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Spring is a wonderful time in Dutchess County, a time when the landscape bursts forth with an arousing display of color and vibrancy.
It’s a time when the miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails tug at your heartstrings and beckon for you to come explore their secrets, a time when the acres upon acres of rolling farmland come alive with the burgeoning crops that will one day yield a bountiful harvest.
Most of all, spring is an exciting time to visit Dutchess, located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. There are so many fun things to do and interesting places to see. Along with breathtaking views of the mighty Hudson River and the surrounding highlands, there are fascinating historical sites, a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class dining options and plenty of family friendly attractions. You’re going to love it here!
This is a list of the Top 10 Dutchess County events for April. It’s a small sampling of the many adventures waiting for you here. Have fun and be sure to keep your camera handy! Feel free to share your photos here and tag @DutchessTourism on social media.
Select dates in April at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg
Explore the opulent Gilded Age mansion of Ogden and Ruth Livingston Mills and hear stories of bravery and tragedy from the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Ogden and Ruth had tickets for the Titanic’s return trip, which, of course, never happened. This 90-minute tour marks the 112th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, and highlights the splendor and extravagance of the Mills Mansion and its similarities to the first-class accommodations aboard the Titanic. You will also visit the mansions’ unrestored servants’ quarters and work areas, which are quite similar to the second-class areas of the ship. See photographs from the Titanic’s last hours as a costumed guide leads you from room to room on the tour. These tickets always sell quickly; click here to reserve yours.
Related: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week (April 8 – 21)
April 1 – Oct. 31 at the Mid-Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie
When it opened in 1930, the Mid-Hudson Bridge was heralded as one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in America. Even today, after nearly 100 years of tirelessly stretching 3,000 feet across the Hudson River to connect Poughkeepsie in the east and Highland in the west, the Mid-Hudson Bridge remains an impressive site to see — and hear. That’s right, hear. In 2009 — the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river — local composer Joseph Bertolozzi created a unique work of sound art called “Bridge Music,” which is music made by sampling sounds generated by the bridge. In addition to being an engineering marvel and a traffic solution, the Mid-Hudson Bridge is also the world’s largest percussion instrument! Bertolozzi’s album "Bridge Music” reached No. 18 on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart. Tours are available from April through October so you can experience the magic of the Mid-Hudson Bridge — with Bertolozzi as your tour guide. Group tours begin on the pedestrian ramp located near 14 Gerald Drive in Poughkeepsie. No stairs are required to take the tour. Click here for details. Free “Bridge Music” listening stations for pedestrians are located on each of the bridge’s towers and are open April through October. “Bridge Music” can also be heard 24 hours a day, year-round, on the park radios at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, which are tuned to 95.3-FM.
Friday through Sunday, April 5, 6 and 7 at the MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
This annual show features more than 200 of the best tattoo artists from around the globe, including many shops from right here in the Hudson Valley. All the artists have been hand-selected to ensure the highest quality of work and showcase various techniques and styles. Click here to purchase tickets. If time allows, stay the weekend in Poughkeepsie at the newly remodeled DoubleTree by Hilton, which is next door to the MJN Center.
Monday, April 8 at multiple locations
Folks in the Hudson Valley will witness a partial solar eclipse — roughly 95 percent coverage — on the afternoon of April 8. Here are the local sites that are hosting viewing events to enjoy the occasion:
• Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown
• Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Poughkeepsie
• Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
Saturday, April 13 at the Orvis Sandanona Shooting Grounds, Millbrook
This will be the first of six clinics tailored specifically for women to be held monthly from April through September. The Novice Shooter Clinics — for those just getting started in the sport — will be held in the morning in an instructional area. The Intermediate/Advanced Shooter Clinics will be held in the afternoon on the Sporting Clays Course at Orvis’ Sandanona Shooting Grounds. Syren, a company which produces shotguns for women, will have demos available at both sessions. Call the clubhouse at (845) 677-9701 to reserve your spot.
Sunday, April 14, starts and finishes at the Town of Washington Park, Millbrook
Billed as “The Toughest Marathon You’ll Ever Love,” the Millbrook Marathon takes runners on a 26.2-mile escapade along country roads through the rolling hills, tranquil forests and bucolic farmland of eastern Dutchess. Participants are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains off in the distance as they ascend Altamont Road toward the end of the race. The course is USATF-certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Presented by the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club, this event will be capped at 200 registrants. To register, click here.
Tuesday, April 16, 6:35 p.m. at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
The Hudson Valley Renegades, the Class-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are embarking on their milestone 30th season at Heritage Financial Park (formerly Dutchess Stadium). The Renegades sent 127 players to the major leagues in their first 29 seasons; Yankees top prospects Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells and Jasson Dominguez were among the former Renegades who made their big-league debut last year, and other Renegades to make it to The Show over the years have included Evan Longoria, Josh Hamilton and Tim Beckham. Who among this year’s crop of young hopefuls will make it? Only time will tell, but you can get an up-close look at tomorrow’s stars at any of the Renegades of 66 home games this season. Their home-opener on April 16 is against the South Atlantic League rival Aberdeen IronBirds. The first 1,000 fans through the turnstiles that night will receive a free tee shirt; it’s one of the many promotions and giveaways the Renegades have planned this year. New this season are the Fireside Seats, where fans can sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows as they enjoy the game. Click here to purchase tickets.
Wednesday, April 17, 5 p.m. at Mill House Brewing Company, Poughkeepsie
The Panda Dinner at Mill House Brewing was wildly successful — and even made national headlines — when it was held as a takeout-only Chinese-food event during the COVID pandemic. This time, instead of a pop-up event, Mill House is hosting its Panda Dinner as a sit-down dinner in its beautiful and welcoming restaurant. Enjoy a delicious multi-course, prix-fixe Chinese dinner that includes an appetizer, an entree, two sides, and a dessert. Click here to see the special menu and to make your reservations. Don’t wait! If it’s anything like the last Panda Dinner, this one will sell out quickly!
Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at multiple locations
The Dutchess County Sheep & Wool Growers Association’s annual spring farm tour is a perfect chance to meet the animals, shop the farm stores and see the beautiful countryside of the Hudson Valley. Participating Dutchess County farms include Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park; Lilymoore Farm in Pleasant Valley; Point of View Farm in Stanfordville; Black Sheep Hill Farm in Pine Plains; Morehouse Farm in Red Hook; Patchwork Pastures Farm in Hyde Park; and the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center in Wappingers Falls. Be sure to inquire about all the wonderful programming these farms provide throughout the year.
Saturday, April 20, 2 – 5 p.m. at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
If you like great beer and delicious food, the annual Brew U Beer, Food and Education Festival is for you! Held at The Egg in the Student Commons at the CIA, this exciting event offers the chance to sample products from top breweries — including the CIA’s own brewery — and incredible food from the CIA. Participate in fun, educational seminars geared toward beer and culinary enthusiasts alike. Come tour the CIA’s brewery, learn about the college’s Art and Science of Brewing course, and meet CIA Head Brewer Hutch Kugeman and other New York State brewers and beer experts, all while sampling beers and ciders. You’ll also enjoy dishes perfectly paired with beer and prepared by CIA chefs. Click here to purchase tickets. All guests must be at least 21 years of age.
Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Stormville Airport, Stormville
Hunt for all sorts of treasures at the first Stormville Flea Market of the season! As seen on the HGTV show “Flea Market Flip,” you can find anything and everything at the Stormville Flea Market, with hundreds of vendors offering antiques, jewelry, furniture, artwork, collectibles, crafts, new and vintage clothes and so much more. There is plenty to eat and drink, and admission and parking are free. No pets are allowed.
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