Top 10 Events in August 2019

Date Published: August 1, 2019

1. Millbrook Horse Trials 
When: August 1-4, 2019
Where: Riga Meadow at Coole Park, Amenia

​The Millbrook Horse Trials is an important part of a long equestrian tradition in Dutchess County. Recognized among the region's most prestigious annual sporting events, it attracts Olympic-level, world-class competitors from the United States and abroad. Spectator admission is free and there is much to see and do over the thrilling four days. Shop the trade fair, enjoy refreshment from our local food vendors, walk the cross-country courses and watch the stadium jumping and dressage from our viewing benches.

2. Wassaic Project Summer Festival
When: August 3, 2019
Where: Wassaic Project, Wassaic

Experience the 11th annual Wassaic Project Summer Festival! Join in for a day full of music, dance, film, artist talks, performances and readings, and artist games. The summer exhibition, Ad Astra Per Aspera, will be open all day, as will the Art Nest, a free artmaking space for kids. As always, this event is 100% free and open to the public.

3. Bridge Music 10^th Anniversary Celebration
When: August 3, 2019
Where: Mid-Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie

In honor of a decade of music, this free event will include a re-dedication tour of the Bridge Music Installation with composer Joseph Bertolozzi, ribbon cutting, film screenings, Q&A and Bridge Music light show! Bridge Music was created by recording the sounds of the bridge’s surfaces (guard rails, girders, etc.) with various mallets and using those sounds to compose new works, making the Mid-Hudson Bridge the largest percussion instrument in the world. The music contains no other tones than those of the bridge itself!

4. 11^th Annual La Guelaguetza Festival
When: August 4, 2019
Where: Poughkeepsie

La Guelaguetza celebrates the diversity of Oaxacan culture trough joyful dance, lively music, delicious food and colorful costumes. Be a part of this vibrant event and take home a piece of Oaxaca in your heart!

5. The 30^th Bard Music Festival
When: August 9-18, 2019
Where: The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, Annandale-on-Hudson

This year’s festival celebrates the life and times of Austrian-born composer and conductor Erich Korngold. Two back-to-back weekends include orchestral concerts, chamber and choral music performances, panel discussions, special events, and opera in concert.

6. Beacon Sloop Club Corn Festival
When: August 11, 2019
Where: Beacon Riverfront Park

Fresh picked, ready-to-eat local grown Hudson Valley sweet corn on the cob! Celebrate the harvest along with cold watermelon, hot chili, cold drinks and other summer treats. This year's festival will feature the Tumble Bus, a full-sized school bus converted into a mobile gym for kids 18 months to 9 years of age. Event will be held rain or shine. Two stages with live musical performances will keep you entertained all day, along with environmental displays and activities, a children’s stage, and free kid’s activities. 

7. Sunflower Festival
When: August 10 & 11 and 17^th & 18^th, 2019
Where: Barton Orchards, Poughquag

Explore 5-acres of sunflowers, consisting of classic yellow sunflowers that will mature to about 5 feet tall, as well as many different varieties. The Sunflower Festival is an experience to remember! Guests are welcome to spend as much time taking pictures and exploring the field as they like. Each ticket includes a hay ride to the field of sunflowers. Parking is free. After exploring the sunflowers, enjoy ice cream, donuts, fudge, cookies, and more from the farm market. Concessions will be open for lunch, snacks, and dinner. Both weekends will include live music, craft vendors, and more!

8. Peachtopia
When: August 17, 2019
Where: Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction

Celebrate this hot sultry summer by harvesting juicy peaches & nectarines, and indulging in a good ol' fashioned crawfish boil complete with corn, potatoes, sausage and cornbread. The Buttery Barmaids will be performing live and delicious peachy foods and cold drinks will be available at the Fishkill Farms Grill, Farm Store and Treasury Cider Garden. Wagon rides will be running throughout the festival to and from the orchard and kids craft will be set up on a shaded porch.

9. Jazz in the Valley
When: August 18, 2019
Where: Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie

An afternoon of music and art, this concert has since grown into an annual festival, showcasing music performed by world-class musicians, fittingly complemented by breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley as backdrop. This year’s lineup featuring Ron Carter, Giveton Gelin, Baylor Project, Javon Jackson and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Purchase your early bird tickets today!

10. Dutchess County Fair
When: August 20-25, 2019
Where: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck

Now in its 174^th year, the fair continues to celebrate agriculture in a way that individuals of all ages can enjoy. From the livestock, to the specialty foods and the entertainment, it’s truly an experience for the whole family! The fair offers Sensory Hours for family members with special needs on Thursday, August 22^nd from 9:30-11:30am.