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Things to Do
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About
June is Pride Month, and Dutchess County is leading the celebration with fun and exciting events for the LGBTQ+ community all month long! June is also a wonderful time to visit us here in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. The weather is beautiful and the views are breathtaking.
Here is a sampling of what is on the schedule. Take lots of pictures, and feel free to share them here.
Check back often, as events are being added regularly. In addition to plenty of one-time events, there are also several ongoing events you won't want to miss.
For more on LGBTQ+ travel, click here.
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• Third-Annual Stanford Pride Celebration — Saturday, June 1, 1 p.m. at Thomases Equestrian, Clinton Corners
• Poughkeepsie Pride Parade and Festival — Saturday, June 8, 12 p.m. at Victor C. Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
• BeckHook Pride Kickoff Party — Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m. at RhineCellar, Rhinebeck
• Rhinebeck Community Pride Day — Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck
• Beacon Family Pride — Saturday, June 15, 1 p.m. at The Yard, Beacon
• Beacon Pride Queer Dance Party — Saturday, June 15, 6 p.m. at The Yard, Beacon
• Red Hook Village Pride Parade — Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.
• Pride Party — Saturday, June 29, 12 p.m. at Rock Steady Farm, Millerton
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Daily, May through October, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Hyde Park
This seemingly ordinary, otherwise nondescript stone cottage holds great significance in American history — and LGBTQ+ history as well. The only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady of the United States, Val-Kill was where Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt entertained friends, state visitors, the press, and their associates. It’s where Eleanor lived following FDR’s death while in office in 1945 until her own passing in 1962. Eleanor was a powerful political figure even after she left the White House. Appointed by President Truman to the United Nations General Assembly, she served as chair of the Human Rights Commission and worked tirelessly to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1948. Details about Eleanor’s romantic relationships were shrouded in ambiguity and were the source of many rumors while she was alive, but this much is known: Eleanor surrounded herself with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Partners Nancy Cook and Marion Dickerman built Val-Kill with Eleanor and lived there for three decades. Esther Lape and Elizabeth Read, also partners, played important roles in Eleanor’s political development and activism. Eleanor had a lengthy and intimate relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok; their extensive correspondence is now well-known. Take a tour of Val-Kill and learn more about these influential women. Click here for details.
Saturday, June 1, 4 p.m. at The Stissing Center for Arts & Culture, Pine Plains
DJ Trevor keeps the beats pumping all afternoon at The Stissing Center's Tea Dance celebrating Pride Weekend in Pine Plains. Click here to RSVP.
Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m. at Oblong Books, Rhinebeck
Oblong Books’ Nicole Brinkley hosts this celebration of two new and highly anticipated novels: "Trust & Safety" by Laura Blackett and Eve Gleichman, and "Housemates" by Emma Copley Eisenberg. Wry yet tenderhearted, "Trust and Safety" examines questions of authenticity, betrayal, belonging and entitlement while poking fun at the contemporary fear of the “gay agenda.” Warm and insightful, "Housemates" is a story of youth and freedom, and a glorious celebration of queer life. Click here to complete the required registration for this free event.
Sunday, June 9, 1 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie
This free children's program features engaging science demonstrations, singing, and plenty of fun activities led by a fabulous drag performer! The MHDM's Pavilion on the Poughkeepsie riverfront offers a scenic backdrop for an afternoon of fun. and Don't miss the MHDM's Pride Night festivities on June 25 at 5:30 p.m. Click here to see all the wonderful programs on the calendar.
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Tuesday, June 11, 6:35 p.m. at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
Celebrate Pride Night with the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, as they take on the Brooklyn Cyclones in a South Atlantic League game. The theme of the night is "Baseball is for everyone" at Heritage Financial Park (formerly Dutchess Stadium). The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free tee-shirt. To purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday, June 15, 5 p.m. at Edgewater, Barrytown
Gather on the lawn at Edgewater for an unforgettable evening featuring performances by Mason Griffin (creator and performer of "No Blue Monday"), Barnaby Reiter ("Jersey Boys," "The Wizard of Oz") and Tanner Callicutt ("Parade," "Hairspray"). Guests will have the opportunity to explore the mansion between 5 and 7 p.m. Drinks and light refreshments will be served on the lawn with the musical performance starting at 7 o'clock. Click here to reserve tickets. Built in 1824 as one of several riverfront estates constructed by the Livingston family, Edgewater holds a special place in queer history spanning from the 1950s, when writer Gore Vidal owned the home, through its transition as the home of Dick Jenrette and Bill Thompson, who remained lifelong committed partners. Edgewater is open to the public every third Saturday, May through October. Click here to book a guided tour.
