Weekends and Columbus Day through October 26th
Oktoberfest at Bear Mountain State Park
German food and beer, entertainment, craft vendors and much more! For more information, please call (845) 786-2731 or visitbearmountain.com.
Sundays in October
Sunday Art Classes at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall
These four Sunday art classes at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum will include demos, plein air painting, group discussions, and a local foods picnic. For more information and online registration, go to hhnm.org or call (845) 534-5506, ext. 204.
Day in the Life of the Hudson River Estuary
Now in its twelfth year, "Day in the Life of the Hudson River Estuary" will feature nearly 4,000 students collecting scientific information along the tidal Hudson from the Troy Dam to New York Harbor. For more information on teachers and partner organizations, or to schedule visits to a site, please email or call event coordinator Chris Bowser ([email protected]; (845) 802-4030). Event details can also be found on the DEC website and on Lamont-Doherty's website.
October 16, 17 & 18
Olana Plein Air Festival - Hudson
Visitors will get to see thirty of the country's finest artists painting en plein air on the beautiful historic estate of Olana during this three-day festival that culminates with a final day installation, live auction, and cocktail reception. Presented by the Columbia County Arts Council. For more information, visit this event page.
October 17 and 18
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours at Clermont State Historic Site
These tours are the highlight of the fall season at Clermont, and feature a 1920s Halloween party haunted by ghosts from the museum's 250 year history. A fireside marshmallow roast, vintage candy tasting, and a lamp-lit adventure along the Hudson round out this fun evening for the entire family. Call (518) 537-4249 for reservations and more information.
October 17
"The Burning of Kingston - The Phoenix Rises" at the Senate House Museum - Kingston
This presentation by First Ulster Militia reenactor Hank Yost will revisit the infamous 1777 burning of Kingston by British forces during the American Revolution, and the subsequent rebirth of the city in the early years of our nation. For more information, visit this event page.
October 18
Fall Foliage Tea at Wilderstein Mansion - Rhinebeck
Come and experience a glimpse of what tea time was like during the Victorian era! Enjoy a festive afternoon of fine tea and homemade delicacies, followed by a tour of Wilderstein Mansion and a fall foliage stroll of the estates. Please call (845) 876-4818 to RSVP.
Rensselaer County Historical Society Troy History Walk: At the Corner of Second & State
Bring our new exhibit to life as you tour these famous street and discover the social, cultural, and archaeological history of this intersection. For more information, visit www.rchsonline.org or call (518) 272-7232.
"Nature's Costumes" at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall
Learn all about how animals hide themselves in nature, meet live animals that blend themselves into the environment, and participate in camouflage hide-and-seek and other games. For more information and to register online, go to hhnm.org or call (845) 534-5506, Ext. 204.
Black Rock Forest Mountain Hike at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Black Rock Forest is the largest area in the Hudson Highlands with an elevation of over 1,200, providing hikers with amazing views. This hike is geared towards adults and older children. For more information and to register online, go to hhnm.org or call (845) 534-5506, Ext. 204.
Cornhusk Doll Workshop at Senate House State Historic Site - Kingston
Come to the Senate House State Historic Site to learn how to make your own cornhusk doll and learn about the Iroquois legend that explains why these dolls have no face. This workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, visit this event page.
October 19
First Annual Ossining Chalk It Up! Festival
Enjoy a day of music, dance, crafts and food alongside amateur and professional artists painting Ossining's Main and Spring Street sidewalks. Sponsored by the Village of Ossining's Downtown Events Committee. All ages are welcome. For more information, click here.
Lighthouse Illumination Art Workshop at the Kingsland Point Park - Sleepy Hollow
Join Teatown educators and artists from Strawtown Studio for this illuminating workshop! The Tarrytown Lighthouse will serve as inspiration to create lanterns from foils, mirrors, beads and other reflective materials to light up the long winter nights ahead. For more information, click here.
Historical Society of Rockland County Fall Family Festival at Germonds Park - West Nyack
Enjoy live music, raffles, craft demonstrations, pumpkin picking, petting zoo and pony rides, nature walks, a honey bee presentation, children's games, the historic Traphagen and Vanderbilt/Budke Houses, and much more at the Rockland County Fall Family Festival at Germonds Park. For more information, visit this event page.
A Gathering of Old Cars at Staatsburgh State Historic Site
Come out to Staatsburgh for this free event showcasing hundreds of antique cars on the great lawn, and even a WWI tank on loan from the Rhinebeck Aerodrome! For more information, visit this event page.
October 21
Benefit Dinner to Save the Tower of Victory, Washington's Headquarters SHS - Newburgh
The Palisades Park Conservancy will host a benefit dinner to raise funds for the restoration of the Tower of Victory at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site. For more information, please see the following invitation and reservation form.
New York State Open Space Conservation Plan Public Hearings at Bear Mountain State Park
The Region 3 public hearing on the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan is scheduled for 21 October at the Bear Mountain Inn at Bear Mountain State Park. The draft plan is available for review.
Lecture: "West Point Foundry: 1817 - 1911 and Beyond" at the Cornwall Presbyterian Fellowship Hall - Cornwall-on-Hudson
Dr. Trudie Grace of the Putnam History Museum and historian Mark Forlow will lecture on the West Point Foundry, one of the earliest industrial sites in the United States and a vital manufacturing advantage to the Union during the Civil War. For more information visit hhnm.org or call (845) 534-5506, Ext. 204.
