More than 190 vendors join with live music and children’s activities to create an amazing afternoon out showcasing products grown, produced, and sold locally in the Hudson Valley

With peak fall foliage washing the Hudson Valley in beautiful autumnal tones, the Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more – to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 from 12-5 p.m. Each day, more than 190 vendors will exhibit their wares for purchase, with many agribusinesses offering free samples or tastings.  For complete information about this showcase of the best of the Hudson Valley, visit walkway.org/walktoberfest.

General admission to Walktoberfest is $5, with entry valid for either day.  Admission includes full access to all vendors, samplings of wine, beer, and spirits from more than 30 area purveyors, full schedules of live music and specialty performances, art installations, games and activities for kids, and much more. Walkway members and children 12 and under receive free admission each day. To learn more about Walkway membership and to secure your complimentary Walktoberfest tickets, visit join.walkway.org. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization.

“Walktoberfest is always one of the best weekends on the Walkway’s annual calendar,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization. “From the beautiful autumn surroundings to vendors showcasing the Hudson Valley’s finest, it’s the perfect way to celebrate everything that makes our region so special.”

Sample Top Local Wines, Beers, and Spirits

For attendees 21 years of age and older, the chance to sample from more than 30 of the area’s top wine, beer, cider, and spirits producers is included with every $5 Walktoberfest ticket.  Interspersed with all vendors, guests will find local favorites like Adirondack Winery, City Winery Hudson Valley, Hudson House Distillery, Hudson Whiskey, Mill House Brewing Company, Sloop Brewing, Nine Pin Cider, Pail Shop Vineyards, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, and more offering bottles for purchase and tastings of their top products.  And if you’d like a little more than a taste, stop by City Winery’s vintage pouring truck presented by Romeo Kia of Kingston for demonstrations and unique cocktails all weekend long or Catskill Tap & Ladder’s retrofitted 1970s German fire truck turned portable ale house for a pint of top local beers.

Grab A Bite To Eat

Walktoberfest features many of the Hudson Valley’s top food trucks and culinary offerings – including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.  Braised Pies puts your favorite comfort food into a hand-held portable treat, while Mark Elia – a professor at the Culinary Institute of America – will be serving up his famous barbecue.  There will be more than 20 other fair favorites on-site, including Lemon Love lemonade, Susie Q’s Cookies & Cream, funnel cakes, doughnuts, coffee, craft soda, and cuisine from around the world including Mexican, Puerto Rican, Jamaican, and Filipino flavors.

Fun For the Whole Family…

Children 12 and under receive free admission to Walktoberfest and will find many fun activities to ensure they have a memorable day out.  Kids can paint and carve a pumpkin, meet a new furry friend, engage with hands-on art and music vendors, discover a new hobby, and even get their photo taken with his or her favorite movie character that will be on site throughout the event.

…And The Dog Too!

Well-behaved pets on a four-foot, non-retractable leash are welcome at Walktoberfest.  And they can enjoy our expanded pet section of vendors featuring treats, scarves, and clothing specifically for our four-legged friends.

Celebrate Halloween Early

Get in the spirit of the season and attend Walktoberfest in costume.  Bring the kids and trick-or-treat at all our vendors to pick up special treats throughout the day.

The entirety of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park will remain accessible at no cost throughout Walktoberfest. For complete information about parking and how to access the free continuous-loop shuttles from several locations surrounding the event, visit walkway.org/walktoberfest.

Tickets are available now. To purchase and see a complete list of vendors, live music, frequently asked questions, and more, visit walkway.org/walktoberfest.

Walktoberfest is sponsored in part by by Premier Partners Romeo Kia of Kingston, Prime Storage, Chestnut Market, and New York State Parks. Silver Sponsors include The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, AlphaWin Racing, Hudson Valley Detours, Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, and Ulster County Tourism. For a full list of sponsors and current sponsorship opportunities available, visit walkway.org/walktoberfest or contact Jami Anson at jami.anson@walkway.org.