Fair Enough

Fall Festivals in the Hudson Valley

by Peter Aaron, August 31, 2009

By no means does the revelry end when summer turns to fall in the Hudson Valley. Every year, the colorful autumn brings a rich itinerary of fairs and festivals that simultaneously reward the minds and palates of locals and visitors with stimulating culture and tempting upstate delicacies. In light of this, Chronogram presents a cornucopia overflowing with the area’s most recommended seasonal happenings.

Festival of Books
September 4–6, 12–13. Spencertown Academy’s fourth annual Festival of Books promises thousands of books for sale plus timely talk and readings by noted authors, poets, and other speakers. Among those appearing this year are Victor Navasky, former editor and publisher of The Nation, writer Mary Gaitskill, and the perfectly named best-selling author Francine Prose. Spencertown. (518) 392-3693; www.spencertownacademy.org.

Hooley on the Hudson
September 6. Every year this popular cavalcade of Celtic music and culture turns the historic Rondout district of Kingston into a tartan-kilted, pennywhistling, wildly jigging outdoor bash. Along with marching pipe and drum bands, there’s a storytelling tent, dancers, and indigenous Irish food and crafts. The two live music stages host traditional acts from around the area and abroad. Kingston. (845) 338-6622; www.ulsteraoh.com.

Woodstock-New Paltz Arts & Crafts Fair
September 5–7. This eagerly awaited Labor Day weekend bazaar at the Ulster County Fairgrounds promises more than 300 craftspeople and artists, continuous craft demonstrations, furniture and architectural crafts, specialty foods, healthcare products, and a wide sampling of entertainment. The children’s tent makes it a natural for out-and-about families. New Paltz. (845) 245-3414; www.quailhollow.com.