Outdoor music performances come in all shapes and sizes: fist-pumping rock and roll, toe-tapping jazz, boot-scootin' country music, old-fashioned jug band music — and everything in between. With dozens of venues throughout Dutchess County hosting all types of concerts this spring, summer and fall, there will certainly be plenty of opportunities to get out and see a great show and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular views of New York’s Hudson Valley.
Here are some of the highlights (check back regularly, as more events are sure to be added):
Saturday, June 28, 6 p.m., at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook
In addition to being an all-time great in the hearts of New York Yankees baseball fans, former all-star center fielder Bernie Williams is also an extraordinary musician and wine aficionado — and he is returning to Millbrook Vineyards and Winery for a concert! Join the four-time World Series champion and acclaimed guitarist, whose unique blend of music mixes jazz, rock and a taste of the tropical sounds of his Puerto Rican heritage. "Bernie's Blend," a unique combination of Cabernet and Merlot with a touch of Zinfandel for spiciness, will be available to taste and to purchase at the concert. Food trucks will be on site, and wine will be available by the glass or bottle. To purchase tickets, click here.
And to hear Bernie Williams talk about Bernie's Blend on NBC's "New York Live", click here.
Millbrook Vineyards and Winery is one of the stops on the Dutchess Tourism Taste Finder Craft Beverage Trail, which unlocks perks and offers at tasting rooms and tap houses throughout the county. Click here to obtain “The Pass to Fill Your Glass.”
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17, at Victor C. Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie
This annual festival welcomes world-class musicians to the banks of the Hudson River for a celebration of jazz the whole family will enjoy! Grab a bite to eat at one of the local food trucks scheduled to be on-site. Bring your own chair or blanket and relax on the lawn or sit under the tent. For updates and information, click here. Waryas Park is within walking distance of the Poughkeepsie train station, so getting there is a snap by Metro-North or Amtrak.
For those arriving by train, be sure to check out the National Park Service’s free Hudson River Train Tour app. Part travel guide, part audio tour, this app uses location services to describe the points of interest you’re approaching along your train ride in real time. It works on the Metro-North Hudson Line between New York City and Poughkeepsie and on Amtrak between New York City and Albany.
Aug. 19–24 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
Along with an endless supply of tasty food and beverages and an action-packed lineup of carnival rides, livestock shows and competitive, historical and educational exhibits, visitors to this year’s Fair can also catch Grandstand Stage performances on each and every night of the Fair. Country music trio Roots & Boots kicks things off on Aug. 19, followed by classic rock icons Cheap Trick on Aug. 20, the "Get the Led Out" Led Zeppelin tribute on Aug. 21, country artist George Birge on Aug. 22, and the "Forever Seger" Bob Seger tribute on Aug. 23. The "Miami Sound Revue" Gloria Estefan tribute wraps things up with an afternoon show on Aug. 24. Click here for complete details and to purchase tickets.
For more than 170 years, the Dutchess County Fair has been a summer highlight in the Hudson Valley. It is the second-largest county fair in New York State and one of the biggest in the country. While you’re at the Fair, be sure to treat yourself to a Dutchess County Dairy Committee milkshake at the 4H building. These famously delicious shakes come in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry and are made with local Hudson Valley Fresh milk.
Related: A First-Timer's Guide to Dutchess County
Sunday, Aug. 24, in Poughkeepsie
Take a leisurely stroll through Poughkeepsie’s Southside Historic District and be a part of this free, family-friendly live music event! Walk along Academy, Garfield, Barclay and Montgomery streets to hear local musicians perform right on the front porches of the neighborhood’s beautiful homes! For updates, click here.
Nov. 5–9, in Downtown Beacon
The Beacon Bonfire is back after a one-year hiatus, and it's looking to be bigger and better than before! Snuggle up by one of the crackling bonfires burning all along Main Street and enjoy all sorts of show-stopping performers. Take advantage of discounts on food and beverages, as well as services and retail items.Stay tuned for more details. click here for updates.
