The sun is shining, the weather is warming and the flowers are blooming — what a great time to visit the Hudson Valley! This Memorial Day Weekend is shaping up to be a great one, with many fun and patriotic events planned right here in Dutchess County. Here is a list of family-friendly activities to help you plan an unforgettable holiday weekend. Keep that camera handy! If you would like, feel free to share your photos here.
Saturday, May 24, 4:30–10 a.m., at Innisfree Garden, Millbrook
If it's peace and tranquility you crave, this is the event for you! The 185-acre public garden will open about an hour before sunrise for anyone looking to experience the beauty and serenity of the picturesque garden’s natural and designed features as they awaken with the first light of day and are gently bathed in golden sunlight. The Japanese primroses, yellow foxgloves and peonies should be blooming. With its beautiful flowers and plants, breathtaking rock formations and all sorts of wildlife, Innisfree is truly a sight to behold. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest gardens. Bring a picnic breakfast or lunch and spend the whole day! Plus, this event falls on Innisfree's Community Day, so residents of these Northeast Dutchess County communities: Amenia, Clinton Corners, Dover Plains, Millbrook, Millerton, North East, Pine Plains, Pleasant Valley, Stanford, Washington, Wassaic, Wingdale and their hamlets receive discounted entry into the garden (proof of address required). Click here to register.
Related: Memorial Day Events in Hyde Park
Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., at Stormville Airport, Stormville
With hundreds of vendors lined up, the Stormville Airport Flea Market is a treasure hunter's dream come true. As seen on the HGTV show "Flea Market Flip," you can find anything and everything, including antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, old treasures and new merchandise. There is something for everyone, so walk, shop, eat and enjoy! Free parking and free admission. For details, click here.
Related: Top Fishing Spots in Dutchess County
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 24–26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at SplashDown Beach, Fishkill
Here’s one for the kids — and the kids at heart! Start Memorial Day Weekend off with a splash at “America’s Biggest Little Water Park,” which features water slides and attractions for all ages. Get your pulse racing on The Megalodon raft ride or the Humunga Half-Pipe (New York’s only zero-gravity half-pipe). Or cool off and relax as you float down the Croc Creek Wavy Lazy River in your own tube. The Pelican Bay Water Playground features four water slides and a 500-gallon dumping bucket. To purchase tickets and season passes, click here.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 24–26, 12–5 p.m., at Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
The Mayfest Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers — farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more — to its new location in Waryas Park! More than 190 vendors will exhibit their wares for purchase, with many agribusinesses offering free samples or tastings. Enjoy live music and specialty performances, art installations, games and activities for kids, and much more. Click here for details.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 24–26, 10 a.m., at Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie
Kids and families will love the Fairy House Hunt, a scavenger hunt for fairy houses, gnome homes and more hidden among the blooming flowers and trees at Locust Grove. Each House celebrates a different heirloom flower or historic tree growing at Locust Grove. Costumes encouraged! Fairy wings and flower crowns are available for purchase in the museum shop. Click here to purchase tickets. Locust Grove is an Italianate-style villa that was designed in 1850 for Samuel F. B. Morse, the creator of Morse Code. These days, the mansion is open for tours, and the 200 acres of landscaped grounds include five miles of hiking trails.
Related: Top 10 Hidden Gem Hikes
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, May 25, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., at Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Barn Star's motto is "Save Natural Resources, Buy Antiques!" And there will be plenty of antiques at this annual show, which features more than 125 exhibitors' displays spread across three spacious and well-ventilated buildings at the Fairgrounds. The show spans not only centuries, but cultures as well, with antique items of all sorts. Specialty food truck vendors will be serving up a delicious menu. After the show, take some time to visit Historic Rhinebeck Village. Parking is free. No pets allowed. To purchase tickets, click here.
Sunday, May 25, 2 p.m. at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg
Mark the 113th anniversary of the sinking by touring the lavish home of Ogden and Ruth Mills, who had tickets for the Titanic's return trip, which, of course, never happened. Hear tales of the Titanic’s tragic maiden voyage as your guide points out remarkable similarities between the Titanic’s interiors and Staatsburgh’s rooms. To make the required reservations for this and other Staatsburgh tours, click here.
Related: Interested in Revolutionary War history? Don't miss RevCon 2025 on June 14!
Stop at these markets for locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and cheeses, handicrafts and so much more!
• Millerton Farmers Market (Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
• Beacon Farmers Market (Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
• Rhinebeck Farmers Market (Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Related: Check out the Destination Dutchess event calendar and plan an unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend!
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Details to come.
