Top 10 Events in May

Date Published: April 15, 2021

Our monthly list of Top 10 Events has been altered to ensure everyone can experience Dutchess’ exciting happenings – both virtual and in-person (while maintaining social distancing to keep everyone safe)!

1. Kentucky Derby Dinner at Revel 32 Culinary

Saturday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. at Revel 32

Join Revel 32 and celebrity Chef David Burke for a unique and playful dinner celebrating the first Saturday in May is better known as the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”, the “Run for the Roses'' or the Kentucky Derby! But you don’t have to have the slightest interest in horse racing to enjoy the evening. Expect a delectable dinner, stunning atmosphere, craft cocktails, and delightful entertainment by East Coast Jazz Trio with styles ranging from swing to blues to be-bop and bossa. For more information, click here. 

2. Apple Blossom Festival

Saturday, May 1 -2 & 8-9 at Barton Orchards 

Spring is here and the blooming trees are a sight to be seen! Join Barton Orchards for two consecutive weekends to admire their beautiful display of apple blossoms during their Apple Blossom Festival. Enjoy live music, entertainment, food, cider from their taproom, a petting zoo, and more! Stay tuned for more details. 

3. BAU May Exhibits Opening Reception 

Saturday, May 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Beacon Artist Union

Join BAU Gallery, a fine art gallery and project space aimed at giving a platform for members to experiment, grow, and gain exposure, for their May Exhibit Opening Reception. View Lukas Milanak’s first interactive installation “Sandbox” which presents viewers with the opportunity to experiment with the bioelectric properties of plants. In stark contrast to these times, “Sandbox” was inspired by memories of imaginary worlds, unguarded convictions, and the thrill of unearthing something new. Also, view John De Marco as he continues his investigation of uncertainty and hidden meaning through abstracted landscapes. In “Schism”, De Marco explores this space by juxtaposing and merging geometric designs with his abstracted landscapes. Exhibits will run through June 6. For more information, click here. 

4. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week

Monday, May 10 to Sunday, May 23 at participating Dutchess Restaurants

With warmer weather ahead, the return of prix fixe meals at some of the top restaurants in Dutchess County during Restaurant Week is approaching! From Monday, May 10 all the way through Sunday, May 23 you can snag a three-course prix fixe lunch and/or dinner at each participating dining establishment.  This biannual event offers a chance to taste signature and specialty dishes, of some of our bountiful local restaurants like Trattoria Locanda, Cafe Amarcord, and Terrapin. For more information click here. 

5. Hudson Valley Renegades Home Opener

Tuesday, May 11 at 7:05 p.m. at Dutchess Stadium 

The Hudson Valley Renegades are back! Celebrate their return to the Diamond as a Yankee High-A Affiliate with fellow fans and family at the Dutch for the Home Opener on May 11. The commencement of the home portion of their season will be played against old foe Aberdeen IronBirds. All seats will be mindful of social distancing, group tickets are available. For tickets and more information, click here. 

6. Facebook Premier “The Daughters of Yalta”

Wednesday, May 12 at 2:00 p.m. on Facebook, Instagram Live, and Youtube

Learn more about the Roosevelt family with Author Catherine Grace Katz as she discusses her book "The Daughters of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War" with FDR Library Director Paul Sparrow. This free virtual event will be available on Facebook Premiere, Youtube, and IGTV.  You can also check out their library of past lectures. For more information, click here.

7. Llamaste Yoga and Lavender Loofahs at the Farm

Thursday, May 13, 15, 27, 29 at Clover Brooke Farm

Join a fun session of Yoga, alongside Clover Brooke Farm's friendly Llamas and alpacas, with Yoga instructor Virginia Bocchicchio! Followed by a hands-on class creating your own Lavender Loofah by Andrea Parent-Tibbetts. All levels welcome! Blended with this is a 'one of a kind' Lavender Experience, creating your very own loofah Taking Llama and/or Alpaca Selfies is encouraged! Arrive a bit early or stay after class and browse their farm store selling an array of soaps, yarns, and knitted goods. For more information, click here.

8. Kaatsbaan Spring Festival

May 20 - May 23 and May 27 -30 at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park

Don’t miss the dynamic program of 

leading artists from the worlds of dance, music, poetry, sculpture, and the culinary arts for Kaatsbaan Cultural Park’s inaugural Spring Festival! Taking place during the last two weekends in May throughout Kaatsbaan’s lush 153-acre campus in Tivoli, the festival will feature 16 presentations on two outdoor stages. For more information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Erin Baiano

9. Barn Star’s Spring Antiques at Rhinebeck

Saturday, May 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Dutchess County Fairgrounds

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds will once again host this iconic event in the three, spacious and well-ventilated buildings! What you’ll find at the show spans not only centuries but cultures as well from Oriental rugs to American and Continental furniture, folk art and textiles, Native American jewelry and artifacts, and much more. After visiting the show, take time to visit Historic Rhinebeck Village. For more information, click here.

10. Educational Bird Walk

Friday, May 28 at 8:00 a.m. at Wethersfield Estate & Garden 

Take a stroll through the beautiful 1,000 acres of beautiful rolling hills of Wethersfield Estate & Garden this spring! Join Alan Peterson, the Educational Chair of the Waterman Bird Club, as he leads a bird walk through the trails at the estate. Reservations are required and space is limited.  Guided garden tours start June 4. For more information, click here.