More Than 190 Vendors and Local Food and Drink Highlight Walkway Over the Hudson’s Two-Day Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22
Area farms and specially curated local products will showcase alongside live entertainment and family fun at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Highland, New York
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (September 20, 2023) – With a crisp in the air and beautiful fall foliage hanging off the trees, 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 21 and Sunday, October 22 from 12-5 p.m. 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 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 Walktoberfest tickets, visit join.walkway.org.
“Walktoberfest is always one of the best weekends on the Walkway calendar,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway. “From the beautiful autumn surroundings to vendors showcasing the Hudson Valley’s finest, it’s always wonderful to see the community come together to have a great time.”
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 Walktoberfest ticket. Interspersed with all vendors, guests will find local favorites like 1857 Spirits, Adirondack Winery, Catskill Tap & Ladder Company (five local craft ales), City Winery, Black Button Distillery, Brooklyn Cider House, Hetta Glogg, Mill House Brewing Company, Sloop Brewing, Hudson Whiskey, Hudson House Distillery, Rosalina Vineyards, Nine Pin Cider, Freefall Sangria, Toma Bloody Mary, Zeus Brewing 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
Walktoberfest features many of the Hudson Valley’s top food trucks and culinary offerings – including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options! Wood Fire Company will show off samples of their new menu alongside bites and treats of varying cuisines. Don’t forget to save room for something sweet from Nancy’s Artisanal Ice Cream among the more than 22 food vendors participating.
Fun For The Whole Family
Children under 12 receive free admission to Walktoberfest 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, Two by Two Zoo, or the Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary. Crazy For Art, Music For Humanity, and Brickhouse Resellers Lego Building will help them tap into their creative side, while visiting the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater proves learning about local ecology can be fun. And don’t miss the chance to get your child’s photo taken with his or her favorite superhero (sponsored by MGI International) or princess that will be on site throughout the event.
Enjoy Great Entertainment
Live entertainment is a staple at Walktoberfest, with local favorites 7th 7eam playing rock, pop, and hip-hop, while TriviaBreak with Andre tests your knowledge. Jasparoo Duo brings a Bluegrass feel on Saturday. 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 Walktoberfest. 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/Walktoberfest. 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.
Walktoberfest is supported in part by Romeo Auto Group, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, MGI International, Ulster County Tourism, Adirondack Winery, City Winery, Nuvance Health, InLine K9 Co., Leaf Filter, Mister Solar Guy, Renewal by Anderson, WMCHealth, Sloop Brewing, Mill House Brewing Company, Guardian Self Storage, Chestnut Market, MetroNorth Railroad, iHeart Media of the Hudson Valley, The Valley Table, Hudson Valley Magazine, Chronogram, Taste NY and Radio Woodstock. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit walkway.org/walktoberfest for more information.
About Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson
Supported by a diverse coalition of members, donors, and corporate sponsors, the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization is responsible for raising funds to enhance The Walkway Experience, support capital improvements, and host innovative events that engage Hudson Valley residents and visitors while contributing to the vitality of the region. Working in close partnership with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Bridge Authority, activities supported by the Friends of the Walkway include the volunteer Ambassador program, electric tram, tours of the bridge, interpretative signage in the park, providing accurate and important information to visitors via the Walkway’s website and social media channels, the Walkway’s membership and merchandise offerings, and much more. To learn more about how your support can improve the Walkway Over the Hudson and the communities of Poughkeepsie and Highland, visit walkway.org.
About Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Connecting the City of Poughkeepsie and the Hamlet of Highland in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a renowned tourism and recreation destination visited by more than 620,000 people each year. Standing 212 feet above the river's surface and more than 6,700 feet (1.28 miles) long, the Walkway is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The park provides unique access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset, weather permitting. For more information, visit walkway.org.
About Hudson Valley Rail Trail
The Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating, maintaining, promoting, and improving the Hudson Valle Rail Trail in Highland, New York. To learn more and support, visit www.hudsonvalleyrailtrails.org.