Peekskill Celebration: One of the Hudson Valley region’s largest festivals
Where/When: Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill; Friday, Aug. 5, 6–10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Why go: Peekskill Celebration is not only the city’s largest festival; it is also one of the Hudson Valley region’s most talked about. Famous for its amazing fireworks show and Dragon Boat races, this two-day event offers tons of activities, vendors, live music, historical reenactments and more. This year, for the first time, the festival will offer hot air balloon rides. For a complete schedule of all the fun, please click here.
Pricing: Free
Contact: (914) 736-2000 or e-mail info@peekskillcelebration.com
Farm to Table Cooking Series by Chef Laurie Gersghorn: A how-to cooking class at Hilltop Hanover Farm
Where/When: Hilltop Hannover Farm, Yorktown; Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.–12 p.m
Why go: In this how-to series of cooking classes Chef Laurie Gersghorn will cover different recipes and topics as she teaches you how to prepare and cook local produce. Attend one class, or come for them all, and enjoy the perfect opportunity to learn more about healthful living and eating while trying your hand at new recipes. Both adults and children 10 years and up are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required.
Pricing: $20 per person
Contact: (914) 217-9249 or e-mail somethinggoodintw@aol.com
Roe and Alex Prosser: A Retrospective: Opening reception at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library
Where/When: Hendrick Hudson Free Library, Montrose; Saturday, Aug. 6, 1–5 p.m.
Why go: In this show Montrose artists Roe and Alex Prosser, a mother and son duo, show off their creative talents. Come to the opening reception for a chance to meet the artists and take a look at their works. Both use a mix of watercolors and acrylics to paint. Alex displays his skills through a variety of bold abstracts, while Roe brings her representational art to the event. Refreshments will be served.
Pricing: Free
Contact: (914) 739-5654
Hudson River Contemporary: Works on Paper: Boscobel’s first contemporary art exhibit
Where/When: Boscobel Restoration, Garrison; Friday, Aug. 5, Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily (except Tuesday)
Why go: Works on Paper is the first exhibition of contemporary art to visit Boscobel's gallery and features 30 artists who are in various stages of their careers. The exhibit includes realist and abstract pieces composed of traditional materials, paintings on paper, constructions, collages, photographs, digital images, installations and conceptual art. The show runs through Sept. 15; the gallery is closed on Tuesdays.
Pricing: $16, $12 seniors, $7 age 6-14, free for children under 6; or free admission with purchase of a house or garden pass.
Contact: (845) 265-3638
Ossining Fire Department’s Annual Parade: The Ossining Volunteer Fire Department takes to the streets
Where/When: Downtown Ossining, at Pleasantville Road and Croton Avenue; Friday, Aug. 5, 7 p.m.
Why go: Come out and cheer on some of your brave local firefighters. Kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy watching the firetrucks roll through town. Fun fact: The Ossining Fire Department has more than 470 members and is staffed 100 per cent by volunteers.
Pricing: Free
Contact: (914) 941-0215
Bird Festival: A bird-themed celebration at Bear Mountain’s Trailside Museums and Zoo
Where/When: Trailside Museums and Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park; Saturday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Why go: The annual Bird Festival returns to Bear Mountain State Park’s Trailside Museums and Zoo. Stop in and say hello to some of the zoo’s feathered friends, including a bald eagle, a great horned owl and black vultures. There will be face-painting, bird-themed activities, story time and more. Enjoy games such as the "Great Migration Challenge" and “Bird Olympics” while visiting the festival. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 7.
Pricing: $8 parking per car; free to enter the festival
Contact: (845) 786-2701
Caramoor Jazz Festival: Three days of live jazz at Caramoor
Where/When: Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah; Friday–Sunday, Aug. 5–7, Friday, 8 p.m., Saturday, 3 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.
Why go: After almost two decades of entertaining jazz fans, this annual festival keeps the music going with three days of performances by talented guests. On Friday pianist Renee Rosnes returns for another year, this time taking to the venue’s Spanish Courtyard with her own quartet. On Saturday Juan Carlos Formell’s Johnny’s Dream Club, James Farm, Jose James, Christian McBride Big Band will all keep festival goers tapping their toes as each musician contributes talents to the festival. On Sunday the Robert Glasper Trio, the Edmar Castaneda Quartet, Fred Hersch/Nico Gori Duo, the John Scofield Quartet and Jason Moran and The Bandwagon bring the festival to a close.
Pricing: $30-$57
Contact: (914) 232-1252 or email: info@caramoor.org
Artist Gallery: Visions by Jo-Ellen C. Bossom and Eugene Bender
Where/When: Muscoot Farm, Somers; Saturday, Aug. 6, 12–4 p.m.
Why go: Visit the Artist Gallery at Muscoot Farm, where two artists, Jo-Ellen C. Bossom, who creates children’s illustrations, and Eugene Bender, a watercolor artist, have a collaborative show on display. The exhibit is in the farm’s main house.
Pricing: Free
Contact: (914) 864-7282
Magical History Tour and Nature Hike: A day hike at Mount Nimham Fire Tower
Where/When: Mount Nimham Fire Tower, Kent Lakes; Sunday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Why go: This summer day hike is presented by the Kent Historical Society, the Putnam County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission and the New England Antiquities Research Association. Take a stroll through the Northrup Farm off Gipsy Trail Road, through Whang Hollow to Hawk Rock. Accompanying you on the walk will be local historians who will guide you while they talk about the area’s history. It is requested that you wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes, bring water and lunch or a snack, and bug repellent. Leashed dogs are welcome. The rain date is Aug. 14.
Pricing: Free
Contact: (845) 249-8880
River Day at Van Cortlandt Manor: A day of education and outdoor activities
Where/When: Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson; Sunday, Aug. 7, 12-5 p.m.
Why go: On this historical remembrance boat ride you will learn about and celebrate our area’s relationship to the Hudson River circa the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Other activities will take place throughout the day as well, including fishing, hearth cooking and brickmaking. You can even learn about modern boat building with several of the organizations that will be sharing in the day’s festivities. Water activities, music, picnicking and storytelling are some of the other things you can enjoy while at Van Cortlandt Manor.
Pricing: $12 per person
Contact: 914-271-8981