October 24 and 25
Legends by Candlelight Ghost Tours at Clermont State Historic Site
These tours are the highlight of the fall season at Clermont, and feature a 1920s Halloween party haunted by ghosts from the museum's 250 year history. A fireside marshmallow roast, vintage candy tasting, and a lamp-lit adventure along the Hudson round out this fun evening for the entire family. Call (518) 537-4249 for reservations and more information.
October 25 and 26
"I Spy" Halloween Trails and Creepy Critters at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall
Families and friends looking for a fun but not-so-spooky Halloween adventure that includes trails, animals, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and refreshments. For more information, visit hhnm.org, or call (845) 534-5506, Ext. 204.
October 25
Downton Abbey Themed Tour at Staatsburgh State Historic Site - Staatsburg
This popular tour returns for the fall to explore the parallels between the family and servants at Staatsburgh and the characters on the acclaimed PBS drama. For more information, visit this event page.
Half Moon Volunteer Appreciation Celebration - Selkirk
Click here to RSVP for a pig roast in Selkirk held in appreciation of the many volunteers of the Half Moon and New Netherland Museum.
Third Annual Scarecrows at Frog Alley at Louw-Bogardus House - Kingston
See stylish scarecrows crafted by area businesses and artists and a pie contest at this annual event organized by the Friends of Historic Kingston. The public is also encouraged to enter their own scarecrows and pies for judging. For more information, visit the Friends of Historic Kingston website.
The 5th Annual Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Fund Raiser Sale at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center - Cold Spring
Buy used winter sports gear at this annual fundraising event. All proceeds will go towards seasonal activities at Fahnestock Winter Park. For more information, please call (845) 265-3773 or email [email protected].
Dried Apple Wreaths at Senate House State Historic Site - Kingston
Dried apples were a common way of preserving this crop in colonial America, and they also make aromatic wreaths that can bring seasonal color and beauty to your home. Learn how to make your own festive dried apple wreath at this free workshop at the Senate House State Historic Site. For more information, visit the Senate House SHS website.
Rondout National Historic District Walking Tour - Kingston
Joint the Friends of Historic Kingston for the last walking tour of the Rondout National Historic District. Hear how entrepreneurs and immigrants rapidly transformed farmland into a thriving maritime village, walk the "street of churches", and view the rich legacy of commercial buildings and homes from this era. For more information, visit the event website.
Fort Montgomery Lantern Tours
Tour the ruins of Fort Montgomery at night! Join park educators, volunteers, and reenactors to hear dramatic tales from the battle and bring yourself back to October 1777. Witness the fort come alive as re-enactors depict various scenes from the fort's dark dramatic history. Registration required. For more information, please call (845) 446-2134.
Hudson River Cruise - New York
Join National Lighthouse Members and friends as they cruise up the Hudson River on from Pier 11 in New York City. Presenters will narrate the cruise while participants view the Little Red Lighthouse at Jeffrey's Hook, Ambrose Lightship, Frying Pan Lightship, Lilac Light Tender, and the Titanic Memorial Light. For more information, see this event description.
October 26
Creatures & Carvings at Hudson Crossing Park - Schuylerville
North Country Wildcare will offer a presentation about owls, including live animals, with pumpkin carving to follow. For more information, please email [email protected].
October 27
Rensselaer County Historical Society Troy History Walk: Murder & Mayhem
Who knows what ghosts might haunt the streets of Troy? You will, after taking part in this walk through the more colorful stories of Troy's past. For more information, visit www.rchsonline.org or call (518) 272-7232.
October 29
A Conversation with MANY'S New Executive Director at Olana - Hudson
The Museum Association of New York invites MANY members and friends to Olana for a meet and greet with executive director Devin Lander and associate director Dana Krueger. For more information and to RSVP by October 22nd, please email [email protected].
Public Meeting for the Draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan
The Dutchess County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board will hold a public meeting to solicit comment on the proposed strategies for supporting agricultural businesses and protecting farmland. The meeting will be held at the Farm and Home Center, 2715 Route 44 in Millbrook from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is open to everyone. RSVP by calling (845) 677-8223, Ext. 118. More info available here.
Economic Development in Your Community and How it Relates to Planning and Zoning
Registration is now open for this short course on economic development at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center in Millbrook. Presenters include Dutchess County Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Planning and Economic Development Ron Hicks, Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation CEO Catherine Maloney, and Chazen Companies Vice President Stuart Mesinger. More information available here.
Early November Events
November 2
Revolutionary War Muster Day at Mount Gulian
Mount Gulian Historic Site, headquarters of General von Steuben during the War for Independence, will hold its Revolutionary War Muster Day of military reenactments, living history displays, 18th century medicine and foods and house tours. For more information, call (845) 831-8172, or visit www.mountgulian.org.
Beavers at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Cornwall
Learn about the industrious habits of these wetland mammals at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, followed by a walk in search of beavers at the Outdoor Discovery Center. For more information, go to hhnm.org or call (845) 534-5506, Ext. 204.