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Sample local specials, sip craft beers, and taste award-winning wines at these fall-themed food and drink events across the Hudson Valley.
Foodies flock to the Hudson Valley in every season, but fall is where the region’s specialties truly shine.
Beer begins to flow and cider donuts start to fry the moment greens commence their fade into reds and yellows on the trees. The Valley’s award-winning producers showcase their specialties at a variety of festivals, pop-up events, and demonstrations. Taste and sip your way through these fall-centric foodie happenings.
Hudson River Craft Beer Festival
Riverfront Park, Beacon
September 18, 12:30-5:30 p.m.
It’s no secret that the Hudson Valley is a beer lover’s paradise. At the annual Hudson River Craft Beer Festival, fans of the hoppy beverage can go nuts sampling 180 beers from 90 breweries across the country. General entry gets you a souvenir tasting glass, while VIP tickets include a festival hat, $5 food voucher, and an extra hour of tasting. Take in the riverside views and soak up all that beer with pizza, pretzels, tacos, and a slew of other pub-grub goodies.
Flavors of Haverstraw Food Crawl & Beer Garden
Main St & Broadway, Haverstraw
September 19, 1-5 p.m.
Have you experienced Haverstraw’s happening food scene yet? See (and taste) what it’s all about at this fall food crawl, which highlights over a dozen Rockland County restaurants. Sample everything from fan-favorite staples to out-of-the-box specials. Plus, plenty of Hudson Valley brews are available at the NY Craft Beverage Garden. Dine your way down Main St for $3-$6 plates.
Westchester Magazine‘s Wine and Food Festival
Locations throughout Westchester County
September 21-26
Take a tour of Westchester’s finest eats in September. This week-long event from our sister publication Westchester Magazine highlights the very best of craft beverage and delicious dining with a full lineup. First, explore Italian wines at Kanopi Restaurant and Event Space on the 42nd floor of the magnificent Opus Hotel in White Plains. Party on Playland Park’s pier in Rye, and sample a variety of goods from local restaurants and food trucks. Westchester County’s top bartenders go head-to-head in the Bartender Shake-Off. Later in the week, the Burger and Beer Blast does comfort food the best at Kensico Dam Plaza, and the Wine Collector’s Dinner at X20 Xavier’s on the Hudson delights with fine dining. Finally, the entire week climaxes with the Grand Tasting Village. Endure the gastronomic gauntlet of Valhalla with over 40+ local restaurants and more than 200 wines and spirits represented. Buy tickets online today to individual events.
Dx4 (Dine, Drink, Dance & Demo) With Celebrity Chef David Burke
Revel 32°, Poughkeepsie
September 24, 6-9 p.m.
One of the best things about living in the Hudson Valley is the abundance of talented celebrity chefs. David Burke is no exception, bringing his expertise, creativity, and charisma to Poughkeepsie’s Revel 32°. At Dx4, local foodies will have the chance to taste Chef Burke’s renowned cuisine. Enjoy a cocktail hour, followed by a cooking demonstration. Of course, you’ll get to eat the fall food specials prepared: a butternut and shrimp risotto and a surf and turf. Save room for dessert, a delicious seasonal pumpkin crème brulee.
Oktoberfest Weekend at Mountain Brauhaus, Round Top
Mountain Brauhaus, Round Top
September 24-26, 7 p.m.
The Hudson Valley’s mainstay German restaurant is the place to be for authentic Bavarian specialties. Beer enthusiasts might recognize world-renowned staples like Hofbrau, Hefe-Weisse Helle, and Wartseiner. Dishes include everything ending in -wurst, plus old-school Ruebens, wiener schnitzel, and Hungarian goulash. The celebration loops in music from traditional bands, authentic Schuhplatter dancing, and entertainment from Pech & Schwefel of Austria.
Apple Festival
Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, Port Ewen
September 25, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Who’s hungry for Hudson Valley apples? Fall is all about treats featuring the native fruit, and the Town of Esopus gathers a vast collection of the good stuff. Nab fresh-baked pies, apple pancakes, and lots of apple desserts a la mode. Whole bags of apples are also available for purchase for any home bakers in attendance at this fall food festival.
Catskill Food Festival
Dutchmen’s Landing Park, Catskill
September 25, 12-6 p.m.
Food trucks, live music, and Catskill Mountain views await at Dutchmen’s Landing Park. This year’s Catskill Food Festival has a massive lineup of Hudson Valley vendors. Sample small-batch releases from Rip Van Winkle Brewery and Old Klaverack Brewery, snack on slices from Village Pizza, and grab one “with the works” from Pippy’s Hot Dog. Entry is free, and fall foods are a la carte.
