Top 10 Events in September

Date Published: August 27, 2020

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. WE RISE Poughkeepsie Exhibition and Events

Friday, September 4 through Saturday, September 19, visit WE RISE Poughkeepsie Facebook Page for details

WE RISE Poughkeepsie is a collaboration of city art galleries, organizations, artists, and activists celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women in the United States the right to vote. Join this centennial celebration with a host of virtual or in-person events like art exhibits, movie screenings, performances, panel discussions and lectures, trivia night, and more! Included in these exciting weeks is “Between Two Worlds: Sojourner Truth and Black Women's Suffrage” at Queen City 15 Gallery, an exhibit of Poughkeepsie 19th Century American Painter Caroline M. Clowes at the Barrett Art Center and Adriance Memorial Library, and a WE RISE Parade happening in downtown Poughkeepsie. For dates and details visit the WE RISE Facebook Page.

2. 13th Annual Art Studio Views Open Studio Tour

Saturday, September 5 through Sunday, September 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Columbia County and Dutchess County

Art Studio Views has created a unique opportunity for the public to browse artists’ studios to find inspiration and visual enrichment. This year, 27 contemporary artists in Germantown, Hyde Park, Red Hook, Rhinebeck, and Tivoli will open their studios to the public during this self-guided, free event. Visitors will be able to meet the artists at work, ask questions, and browse available pieces for sale. For more information, click here

3. The Art Effect Presents Teen Visions

Friday, September 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Poughkeepsie Trolly Barn

Join opening night of The Teen Visions Art Exhibit which celebrates the work of young artists from The Art Effect’s 2020 summer programs, including The Art Institute, Media, Art, and Design Lab (MADLab), Spark Studios, and Digital Literacy (D-LIT) in Poughkeepsie, NY. This free exhibit is open to the public and will run through September 30th. Register for the opening reception by calling The Art Effect office. For more information, click here.

4. Historic Red Hook Presents Hard Scrabble Day

Saturday, September 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Historic Red Hook’s Facebook Page

Join Red Hook’s celebration of the annual, small-town event - Hardscrabble Day, now happening virtually. Watch exclusive live content like farm tours, paint parties, children’s yoga, and more on Historic Red Hook’s Facebook Page. Categories include music, foods, arts & crafts, animals, history & heritage, and games & activities. For more information, click here.

5. Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest

Saturday, September 12 through Sunday, September 13 on Eventhub.com

Coming to you virtually for 2020 is the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest. Celebrate the bounty of wine, food, and fun online with your favorite regional celebrity chefs, wine experts, and fest hosts. Watch cooking demos, wine seminars, and even shop directly from vendors from the comfort of your own home. Be on the lookout for some of Dutchess’ favorites like Millbrook Vineyards and Winery and Milea Estate Vineyard. For more information, click here.

6. 2020 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic

Sunday, September 13 through Sunday, September 20

Join the Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club 42nd Annual Dutchess County Classic, now a virtual event! Track your time and complete the required distance between Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 on a treadmill, outdoors, or anywhere you’d like! All proceeds from this virtual running event will be donated to Dutchess Responds, a charity that has set out to help those in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click here.

7. Third Sunday Music Concert on Bannerman’s Island with the Storm King Duo

Sunday, September 20 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bannerman Island

Enjoy live music outdoors with beautiful views on Bannerman Island! Guitarist and singer Judith Tulloch and flutist Steve Franchino will play an eclectic assortment of pop, jazz, and world music for visitors touring the island and castle. Take a self-guided tour of this historical gem and pack a picnic to enjoy the picturesque setting of the Hudson Highlands. Boat rides on the Estuary Steward from Beacon to Bannerman Island are available. Purchase tickets here.

8. Clermont State Historic Site Presents Clermont 101

Sunday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Clermont State Historic Site

Although tours of the historic site are not currently available, here’s an opportunity to learn about the history of Clermont State Historic Site! Join a member of Clermont’s staff as they break down the basic history of the house and answer any burning questions you may have! This free family-friendly event requires visitors to register in advance. Attendance will be limited to aid in social distancing, and face coverings will be required. For more information, click here. Looking for more outdoor historical events? Check out Staatsburgh State Historic Site’s Facebook page to book your spot on one of their Guided Landscape Tours and check back for more Programs on the Portico. Or book your little ones a spot at one of Locust Grove Estate’s Fairy House Hunts!

9. Amenia Lions Club 6th Annual Community Car Show at Four Brothers Drive-in

Sunday, September 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Four Brothers Drive-in

See the line-up of classic to contemporary cars and motorcycles at the Amenia Lions Club Community Car Show happening at Four Brothers Drive-in. There will be trophies and dash plates as prizes and giveaways throughout the day! This family-friendly venue will also have food and music to enjoy. For more information, click here.

10. The 29th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival

Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September September 27 at Tymor Park in Union Vale

The Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival is here, drive-in style! Watch the hot-air balloons launch off and illuminate the sky from the comfort of your own vehicle. Or pack a picnic, bring some blankets, and chairs for a socially distanced picnic right by your designated spot. You can catch the sunrise show Saturday and Sunday or sunset show Friday and Saturday. Reservations must be made in advance on a per-vehicle basis for a donation of $10. For more information, click here.