FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN ULSTER COUNTY

We are frequently asked, “When is the best time to go to the Catskills?”

We’re glad you asked!

Late summer and fall are perfect times to experience life in the Catskills of Ulster County. It’s still gorgeous for outdoor fun and prime-time festival season too. With cool evenings and sunny days, it does not get much better than an upstate adventure during the early fall season. From county fairs to live music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acts, there is something for everyone during festival season in Ulster County. You can have epic adventures on Catskill Mountain trails, rivers and lakes and then experience at any or all of these events below.

AUGUST 1-4

ULSTER COUNTY FAIR

(NEW PALTZ, NY)

8/1 from 10:00 am–10:00 pm, 8/2 & 8/3 10:00 am–11:00 pm, 8/4 from 10:00 am–8:00 pm. $20. Feel all the nostalgia at the Ulster County Fair! From fun rides and games to delicious fair foods, find it all! Don’t miss out! ulstercountyfair.com

AUGUST 10

ELLENVILLE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL (ELLENVILLE, NY)

9:00 am–4:00 pm. Free.

A wide variety of vendors, live music all day long, a blueberry muffin contest (amateurs only), a 50/50 raffle, and so much more! Stay tuned for more information! Come check it out for yourself! ewcoc.com/blueberry-festival

AUGUST 11

LET’S SING TAYLOR— A LIVE BAND EXPERIENCE

(WOODSTOCK, NY)

Doors open at 7:00 pm and showtime is at 8:00 pm. $39-$55. The ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift with the most faithful and lively covers of her expansive and sacred catalog! Taking the country by storm, we’re bringing the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. Sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor-inspired attire! 21+. Valid photo ID is required to access the venue. bearsvilletheater.com/event/ lets-sing-taylor-a-live-band-experience

AUGUST 17

5TH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL (SAUGERTIES, NY)

12:00-7:00 pm. Free.

Get ready to experience the vibrant hues, infectious rhythms, and rich flavors of the Caribbean as the 5th Annual Caribbean Carnival returns to the Hudson Valley in August! Mark your calendars for a day filled with celebration, learning, and togetherness as the community comes alive with the spirit of Caribbean culture. seasonedgives.org/caribbean-carnival

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 2

WOODSTOCK-NEW PALTZ ART AND CRAFTS FAIR (NEW PALTZ, NY)

8/31 and 9/1 from 10:00 am–5:30 pm 9/2 from 10:00 am–4:00 pm.

Children 12 & under are free, seniors at $10, and adults $12. The Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair has evolved into a highly successful event, voted one of the top art and craft shows in America by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Over the years, the fair has attracted the finest artists and craftspeople from across the country. Stop by and take a look at all the wonderful goods this fair has to offer! quailhollow.com

SEPTEMBER 1

HOOLEY ON THE HUDSON (KINGSTON, NY)

11:30 am–9:00 pm. Free.

Bring your friends and family to the beautiful waterfront at the T.R. Gallo Memorial Park for a day of celebrating Irish culture! Food and craft vendors, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and more! Make sure to bring your lawn chairs! ulsteraoh.com/hooley-on-the-hudson.html

SEPTEMBER 21

THE ZOMBIES—

BRITISH PSYCHEDELIC ROCK PIONEERS (WOODSTOCK, NY)

Doors open at 7:00 pm and showtime is at 8:00 pm. $75-$95. Inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame in 2019, The Zombies are an iconic British rock band! With hits like Time Of The Season, She’s Not There, and Spooky Little Girl Like You – you’re not going to want to miss them in concert! Buy tickets and jam out with them at Bearsville Theatre! 21+. A valid photo ID is required to access the venue. bearsvilletheater.com/event/the-zombies

SEPTEMBER 28-29

HUDSON VALLEY GARLIC FESTIVAL (SAUGERTIES, NY)

10:00 am–6:00 pm September 28

10:00 am–5:00 pm September 29

Children 12 & under are free, seniors are $8, and adults are $10.

In the tradition in which it was born, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival continues to be a fun celebration of the harvest of what garlic aficionados lovingly refer to as the “Stinking Rose”. hvgf.org

OCTOBER 11-13

FALL FIELD & SUPPLY MRKT (KINGSTON, NY)

10:00 am–6:00 pm

Field + Supply MRKTs are modern interpretations of traditional arts and crafts fairs. The events showcase an elevated selection of carefully curated makers highlighting goods, old and new, from a variety of studios and workshops. Our Spring & Fall MRKTs feature over 275 vendors, live music, local eats, and other unique experiences. fieldandsupply.com/pages/f-s-mrkts

OCTOBER 11-13

O+ FESTIVAL (KINGSTON, NY)

The O+ Festival is an annual three-day celebration of art, music, and wellness in Kingston, NY, featuring an eclectic music lineup, visual and public art performances and activations, and community wellness events. opositivefestival.org

OCTOBER 13

ULSTER COUNTY ITALIAN FESTIVAL (KINGSTON, NY)

11:00 am–7:00 pm. Free

Spend the day celebrating Italian culture and embracing the feeling of togetherness! Indulge in delicious foods and beverages, enjoy live music, and so much more! ucitalianamericanfoundation.org/events/festival

These are just a few of the great events in Ulster County in the late summer and autumn. For a complete lineup of all events and to plan your trip, go to VisitUlsterCountyNY.com