It’s been 400 years since Henry Hudson first traveled up the river that today bears his name. In honor of this great discovery and the man who made it, New York House provides this calendar of events to welcome a newly-arriving spring and celebrate in our deep-rooted history.

Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle”
April 17 &18
Stageworks/Hudson presents “Rip Van Winkle,” Washington Irving’s childhood classic tale. Performances are on both nights at 7:30 pm, and on Saturday will feature a 6:30pm showing and fundraiser for this Hudson Valley performance organization.
Cross Street, Hudson; (518) 822-9667
contact@stageworkshudson.org “Archives Alive” Exhibit
April 18
Photos, diaries, newspapers, and other personal documents will be housed in the Senate House State Historic Site that captures 400 years of history, as well as a video companion of how these archives are used. Companion exhibits also appear at Historic Huguenot Street and the Ulster County Office Building.
Fair Street, Kingston; (845) 338-2786; nysparks.com Henry Hudson Planetarium
Saturday Star Shows
April 18, May 16, June 20
Study the constellations that Henry Hudson used to navigate New York 400 years ago in this interactive program at 1pm in The Henry Hudson Planetarium. For stargazers under 8, there is a children’s presentation at 11am. All tickets are $3.
Broadway and Clinton Avenue, Albany; (518) 434-0405
albany.org Riverway Storytelling Festival
April 20-26
Stories of all genres are sure to please any age at this annual festival hosted by the Upper Hudson Library System. This week-long series of events will feature professional, local, and student storytellers in venues throughout Albany and Rensselaer County.
Various locations; (518) 383-4620
riverwaystorytellingfestival.org “Before Hudson: 8,000 Years of Native American History and Culture”
April 24
Based on the archeological findings on Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz over the last several years, this exhibit opens at 6pm and features local Native American history specific to the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Broadhead Avenue, New Paltz; (845) 255-1660, (845) 255-1889; huguenotstreet.org “Une Veillée”
April 25
Hill and Hollow Music present a traditional Franco-American party featuring musician Raz-de-Maree and step-dancer/caller Yaelle Azoulay. Take the dance workshop at 2pm and join in the contras, squares, circles and other traditional dances at 8pm at Elks Club.
Cumberland Ave, Plattsburgh; (518) 293-7613
hillandhollowmusic.com Springfest
April 26
The Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks hosts Springfest, rain or shine, beginning at 10am. This street fair features more than 200 vendors offering crafts, antiques, food, live entertainment, and much more.
Main Street and Broadway, Nyack; (845) 353-2221
info@nyack-ny.com A Maritime Memoir
May 3 (through the end of October)
This Hudson River, or “America’s River,” exhibit features ship models and explores transportation and the fishing industry of the river from its earliest stages. The Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives presents A Maritime Memoir at the DePew House on Sundays, Tuesdays, and by appointment.
Blaisdell Road, Orangeburg; (845) 398-1302
orangetownmuseum.com 61st Annual Tulip Festival
May 8-10
Celebrate in tradition as more than 200,000 tulips bloom just in time for Mother’s Day. Among other events this weekend, a scrubbing of State Street, children’s crafts, musical performances, the Royal Tulip Ball, and the crowning of the Tulip Queen.
Washington Park, Albany; (518) 434-2032; albanyevents.org 100 Voices at the Palace Theatre
May 9
The Albany Symphony Orchestra closes its season with Daron Hagen’s “The River,” music inspired by the Hudson River and Valley. The performance will begin at 7:30pm; tickets priced between $25 and $49.
Palace Theatre Albany; (518) 465-4755; albanysymphony.com Drums Along the Hudson:
A Native American Festival
May 17
Join in the festivities of this annual Native American powwow and multicultural celebration. Rain or shine, this free event will run from 11am until 6pm with tons of food, crafts, dancing, and, of course, drums.
Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan; (212) 627-1076 ext. 18
drumsalongthehudson.org Annual Memorial Day Parade
May 25
The service of the people of Bethlehem dates back to the Revolutionary War. Come celebrate at the town’s annual parade honoring these heroes. The parade begins at 11am, winds through the streets of the hamlet of Delmar, and finishes at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
Town of Bethlehem, Delmar; (518) 439-4955
townofbethlehem.org Old New Paltz Day
May 30
Street demonstrations, colonial-era crafts, and a local authors’ tent, featuring book signings and short presentations, are just part of the attractions at Old New Paltz Day. The festivities last from 11am until 5pm.
Huguenot Street, New Paltz; (845) 255-1660

Dutch Heritage Day
at the Poughkeepsie Plaza
May 30
Celebrate Dutch culture with food, colonial games, and free crafts for children presented by the Horton House Family Center, as well as artifacts, raffles, and period costumes that will be a part of this Poughkeepsie Plaza event. And don’t miss the exact replica of Henry Hudson’s Half Moon ship. 10am to 6pm.
Route 9, Poughkeepsie; (845) 471-4265
hortonhousefamilycenter.com
poughkeepsieplaza.com National Learn to Row Day
June 6
Celebrate the Hudson River by learning how to row on it. Between 9am and 1pm, the Albany Rowing Center offers free rowing demonstrations, as well as a Community Challenge featuring local schools, businesses, and organizations.
Albany Boat House on the Corning Preserve
albanyrowingcenter.org; info@albanyrowingcenter.org Ride the Ridge
June 7
Last year Bicycling Magazine called it one of the best cycling events in June. Now join in on the third annual Ride the Ridge bike challenge to benefit the High Meadow Performing Arts Center.
High Meadow School, Stone Ridge; ridetheridge.org Art on Lark
June 20
In its second year, The Lark Street Improvement District hosts artists, musicians, dance, and theatre, among other special events. The Lark Street Business Improvement District will close down the street for this celebration between 10am and 5pm.
Lark Street, Albany; (518) 434-3861; larkstreet.org Hudson Quadricentennial Concert
June 21
Music at the West Point Military Academy can date back to the time of the Revolutionary War. Come celebrate in the history of the academy and the Hudson River and Valley. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and show up early to this 7:30pm event.
Trophy Point Amphitheatre, West Point; (845) 938-2445
westpoint.edu/Band Old Songs Festival
June 26- 28
All weekend at the Altamont Fairgrounds, this year’s festival will feature Nanne Kalme, Ankie van der Meer and the Hudson Crew with a performance to honor Henry Hudson and his famous voyage. Workshops will also run throughout the day. Visit the Web site for more scheduling and pricing specifics. Route 146, Altamont; oldsongs.org/festival; (518) 765-2815

For more Quadricentennial events to fill up your calendar, check out hudson400.com and exploreny400.com.