Upcoming Events in Mid-Hudson Valley: Enroll, Explore, and Enjoy

The Mid-Hudson Valley is bustling with activities and educational opportunities as various organizations prepare for a vibrant late summer and early fall. Key events include enrollments, exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings, offering residents and visitors a chance to engage with local culture and history.

Education and Exhibitions

The deadline to enroll in Lifespring, a community learning initiative based in Saugerties, is fast approaching. Interested participants can register until August 22 for the 2025-26 academic year. Lifespring provides a variety of courses both online through Zoom and in-person at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, located at 1682 Glasco Turnpike. Open to all retired and semi-retired adults in the Hudson Valley, the program aims to foster lifelong learning. For details or registration, visit lifespringsaugerties.com or email [email protected].

Additionally, the Olive Free Library is currently hosting the exhibition “Address: Earth Art Expo — Reef & Desert Editions,” featuring works from 13 local visual artists. This exhibition runs through September 21 at 4033 State Route 28A, West Shokan.

The Historical Society of Woodstock will also open its season with “Making Her Mark: 50 Women Artists of the Historic Woodstock Art Colony.” This exhibition, located at 20 Comeau Drive, will be on display every weekend until September 14.

Cultural Events and Performances

A range of performances is set for the coming weeks. On August 15, the Saints, a rhythm and blues group, will perform a free concert at Belleayre Mountain. The event, part of the venue’s “Music on the Belle” series, will start at 6 p.m. and will include food trucks, gondola rides, and lawn games.

In addition, the Arm-of-the-Sea Theater will present the annual Esopus Creek Puppet Suite from August 15 to 17 at the Tidewater Center in Saugerties, starting each evening at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the door.

On August 16, the Staatsburgh State Historic Site will screen the 1929 Marx Brothers comedy “The Cocoanuts.” The film, which has entered the public domain, will be shown inside the historic mansion, with tickets priced at $5.

The Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market has opened its 31st season, operating every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the municipal parking lot at 61 E. Market St. The market will run outdoors until December 29, showcasing local produce and crafts.

As summer winds down, the community is invited to a variety of family-friendly events, including a school supply giveaway hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church on August 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature free hot dogs, crafts, and a book giveaway for children.

The United Way of Ulster County will host its Children’s Charity Classic horse jumping event at HITS in Saugerties on August 29. Teams will be sponsored by youth organizations, with all donations supporting various local programs.

As the Mid-Hudson Valley prepares for an exciting array of events, residents are encouraged to participate, explore, and enjoy the cultural richness of their community. For more information on specific events, registration, and ticket purchases, individuals can visit the respective websites or contact the hosting organizations directly.