By: First Friday Poughkeepsie

On Friday, August 2, 5-9 p.m., join us for First Friday Poughkeepsie’s Anniversary Party celebration at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, 61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to be capped with a free fireworks show on the Hudson River.

“Three years ago August, we set out to do something special, and now every year this month is a little something extra for the people of this great city,” said First Friday co-chair Amanda Baxter. Fellow co-chair Michelle Barone-Lepore added, “Get ready for our most spectacular First Friday yet, with live music, murals and more.”

Get your fireworks wristbands at the Dutchess Welcome Center on the Walkway’s East Approach! First Friday Poughkeepsie fireworks show is viewable from the Walkway to the first 1,500 attendees with wristbands, and, if at capacity, from Waryas Park or Boathouse Row.

*Please note to accommodate this exclusive access for the fireworks, the Walkway will close to the public at 7:15pm to conduct a safety sweep, then reopen at 8:30pm on the POUGHKEEPSIE SIDE ONLY for 9:15pm fireworks. Highland parking areas will be inaccessible for the rest of the evening from the Walkway following the closure. Limited wristbands available, so arrive early to get your exclusive Walkway fireworks access!

In typical First Friday Poughkeepsie ‘Food Art Music’ fashion, attendees at the Anniversary Party can try new dishes and drinks from more than thirty local establishments, take part in an interactive mural painting, and enjoy live music alongside the most fun activities for kids and adults alike.

Entertainment includes live music by the Hudson Valley’s premier party band Junket, acoustic acts by Matt Booth, Brigavilli, Rachel Hendricks and The Frank Mura Show, and a performance from Obsidian Moon Bellydance. Don Minichino from First Friday Poughkeepsie and Geoff Brault from Walkway Over the Hudson will emcee the event alongside DJ Smitty – First Friday Poughkeepsie’s official DJ. 

There is also plenty to do for the kids, including a bouncy house, face painters, a magician and the fan-favorite dunk tank! Enjoy a live interactive mural painting of Walkway Over the Hudson and the people of Poughkeepsie; the public is invited to grab a brush a become a part of history!

For a complete 2019 schedule and August vendor list and parking info in the week leading up to the event, visit www.FirstFridayPK.com, and to learn more about the faces of First Friday Poughkeepsie, watch this video.

First Friday Poughkeepsie will continue the fun after dark with an after-party at Mill House Brewing Company, 289 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in collaboration with Dutchess Beer Distributors. Join us for food and drink specials immediately following fireworks.

Don Minichino added, “This year we’re committed to bringing the buzz of First Friday to every corner of the City. Walkway Over the Hudson is an iconic landmark here, and we’re proud to play a part in continuing to connect this international attraction to the City of Poughkeepsie and its people and businesses.”