Hooley on the Hudson Returns to Kingston's Waterfront September 6

Kingston's waterfront will come alive with the sounds of traditional Irish music, Celtic dance, and the spirit of community when Hooley on the Hudson returns Saturday, September 6, 2026. The free festival transforms the Rondout waterfront into a celebration of Irish heritage that draws thousands from across the Hudson Valley.

A Kingston Tradition

Hooley on the Hudson has become one of Kingston's signature late-summer events, bringing the warmth of an Irish kitchen céilí to the banks of the Hudson River. The festival takes over the Rondout district with multiple stages of live music, Irish dance performances, storytelling, and workshops for all ages.

The event celebrates the deep Irish roots in Kingston's history. The Rondout Creek area has been home to Irish families for generations, many of whom came to work on the Delaware and Hudson Canal and the bluestone quarries that shaped the region. Hooley on the Hudson honors that heritage while welcoming everyone to join the celebration.

What to Expect

The festival features traditional Irish music sessions throughout the day, with sessions happening in pubs, on street corners, and at the main stages. You'll hear fiddles, tin whistles, bodhráns, and accordions filling the air with reels, jigs, and ballads.

Irish dance troupes perform throughout the day, from beginner step dancers to championship-level performers. Many festivals include céilí dancing — group dances where everyone is welcome to join, no experience needed. It's one of the most joyful parts of the day.

Food vendors serve Irish staples like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, soda bread, and Guinness. Craft vendors sell Celtic jewelry, woolens, and handmade goods. The festival also features storytelling sessions, where traditional seanchaí (storytellers) share tales of Irish mythology and local history.

Family-Friendly Activities

Hooley on the Hudson is designed for all ages. Children's activities often include face painting, Irish craft workshops, and beginner dance lessons. The festival's relaxed, outdoor setting makes it easy for families to enjoy the music while kids explore the waterfront.

The Rondout district itself is worth exploring. The area was once Kingston's maritime center, and you can still see the historic architecture that lined the creek when boats carried bluestone and coal down to the Hudson. The Senate House, New York's first capitol building, is just a short walk uphill in the Stockade District.

Plan Your Visit

Hooley on the Hudson takes place Saturday, September 6, 2026, along the Rondout waterfront in Kingston. The festival is free to attend, though donations are welcome to support the organizers and performers.

Parking is available in the Rondout district, but it fills up quickly. Many visitors choose to park in Uptown Kingston and walk down to the waterfront, or arrive early to secure a spot. The festival runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

The Rondout district has several restaurants and cafes if you want to make a full day of it. The Kingston Point Rail Trail, which runs along the waterfront, is perfect for a bike ride before or after the festival.

More Kingston Events in September

Hooley on the Hudson kicks off a busy month in Kingston. Art Walk Kingston takes over studios and galleries across the city September 19-20. The Plantasia NY Festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of Mort Garson's cult classic album "Mother Earth's Plantasia" September 19-20 at Seed Song Farm. Assembly Kingston hosts Mikaela Davis September 4 and Donna the Buffalo September 19.

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