130 First Ave, Nyack. The center also offers its Hop Into Art ongoing family art workshops on weekends. For more information, visit www.edwardhopperhouse.org.
Bastille Day in Piermont
July 13, 2019
Piermont, New York
The charming village of Piermont will host its annual Bastille Day celebration, July 13, promising guests a fun-filled day of French culture, costumes and even a reenactment of the storming of the Bastille, which kicked off the French Revolution on July 14, 879 leading to the country’s independence. The celebration will feature French history as well as history of the town presented by Piermont’s Historical Society. French flags will flap along Piermont Avenue where restaurants and shops will have outdoor seating and offer traditional French, Irish and American cuisine. Artists and vendors will line the street selling French-themed items and live music will play throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to wear period clothing and to not lose their heads — there will be a guillotine on display, albeit with a wooden blade. Vive le 14 de juillet! Long live the 14th of July!”
West Point Band and Fireworks Display
July 6, 2019, 7:30 p.m. (Rain date July 7)
Trophy Point Amphitheater, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
There’s no better way to celebrate America’s independence than with the U.S. Army’s oldest band. The West Point Band presents its annual Independence Day Celebration, a 90-minute patriotic program capped off by a spectacular fireworks salute over the Hudson River, as part of its 2019 Music Under the Stars summer concert series. Grab a blanket, bring a picnic and enjoy world-class music at West Point’s majestic Trophy Point Amphitheater overlooking the waters that George Washington called “the key to the continent.” Audiences are welcome to visit the beautiful and historic grounds of the United States Military Academy and enjoy scenic Hudson River views. Best of all, the concerts are free and open to everyone. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will move to July 7 at 7:30 p.m. For concert information, cancellations and updates, call 845-938-2617 or visit www.westpointband.com.
Orange County Fair
July 18-28, 2019
Middletown, New York
For over 100 years, the Orange County Fair has entertained families in the Hudson Valley and beyond. The 179th annual Orange County Fair, July 18-28, will feature amusement rides, concerts, games, petting zoo, animal shows, vendors, Friday night fireworks, favorite fair food, antique fire truck display and amazing acts, such as Animal Planet’s Gator Boys Road Show and Knights of Valor Extreme Jousting Show, all included with admission The fairgrounds are also home to the Orange County Fair Speedway, the oldest continuously operating dirt track in the United States, where stock car races, demolition derbies and monster truck shows are held during the summer months. Fair admission is $10 for adults, $7 for ages 65 and older, $7 for ages 7-12 and free for ages 6 and younger. For more information, visit www.orangecountyfair.com or call 845-343-4826.
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