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With so many fun, family-friendly events on the calendar, August is always an exciting time to visit Dutchess County. Located in the heart of New York’s picturesque Hudson River Valley, Dutchess is the perfect destination for a getaway any time of year, of course, and August has several signature annual attractions that make it especially memorable for adults and kids alike.
Jazz in the Valley (Aug. 18), the Dutchess County Fair (Aug. 20–25), and the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival (Aug. 30–Sept. 1) are all can’t-miss experiences that should be on every Hudson Valley itinerary and bucket list.
However, don’t sleep on the many other great things happening all over Dutchess this August! Here is a list of 10 more guaranteed-to-please excursions you should consider as you try to squeeze as much fun as possible into the final weeks of your summer vacation.
Keep that camera ready! Feel free to share your photos here and tag @DutchessTourism on social media.
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Nothing symbolizes a relaxing summer in the country quite like a field of sunflowers, and August is prime sunflower season in the Hudson Valley. There are several upcoming sunflower-themed attractions in Dutchess County you won’t want to miss.
• Seventh-Annual Sunflower Cutting Season at Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils, Pleasant Valley (Ongoing): Cut your own beautiful sunflowers at this popular annual event, which features between eight and 10 acres of bountiful blooms. Dates and times are subject to change due to weather and flower availability. To stay up to date on sunflower-cutting events, live music shows and other special events at the farm, click here. In the meantime, feel free to check out the HVCPO website and browse their online shop for many sunflower-based products, including gluten-free sunflower muffin mix, hummus made with sunflower oil and all sorts of sunflower-themed jewelry items and T-shirts.
• Sixth-Annual Sunflower Festival at Barton Orchards, Poughquag (Aug 23–25, Aug. 30–Sept. 1): Enjoy a scenic hayride to a rolling five-acre field filled with roughly 100,000 sunflowers of various types. Cut your own sunflowers (bring your own shears if you have them) and enjoy live music, wine and beer served next to the field and a variety of craft vendors. The farm market features an assortment of signature jarred products, produce and local products. The Tap Room will be open with 20 local beers and hard ciders on tap, as well as wine and spirits. The kids will love the fun park — with its giant slide — as well as the petting zoo. The Slip n' Slide will also be open (weather permitting), so bring a towel! Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash, or off the leash in the dog park. Click here to purchase tickets. Can't make it to the orchard? Be sure to stop by the Apple Core year-round farmstand in Poughkeepsie for all your Barton Orchards favorites, like apple cider donuts, maple syrup and all sorts of sweet treats, as well as fresh produce, eggs, meat, dairy and unique jarred products. Special orders are always welcome. Call the farmstand at (845) 471-2879.
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Related: The Dutchess Tourism Farm Finder Ag-Adventure Trail
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 3 and 4, 10 a.m. at the MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
More than 100 exhibitors will be on hand at the two-day festival, which will also feature cosplay contests, gaming, panel discussions and more! Click here to purchase tickets. VIP passes include loads of perks, like Mid-Hudson Comic Con special wearable badges with double-sided artwork, and exclusive prints for the show by Robert Bruno, Kevin Kobasic, Jay Mooers, and Ryan Browne. If time allows, make a weekend out of it! The recently refurbished DoubleTree by Hilton Poughkeepsie is only steps away from the MJN Center and is within walking distance of a variety of fantastic restaurants.
Saturday, Aug. 3, 6 p.m. at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook
Former New York Yankees all-star center fielder Bernie Williams — who is also an extraordinary musician and wine aficionado — returns to Millbrook Vineyards and Winery for his annual concert in the vineyard! Join the four-time World Series champion and acclaimed guitarist, whose unique style of music mixes jazz and rock, along with the tropical sounds of his Puerto Rican heritage. "Bernie's Blend," a unique combination of Cabernet and Merlot with a touch of Zinfandel for spiciness, will be available to taste and to purchase. Food trucks will be on site, and wine will be available by the glass or bottle. Click here to purchase tickets.
Sunday, Aug. 4, 1–7 p.m. at Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
Come and be a part of a colorful celebration of Mexican culture on the shores of the Hudson River. La Guelaguetza brings everyone together for an afternoon of fun which includes traditional Oaxacan dances and costumes, live music, artwork and crafts, kids' activities and, of course, a lot of authentic Oaxacan food! Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico whose customs and cuisine date back hundreds of years to its indigenous inhabitants.