Monday, June 17, 7:30 p.m. at Upstate Films/Starr Cinema, Rhinebeck
Enjoy a free showing of the award-winning animated film "Nimona" at Starr Cinema! The film, which is rated PG and is based on the graphic novel of the same name by N.D. Stevenson, tells the story of how Ballister Boldheart, a knight in a futuristic medieval world, is framed for a crime he didn't commit, and the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona, a mischievous teen who also happens to be a shapeshifting creature. Click here for more details.
Thursday, June 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House Poughkeepsie
As part of its Game Changers series, the Bardavon presents a free screening of Director Barry Jenkins’ three-part narrative "Moonlight," which spans the childhood, adolescence, and adulthood of a gay African American man who survives Miami's drug-plagued inner city, finds love in unexpected places and realizes the possibility of change within himself. All 12 of the Game Changers films are preceded by a happy hour starting at 6:30 p.m.; enjoy half-price beer and wine, as well as free snacks and soda. Mini-concerts with Juan Cardona Jr. on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ take place 30 minutes before each film. Click here for more details.
June 20–Aug. 18 at the Fisher Center, Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson
Bard College is a hotbed of creative energy, and its 20th-annual SummerScape Festival will feature two months of unforgettable performances the Fisher Center and the adjacent Spiegeltent. This summer's star-studded group of performers includes Bright Light Bright Light, whose stage name was derived from the 1984 film "Gremlins," and whose fifth studio album "Enjoy Youth," was released earlier in May; Monet X Change, who starred on RuPaul's "Drag Race" and whose "Life Be Lifin'" show was directed by fellow "Drag Race" star BenDeLaCreme; and Justin Vivian Bond, whose performance will feature songes from the decade between 1964 and 1974, a time defined by the anti-war movement, the rise of feminism and queer liberation, and increasing demands for racial and social justice. To see a complete schedule of this summer's performances and to purchase tickets, click here.
June 21–July 28 at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie
Vassar’s Powerhouse Theater summer season features an assortment of insightful plays, workshops and works-in-progress, including "Absolute Zero," a funny musical thriller written for a cast of female, trans and gender-nonconforming performers, and "Messy White Gays," a comedy about a gay couple who murder their throuple-mate. The Powerhouse summer season, now in its 38th year, has been the proving ground for several major Broadway hits over the years, including “Hamilton” and “Hadestown.” Who knows? Perhaps we will witness the humble beginnings of the next blockbuster on stage this year! To see the complete summer schedule and to purchase tickets, click here.
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June 28–30 at Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, Rhinebeck
Omega Institute is a unique educational retreat center that offers workshops, professional training, and rest and rejuvenation retreats. Omega's all-inclusive stays include farm-to-table meals and access to all sorts of health and wellness classes, outdoor activities, gardens, nature trails, a lakeside waterfront and so much more. Join together in community to explore the profound connection of queerness and spirituality during this weekend retreat — and march in Omega's Pride parade! Click here to register.
July 27 at Barton Orchards, Poughquag
Barton Orchards keeps the Pride vibes rolling into the summer with its Pride in July event. Stay tuned for more details. Click here for updates. In the meantime, swing by Barton Orchards during the pick-your-own season and during their festival weekends.
And who says Pride events can only happen in June? After all, LGBTQ+ Pride is a year-round thing. Be sure to check out these ongoing LGBTQ-friendly attractions here in Dutchess:
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Second Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. at the Gravity Vault, Poughkeepsie
Join fellow LGBTQIA+ climbers to meet, hang out and climb at the Gravity Vault! All experience levels welcome. To complete the required registration, click here.
Every other Friday, 6 p.m. at Megabrain Comics, Red Hook
This is a free, all-ages LGBTQIA+ community meet-up in a sober safe space where you can play board games and have fun! Play one of the many games in the game library or bring one of your favorites to share. All are welcome. Click here to see the schedule.
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