Seven exciting events taking place this summer in the Hudson Valley have the added benefit of being easily reachable by train from New York City. With a ride on Metro North or Amtrak, you can stop at these stations and walk—or take a short taxi ride or ride share service—to reach the event. www.hudsonrivervalley.com
While summer in New York City can be a lot of fun with parades, festivals, outdoor movies and concerts, sometimes it helps to have a getaway planned, no cars needed. From Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal, you can start your day with a bite at the Pennsy or at the food court downstairs or grab a pastry and coffee from Zaro’s, meet your friends under the clock or departure board, then grab a train, sit back, and enjoy a day out of the city at one of these great events.
It’s easy: you can use the new, interactive Hudson River Train Tour mobile app, recently developed by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area in partnership with the National Park Service, to check out programs, find guides, and information about these wonderful day trip opportunities.
Station: Yonkers
Event: Yonkers Riverfest
Less than 15 minutes from Manhattan via Metro North from Grand Central, the 26th Annual Yonkers Riverfest takes place September 15, rain or shine, and it’s free. The festival will include music entertainment, arts, crafts, food, exhibits, children’s activities, and much more. Events take place along Main Street and Buena Vista Avenue, where the Yonkers Train Station is located. https://www.yonkersriverfest.org
Station: Peekskill
Event: Hudson Valley Exposition
Travel just 25 minutes from Manhattan via Metro North from Grand Central to The Hudson Valley Exposition, taking place on August 4, with many events right near the train station. The festival includes a Kidz Zone where children can create art, learn about science, interact with live animals and more. There will also be music, food, drinks and craft beer, and a wellness and technology area. http://www.hvexposition.com
Station: Beacon
Event: Hudson River Craft Beer Festival
Travel a little further – 1 ¼ hours — from Grand Central on Metro North and you can spend the day on the Beacon riverfront for the Hudson River Craft Beer Festival, September 15. For the 6th year, the festival will bring together beer lovers from all around the area to Riverfront Park, next to the Beacon train station. There will be over 150 releases from some of America’s best breweries to be sampled. And just think, you don’t have to drive! General admission and VIP tickets are now available. https://americaontap.com/event/hudson-river-craft-beer-festival/
Station: Cold Spring
Event: The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
In slightly under two hours, you can train via Metro North from Grand Central to The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival for shows at the Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison. This year, the productions include Richard II, The Taming of the Shrew, The Heart of Robin Hood, The Sea-Maids Music and Rip Van Winkle. Shows take place from July to the beginning of September. What’s even better? HVSF will offer a free round-trip shuttle from the Cold Spring Train Station to the Theater Tent every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. https://hvshakespeare.org/
Station: Poughkeepsie
Event: 4th of July Fireworks
Buy a ticket for a ride that’s just an hour and a half from Manhattan by Metro North from Grand Central to see fireworks that are even more spectacular over the water. Join the City of Poughkeepsie and the Walkway Over the Hudson for their 4th of July celebration. The park, a 15-minute walk from the train, is the place to watch the city’s fireworks display overlooking the Hudson River, scheduled for 9pm. Tickets can be purchased online at $12.50 for adults, $10.00 for Walkway Members, Veterans and Seniors and free for children under 10. https://walkway.org/4th-of-july-fireworks-spectacular/
Station: Rhinecliff
Event: The Dutchess County Fair
Amtrak service from Penn Station in Manhattan will take you to the popular Dutchess County Fair in about an hour and a half to the second largest county fair in New York, scheduled this year from August 21-26. With more than 147 acres of land for farm animals and exhibitions, the grounds become an entertainment destination for all. There are free shows and attractions, and tickets can also be purchased for the Grandstand Concert Series including The Wallflowers, Chris Lane and Kip Moore. Start your day early – this is a terrific event. http://dutchessfair.com/
Station: Hudson
Event: Basilica Soundscape
If you don’t mind a slightly longer trip, the 2 ½ hour ride on Amtrak from Penn Station in Manhattan will lead to the beautiful countryside where Basilica Soundscape is being held from September 14-16. Basilica Soundscape is a weekend of art, culture and music held in historic factory building down the street from the Amtrak station. Live performances by Efrim Menuck, Grouper, Haxan Cloak x Nick Zinner, Insect Ark, and Jungil Hong are scheduled over the three days. There will also be conceptual performances, author readings, local vendors and artisans, collaborations and activities throughout the weekend. http://basilicahudson.org/soundscape/about-basilica-soundscape/