Aug. 9–11 and Aug. 15–18 at The Fisher Center at Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson
The 33rd Bard Music Festival will explore the life and work of Hector Berlioz, a French composer and conductor during the Romantic period of the 19th century among whose most famous works include "Symphonie fantastique." The festival, split over two weekends in August (Aug. 9–11 and 15–18) features a robust schedule of programs and panel discussions. To see the complete schedule and to purchase tickets, click here. Chartered coach transportation from New York City is available for select Music Festival programs; click here for details.
Related: Aug. 21 is Pop-Up Pride Night at the Dutchess County Fair
Sunday, Aug. 11, 12–5 p.m. at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon
Featuring fresh-picked, sweet Hudson Valley corn, the Beacon Sloop Club’s annual Corn Festival is a fun, family-friendly event on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River. Admission is free and all are welcome! Enjoy treats such as chilled watermelon, freshly squeezed lemonade and, of course, lots of delicious corn, boiled to perfection and served with butter. Two solar-powered stages will provide live music throughout the day. Numerous food and craft vendors will be on hand. Environmental non-profits will feature displays of local river history and the environment along with information about their organizations. There will be plenty of free activities for children. The Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, the sloop “Woody Guthrie,” will be taking guests on free sails, weather permitting. Sign up at the Beacon Sloop Club table starting at noon. Click here for more information about the club. Free sails aboard the "Woody Guthrie” are open to the public on weekday evenings. To make reservations, call (845) 527-8671.
Related: Check out all these Farmers Markets in Dutchess County!
Friday through Sunday, Aug. 16–18, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. in the Village of Rhinebeck
Discover hidden treasures, enjoy live music, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the charming Village of Rhinebeck during this popular annual shopping experience. Score amazing deals from local shops and tasty treats from local eateries. Musical performances will be staged each day at the Rhinebeck Bank Plaza. Check out the Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page to see the live music schedule and the growing list of perks and discounts being offered by participating businesses.
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Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6:35 p.m. at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
The Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team, a Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are hosting a first-of-its-kind minor-league baseball event in celebration of a newfound love of the game in the Kingdom of Bhutan (located in the Himalayan Mountains in southern Asia). Baseball is the fastest-growing sport in Bhutan, with more than 6,000 youngsters playing in a nation of roughly 700,000 people. During their game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Aug. 20, the Renegades will wear special Bhutan-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off to help raise funds for the Bhutan Baseball & Softball Association. The yellow-and-orange jerseys will feature the Druk, the “Thunder Dragon,” which is a national symbol of Bhutan. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a unique Bhutan Baseball tee shirt. Click here for ticket options, including details on the brand-new Club Lounge, where a ticket includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, a private full-service bar, private restrooms, club attendants, free parking and indoor and outdoor seating. Bring the family to the ballpark for one low price with the Family Four Pack; available for all 66 Renegades home games, this $99 package includes four tickets, four hats and four meal vouchers.
Sunday, Aug. 24, 12–6 p.m. in the Academy Street Historic District, Poughkeepsie
Stroll through Poughkeepsie’s Southside Historic District and enjoy this free, family-friendly live music event that is always a big hit! Walk along Academy, Garfield, Barclay and Montgomery streets to hear local musicians perform right on the front porches of the neighborhood’s beautiful homes. Bring a lawn chair and sit and enjoy. Grab a bite to eat from a variety of local food vendors. For updates, click here.
Friday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m. at The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture, Pine Plains
The Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra and renowned pianist Paul Bisaccia present an evening of enchanting melodies in celebration of the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's iconic masterpiece "Rhapsody in Blue," a timeless fusion of classical and jazz influences. Conductor Kathleen Beckmann will lead the orchestra in what promises to be an unforgettable performance. Stay for the after-party and enjoy refreshments with the guest pianist and other orchestra members in 1920s style. Click here to reserve tickets.
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Available through September at Mirbeau Inn & Spa, Rhinebeck
Treat yourself to a night of luxury and extravagance at Mirbeau, the 50-room resort reminiscent of an old-world chic Parisian hotel. This all-in-one experience includes lavish overnight accommodations for one evening, $50 toward dining per person, a bottle of exclusive Mirbeau Melange Rouge wine, and 15% off Mirbeau's new Summer Cashmere Glow Massage per person. If you need a night to relax and re-balance, this is the place to do it. Mirbeau received a Four-Star Award in 2024 from Forbes Travel Guide, the prestigious global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises. Click here to book your escape.
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