🌟 HV VIBES WEEKEND GUIDE: MAY 16-18, 2025

Hey Hudson Valley lovers! 👋

The weekend is HERE and the Valley is absolutely buzzing with excitement! From cultural celebrations to music events, comedy shows, and community gatherings - we've handpicked the most vibrant happenings across all counties to ensure you make the most of these beautiful May days.

Whether you're looking for family fun, date night ideas, or solo adventures, we've got you covered. Grab your calendar and start planning – it's going to be an amazing weekend!

📍 COLUMBIA COUNTY

Wonders of Water Festival 💦

WHERE: Taconic State Park, Copake Falls
WHEN: Saturday, May 17 • 10AM-4PM
PRICE: $10 adults, Kids under 12 FREE

Dive into a day celebrating our region's most precious resource! This interactive festival features hands-on exhibits demonstrating water conservation, ecosystem displays, and family-friendly activities including stream exploration with expert naturalists. Don't miss the waterfall hikes happening at 11AM and 2PM – they're absolutely breathtaking this time of year with the spring runoff in full effect.

PRO TIP: Bring water shoes and a change of clothes for the kids – the splash zone activities are a huge hit!

📍 DUTCHESS COUNTY

Maifest 2025 🍻

WHERE: Germania of Poughkeepsie
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, May 16-18 • Fri 5-10PM, Sat 12-10PM, Sun 12-6PM
PRICE: $15 admission, Children under 10 FREE

Experience authentic German culture right in Poughkeepsie! This annual spring celebration features traditional Maypole dancing, live Bavarian music bands (including the beloved Alps Band on Saturday night), and plenty of German beer and cuisine. Sunday features special family activities including pretzel-making workshops and traditional dance lessons.

MUST TRY: The homemade Spätzle and apple strudel from the Germania kitchen are absolutely legendary!

Yay It's Friday: Spring Fling Edition 🌈

WHERE: Dutchess County Pride Center, Poughkeepsie
WHEN: Friday, May 16 • 7-10PM
PRICE: Suggested donation $10

Kick off your weekend with this joyful community gathering! The Pride Center's monthly event features local DJ MarVee spinning dance classics, a signature cocktail bar (proceeds supporting LGBTQ+ youth programs), and a spring-themed photo booth. This month's special guest is drag performer Willow Pill, bringing extra flair to this already fabulous event.

INSIDER INFO: Early arrivals get a free Pride Center tote bag filled with goodies from local LGBTQ+-owned businesses!

📍 GREENE COUNTY

Accordion Weekend 🪗

WHERE: Riedlbauer's Resort, Round Top
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, May 16-18 • Various times
PRICE: Weekend passes $90, Day passes available

This unique cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of accordion music with performances from over 20 musicians across multiple genres. The weekend includes workshops for all skill levels, dancing opportunities (polka anyone?), and authentic German and Austrian cuisine. Saturday night's "Accordion Orchestra" featuring all participants playing together is a magical experience you won't forget.

ACCOMMODATIONS: On-site cabins are available at special rates for attendees – call ahead to reserve!

📍 ORANGE COUNTY

Return to the Mansion: A 75-Year Celebration 🏛️

WHERE: Morrison Hall Mansion, SUNY Orange, Middletown
WHEN: Saturday, May 17 • 1-5PM
PRICE: FREE

Step back in time at this historic Gilded Age mansion celebrating 75 years as part of SUNY Orange! The anniversary includes guided tours of rarely-seen rooms, a special exhibition of artifacts and photographs spanning the mansion's history, and light refreshments in the grand ballroom. Historians will be on hand to share fascinating stories about the Morrison family and the mansion's transformation through the decades.

HISTORY BUFFS NOTE: Don't miss the special lecture at 2PM about the mansion's architectural significance in the Hudson Valley!

📍 PUTNAM COUNTY

Uncle Cheef Live Music Lounge 🎷

WHERE: The Vault, Brewster
WHEN: Friday & Saturday, May 16-17 • 8PM-12AM
PRICE: $35 advance, $45 door

Grammy-winning saxophonist Ian Hendrickson-Smith (known for his work with The Roots and Amy Winehouse) brings his jazz collective to this intimate venue for two nights of incredible music. The lounge setting features cabaret-style seating, craft cocktails, and a specially curated small plates menu. Friday night focuses on classic jazz standards while Saturday ventures into fusion territory with special guests.

