Festivals and events in Greene County: A year-round economic driver
In Greene County, the seasons turn with more than changing leaves and mountain light. They bring a
steady rhythm of festivals, concerts and community events that connect people, showcase local talent,
and sustain small businesses all year long. From the Sunflower Festival to the Victorian Stroll, these
celebrations are part of what makes Greene County so vibrant, and they play an essential role in driving
our local economy.
Celebrating place and strengthening business
Festivals are more than fun, they are powerful economic engines. Each event brings visitors who fill
restaurants, explore shops, stay in local inns, and return later to experience more of what Greene
County offers. Whether it is a weekend of music, art, or hometown tradition, every gathering adds
momentum to our shared prosperity.
The festival season begins in spring when the Rip Van Winkle Wine, Brew & Beverage
Festival kicks off the calendar in early May. With regional tastings, live music, and local
food vendors, it celebrates the area’s growing craft beverage industry while drawing visitors to
experience the best of Greene County hospitality.
Summer brings a full lineup of color, creativity, and community. Signature events such as the
Catskill Summer Solstice Celebration and Meadowbrook Farm’s Sunflower &
Sangria Festival fill streets and fields with music, art and sunshine. The Heart of Catskill
Association’s Cat’n Around Catskill art installation blends public art and
business sponsorship, with dozens of artist-painted cat sculptures placed throughout the village from
Memorial Day through Labor Day. The result is a walking trail that delights visitors and brings lasting
visibility to local businesses.
Music lovers flock to the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill, a nationally
recognized event that draws thousands for multi-day performances, camping, and workshops. Music
in the Park at Catskill Point continues the celebration each June with outdoor concerts on
the Hudson Riverfront, while in Greenville, the Summer Concert Series fills Veterans
Park with live music throughout the season, offering family-friendly entertainment that strengthens
community ties and supports local businesses.
Cultural and family traditions
The arts thrive here too. Shakespeare in the Catskills, staged each summer by Catskill
Mountain Shakespeare, brings professional outdoor theatre to the mountains, merging culture with the
natural beauty of the region.
Family favorites such as Greenville Day and the Greene County Youth
Fair in Cairo highlight local pride and tradition. Greenville Day fills the town park with
live music, local vendors, food and fireworks, while the Youth Fair celebrates 4-H, agriculture, and
youth achievement with entertainment and exhibits. Both events help strengthen the next
generation’s connection to community life.
Autumn and holiday celebrations
As the air cools, Greene County transforms again. Windham’s Autumn Affair and
Hunter Mountain’s Oktoberfest celebrate fall in the mountains with local food,
crafts, and music. On the Hudson River, Coxsackie Riverfest draws families and visitors
to the waterfront for outdoor concerts, artisan markets and food trucks.
October is one of Greene County’s most dynamic months for culture and entertainment. The
Catskill Comedy Festival brings nationally recognized comedians and audiences to
downtown Catskill, adding laughter and nightlife energy that benefit nearby restaurants and shops.
Around the same time, Dancers Responding to AIDS presents the Hudson Valley
Dance Festival at Historic Catskill Point. The event features world-class dancers and raises
funds for critical programs while showcasing Greene County’s role as a creative hub.
The Festival of Trees in Leeds marks the start of the holiday season in early
November, showcasing beautifully decorated trees and artisan gifts. The festivities continue into winter
with hallmark events that bring the community together. The Victorian Stroll in Athens
fills the village with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and twinkling lights.
Catskill’s Winter Solstice Celebration brightens Main Street each December with
live music, fire pits, and late-night shopping, creating a warm and festive downtown atmosphere.
A Chamber focus on connection and visibility
For the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, promoting these events is central to its mission of business
development and community connection. To support that work, the Chamber launched a Community
Events Calendar on its website, a free tool that allows members to upload and share event
details year-round.
The calendar keeps residents and visitors informed and amplifies the reach of every festival, fair and
community happening. Businesses can list open houses, specials or pop-up events tied to these
celebrations, creating new ways to engage customers and strengthen the local economy.
A year-round invitation
From mountain villages to riverfront towns, Greene County’s festivals and events tell a story of
creativity, connection and pride. They invite visitors to linger, locals to celebrate, and businesses to
shine. Together, they keep the county’s spirit alive in every season, proving that when a
community gathers, everyone benefits.
To explore upcoming events or add your own, visit greenecountychamber.com, your year-round guide to what is
happening across Greene County.