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Fall Food, Craft Beverage and Harvest Festivals

Date Published: August 7, 2024

 

Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin picking at Fishill Farms, Hopewell Junction

Fall flavors are the best! Check out these festivals for the best of Dutchess County farms, from food and craft beverages to artisanal clothes and adorable animals.

 


Couple dancing at Oktoberfest

Germania of Poughkeepsie's Oktoberfest

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6-8, (various times) at Germania of Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie

Get ready for three days of traditional German fun in Dutchess County! Oktoberfest celebrations mark the transition of seasons, and importantly for foodies, the transition of flavors. For an authentic experience, visit Germania of Poughkeepsie's annual Oktoberfest. The three-day festival features German bands playing live music, German specialties like bratwurst and desserts like strudel and Bienenstich, games for the kids and Bavarian dancers. Of course, sip satisfying German beers under the tent. For more information, click here

Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7 and 8, 10 a.m. at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck

One of the best events in the state for sampling New York wines is just around the corner. The Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival assembles tastings from the region's finest wineries, breweries and distilleries. In fact, a few of Dutchess County's own award-winning producers are represented at the fest, including Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Milea Estate Vineyard, Shady Knoll Orchards and Distillery, Liquid Fables and Sloop Brewing Co. In addition to the tastings, check out cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs, seminars diving into winemaking in the Hudson Valley and other edutcational opportunities. To purchase tickets, click here

Family apple picking at Barton Orchards

Hudson Valley Apple Festival

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22, 11 a.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag

Pick your own apples and celebrate the fall harvest at Barton Orchards. There is so much to do an the farm, from adorable animals and an immersive corn maze to stages for live music and bars pouring local beers. More details are being announced soon!

BBQ and Brews Festival

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, 11 a.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag

Dig into delicious barbecue from local pitmasters at Barton Orchards' BBQ and Brews Festival. Try great Hudson Valley beers alongside pulled pork, brisket, ribs and much more.

Autumn at Dutchess County Fairgroudns

Handcrafted Oktoberfest at Rhinebeck

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, 10 a.m. at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck

Fall harvest hauls in Dutchess County are not limited to just fresh produce! Find artisan clothing, jewelry, furniture, kitchenwares and much more at Quail Hollow's Handcrafted Oktoberfest at Rhinebeck: A Family Harvest Celebration. The Dutchess County Fairgrounds hosts this annual festival that puts handmade products at the forefront, but still retains some of the traditions, food and craft beer of classic Oktoberfest events. Bring the whole family, as entertainment includes live music, horse-drawn carriage rides and master pumpkin carving. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here

Pumpkin bombing out of a replica plane at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

Fall Festival and Pumpkin Bombing 

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12 and 13, 10 a.m. at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Red Hook

Who doesn't want to watch pumpkins fall from the heavens, resulting in a satisfying splat? At Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, catch an autumnal twist on their iconic airshows. WWI-era fighter biplanes drop orange jack-o-lanterns in lieu of "bombs" as flying aces battle villains in the air. Schedule a biplane ride to see the Hudson Valley in a multitude of colors during the peak of regional fall foliage. For more on the experience at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, click here. 

Woman holding a sheep at Sheep and Wool Festival

Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Festival

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, 9 a.m. at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck

The Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool Festival is one of the season's can't-miss events. Hundreds of fibre artisans gather at Rhinebeck's fairgrounds to demonstrate their process, sell incredible handmade items, compete in categories and interact with visitors. Plus, meet many of the sweet sheep that contribute their wool for these one-of-a-kind products. Shop angora scarves, fleece coats, wool sweaters and more. Some of Dutchess County's best producers provide delectable fall foods and beverages. For all things Sheep and Wool, click here

Beacon Sloop Club Pumpkin Festival

Sunday, Oct. 20, 12 p.m. at Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park, Beacon

Beacon Sloop Club's festivals always highlight the top seasonal item (don't miss their summer strawberry and corn festivals). For late fall, the Hudson Valley is all about pumpkins. On the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, Pete and Toshi Seegar Riverfront Park hosts visitors and locals alike to carve pumpkins, eat pies and other desserts, drink pumpkin beers/ciders and more. The Beacon Sloop Club’s boat, the Woody Guthrie, will be taking guests on free sails from the Beacon Harbor, weather permitting. Did we mention this event is completely free? Click here for more. 

Hudson Valley Beer, Wine and Whiskey Festival

Saturday, Nov. 2, 12 p.m. at Barton Orchards, Poughquag

Details to come! For updates, click here.

 

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