HV VIBES 🌟

Your curated Hudson Valley update for Friday, June 20, 2025 ☀️

Welcome to summer solstice weekend! Dive into the magic of the longest day of the year with our region's most vibrant celebrations.

🟢 HUDSON VALLEY GOOD NEWS

Storm King Art Center Reopens with a $53M Transformation

The beloved sculpture park has debuted stunning new facilities—including a sleek wood restroom pavilion, modern ticketing, eco-friendly landscaping, and restored streams—designed to blend seamlessly with its 200-hectare site and celebrated artworks. This world-class destination continues to inspire visitors with its marriage of contemporary art and natural landscape.

Kingston Rent Stabilization Victory

The New York Court of Appeals has upheld the City of Kingston's Housing Stabilization Tenant Protection Act and the Rent Guidelines Board's commitment to rent stabilization, strengthening tenant protections and local housing policy—a significant win for community stability and affordable housing advocacy.

Tax Relief Coming for Valley Families

The recent House-passed "Big, Beautiful Bill" aims to quadruple the SALT deduction cap to $40K, preserve key child and small-business credits, and shield Hudson Valley households from looming tax hikes. This could mean thousands in savings for local families navigating high property taxes.

Caribbean Association Launches to Unite Community

The newly established Caribbean Association of the Hudson Valley is proud to announce its official launch, committed to supporting and uplifting Caribbean citizens across the region. Through scholarships, community resources, and cultural initiatives, the organization is focused on strengthening the presence and power of Caribbean heritage in our community. Mark your calendars for their inaugural Hudson Valley Caribbean Festival will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12 PM to 8 PM at Waryas Park, along the scenic Poughkeepsie riverfront.

📅 WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT: JUNE 20–22 EVENTS

🎶 MUSIC & FESTIVALS

Mountain Jam – Thu–Sun, Belleayre Mountain, Highmount
The Northeast's beloved festival returns after six years! Mountain Jam Festival 2025 at Belleayre Mountain featuring headliners Khruangbin, Mt. Joy, Goose, and an incredible lineup spanning indie rock, jam bands, and electronic music. Multi-day passes still available.

The Local Jam – Friday 6–7:30 PM
at Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland via Ulster Welcome Center. Free community music on the iconic bridge with stunning river views.

9th Anniversary Honky Tonk Party – Friday 3 PM
Station Bar & Curio, Woodstock celebrates with Bourbon Sprawl and authentic country vibes.

🌈 PRIDE CELEBRATIONS

Newburgh Pride Weekend – Friday–Sunday
Three days of joyful community celebration featuring parades, performances, and family-friendly activities.

OutHudson Pride Parade & Festival – Saturday 1–4 PM
Warren Street → Promenade Hill Park in Hudson. Experience the largest Pride celebration in the region with drag performances, local vendors, and live entertainment.

"LOVE: The Heroic Stories of Marriage Equality" Book Launch
Sunday, June 22, 2025 from noon - 3pm at Hudson Home, 66 Warren St, Hudson. Catered by Talbott & Arding, with a signature cocktail by Klocke Estate and Whitecliff Winery, guests will have the opportunity to meet Frankie Frankeny and explore the stories within LOVE. Free admission.

🎭 ARTS & CULTURE

DIVAS! A Wildly Incomplete Celebration – Friday 7 PM
Howland Cultural Center, Beacon. An evening celebrating powerful female voices through music and performance.

Maria Lai: A Journey to America
On view through July 28, 2025 at Magazzino Italian Art, Robert Olnick Pavilion, 2700 Route 9, Cold Spring. The first retrospective in the United States dedicated to one of the most important Italian artists of the 20th century. This groundbreaking exhibition features approximately 100 works never before seen in America.

Ashley Poston "Sounds Like Love" Book Event – Sunday 2 PM
Morton Memorial Library, Rhinecliff. A hitmaker in conversation with Patti Murin. $20.55 includes paperback copy.

🌞 SOLSTICE SPECIAL EVENTS

Winter at the Summer House: Solstice Celebration – Friday 5 PM
Olana State Historic Site in Hudson with Hilma's Ghost. Artist Ellen Harvey will respond to Olana's mysterious Summer House with an interactive installation titled Winter in the Summer House.

Oyster Party & Solstice Soirée – Friday 5–10 PM
Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson. Celebrate the longest day with fresh Hudson Valley oysters and summer cocktails.

Sunset Gong Sound Bath on Solaris – Friday 7:30 PM
Kingston's solar-powered Hudson River boat hosts this unique meditation experience as we transition into summer.

🎨 MARKETS & COMMUNITY

Hops on the Hudson Modern Makers Market – June 21-22
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Cold Spring. 30+ Brewers/60+ Taps Under the big tent Two Tasting Sessions Noon-2PM and 3-5PM Makers Market, Food, Live Music, Dog Friendly. This popular weekend features both craft beer tastings and local artisan vendors.

Field Market at The Pines – Sunday 12 PM
Mt Tremper. Discover local makers, fresh produce, and artisanal goods in a beautiful mountain setting.

🌿 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & HIDDEN GEMS

🚣 WATER ACTIVITIES

Hudson River Expeditions has launched their 2025 season with kayak, canoe, and paddle board rentals and tours at Cold Spring. Paddle through Constitution Marsh to catch stunning views of the Hudson Highlands—perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Free Kayaking & Community Day
Kick off the summer season with FREE kayaking, seining, live turtle displays, arts and crafts, food and music, raffle prizes, and tabling from local community groups.

