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

Extended to three days on Memorial Day Weekend, 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 25 and Sunday, May 26 from 12-5 p.m., and on Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m. until 4 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/mayfest.

General admission to Mayfest is $5, with entry valid for any of the three days.  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 under 12 receive free admission each day. To learn more about Walkway membership and to secure your complimentary Mayfest tickets, visit join.walkway.org. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization.

“Over the last five years, Mayfest has become a beloved springtime event in the Hudson Valley,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway Nonprofit Organization. “This year, we’re extending the festival to three days so even more people can enjoy the best our region has to offer alongside the amazing views of Walkway Over the Hudson.”

Mayfest and Walkway Over the Hudson Honor Veterans

Taking place on Memorial Day weekend, Mayfest and Walkway Over the Hudson proudly supports the Hudson Valley’s veteran’s community.  Attendees can shop and sample from veteran-owned businesses including Do Good Spirits, Soldier Solutions, and Wild Bill’s Craft Beverages while learning about critical veteran support services and programs from the Ulser County Veterans Agency and Hudson Valley Hospice.  After Mayfest concludes on Sunday, May 26, all are invited to gather at the Walkway’s Center Overlook (by the flagpole) for a moving Memorial Day Sunset Flag Changing Ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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 Mayfest ticket.  Interspersed with all vendors, guests will find local favorites like 1857 Spirits, Catskill Moonshine Co, City Winery Hudson Valley, Black Button Distillery, Brooklyn Cider, Mill House Brewing Company, Sloop Brewing, Nine Pin Cider, Speak Easy American Liquor, 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 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

Mayfest features many of the Hudson Valley’s top food trucks and culinary offerings – including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.  Mark Elia – a professor at the Culinary Institute of America – will be serving up his famous barbecue alongside more than 20 other fair favorites including Lemon Love lemonade, Nancy’s Artisanal Ice 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 under 12 receive free admission to Mayfest and will find many fun activities to ensure they have a memorable day out.  Kids can 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 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.

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), but is extremely limited.  Guests are encouraged to find additional parking 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 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 at these locations.

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

As of April 25, Mayfest is sponsored in part by by Romeo Kia of Kingston, Prime Storage, New York State Parks, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, AlphaWin, Chronogram, City Winery, iHeart Media, Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest, Hudson Valley Magazine, HudsyTV, MTA Day Away, Nuvance Health, Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, and WMCHealth. For a full list of sponsors and current sponsorship opportunities available, contact Jami Anson at jami.anson@walkway.org.