As summer has officially taken off in the Hudson Valley, there are many different things to check out during your days off. There are many different festivals, age-appropriate, throughout the valley that the locals enjoy annually. If you’re looking for something to do check these activities out.

1. The Catskills Greek Festival

The Catskills Greek Festival is July 7 to July 10 at 3 p.m. During this festival, you will encounter and enjoy traditional Greek food, music, and culture. The admission is free and this festival is located at 1669 Gulf Rd (Route 123) Callicoon Center, NY 12748.

2. The Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival

The extravagant festival includes being launched into the air in a hot air balloon! Many people are going to be launching in hot air balloons across the area. The Dutchess County holds this festival and it will be held July 8 to July 10. Parking is free although there is a small charge for entrance, as well as riding.

3. Bounty of the Hudson Food and Wine Festival

The typical food and wine festival can be found in almost every county. From the Epcot Food and Wine festival to the Hudson Food and Wine festival, these special celebrations celebrate the wine and local food from the area. The will be a two day event held in Applewood Winery, 82 Four Corners Rd. Warwick, NY. There is a cover charge of $30, and $10 for designated drivers. $30 will get you all the food you can eat and all the wine you can drink. This festival is being held on July 30 to July 31.

4. 17th Annual Blueberry Festival

This unique festival features food, activities, and drinks tailored to the special fruit. This festival features a blueberry pancake breakfast (for an additional charge). The charge for an adult is $7 and children under 12 are free. This awesome festival can be found at Old Austerlitz 11550 State Route 22 Austerlitz, NY. It will be held on July 31, rain or shine!

5. Butterfly Festival

A festival that is celebrating a creature versus food. Plant sales, Monarch Education, and a walk through the Perennial Memorial Garden are among some of the activities at this festival located at Stony Kill Farm. The butterflies will be celebrated on Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking is free of charge, so take the family on a fun outgoing to Stony Kill Farm.

6. Cash and Country Music Festival

This music festival comes stacked with live performances from small town country artists. Enjoy cider and wine tastings during this late summer festival. This music festival can be found at 114 Little York Road Warwick, NY on Aug. 7 at noon.

7. Plattepalooza

This fall festival celebrates the small town that hosts it. Located on Plattekill Mountain Rd, Plattekill hosts one of the first fall festivals around. From S’mores to a magic show, this pales has it all including different vendors showcasing their talents. On Oct. 8, at 11 a.m., people from all over the Hudson Valley can enjoy a ski sale, homemade BBQ, and mountain biking. The address is Ski Plattekill 469 Plattekill Mtn Rd Roxbury, NY. This is sure to be a great start to the cold weather.

8. Red Hook Chocolate Festival

Now, it is early for this festival, being that it is scheduled for November. Nov. 5 is the scheduled Red Hook Chocolate Festival, from which I have only ever heard wonderful things. This is one that you will have to keep your eyes out for come the fall.