Spring is a wonderful time in Dutchess County, a time when the landscape bursts forth with an arousing display of color and vibrancy.
It’s a time when the miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails tug at your heartstrings and beckon for you to come explore their secrets, a time when the acres upon acres of rolling farmland come alive with the burgeoning crops that will one day yield a bountiful harvest.
Most of all, spring is an exciting time to visit Dutchess, located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. There are so many fun things to do and interesting places to see. Along with breathtaking views of the mighty Hudson River and the surrounding highlands, there are fascinating historical sites, a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class dining options and plenty of family friendly attractions. You’re going to love it here!
This is a list of the Top 10 Dutchess County events for April. It’s a small sampling of the many adventures waiting for you here. Have fun and be sure to keep your camera handy! Feel free to share your photos here and tag @DutchessTourism on social media.
Select dates in April at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg
Explore the opulent Gilded Age mansion of Ogden and Ruth Livingston Mills and hear stories of bravery and tragedy from the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Ogden and Ruth had tickets for the Titanic’s return trip, which, of course, never happened. This 90-minute tour marks the 113th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, and highlights the splendor and extravagance of the Mills Mansion and its similarities to the first-class accommodations aboard the Titanic. You will also visit the mansion's unrestored servants’ quarters and work areas, which are quite similar to the second-class areas of the ship. See photographs from the Titanic’s last hours as a costumed guide leads you from room to room on the tour. These tickets always sell quickly; click here to reserve yours.
Related: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week | Spring 2025
April 1–Oct. 31 at the Mid-Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie
When it opened in 1930, the Mid-Hudson Bridge was heralded as one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in America. Even today, after nearly 100 years of tirelessly stretching 3,000 feet across the Hudson River to connect Poughkeepsie in the east and Highland in the west, the Mid-Hudson Bridge remains an impressive site to see — and hear. That’s right, hear. In 2009 — the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river — local composer Joseph Bertolozzi created a unique work of sound art called “Bridge Music,” which is music made by sampling sounds generated by the bridge. In addition to being an engineering marvel and a traffic solution, the Mid-Hudson Bridge is also the world’s largest percussion instrument! Bertolozzi’s album "Bridge Music” reached No. 18 on the Billboard Classical Crossover chart. Tours are available from April through October so you can experience the magic of the Mid-Hudson Bridge — with Bertolozzi as your tour guide. Group tours begin on the pedestrian ramp located near 14 Gerald Drive in Poughkeepsie. No stairs are required to take the tour. Click here for details. Free “Bridge Music” listening stations for pedestrians are located on each of the bridge’s towers and are open April through October. “Bridge Music” can also be heard 24 hours a day, year-round, on the park radios at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, which are tuned to 95.3-FM.
Friday through Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6 at the MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie
This annual show features more than 200 of the best tattoo artists from around the globe, including many shops from right here in the Hudson Valley. All the artists have been hand-selected to ensure the highest quality of work and showcase various techniques and styles. Click here to purchase tickets. If time allows, stay the weekend in Poughkeepsie at the newly remodeled DoubleTree by Hilton, which is next door to the MJN Center.
Friday, April 4, 7:05 p.m. at Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls
The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have been providing affordable, family-friendly fun for more than 30 years at Heritage Financial Park (formerly Dutchess Stadium). The Renegades sent 134 players to the major leagues in their first 30 seasons; current Yankee stars Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells and Jasson Dominguez were among the former Renegades who made their big-league debuts in 2023, and other Renegades to make it to The Show over the years have included Evan Longoria, Josh Hamilton and Tim Beckham. Who among this year’s crop of young hopefuls will make it? Only time will tell, but you can get an up-close look at tomorrow’s stars at any of the Renegades of 66 home games this season. Their home-opener on April 4 is against the South Atlantic League rival Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Stick around after the game for a fireworks show! it’s one of the many promotions and giveaways the Renegades have planned this year. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, 12–4 p.m., at Dassai Blue Sake Brewery, Hyde Park
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery hosts its inaugural Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)! Drink sake, picnic with friends and family and enjoy the cherry blossoms at this two-day event, which will also feature an outdoor market, Japanese crafts (Shodo Calligraphy and Origami), live music, sushi and, of course, sake! Made with New York water and brewed in the Hudson Valley, Dassai Blue is the highest level of premium sake.
