Swim in a brand-new quarry lake, hear Emily King beneath the stars, sip sangria at America’s oldest winery, and celebrate one of Woodstock’s most beloved community traditions.
This weekend is a great reminder of just how many different Hudson Valley experiences can fit into two summer days. From outdoor adventures and live music to food, history, and community traditions, there is plenty worth making time for.
This week’s guide includes Lake Sophia at Sojourner Truth State Park, Emily King at Opus 40, the 95th Anniversary Woodstock Library Fair, a sangria and empanada celebration, and two major summer events worth putting on your calendar now.
Explore the Hudson Valley
A new place to swim and a peaceful historic retreat connected to one of America’s great naturalists.
Lake Sophia at Sojourner Truth State Park
Kingston
The Hudson Valley has a brand-new place to cool off. Lake Sophia, a spring-fed quarry inside Sojourner Truth State Park, is now open for swimming with lifeguarded areas, dramatic limestone cliffs, and easy access to the park’s trails, river views, and industrial history.
Why we recommend it: This is one of the most exciting new outdoor experiences in the region. Arrive early—parking fills quickly on warm weekends—and plan time to explore the park’s trails and Hudson River overlooks after your swim.
Swimming daily, 10 a.m.–5:45 p.m., through Labor Day weekend · Visitor information
John Burroughs’ Slabsides
West Park
Tucked inside the woods at the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary, Slabsides is the rustic cabin the celebrated naturalist built by hand in 1895. The surrounding trails pass through forest, wetlands, rocky ridges, and quiet places that still feel connected to Burroughs’ writing.
Why we recommend it: It is peaceful, historically significant, and easy to pair with another stop along the Hudson. Even when the cabin itself is closed, the sanctuary is worth exploring.
This Weekend
Our favorite things happening around the Hudson Valley this weekend.
Emily King at Opus 40
Opus 40 · Saugerties
Singer-songwriter Emily King brings her sophisticated blend of contemporary soul and pop to one of the Hudson Valley’s most unforgettable outdoor venues. Her warm, expressive voice and magnetic stage presence should feel especially at home against Opus 40’s monumental stonework.
Why we recommend it: This is exactly the kind of pairing Circle This should spotlight: a remarkable artist in a setting that makes the evening feel like a true Hudson Valley experience.
Circle This Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and arrive early enough to explore Harvey Fite’s monumental stone sculpture before the music begins.
Saturday, July 25 · 8–10 p.m. · Tickets and information
Sangria & Empanada Experience
Brotherhood Winery · Washingtonville
Spend the afternoon at America’s oldest winery with fruity sangria flights, empanadas, Puerto Rican specialties, live music, dance lessons, desserts, craft vendors, and plenty of room to wander the historic grounds.
It adds a fun food-and-drink destination to the weekend mix and gives readers a reason to explore beyond the usual Ulster County circuit.
Saturday, July 25 · Noon–5:30 p.m. · Kids under 12 free · Tickets and information
95th Anniversary Woodstock Library Fair
Woodstock Public Library
One of Woodstock’s longest-running community traditions returns for its first fair at the library’s new home, featuring a giant book sale, live music, local vendors, food and drinks, raffles, children’s activities, face painting, a water slide, and plenty of reasons to linger.
Few events capture the spirit of Woodstock quite like the Library Fair. Radio Woodstock’s Richard Fusco will be keeping the festivities moving as this year’s emcee, so be sure to stop by and say hello.
Saturday, July 25 · Woodstock Public Library, 10 Dixon Avenue · Event information
Plan Ahead
Two major summer traditions worth putting on your calendar now.
Outlaw Music Festival
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Willie Nelson & Family bring the Outlaw Music Festival back to the historic Woodstock site with The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Wilson Jr., Robert Randolph, and Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble.
Why we recommend it: This is one of the strongest roots-music lineups of the summer, pairing true American originals with artists carrying that tradition forward. It is worth planning for now, especially if you want good seats or a full day at Bethel Woods.
Saturday, August 29 · Tickets and information
Dutchess County Fair
Rhinebeck
From award-winning livestock and agricultural competitions to midway rides, local makers, live entertainment, and legendary fair food, the Dutchess County Fair has been one of the Hudson Valley’s signature summer traditions for generations.
Why we recommend it: More than just a county fair, this is one of New York’s premier annual events. It is the perfect excuse for a day trip to Rhinebeck—arrive early, wander the fairgrounds, then finish the day exploring the village’s shops, cafés, and restaurants.
August 25–30 · Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck · Tickets and information
On Our Radar
Curated each week by the Radio Woodstock team. We will be back next Thursday with more places to explore, concerts to catch, restaurants to try, and hidden gems from across the Hudson Valley.
—The Radio Woodstock Team