Events

@ John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary at Slabsides

Detailed Times/Hours: 9:00 am to approximately 11:00 pm. Rain or shine. Afterwards, from 11:30 am until 4:00 pm, you are invited to tour John Burroughs' rustic 1895 cabin retreat "Slabsides," a National Historic Landmark and a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area of Special interest. Through works written there about nature, John Burroughs had a profound impact on the emerging conservation movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s. He inspired generations of readers to head out of doors and national leaders to preserve land and its wildlife.

The rocks were one of naturalist John Burroughs' favorite aspects of the Slabsides location, but even he did not realize that the rocks represented sediments eroded from a Himalayan-scale mountain range nearly 400 million years ago. Since they were deposited in a shallow sea, the sediments were repeatedly caught in continental collisions, which bent them and stood them literally on end. As if that wasn't enough, they were most recently scraped clean by a mile-thick sheet of glacial ice which melted a mere 14,000 years ago. Join former Vassar College professor of earth sciences Jeff Walker for a hike to read the many stories in the rocks of the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary. The trails are part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail System. SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

@ Shawangunk Grasslands

Detailed Times/Hours: In the event of inclement weather, this walk will be cancelled.

Join the Catskill Center’s Finn Parnell for a guided stroll through the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Discover a diverse array of birds while learning to use mobile apps for easy identification—don’t forget your binoculars! A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

@ The Rondout Creek Waterfront

Detailed Times/Hours: This event will happen every Saturday at 3:00 PM.

Join us for a 45 minute walking tour that will take you along the historic waterfront of the Rondout Creek and learn about the industrial history of the area.

@ The Hudson River Maritime Museum

Detailed Times/Hours: These tours will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:00 PM.

Come join an expert docent on an hour long guided tour of the Hudson River Maritime Museum's informative exhibits.

@ Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History

Join us for an evening with historian and curator Bill Merchant of the D&H Canal Museum. Merchant will present "Immigrants on the D&H Canal" as part of the Delaware & Hudson Transportation Heritage Council's Bicentennial Celebration. Enter through our gallery entrance on Spring Street.

@ Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center

Gather around the fire with your family for an evening under the September Full Moon! Join us at the Catskill Visitor Center for a special educational event, celebrating the natural and cultural wonders of the Catskills. We'll start the evening with a cozy fireside talk and hot cocoa, where we'll explore the agricultural and astronomical significance of this month's full moon, and its deep connections to the Hudson Valley As night falls, take part in a guided night hike along our Interpretive Loop Trail, where we'll discover how local wildlife has adapted to life in the dark.

@ Davis Park, West Shokan, NY

Detailed Times/Hours: 9AM-6PM

Come out to enjoy a free, fun filled day that is all about the Town of Olive! See our local vendors, taste some delicious food, and even see the famous frog jumping contest! There will also be a car show, bouncy houses, and live music. Fun for the entire family! Catskill Watershed Corporation will be there with watershed coloring/activity books and DIY watershed kits for kids to sit and paint and learn about how water (and pollution!) moves through the water system.

@ Corner of Wall and Main Streets

Detailed Times/Hours: Tour offered first Saturday of each month May through October at 11 am departs from FHK Gallery, 63 Main Street, Kingston.

Following the street plan designed by Peter Stuyvesant in 1658, the tour walks the heart of the largest intact early Dutch settlement in New York State and the neighborhood where New York State was born in 1777. Walking tour highlights include viewing the many eighteenth century limestone houses still standing in the Stockade District, and visiting the site of the drafting of the New York State Constitution in 1777 and the gravesite of New York’s first elected governor, George Clinton, in the Old Dutch Church Burying Ground.

@ the Hudson River Maritime Museum

A delightful free story time for kids! Join us in the museum, surrounded by historical treasures, as our storytellers read an enchanting seafaring story aloud.

@ Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History

Detailed Times/Hours: Gallery hours are: Wednesdays 1-5pm, Fridays 1-6pm, Saturdays 1-3pm and 3:30-6pm, and Sundays 12:30-5pm. Open from now through Sunday, September 7th.

