The Hudson Valley stretches its fair season from midsummer clear through Labor Day, and the lineup is a good one: mountain-backed fairgrounds, big grandstand concerts, racing pigs, and one of the largest county fairs in the whole state. Here are the fairs still ahead of us this summer.
Orange County Fair (Middletown): July 23 to August 2
The Orange County Fair kicks things off with an 11-day run in Middletown, packed with carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, a demolition derby, livestock shows, and fair food galore. Its length alone makes it easy to fit into almost any weekend this stretch of summer.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Ulster County Fair (New Paltz): August 4 to 9
Set against the Shawangunk Ridge in New Paltz, the Ulster County Fair might have the prettiest backdrop of the bunch. It draws a loyal crowd for its grandstand concerts, carnival midway, and agricultural exhibits, and it's a great excuse to make a day of it in one of the Valley's favorite towns.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Grahamsville Little World's Fair (Grahamsville): August 14 to 16
Up in Sullivan County, the charming Grahamsville Little World's Fair has been going since the 1800s and wears its small-town heart on its sleeve. Think Draft Horse Pull, homegrown competitions, local food, and a friendly, unhurried vibe that feels like stepping back in time. It's proof that a fair doesn't have to be huge to be a highlight.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Dutchess County Fair (Rhinebeck): August 25 to 30
The big one. The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck is one of the biggest county fairs in New York State and is now in its 180th year. This year's grandstand brings country riser Chase Matthew, southern-rock legends .38 Special, a Queen tribute from Almost Queen, and the Painted Pony Championship Rodeo. Add racing pigs, dock-diving dogs, a one-room schoolhouse, and more than 50 rides, and you can see why it's a Valley institution.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
Columbia County Fair (Chatham): September 2 to 7
The Hudson Valley sends summer off in style at the Columbia County Fair in Chatham over Labor Day weekend. One of the state's older fairs, it delivers demolition derbies, tractor pulls, a rodeo, live music, and all the classic fair trimmings for one last big weekend.
Find a fair near you at FindYourFair.com.
From the mountains to the river
Five fairs, six weeks, one gorgeous stretch of the state. Whether you want the giant grandstand at Rhinebeck or the small-town warmth of Grahamsville, every fair is waiting for you at FindYourFair.com. Pick one, or make a Hudson Valley summer of it.