ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (May 6, 2025) – Adventure seekers and lovers of the outdoors, start your summer in Orange County, N.Y., with all the warm-weather fun and adventure you need to create everlasting memories. Farm-fresh produce is plentiful, scenic hiking trails offer breathtaking views, and sparkling rivers and lakes are ready for summer adventures.
“It’s time to bask in the bright sun, splash in a river or lake, and find your summer adventure in Orange County, N.Y.!” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film. “While Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and brings festivals and fun, it’s also a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Come for the celebrations that welcome the season and take a moment to reflect on the meaning behind the holiday. Stay for the entire weekend—or longer—in one of our many fabulous accommodations. When you start the season in Orange County, N.Y., you’re in for a summer of excitement you won’t soon forget!”
Water lovers, try Storm King Adventure Tours in Cornwall-on-Hudson for kayaking excursions on the magnificent river, or rent kayaks and paddleboards – with lessons if you’d like – at Jersey Paddle Boards in Greenwood Lake.
Prefer hiking boots to beach towels? Explore highlights such as the 3,920-acre Black Rock Forest in Cornwall or the Elks-Brox Memorial Park in Port Jervis. There’s even a section of the Appalachian Trail at Southfields.
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk, a refreshing jog, or a bike ride, the scenic 19.5-mile Heritage Trail is the perfect place to explore. This picturesque path links charming downtowns and beautiful natural areas, with convenient access points in Chester, Goshen, Middletown, Monroe, and more.
Reap the farm-fresh and home-baked bounty of the county’s famous agricultural heritage at a farmers market. Find a list here of the ones that have begun already, and those that will start soon.
Here are some Memorial Weekend events to enjoy:
May 22 – May 26
Memorial Weekend Carnival, McDaniels Brothers Shows, L Vern Allen Park, Ahern Boulevard, Washingtonville, N.Y.: Enjoy a full weekend of fun as the Washingtonville Knights of Columbus present this annual event. With carnival rides, games, and tasty treats, it all adds up to endless fun for the whole family.
May 22 and 23, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; May 24 and 25, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
May 24
Hudson Fest, Rushing Duck Brewing Co., 2 Greycourt Ave., Chester, N.Y.: Help start a new tradition at the first-ever Hudson Fest music festival, a full-day extravaganza of the best live music in the Hudson Valley, food trucks, vendors, craft brewing and much more.
Enter beginning 10 a.m.; festival 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 24 and 25
Sugar Loaf Spring Festival, Sugar Loaf, N.Y.: The festival is the perfect way to enjoy this treasure-filled arts and crafts village. Explore the unique artisan shoppes, peruse a wide variety of vendors, join in family activities including face painting and a kids’ zone, grab a bite from the food trucks, kick back in the beer garden and enjoy the live music.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