🥾 HIKING ADVENTURES FOR ALL LEVELS

Family-Friendly Trails:

• Poets' Walk Park, Red Hook: Romantic landscape design with rustic bridges and scenic Hudson River vistas

• Walkway Over the Hudson: 1.28-mile elevated linear park offering panoramic river views

• Constitution Marsh Audubon Center: Boardwalk trail perfect for birdwatching and peaceful nature walks

Hidden Gems for Adventure Seekers:

• Black Creek Preserve, Esopus: Features a dramatic suspension bridge leading to quiet river shores

• Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill, Rhinebeck: Serene hilltop with panoramic Hudson Valley views—perfect for golden hour photography

• Stony Kill Falls: A hidden cascade within Minnewaska State Park with multiple waterfalls

Challenge-Level Hikes:

• Overlook Mountain, Woodstock: Rewarding climb to fire tower and abandoned hotel ruins

• Mount Beacon: Historic fire tower with sweeping valley views

• Sam's Point Preserve, Cragsmoor: Rare dwarf pine forest and ice caves ($10 per vehicle)

🌺 EDUCATIONAL & NATURE

June Foraging Workshop – Sunday 10 AM–12:30 PM
Wild Hudson Valley, 408 Lake Mills Rd, Cairo. Learn to identify edible and medicinal plants using basic sensory skills.

Create & Cook: Family Cooking & Art Workshop
Olana State Historic Site, Hudson, 11am. Hands-on culinary arts for families in a stunning historic setting.

🌤️ WEEKEND WEATHER FORECAST

Perfect Summer Solstice Weather Ahead! Expect mild and mostly dry early summer conditions—ideal for all your outdoor plans through Sunday. Daytime highs will rise from the comfortable low-80s today to pleasant upper-80s by Sunday.

Heat Wave Alert: Starting Sunday night into Monday, temperatures will spike with feels-like temps reaching the mid-90s or higher. Plan indoor activities for early next week!

Best Times for Outdoor Fun: Early morning (7-10 AM) and evening (6-8 PM) will offer the most comfortable conditions for hiking and outdoor events.

📍 INSIDER'S WEEKEND GUIDE

🌟 MUST-DO EXPERIENCES

1. Start Your Morning Early: Beat the crowds at Storm King Art Center (reopened with new facilities) or enjoy a peaceful sunrise paddle on the Hudson

2. Embrace the Music: Mountain Jam offers world-class performances, while The Local Jam provides intimate community vibes on the Walkway bridge

3. Celebrate Love & Community: Join Hudson's Pride celebrations—some of the most vibrant and inclusive in the Northeast

4. Discover Hidden Waterfalls: Venture off the beaten path to Stony Kill Falls or Indian Brook Falls for stunning photography opportunities

5. Savor Local Flavors: From fresh oysters at Starlite Motel to craft beer tastings in Cold Spring, this weekend showcases the Valley's culinary creativity

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS

Easy Adventures for Little Ones:

• Constitution Marsh boardwalk (stroller-friendly!)

• Poets' Walk Park's gentle trails with bridge crossings

• Free community events at various Pride celebrations

• Interactive art workshops at Olana

Educational Fun:

• Maria Lai art exhibition at Magazzino (first major Italian female artist retrospective in US)

• Native plant identification at Wild Hudson Valley

• Historic mansion tours combined with outdoor exploration

Water Fun:

• Supervised kayaking lessons at Hudson River Expeditions

• Shallow water play areas at several riverfront parks

• Turtle displays and hands-on nature activities at community events

🗺️ GETTING AROUND THE VALLEY

Transportation Tips:

• Metro-North weekend service runs regularly to Cold Spring, Beacon, and Poughkeepsie

• Free parking available at most outdoor recreation areas before 10 AM

• Consider carpooling to popular events like Mountain Jam (limited parking)

• Many Pride events offer free shuttle services between venues

Insider Parking Secrets:

• Constitution Marsh: Park at Boscobel house overflow lot and walk 0.3 miles

• Walkway Over the Hudson: Use Poughkeepsie side entrance for easier access

• Cold Spring: Street parking fills up early; arrive before 11 AM or use municipal lot

💡 PRO TIPS FOR THE PERFECT WEEKEND

Beat the Heat:

• Pack extra water for all outdoor activities

• Seek shade during peak sun hours (11 AM - 3 PM)

• Choose morning or evening events when possible

Photography Opportunities:

• Golden hour at Drayton Grant Park (Burger Hill) offers Instagram-worthy valley shots

• Storm King's new facilities blend perfectly with the sculpture installations

• Pride parades provide vibrant, joyful community documentation

Hidden Culinary Gems:

• Book ahead for oyster events—they often sell out

• Local farmers markets offer perfect picnic provisions

• Many breweries and wineries offer special solstice weekend tastings

For the Adventurous:

• Combine hiking with swimming at designated areas near waterfalls

• Night photography opportunities at Olana during solstice celebration

• Multi-day camping options available at several state parks

Ready to explore? This weekend offers the perfect blend of cultural celebration, outdoor adventure, and community connection. Whether you're seeking peaceful nature immersion, artistic inspiration, or vibrant social experiences, the Hudson Valley delivers magic at every turn.

Happy Summer Solstice, Hudson Valley! 🌞

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