August 19-20: Elementary school teacher Joseph Defino founded Hope Rocks to combat addiction and its associated despair after 13 of his former students died in a space of four years. More than 30 live musical acts are scheduled.
August 21-26: The 173-year-old tradition continues in Rhinebeck.
Tuesday-Sunday, July 31-August 5: Thunder Ridge, the Charlie Daniels Band and Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters headline this fair’s musical acts.
Saturday, July 21: Feed watermelon to rescued pigs and learn how to cook vegan delicacies at Catskill Animal Sanctuary’s celebration
The festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, July 21-22.
Sunday, July 8: What’s called the Best Little Car Show in the Northeast is about to roll into Saugerties.
Saturday-Sunday, June 23-24: Watch teams of two people construct a seaworthy boat from scratch in just four hours! The Boatbuilding Challenge is just one component of Brightwork: A Makers’ Festival, a community celebration of “the art of craft” happening this weekend at the Maritime Museum. There’s no charge to attend Brightwork, which will feature maker demonstrations, live music, hands-on activities for children, art, craft and food vendors.
Saturday, June 9: Meet more than 400 rescued farm animals and enjoy vegan food trucks, live music and kids’ activities. Speakers include award-winning photographer, author and educator Jo-Anne McArthur, as well as vegan personal trainer and social media influencer Berto Calkins.
Friday-Sunday, June 1-3: Always a big draw, the Fabulous Beekman Boys will do their cooking demo/book-signing thing on Sunday, but there’s lots else going on all weekend. More than 200 vendors will be hawking their wares, and one particularly eyecatching workshop features HGTV.com writer Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest, who will share tips on how to “speak chicken.”
Having been dead, I can’t testify to exactly what happened as I lay on my back.