RESERVATION RECOMMENDED: This intimate venue sells out quickly – book your table in advance!

📍 ROCKLAND COUNTY

Craig Robinson Comedy Show 🎭

WHERE: Levity Live, West Nyack
WHEN: Friday & Saturday, May 16-17 • 7:30PM & 10PM shows
PRICE: $45-65

You know him as Darryl from "The Office" and Doug Judy from "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," now see Craig Robinson live on stage! His signature blend of comedy and music makes for an unforgettable night of entertainment. Robinson's keyboard skills and musical comedy segments add a unique dimension to his already hilarious stand-up routine.

VIP PACKAGE: Includes priority seating, post-show meet & greet, and an autographed photo ($95)

📍 ULSTER COUNTY

Benefit Concert for The Children's Home of Kingston 🎵

WHERE: M. Clifford Miller Middle School, Lake Katrine
WHEN: Saturday, May 17 • 7PM
PRICE: $25 suggested donation

Support a wonderful cause while enjoying fantastic music! This benefit features performances by local favorites MacCana (traditional Irish music with a modern twist) and The T McCann Band (folk-rock originals). All proceeds go directly to supporting programs at The Children's Home of Kingston, which has been serving vulnerable youth for over 150 years.

GOOD TO KNOW: A silent auction featuring items from local businesses runs throughout the evening.

Old-Time Rollick 2025 💃

WHERE: Ashokan Center, Olivebridge
WHEN: Friday-Sunday, May 16-18 • Full weekend
PRICE: Full weekend $225 (includes meals and activities), Day passes available

Immerse yourself in Appalachian and old-time traditions at this beloved annual gathering! The weekend features square dancing, contra dancing, instrumental workshops (fiddle, banjo, guitar, and more), jam sessions, and community meals. Saturday night's barn dance with live string band is always a highlight – no experience necessary, all dances are taught!

FAMILY FRIENDLY: Special kids' programming runs throughout the weekend, making this perfect for all ages.

📍 WESTCHESTER COUNTY

An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katherine McPhee 🎹

WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall
WHEN: Saturday, May 17 • 8PM
PRICE: $75-125

16-time Grammy winner David Foster and American Idol finalist/Broadway star Katherine McPhee (who happen to be married!) bring their musical magic to the historic Tarrytown Music Hall. Expect a journey through Foster's incredible catalog of hits written for Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Chicago, alongside McPhee's stunning vocals and selections from her Broadway performances.

DID YOU KNOW? The Tarrytown Music Hall is celebrating its 138th year, making it one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the country!

Lag B'Omer Jewish Unity BBQ 🔥

WHERE: Chabad of Yorktown, Yorktown Heights
WHEN: Sunday, May 18 • 12-4PM
PRICE: FREE (donations welcome)

Celebrate the joyful Jewish holiday of Lag B'Omer with this community gathering! The event features a kosher BBQ with all the fixings, live music, archery demonstrations (a traditional Lag B'Omer activity), and a bonfire. Activities for all ages make this a perfect family day out, and all are welcome regardless of religious background.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT: The event also collects donations for the local food pantry – bring a non-perishable item if you can!

💬 WEEKEND WISDOM

WEATHER FORECAST

Friday: 🌤️ Partly cloudy, High 72°F, Low 55°F
Saturday: ☀️ Sunny, High 75°F, Low 58°F
Sunday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny, High 78°F, Low 59°F

Perfect weather for getting out and exploring all the Valley has to offer!

BEFORE YOU GO

📸 Share Your Adventures! Tag your weekend photos with #HVVibes for a chance to be featured in next week's newsletter.

🔔 Never Miss an Event! Forward this newsletter to a friend who loves the Hudson Valley as much as you do.

💌 Got a Tip? Know of an awesome event coming up? Reply to this email and let us know!

That's all for this week's HV Vibes Weekend Guide! Whatever you choose to do, we hope it brings you joy and connection to our beautiful Hudson Valley community.

See you next week!

The HV Vibes Team