Related: Sip your way through the region with the Duchess Tourism Taste Finder, a mobile passport program that serves up perks at 13 craft beverage tasting rooms and tap houses.
Spring is in the air and it's the perfect time to explore the Hudson Valley's many fiber-producing farms. Whether you're a knitter in search of materials and inspiration for your next big project or an animal lover looking for some family friendly fun with fluffy friends, be sure to check out these upcoming events:
• The Dutchess County Sheep & Wool Growers Association Annual Spring Farm Tour (Saturday, April 12): Meet the animals, shop the farm stores and see the beautiful countryside of the Hudson Valley. Participating Dutchess County farms include Clover Brooke Farm in Hyde Park; Point of View Farm in Stanfordville; Black Sheep Hill Farm in Pine Plains; Morehouse Farm in Red Hook; and the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center in Wappingers Falls. Be sure to inquire about all the wonderful programming these farms provide throughout the year.
• Bonnet Bonanza (Select weekends in April at Lilymoore Alpaca Farm, Pleasant Valley): This delightful one-hour event is perfect for all ages and features Lilymoore's alpacas and llamas dressed in their fanciest hats. The kids will love it! Click here to make reservations.
• The Chancellor's Sheep and Wool Showcase (Saturday, April 26, at Clermont State Historic Site): One of the Clermont’s oldest and most popular annual festivals, this event has become a springtime tradition for many. With sheering demonstrations, farm animals and historic reenactments, there's something for everyone. It's perfect for children, with crafts, storytelling, and the chance to meet their first sheep! Call (518) 537-4240 for details.
Sunday, April 13, starts and finishes at the Town of Washington Park, Millbrook
Billed as “The Toughest Marathon You’ll Ever Love,” the Millbrook Marathon takes runners on a 26.2-mile escapade along country roads through the rolling hills, tranquil forests and bucolic farmland of eastern Dutchess. Participants are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains off in the distance as they ascend Altamont Road toward the end of the race. The course is USATF-certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Presented by the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club, this event will be capped at 200 registrants. To register, click here.
Saturday, April 19, 1–5 p.m., at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
If you like great beer and delicious food, the annual Brew U Beer, Food and Education Festival is for you! Held at The Egg in the Student Commons at the CIA, this exciting event offers the chance to sample products from top breweries — including the CIA’s own brewery — and incredible food from the CIA. Participate in fun, educational seminars geared toward beer and culinary enthusiasts alike. Come tour the CIA’s brewery, learn about the college’s Art and Science of Brewing course, and meet CIA Head Brewer Hutch Kugeman and other New York State brewers and beer experts, all while sampling beers and ciders. You’ll also enjoy dishes perfectly paired with beer and skillfully prepared by CIA chefs. Click here for tickets. Purchase VIP tickets to unlock exclusive perks. All guests must be at least 21 years of age.
Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., at Stormville Airport, Stormville
Hunt for all sorts of treasures at the first Stormville Flea Market of the season! As seen on the HGTV show “Flea Market Flip,” you can find anything and everything at the Stormville Flea Market, with hundreds of vendors offering antiques, jewelry, furniture, artwork, collectibles, crafts, new and vintage clothes and so much more. There is plenty to eat and drink, and admission and parking are free. No pets are allowed.
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Saturday, April 26, 6:30 p.m., at Milea Estate Vineyard, Staatsburg
Hudson Valley Magazine and The James Beard Foundation present this first-ever immersive dining event will feature an amazing menu served up by several of Dutchess County's most celebrated chefs showcasing the finest local wines and ingredients. Participating chefs include David Kim, Alicia Liaw and Russell Moss of Milea Estate Vineyard; Vinny Gilberti and Emma Isakoff of Troutbeck in Amenia; and Daniel Meissner of Willa in Millerton. Click here for complete details and to reserve your tickets.
Begins Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m., at Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook
This eight-part, hands-on series offers an insider's experience for the adventurous wine lover! Explore subjects associated with the growing and making of Millbrook's Lollipop Hill Tocai Friulano. Every seminar will be taught by Ian Bearup, Millbrook Winery's Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyard Operations. Each participant will be assigned eight Tocai Friulano vines on Millbrook Winery's Lollipop Hill vineyard, where they will provide their own manual labor to care for their vines under the watchful eye of Ian and his vineyard staff. Participants must attend all eight seminars. Each session will start with a brief overview of a specific grape growing or winemaking topic. Click here to register.