Boundless Creativity Continues features a new roster of immigrant artists living in the Hudson Valley. Boundless showcases stunning works of art that both reference and transcend themes of national identity. An exhibition of the work of Isabel Cotarelo, Weizitong Kong, Carmen Lizardo, and Emmanuel Ofori. Creativity knows no bounds- like the human spirit, creativity moves freely across borders, shaping and reshaping our shared world.

@ The International Museum of Dinnerware Design

Detailed Times/Hours: Gallery talks will take place on selected Thursdays and Fridays at 1:00pm. The museum is open Thursdays - Sundays from noon until 5:00pm

Join us for a gallery talk discussing works in our current exhibitions of masterpieces from the tabletop genre created by contemporary artists and the leading designers for industry, along with fine art referencing dinnerware and a bit of kitsch thrown in for good measure. The exhibition "Dining Grails" features highlights from the museum’s permanent collection – our “holy grails” of dinnerware. The exhibition "Picnic" is a juried and invitational exhibition of work by contemporary artists related to the topic of picnics, along with historic picnic ware.

@ John Burroughs Nature Sanctaury

Detailed Times/Hours: After the Ramble, from Noon until 4:00 pm you are invited to tour John Burroughs' rustic 1895 cabin retreat "Slabsides," a National Historic Landmark and a Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area of Special interest. Through works written there about nature, John Burroughs had a profound impact on the emerging conservation movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s. He inspired generations of readers to head out of doors and national leaders to preserve land and its wildlife.

Birds were the first love of literary naturalist John Burroughs when he was writing at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Then as now, the land surrounding his cabin Slabsides was abundant with bird life and at this time of year migrating songbirds en route to wintering grounds in South America are stopping off. Discover the richness of tree-top bird life through sight and song with Mark DeDea, president of our sister organization, the John Burroughs Natural History Society. Beginning birders through advanced are welcome.

@ Kingston Point Beach

Detailed Times/Hours: Each tour is from 9:30am-11:30am.

This class is designed for kayakers of all levels. This guided paddle will travel along the scenic waterfront. Along the way participants will see wildlife, learn history and explore the Hudson River. Tours launch from Kingston Point Beach at 9:30am and return at 11:30am.

@ The Hudson River Maritime Museum

The Hudson River Maritime Museum will lead a fascinating, 12 mile driving tour about the industrial histories of Kingston and the surrounding areas. Tour will include stops at Century House and D&H Canal Museums. A lunch break is included, so bring your own lunch!

@ The preserve is located at the end of Old Sawmill Road in Saugerties, NY with parking allowed only in the designated parking area by the kiosk.

Come alone or bring a friend to this meet-up. We’ll connect with nature and each other while exploring this beautiful, protected landscape.

@ Hudson River Maritime Museum

Detailed Times/Hours: Hudson River Maritime Museum is open 11am to 5pm, Wednesday through Monday. Tickets can be purchased in the museum's gift shop, museum admission is included with ticket.

Hop aboard Solaris for a unique opportunity to take a boat tour out to one of only seven remaining lighthouses on the Hudson River that stands proudly at the entrance to Rondout Creek! Our knowledgeable guides will share captivating tales about Kingston's Rondout Lighthouse’s rich history and the individuals who lived there. Once we arrive, you'll get to explore the lighthouse's fascinating interior and uncover what life was like for the keepers and their families. Feeling daring? Climb up to the observation deck for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Hudson, the iconic Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, and, if the skies are clear, the distant Esopus Meadows Lighthouse. Book your Hudson Valley boat ride today and step into a piece of history!

@ Hudson River Maritime Museum

Detailed Times/Hours: Sat.-Sun., Sept. 13-14, 10 AM - 4 PM

In this class you will learn the basic weaving patterns that are applicable to Shaker tape, ash splint, vinyl splint and reed chairs and stools. Using either a stool or chair that needs a new seat or a pre-assembled footstool as a base, you'll weave the seat with all natural fiber splint material. You'll leave class with a beautiful hand-woven footstool or reseated chair.

@ Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower

Detailed Times/Hours: Join one of our Catskill Stewards for this 6 mile, out-and-back hike to the top of Balsam Lake Mountain. Don’t miss out on your chance to climb the fire tower and enjoy the views. This is a great way to work on completing the 2025 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, which is organized by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. We’ll meet at the Dry Brook Ridge trailhead on Mill Brook Road in Arkville at 10 am. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water. This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required.

Join one of our Catskill Stewards for this 6 mile, out-and-back hike to the top of Balsam Lake Mountain. Don’t miss out on your chance to climb the fire tower and enjoy the views. This is a great way to work on completing the 2025 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, which is organized by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. We’ll meet at the Dry Brook Ridge trailhead on Mill Brook Road in Arkville at 10 am. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

@ Saugerties Village & Town

Detailed Times/Hours: All summer on the streets of Saugerties

Artists painted fiberglass dogs lining the streets of Saugerties from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

@ Shawangunk Grasslands

Join the Catskill Center’s Finn Parnell for a guided stroll through the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for bird enthusiasts. Discover a diverse array of birds while learning to use mobile apps for easy identification—don’t forget your binoculars! A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. This event is FREE with a suggested donation of $10.00. Registration is required. In the event of inclement weather, this walk will be cancelled.

@ Hudson River Maritime Museum

Detailed Times/Hours: Sat./Sun., Sept. 20-21 10 AM to 4 PM

Come learn the incredibly satisfying craft of green wood spoon carving. Starting with locally sourced logs, we will evaluate what makes good ‘spoon wood,’ where it comes from, and how to split a blank from a larger piece. Spoon carving is a great way to learn about wood technology—the structure of wood, how it wants to be cut, and the characteristics of different species many of which cannot be found in commercial lumber yards. We will use traditional edge tools, primarily carving axes and knives, to shape wood into the familiar form of a spoon. Essentially a bowl with a handle, the spoon is a three dimensional ride around shifting inside and outside curves. We will learn a variety of knife grips that will get us around the spoon safely and effectively. Spoon carving is a pared down way to work with wood. No power tools or loud noises, just the sound of chips and shavings falling to the floor. No experience necessary.

@ Senate House State Historic Site

Detailed Times/Hours: Vanderlyn walking tours will be held on Saturdays: September 13, September 20, and October 11 and on Wednesday October 15. Tours begin at the Senate House State Historic Site in front of Loughran House at 296 Fair Street, Kingston, NY. Tours will begin promptly at 11:00AM and will run approximately one hour in length. The event is FREE, but reservations are required. To reserve your spot, call 845-338-2786 or email SenateHouseSHS@parks.ny.gov

Marking the 250-year anniversary of his birth, discover the life and legacy of John Vanderlyn. Step into the past with our free walking tour of Uptown Kingston exploring the remarkable life of Kingston-born artist John Vanderlyn (1775-1852). From his early days in Uptown Kingston, to his celebrated career as a neoclassical painter home and abroad, Vanderlyn’s story is one of ambition, artistry and international acclaim. This guided tour highlights key locations tied to Vanderlyn’s family, artistic development and Kingston’s vibrant cultural heritage. Perfect for history lovers, art enthusiastic and curious minds of all ages. Vanderlyn walking tours will be held on Saturdays: September 13, September 20, and October 11 and on Wednesday October 15. Tours begin at the Senate House State Historic Site in front of Loughran House at 296 Fair Street, Kingston, NY. Tours will begin promptly at 11:00AM and will run approximately one hour in length. The tour will cover uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tours are approximately one mile of walking distance and are weather dependent. The event is FREE, but reservations are required. To reserve your spot, call 845-338-2786 or email SenateHouseSHS@parks.ny.gov

@ Water Street Market, New Paltz

Detailed Times/Hours: From 6-9 PM on every upcoming fourth Friday of each month

The Water Street Market will be having a popup food vendor, live music, beer/wine/spirit, and kids activities followed by a comedy show.

