5 Must-Attend Community Events in Ulster County This September 2026 |
From garlic festivals to open studio tours, here's what's happening across the county |
September is one of the best months in Ulster County. The weather is perfect, the harvest is in full swing, and communities are celebrating with festivals, art, and music. Here are five events you won't want to miss.
1. Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
September 26-27 | Cantine Field, Saugerties, NY
The second-largest garlic festival in the country returns for its 30+ year tradition. Over 200 vendors sell gourmet garlic, garlic-infused food, and crafts. Five stages of live music, cooking demos, and kids' activities. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties. Rain or shine.
2. Art Walk Kingston
September 19-20 | Studios & galleries across Kingston (Rondout, Midtown, Uptown)
One of the largest open studio tours in the Hudson Valley. Meet over 200 artists at nearly 70 locations across three neighborhoods. Includes the Steamroller Print Fest in Midtown, live jazz in T.R. Gallo Park, and special gallery offerings citywide.
3. Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair
September 5-7 (Labor Day Weekend) | Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz
Now in its 45th year, this premier handmade festival showcases 300+ independent artists from across the country. Held beneath Mohonk Mountain, the fair features work in over ten media categories, live music, and food vendors. Rain or shine.
4. Plantasia NY Festival
September 19-20 | Seed Song Farm, 160 Esopus Ave, Kingston
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mort Garson's cult classic album Mother Earth's Plantasia, this outdoor festival features ambient and experimental musicians including Mary Lattimore, SPELLLING, and Colin Stetson. Set on a 215-acre nonprofit farm minutes from downtown Kingston — expect botanical arts, plant sales, workshops, and farm tours.
5. Maverick Concerts Season Finale
September 4-13 | Maverick Concert Hall, 140 Maverick Rd, Woodstock
The oldest continuous summer chamber music festival in the U.S. closes its 2026 season with four concerts: Marco Benevento (Sept 4), Bill Charlap Trio (Sept 5), Verona Quartet (Sept 6), and Borromeo String Quartet (Sept 13). The historic 1916 hall offers reserved indoor seating and outdoor bench seating in a woodland setting.
Plan Your September
These five events are just a taste of what's happening across Ulster County this month. Check the websites for updates — September in the Hudson Valley is hard to beat.
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Been going to the Garlic Festival in Saugerties for probably 15 years now. Get there early on Saturday if you want garlic bread before it sells out. That line gets long fast.
Terri MaloneGood tip. We learned that the hard way a few years back. Also the parking situation gets rough by mid-morning so earlier is better all around.