The Mid-Hudson Valley region is set to offer a dynamic array of activities and workshops for youth and families from January to March 2026. These events aim to promote creativity, community involvement, and cultural engagement.
Workshops and Educational Opportunities
Every Tuesday evening, a weekly art and music workshop for teens aged 12 to 18 will take place at the United Methodist Church located at 153 Main St., Port Ewen. Running from January through March, the workshop is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All materials will be provided, alongside healthy snacks. Interested individuals can obtain more information by calling (845) 340-1293 or emailing [email protected].
For those interested in improving their English skills, the Phoenicia Library, situated at 48 Main St., Phoenicia, will host free English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring sessions every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Librarian Susan welcomes learners of all proficiency levels. Additional inquiries can be directed to (845) 688-7811 or [email protected].
Cultural Events and Community Engagement
The Hudson River Maritime Museum will kick off its “Museum Mates” children’s activity series, featuring crafts, storytelling, and Lego days. These programs are held on the first Saturday and third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. at the museum, located at 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston. Tickets for Lego and storytelling days cost $10, while craft days are priced at $15. More information and ticket purchases can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yunsw9en.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy drop-in snowshoe lessons at the Sam’s Point Visitor Center in Minnewaska State Park Preserve every Saturday throughout January, February, and March, depending on weather conditions. These lessons begin at 10 a.m. and are aimed at newcomers to snowshoeing. Snowshoe rentals are available for a discounted rate of $5 per person.
In the arts, the Center for Photography at Woodstock is showcasing four fall exhibitions, including “Everyday Culture: Seven Projects by Documentary Arts” and “Kinship and Community: Selections from the Texas African American Photographers Archive.” These exhibitions run through January 11 and can be explored at 25 Dederick St., Kingston.
Families can also visit the International Museum of Dinnerware Design for its latest exhibit titled “Picnic,” which runs until January 17. This juried exhibit features contemporary designs related to the picnic theme, alongside vintage picnic ware. The museum is located at 524 Broadway, Kingston and operates Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Local libraries are also offering engaging programming, such as the “Wildflorus: Shawangunk II” photography exhibition at the Gardiner Library, which runs through January 29. This exhibition highlights the beauty of local wildflowers through the lens of artist Bradford R. Devins. The library is located at 133 Farmer’s Turnpike, Gardiner.
Community involvement is also encouraged through events like the weekly Kingston Rally & Food Drive, scheduled for January 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Post Office Park, at Broadway and Grand in Kingston. Attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food items for local pantries.
The Woodstock Symphony Orchestra will perform on January 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodstock Playhouse. This concert, titled “Voices of Revolution,” promises an array of classical pieces with featured soloist Chris Santos. Tickets range from $10 to $40, with a snow date set for January 11 at 3 p.m.
For music enthusiasts, the Saugerties Pro Musica will present award-winning pianist Sachiko Kato on January 11 at 3 p.m. at the Saugerties United Methodist Church. Admission is free, although donations are encouraged.
As part of the community’s commitment to inclusivity, the Pointe of Praise Family Life Center will host a Martin Luther King, Jr. community service on January 18 at 3:30 p.m. Honorees will include the late Father Frank Alagna and former Ulster County Legislator Manna Jo Greene.
With a diverse selection of activities catering to various interests, the Mid-Hudson Valley is poised to foster community engagement through art, music, education, and service. For those seeking connection and culture, this is an ideal time to explore local offerings.
