Residents and visitors to the Mid-Hudson Valley are invited to engage in a variety of educational and cultural events this August. From art exhibitions to live performances, there are numerous opportunities for community involvement and entertainment throughout the region.
Educational Opportunities and Exhibitions
The adult learning community, Lifespring, is accepting enrollments until August 22, 2025, for the upcoming academic year. Located in Saugerties, Lifespring offers both online and in-person courses at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, situated at 1682 Glasco Turnpike, Saugerties. Membership is available to all residents of the Hudson Valley. Interested individuals can find more information or register at lifespringsaugerties.com.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Olive Free Library, which is hosting the exhibition “Address: Earth Art Expo — Reef & Desert Editions” through September 21. This event showcases the works of 13 Hudson Valley visual artists, offering a rich variety of media on display.
The Historical Society of Woodstock is also presenting its season’s opening exhibition, “Making Her Mark: 50 Women Artists of the Historic Woodstock Art Colony.” This exhibition will be available to the public at 20 Comeau Drive, Woodstock, until September 14, with free admission on weekends from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Another historical gem, the General Richard Montgomery House Museum, located at 77 Livingston St., Rhinebeck, will open its doors on August 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This museum, which is the oldest clapboard house in the village, offers free admission, although donations are welcomed.
Live Performances and Community Events
Art lovers can also explore “Birch Trees,” a solo exhibit by Matthew Zappala, currently on display at the Arts Society of Kingston at 97 Broadway. This exhibit will be available until August 31, with Zappala donating all art sale proceeds to the Arts Society.
Families looking for activities can attend a free concert featuring the rhythm and blues group, The Saints, on August 15 at 6 p.m. at Belleayre Mountain, located at 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount. This performance is part of the “Music on the Belle” series and includes food trucks and lawn games.
For those interested in puppetry, the Arm-of-the-Sea Theater will present the Esopus Creek Puppet Suite from August 15 to 17 at the Tidewater Center, with ticket prices set at $15 for adults and $5 for children.
Additionally, a virtual presentation titled “The Class of 2025, Films Entering the Public Domain,” will occur on August 15 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, led by film historian Annette Bochenek. This free event, organized by the Staatsburg State Historic Site, requires registration.
The community is also invited to enjoy a program of seafaring songs performed by musician Geoff Kaufman on August 27 at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. The performance begins at 6 p.m., with tickets priced at $25, or $22.50 for museum members.
On August 29, the United Way of Ulster County will host its Children’s Charity Classic, a horse jumping event at HITS, with ticket prices varying based on donation levels. The event aims to support local youth programs across the county.
Local residents can also participate in a school supply giveaway hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church on August 23, featuring free food, crafts, and activities for children.
These events offer a chance for community members to connect, learn, and celebrate local culture in the beautiful setting of the Mid-Hudson Valley. For further details on any of the events mentioned, individuals should contact the respective organizations or visit their websites.
