Events and Seasonal Happenings

The Gunks and the surrounding Hudson Valley have something going on in every season, from live music and farm festivals to holiday markets and gallery openings. Rather than a fixed calendar, here is where to look and what to count on, so you can find whatever is happening during your stay.

Live music and farm events are a year-round draw. Arrowood Farms in Accord hosts real concerts and food-truck nights on its lawn through the warmer months. Westwind Orchard runs live music and seasonal orchard events. Closer to town, spots like Lydia's Cafe in Stone Ridge do live jazz on weekends, and High Falls Cafe has regular live music. Any of these is a good bet for an easy night out.

Seasonal highlights are worth planning around. Fall brings apple and pumpkin picking, cider season, and peak foliage across the valley, with Brooklyn Cider House and the local orchards at their best. Summer is farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and festivals. Winter and the holidays bring markets, tree lightings, and cozy tasting-room events.

Where to check what is on during your stay: the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visit Ulster County event calendars list what is happening week to week. The venues above post their own schedules, and it is always worth asking us, we are happy to point you toward whatever is on while you are here.

A few details worth knowing before you go: popular concerts and festival weekends sell out and fill local restaurants, so book ahead if your trip lands on one. Many farm and orchard events are seasonal, roughly spring through fall. Foliage peaks mid to late October and is the busiest, most beautiful time to visit.