More than 180 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.

The Mayfest 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, May 20 and Sunday, May 21 from 12-5 p.m.  More than 180 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/mayfest.

General admission to Mayfest is $5, with entry valid for either day.  Admission includes full access to all vendors, samplings of wine, beer, and spirits from more than 25 area purveyors, a full day of live music and specialty performances, art installations, games and activities for kids, and much more. Walkway members and children under 12 are free. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization. To learn more about Walkway membership and to secure your complimentary Mayfest tickets, visit join.walkway.org.

“Now in its fourth year, the growth of Mayfest has been tremendous,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway Nonprofit Organization. “This year, we have more vendors and entertainment than ever, and we can’t wait to for everyone to come and enjoy everything we love about the Hudson Valley in one fantastic location.”

Sample Top Local Wines, Beers, and Spirits

For attendees 21 years of age and older, the chance to sample from more than 25 of the area’s top wine, beer, cider, and spirits producers is included with every $5 Mayfest ticket.  Interspersed with all vendors, guests will find local favorites like 1857 Spirits, Hudson Whiskey, City Winery, Black Button Distillery, Brooklyn Ciders, Sloop Brewing, Nine Pin Cider, Freefall Sangria 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 The Yard Bar presented by Romeo Auto Group for demonstrations and unique cocktails all weekend long.

Grab A Bite To Eat

Mayfest features many of the Hudson Valley’s top food trucks and culinary offerings – including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free!  Mark Elia – a professor at the Culinary Institute of America – will be serving up his famous barbecue, you can sample eight different types of knishes from The Knish, and then savor something sweet from Nancy’s Artisanal Ice Cream among the more than 20 food vendors participating.

Fun For The Whole Family…

Children under 12 receive free admission to Mayfest and will find many engaging activities to ensure they have a memorable day out.  Kids can meet a new furry friend with Parrots For Peace, the Dutchess SPCA, or Wayward Farm Family Sanctuary. Crazy For Art and Music For Humanity will help them tap into their creative side, while the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and YMCA prove that learning can be fun too. And don’t miss the chance to get your child’s photo taken with his or her favorite superhero or princess 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 Mayfest.  And they can enjoy a new, expanded pet section of vendors featuring treats, scarves, and clothing specifically for our four-legged friends.

Enjoy Great Entertainment

Live entertainment is a staple at Mayfest, with local favorites 7th 7eam playing rock, pop, and hip-hop on Saturday, May 21, while Roadhouse 60s Band throws it back with your old school favorites on Sunday.  DJ’s from iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley will spin the hits in-between, with kids enjoying the dynamic Tiny Bubbles Ukulele.  And don’t miss pop-up dance shows and the special Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Show taking place both days.

The entirety of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park will remain accessible at no cost throughout Mayfest. Parking is free along Haviland Road and in the Town of Lloyd lot (87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY 12528).  Additional parking is available at the Napa Auto Care Center by Shamrock Square (3555 Route 9W, Highland, NY 12528), Ulster County Park and Ride (at the corner of 9W and Route 299 in Highland), and at the Poughkeepsie Metro-North Train Station.  A shuttle will operate on a continuous loop between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to transport guests to and from their vehicle.

Tickets are available now. To purchase and see a complete list of vendors, live music, frequently asked questions, and more, visit walkway.org/mayfest. Vendor space is currently sold out. To be added to a waiting list and receive notification about vending opportunities, contact Jami Anson at jami.anson@walkway.org.