Friends of the Walkway, the nonprofit partner of New York State Parks, today announced the return of its seasonal amenities and the start of its 2026 event season at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, beginning Saturday, April 11.

While the park remains open to visitors year-round, this seasonal transition brings back key visitor services and programming, including the electric tram, merchandise and information pavilions, volunteer Ambassadors, and a full calendar of events and programs. The Walkway’s 21-story glass-enclosed elevator at Upper Landing Park in Poughkeepsie will also resume operation, weather permitting.

“The Walkway is open every day, but this time of year is when the full experience really comes to life,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway. “From expanded tram service to a growing calendar of programs and events, we’re making the Walkway more welcoming, more accessible, and more connected to the community than ever before.”

ELECTRIC TRAM TO OPERATE SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK WITH SUPPORT FROM RUTBERG BRESLOW PERSONAL INJURY LAW

Assisting seniors and visitors with limited mobility, Friends of the Walkway’s 11-passenger, wheelchair-accessible electric tram will return to service on Saturday, April 11, weather permitting.

Thanks to foundational support from Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, the tram will operate seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., representing a 30 percent increase in service hours from 2025. The tram runs on a continuous loop across the bridge, with a one-way trip taking approximately 30 minutes. Reservations are not required.

For more information, visit walkway.org/tram.

Additional tram support is provided by the Dutchess County Community Grants Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

PAVILIONS REOPEN, AMBASSADORS WELCOME VISITORS BACK

Located at the East Gate Plaza in Poughkeepsie and just outside the west gate in Highland, the Walkway’s merchandise and information pavilions offer visitors the opportunity to shop for branded merchandise, learn about membership, and receive helpful information about the park and surrounding area.

Each pavilion is staffed by Walkway Ambassadors – red-vested volunteers who enhance the overall visitor experience by serving as greeters, tour guides, and safety stewards. Since the bridge opened in 2009, Ambassadors have played a vital role in welcoming more than eight million visitors and supporting both New York State Parks operations and community events held on the bridge.

Pavilions are open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 30, with Friday hours beginning May 1.

To learn more about becoming a Walkway Ambassador, visit walkway.org/volunteer.

HONORING FRED SCHAEFFER AND THE AMBASSADOR LEGACY ON SUNDAY, APRIL 12

Few individuals have shaped the spirit of Walkway Over the Hudson more than Fred Schaeffer. Join us on Sunday, April 12 at 2 p.m. at the Center Overlook (by the flagpole) for a special recognition event marking his contributions to the Walkway’s creation and culture.

The event will include the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and the launch of the Fred Schaeffer Ambassador Legacy Fund, which will support and grow the park’s volunteer Ambassador program. The fund ensures that every visitor continues to be welcomed with the same warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm that has defined the Walkway experience since opening day.

To learn more or make a gift, visit walkway.org/ambassadorlegacyfund.

ELEVATOR RETURNS TO OPERATION

The Walkway’s 21-story glass-enclosed elevator at Upper Landing Park in Poughkeepsie will resume service on Saturday, April 11, weather permitting.

The elevator operates weekends through Memorial Day and daily thereafter from 9 a.m. until 90 minutes prior to park closing. It connects the Walkway to the Hudson River waterfront and may close during inclement weather, high winds, or maintenance.

To confirm status before visiting, call 845-834-3641.

CHECK OUT OUR 2026 WALKWAY VENDORS

Enhancing the Walkway experience and offering refreshments to suit any taste, six local vendors can be found on the Walkway this season. 

Walkway West (Highland)

• Lemon Love (lemonade, hot dogs, soft pretzels, snacks)
• Mercurial Coffee (coffee, hot beverages)
• Don Felix (Mexican fare)

Walkway East (Poughkeepsie)

• The Loaded Kitchen (hot dogs, specialty bowls, popcorn, snacks)
• Moose Scoops (ice cream, milkshakes)
• The Black Raven Project (sandwiches, chicken, mac and cheese)

While many vendors will be in operation on April 11, the full lineup is expected to begin in May. All are open Friday through Sunday (and holidays), with additional weekday hours at their discretion.

2026 SIGNATURE EVENT DATES ANNOUNCED

Friends of the Walkway will once again host and support a dynamic calendar of events that bring the community together and attract visitors from across the region:

• Saturday, May 2: I Love My Park Day (in partnership with New York State Parks)
• Sunday, May 3: Hudson Valley Marathon at Walkway Over the Hudson (in partnership with AlphaWin Racing)
• Sunday, May 24: Memorial Day Sunset Flag Changing Ceremony (in partnership with American Legion Post 739)
• Saturday, May 30: Pride In The Sky (in partnership with Big Gay Hudson Valley)
• Saturday, June 13: Walkway Market: A Taste NY Experience (additional details to be announced).
• Saturday, July 4: July 4^th Fireworks Spectacular
• Friday, July 31: Lights Across the Hudson (in partnership with Hudson Valley Hospice)
• Friday, October 2: Starry Starry Night (Friends of the Walkway signature gala)
• Saturday, October 24: Walkway Market: A Taste NY Experience (additional details to be announced).
• Sunday, November 29: Holiday on the Walkway with Santa

For complete information about Walkway events, including start times, ticket information, supporters, and more, visit walkway.org/calendar.

STROLL UNDER THE STARS DURING WALKWAY AT NIGHT

Experience the Walkway after dark during Walkway at Night, offered on seven evenings between April and October. Visitors can enjoy sweeping Hudson Valley views, sunset skies, and stargazing from 212 feet above the Hudson River.

Weather permitting, members of the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will be on bridge with telescopes.

• Friday, April 24 – 7:30-9:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 22 – 8:30-10:00 p.m.
• Friday, June 26 – 8:30-10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25 – 8:30-10:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 21 – 8:00-9:30 p.m.
• Friday, September 25 – 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24 – 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Walkway members attend free; non-members can purchase tickets for $5. Children 12 and under are free. For complete information, visit walkway.org/walkwayatnight. 

WALKWAY CONNECTIONS: LEARNING ON THE BRIDGE

Returning in 2026, the Walkway Connections series brings the Hudson Valley’s history, environment, and most compelling stories directly to the bridge through 14 free, expert-led programs held between April and October. Hosted by Friends of the Walkway and open to all, these engaging events require no RSVP.

Evening programs, often paired with Walkway at Night, are designed for families and feature interactive, hands-on activities, while Sunday afternoon programs offer deeper educational experiences led by local experts.

To see the complete schedule and list of topics, visit walkway.org/walkwayconnections.

Walkway Connections is supported by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and The M&T Charitable Foundation.

Friends of the Walkway’s events, pavilions, tram, Ambassadors, and more are made possible through the generosity of donors, members, and corporate partners. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to experience the bridge in a new way, the 2026 season promises unforgettable views, inspiring events, and meaningful community connections. To support the mission of Friends of the Walkway, visit walkway.org/donate. To explore membership, visit join.walkway.org.