Oktoberfest Weekend at Long Lot Brewery
Long Lot Farm Brewery, Chester
September 25, 12-9 p.m.
Let the Oktoberfest games begin at Long Lot Brewery! Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate champion? Compete in a keg squat, a stein lift, a keg toss, and, of course, a cornhole tournament. Plus, Bryan Gordon and The Chris Raabe Band keep things festive. Pick up a unique Long Lot Oktoberfest stein, and don your best attire.
Oktoberfest 2021 at Putnam County Golf Course
Putnam County Golf Course, Mahopac
October 1, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Earn your mammoth-sized stein with a round of golf at Putnam County Course. This Oktoberfest celebration costs $29 per person and features a menu of seasonal staples like bangers, knockwurst, and kielbasa alongside Hudson Valley barbecue and other fall food staples. The Amish Outlaws take the stage for a full evening of raucous music.
Walktoberfest on the Walkway
Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland and Poughkeepsie
October 2 & 3, 12-5 p.m.
Does food taste better above the Hudson River? We certainly think so. Walkway Over the Hudson brings together the best of local distillers, brewers, vintners, cidermakers, and restaurants. Keep an eye out for cooking demonstration announcements as the festival date approaches to learn from some of the most skilled chefs in the Hudson Valley. Ticket are $25 apiece, and include samples of many local delicacies.
Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Cantine Field, Saugerties
October 2 & 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pairings at City Winery Hudson Valley
City Winery Hudson Valley, Montgomery
October 7 & November 11, 6-8 p.m.
City Winery Hudson Valley is known for its engaging programming, including the outdoor Concerts in the Vineyard music series. For the fall season, executive chef Tony Moustakas guides visitors through simple dishes and beverage pairings. Enjoy making a pizza from scratch during the Pizza and Pinot event or have a feast fit for Ron Swanson during the Bourbon and Bacon pairing.
New York Cider Week
Little Apple Cidery, Hillsdale and Samascott Orchards, Kinderhook
October 10, starting at noon
All of New York State is buzzing about the official drink of autumn: cider. Two scenic Hudson Valley destination take part in the week-long celebration. Drink specials from Nine Pin Cider Works in the middle of Samascott Orchards. The pop-up cider bar stands in the heart of the orchard, meaning visitors can pick from over 20 varieties of apples and quench their thirst with craft cider. Of course, sample delicious fall food while you’re there as well. Entry is $5, and things kick off at noon. At 1 p.m. in Hillsdale, Little Apple Cidery holds its own mini ciderfest. Garrin Banfield serenades guests, while Aloha Tacos provides necessary nourishment. Try different batches of cider in specialty flights at this free event.
Best of Hudson Valley Party
Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, Poughkeepsie
October 14
Curious how over 350 makers earned their title of “Best in the Hudson Valley?” Head to the iconic Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel for our annual celebration of food, wine, and the best of everything our region has to offer. To attend the festival, visitors must be at least 21 years of age and vaccinated. Plus, local acts will have you dancing the night away. Get tickets now and secure your place among the best of the best.
Boos and Brews
Barton Orchards, Poughquag
October 23 & 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
A visit to Barton Orchards during the Halloween season is almost a rite of passage in the Hudson Valley. This year, the family-friendly Dutchess County destination makes things extra spooky with its Boos and Brews festival. Haunted houses, jack o’ lantern trails, hayrides, and apple and pumpkin picking will surely get you in the trick-or-treat spirit. Sample orchard-fresh cider and local draught beers in the taproom, plus a host of goodies from food trucks. Don’t forget to pick up a fresh batch of cider donuts while you’re there.
Oktoberfest Weekend 2021 at Tilly Foster Farm
Tilly Foster Farm, Brewster
October 23 & 24, 6-10:30 p.m.
Brewster’s Tilly Foster Farm holds a two-day celebration of all things beer and brats. This Oktoberfest celebration features delicious farm-to-table takes on classic German cuisine, plus local fall food traditions. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the Fast Lane Eagles Tribute Band and The Nerds. At $10 per car, this event is a bargain for families and friends.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Locations across the Hudson Valley
November 1-14
There is no food festival quite like The Valley Table‘s Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. The annual celebration unites the region’s diverse eateries, offering two straight weeks of prix fixe special menus. Fall means farm-to-table fare and seasonal flavors, so expect unique dishes that highlight local harvests. If there’s a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try but never had the chance, there’s no better time than Restaurant Week.
Related: The Best Events & Fests to Hit in the Hudson Valley This Fall
