5 Can't-Miss Kids & Family Events in New Paltz This August 2026 |
From the 139th Ulster County Fair to twilight concerts under the Walkway — here's your month of family fun, all within minutes of New Paltz |
August in the Hudson Valley is peak family season, and New Paltz is ground zero. Between the county fair's midway rides, world-class BBQ, mountaintop magic shows, and moonlit walks across the Hudson, there's barely a weekend without something worth clearing the schedule for. Here are five events every local family should have on the calendar this month.
1. The 139th Ulster County Fair — August 4–9
Where: Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz
The biggest family event of the summer lands right in New Paltz's backyard. Now in its 139th year, the Ulster County Fair is a six-day extravaganza featuring over 20 midway rides from Dreamland Amusements, agricultural competitions, live animal exhibits, and a full slate of nightly entertainment included with admission.
This year's headliners read like a greatest-hits playlist: The Bunker Boys (Tuesday), Exile (Wednesday), Thunderstruck: America's AC/DC Tribute (Thursday), StevieMac: A Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Experience (Friday), the Eli Young Band (Saturday), and the legendary Chubby Checker closing things out Sunday at 5:30 PM.
For families, the highlights go beyond the main stage. Robinson's Racing Pigs put on daily shows, the aquatic acrobat troupe performs throughout the week, and there's a chainsaw carver, stilt walker Carrie McQueen, and Disc-Connected K9s dog show to catch. Don't miss the annual baby contest, the Draft Horse Show on Friday at 9 AM, and Wednesday night's fireworks at dusk.
New for 2026: a Sensory Safe Space open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, offering families a quiet retreat from the crowds with bubble tubes, noise-canceling headphones, mats, seating, and a charging station for AAC devices. There are also dedicated Sensory Safe Hours on the midway (Wednesday–Sunday 10–11 AM, rides without lights or music; Wednesday & Thursday 11 AM–noon with reduced stimulation).
Pro tip: Tuesday, August 4 is "10 and 2 Tuesday" — admission is just $10 and rides are only $2 each. Seniors enter free Wednesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Unlimited ride wristbands are $20 on Wednesday and Thursday, $30 Friday through Sunday.
2. Twilight Music in the Park — Every Wednesday in August
Where: Walkway Over the Hudson, Ulster Welcome Center Plaza, 87 Haviland Road, Highland
Every Wednesday from June through August, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation brings live music to the Walkway's Ulster Welcome Center Plaza — and it's one of the most laid-back family outings in the Hudson Valley. Pack a picnic, bring chairs and blankets, and let the kids run around the plaza while local musicians play a set that spans folk, R&B, Americana, and country.
The August lineup includes Betty & The Baby Boomers (August 5), Dylan Doyle (August 12), The Crew Duo (August 19), and Dorraine Scofield (August 26). All concerts are all-ages, weather-dependent, and completely free — just show up.
The Walkway itself is open until 8:00 PM in August, so you can combine the concert with a sunset stroll across the bridge. It's a perfect midweek reset between the weekend chaos.
3. Hudson Valley Ribfest — August 16–18
Where: Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz
Back at the fairgrounds just two weeks after the county fair, the 15th annual Hudson Valley Ribfest brings the region's top pitmasters to New Paltz for a KCBS-sanctioned barbecue showdown. Presented by the Highland Rotary Club, this three-day event is a family-friendly food festival with something for everyone.
Kids love the smoke-filled air, the live music, and the sheer volume of ribs, pulled pork, and brisket on offer. Multiple BBQ teams compete for top honors, and visitors can taste their way through the best the Hudson Valley has to offer. Craft beer selections, sides, and desserts round out the menu.
There's usually a kids' area with activities, and the festival atmosphere makes it easy to let the little ones burn off energy between bites. It's a casual, outdoor event — bring sunscreen and an appetite.
4. Mohonk Mountain House Summer Family Fun — August 16–28
Where: Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
Mohonk Mountain House transforms into a full-blown family adventure destination for two weeks in late August. The Summer Family Fun program packs the schedule with live music, evening campfires, jugglers, magicians, balloon sculpture workshops, line dancing, guided hikes, rock scrambles, and the Pinnacle Ledge Tour for thrill-seeking families.
The complimentary Kids' Club (ages 4–12) runs daily with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions — outdoor adventures, seasonal crafts, and themed activities led by the resort's naturalist team. It's been applauded as one of the "Best Hotel Kids' Programs in the U.S." by Travel + Leisure magazine.
Evening campfires at the East Side Fire Pits feature s'mores roasting and live music from local Hudson Valley musicians. There's also lake paddling, swimming, archery, family trivia nights, and magic shows throughout the two-week run.
While it requires a resort stay, Mohonk's "Kids Stay & Eat Free" program on select dates makes it more accessible than you might think. It's the kind of immersive, screen-free family experience that kids remember for years.
5. Walkway At Night — August 21
Where: Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland/Poughkeepsie entrances
There's something magical about walking 212 feet above the Hudson River after dark, and Walkway At Night delivers it every month from May through October. On August 21, the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge lights up for an evening walk with views of the Hudson Valley glowing below.
This date also features a live concert by The Local Jam Band before the walk begins, presented by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Kids 12 and under get in free, making it an affordable and memorable family outing.
Pre-registration is encouraged to shorten your wait at the gate. The Walkway is open until 8:00 PM in late August, but Walkway At Night extends the experience to 9:30 PM — a rare chance to be on the bridge under the stars.
Also look for the Walkway's Connections for Kids programs throughout August — hands-on craft and science activities at the Ulster Welcome Center designed specifically for children. Check walkway.org for the full schedule.
Plan Your August
New Paltz families are spoiled for choice this August. Whether you're spending a full day at the fair, catching a free Wednesday concert, or walking the bridge under the stars, there's no shortage of ways to make this the summer your kids talk about for years to come. |
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Ribfest is always a good time but fair warning, parking on that last day gets brutal. Get there early or you'll be walking from halfway down Libertyville. Learned that the hard way last year.
The sensory safe space at the Ulster County Fair is such a big deal for families like mine. My son has sensory processing issues and we usually skip the fair entirely because it just gets to be too much for him. We might actually go this year. Really glad they added this.