Beacon Sloop Club Annual Strawberry Festival

The Beacon Sloop Club’s Strawberry Festival on June 14 fills Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park with two music stages, 40-plus vendors selling crafts and prepared foods, and the event’s signature draw: fresh strawberry shortcake served from a dedicated booth near the main stage. The festival runs from noon until 5 p.m., attracting 3,000 to 4,000 attendees who spread blankets on the lawn, listen to folk and acoustic acts, and take in wide views of the Hudson River and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge overhead. Admission is free, parking is limited to street spots near the park, and the Metro-North station is a five-minute walk south along the waterfront trail.

Music programming features regional folk musicians and singer-songwriters, with occasional appearances by members of the Pete Seeger legacy circle, keeping the festival rooted in the environmental and social justice traditions Seeger championed. The strawberry shortcake booth typically sells out by 3 p.m., so arrive early if you’re coming specifically for dessert. Vendors offer everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to empanadas, wood-fired pizza, and cold-pressed lemonade, making it easy to graze your way through the afternoon. The event is deeply family-friendly, with kids running freely on the open lawn and parents claiming shaded spots under the park’s mature trees.

June weather on the Hudson is usually in the 70s and sunny, though afternoon river breezes can cool things down, so bring a light sweater or windbreaker. If the park feels crowded, walk north along the Klara Sauer Trail to find quieter benches with the same river views. The festival is dog-friendly on leash, and you’ll see plenty of families with strollers navigating the flat, paved paths. Plan to arrive by 11:30 a.m. to secure parking and claim a good spot on the lawn before the first set starts at noon.

Turn the Strawberry Festival into a full riverfront weekend by booking a Beacon rental on Lake.com, ideally within walking distance of the waterfront so you can leave your car parked and move easily between the festival, Main Street dining, and morning walks along the Hudson. After the music winds down, head to The Roundhouse (established 2011) for dinner overlooking Fishkill Creek, or grab a beer at 2 Way Brewing Company on Main Street. The festival combines small-town ease, live music, and Hudson River access in a single afternoon, making it a reliable annual stop for families, couples, and anyone looking for a low-key summer outing in the valley.