The Beacon Free Loop provides free bus service from the Beacon Metro-North train station to Main Street and other points in the city from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so getting there is easy-peasy!
Many establishments throughout Dutchess host outdoor concert series during the warmer months, often featuring popular local acts. Check out these lineups, and you’re sure to come back again and again:
• Acoustic Music in the Garden Series: The Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield is the perfect setting for this free Sunday afternoon music series, which features an incredible lineup of talented musicians and runs through May and June. Bring a blanket, relax under the trees, and immerse yourself in serenity in one of the most peaceful and beautiful spaces in the Hudson Valley. Click here to see the series schedule.
• Harmonies on the Hudson: Enjoy a variety of live music performances on the banks of the Hudson River at Clermont State Historic Site. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket, perhaps a picnic dinner, if you like. Performances are set for select Thursday evenings from May through September and will be held near the Arryl House ruins. Tickets are free, but registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.
• Music in the Parks: This popular summer concert series celebrates 50 years this year! Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park and Mills Mansion in Staatsburg provide scenic backgrounds for an action-packed summer of live music. Concerts will be held Wednesday evenings from June through mid-August (except July 2). For details and updates, click here.
• Millbrook Arts Group Summer Sunsets Concerts: The Millbrook Arts Group hosts a wide variety of free shows on select Saturday evenings from late June through late August at the Millbrook bandshell. Click here for updates.
• Jazz in the Vineyard: Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the swinging sounds of local jazz bands out in the vineyard at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery every Saturday evening from late June through late August. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and be sure to sample some tasty treats from a variety of Hudson Valley food trucks. For additional details and to purchase tickets, click here.
• Friday Night Food Trucks at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery: Local musicians, local food trucks and Millbrook Wine – it's the perfect combination! Bring your own chairs, blankets and lawn games. Above all, admire the beauty of summer sunsets in one of the Hudson Valley’s prettiest wineries. This series runs from late May through early September, and no reservations are needed. For a complete schedule of food trucks and musical acts, click here.
• Plan Bee Farm Brewery Concerts: Head to Plan Bee Farm Brewery in Poughkeepsie and enjoy original tunes written and performed by head brewer and owner Evan Watson on the beautiful outdoor farm stand stage on select Saturday evenings. The mural on the stage was designed by artist Natalie Renganeshi and will change visually with the setting sun. Lawn chairs, picnic blankets and benches are available, but feel free to bring your own. Click here to see the full schedule.
• Poughkeepsie Summer Music in the Parks Concert Series: Head over to Greenvale Park for free concerts on Tuesday nights from early July through mid August. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and catch great local bands. Local food trucks will be on site serving up delicious treats. Click here for information and updates.
• LaGrange Summer Concert Series: The bandshell at Freedom Park will host free shows featuring great local bands on select Sunday evenings from late June through late September. Be sure to bring your appetite, as each concert will include a local food truck. For details, click here.
• Third Sundays at Bannerman Castle: Take a scenic 30-minute boat ride from Beacon over to Pollepel Island aboard the Estuary Steward ferry and take a self-guided tour of the island. Explore the famous Bannerman Castle ruins and gardens, and then stay to enjoy a live music performance! To book your tour, click here.
• Fishkill Summer Concerts in the Park: Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and come down to Maurer-Geering Park every Wednesday in July and August for a free concert. Bring your own food and drinks. It’s the perfect mid-week outing. For updates, click here.
• DC Sports Bands in the Sand: You don’t need to travel to the seaside for sandy feet and live music! Grab your sandals and your beach chairs and head to DC Sports in Wappingers Falls on select Saturdays in June, July and August for its free live concert series, Bands in the Sand. Arrive early for a round of mini golf! Food and drinks are available. Click here for updates.
• East Fishkill Summer Concert Series: Catch free live music every Friday night and select other dates — including July 4 — at Hopewell Recreation Park. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. This series runs from mid June through late August. For more details, click here.