@ Senate House State Historic Site

Detailed Times/Hours: Saturday September 27th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Master blacksmith Alan Horowitz and Ralph Lupidus will conduct blacksmithing demonstrations. This event is free, family friendly and runs rain or shine.

Step back in time and experience the art of blacksmithing at Senate House State Historic Site on Saturday September 27th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. The clang of hammer on anvil will echo through the grounds as master blacksmith Alan Horowitz and Ralph Lupidus bring history to life with live blacksmithing demonstrations using traditional forging techniques. Sparks will fly as our reenactors craft tools and tell stories of their craft. This event is free, family friendly and runs rain or shine.

@ Meet at The Gazebo, 73 West Strand, Lower Broadway at 11 am.

Detailed Times/Hours: Guided Walk Tour is offered on last Saturday of each month May through October. 11 am departs from Gazebo, 73 West Strand, Kingston New York. Admission Fees apply.

Hear how Kingston's historic waterfront district mushroomed from farmland into a prosperous maritime village and major Hudson River port during the heydays of the Delaware and Hudson Canal (1828-1898). View the legacy of residential, commercial and ecclesiastical architecture built by the "melting pot" of nationalities that emigrated to Rondout in the nineteenth century.

@ Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History

Detailed Times/Hours: Saturday tours from 12-1pm

Step back to 1959 and tour an immigrant Jewish bakery and retail shop that served rye, pumpernickel, challah, and its signature bread rolls to Kingston’s Rondout community for 80 years. Explore original bakery artifacts, hear stories of the Sunday morning rush, and discover how Frank Reher and his six children built a business that fostered community for generations. You’ll leave with a taste of local Kingston fresh-baked rolls–just as the Rehers would have wanted.

@ Hurds Family Farm

Detailed Times/Hours: Open Fridays 10am- 7pm Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 5pm and Activities 10am - 4pm

Celebrate Autumn at our 7th-generation family-run pick-your-own apple farm with a pumpkin patch and are just minutes from the thruway about 1.5 hours north of NYC. Our apple orchard has 24 different varieties of apples that are ready to pick from August through October. There are over 35 activities to keep the whole family engaged, including a hayride, bounce pillow, mini zipline, cow train, and bin train ride, to name a few. In 2023, we added golf cart adventure tours guided by one of our charismatic team members for a unique, unforgettable farm experience you don't want to miss. Everyone loves to explore our 120+ acre apple farm with many nature trails and PYO Pollinator paths. New in 2025 we have added a Farmers 5K trail that goes through the orchard, evergreen grove, and forest. Families can easily spend an entire day making memories while picking apples and pumpkins. Warm up or cool off with one of our hand-crafted cocktails or local adult beverages at the bar in the barn. Our cafe supports local farms and NY small businesses by using their ingredients in our family recipes. People can't wait for our freshmade apple cider donuts at the fall festivals, so make sure to try a hot one! Our barn market is filled with lots of local NY Hudson Valley treats, including honey, syrup, jams, and apple butter. The fall is the most popular time of year to visit, with crisp autumn air and colorful leaves. We look forward to seeing you at the farm and being part of your amazing memories.

@ D&H Canal Museum and Mid-Hudson Visitor Center

Detailed Times/Hours: The Museum is open 7 days 10am-5pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day; September to May open Fridays through Mondays, 10am-4pm.

Come to the D&H Canal Museum in High Falls and take a free guided tour of the national historic landmark Five Lock Walk. See five restored locks from the final 1850 enlargement of the D&H Canal, the first million dollar private enterprise in US history. The Canal ran for 108 miles from Honesdale PA to Rondout NY to bring coal from Carbondale PA to NYC, running from 1828 through 1898. The Canal fueled the industrial revolution in America and helped make NYC the world's largest city. It informed the 19C history of all the towns along its route. Approximately 1/2 mile.