This quaint Hudson Valley destination, named one of the best small towns in the Northeast, hosts the region's largest garlic festival this fall
There are plenty of reasons to go upstate in the fall, but eating in the middle of a garlic field probably isn't one you've thought of yet.
A revitalized downtown filled with vintage shops, a 19th-century lighthouse where you can actually sleep, just a two-hour drive away on the Thruway: Saugerties has quietly carved out the kind of reputation that takes most upstate towns decades to achieve.
USA Today even named Saugerties one of the "best small towns in the Northeast" in 2024, and every September it becomes the unlikely garlic capital of the region when thousands of visitors flock to the annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival.
The festival, returning on September 26 and 27, 2026, will bring together garlic producers, local vendors, live music, cooking demonstrations, and practically every garlic dish you can imagine for two days. Think: garlic ice cream, garlic sauces, roasted garlic, and enough of that "stinky rose" to send your vampire friends running for the hills.
Now in its 36th year, the festival has earned the title of the largest garlic festival in the Northeast, making it a very specific—and very delicious—reason to get out of town for the weekend.
Here's everything you need to know before you make the trip.
Its roots (or, rather, bulbs) go back to 1989
The story behind the festival is undoubtedly as charming as the city that hosts it. It all began in 1989, when Pat Reppert of Shale Hill Farm and Herb Gardens organized a small event to promote his herb business and garlic grown in upstate New York.
By 1991, Reppert was already receiving more than 1,500 calls from people trying to get tickets, which led the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties to take over and move the festival to Cantine Field.
More than three decades later, the festival is still going strong, with peak attendances of over 50,000 in previous years, proving that people are willing to travel surprisingly far for a good clove of garlic.
What to expect at the 2026 Hudson Valley Garlic Festival
Forget typical street fair elements: the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival takes its theme very seriously. Visitors can expect a true sensory explosion with:
- Garlic-inspired food abounds: you'll find the classics, like the delicious "garlic knots", but what really attracts you is the more unusual stuff: garlic ice cream, garlic lemonade and garlic-flavored sweets.
- With over 40 food stalls and more than 100 shops, the sprawling Garlic Marketplace offers an incredible array of locally produced foods, specialty ingredients, artisanal products, and creative garlic-based recipes.
- Leisure and education: Enjoy live concerts, attend cooking demonstrations with chefs and listen to talks about garlic cultivation and its health benefits.
- Family activities: It is an event for all ages that has a specific children's area with crafts and workshops organized by local associations.
Details, dates and how to get there
The festival will take place on Saturday, September 26 (from 10:00 to 18:00) and Sunday, September 27, 2026 (from 10:00 to 17:00).
Advance tickets are a steal: $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (65+). Remember, online sales end at 5:00 PM on September 25, so book yours as soon as possible! Tickets at the door are $15, and children under 12 get in free.
The journey from New York is almost suspiciously easy:
- By train: Take the Amtrak from Moynihan Train Hall to Rhinecliff (the nearest station to Saugerties) and from there take a taxi or rideshare for 30 minutes to cross the river to the festival grounds.
- By car: Drive north on the NYS Thruway (I-87) for about two hours. Take exit 20 and head east to the village of Saugerties and Cantine Field, where on-site parking is available.
Everything else Saugerties has to offer
Since the journey there is so easy, it's worth turning the garlic excursion into a full outing rather than just a round trip.
Some ideas for passing the time after eating too much garlic:
- Wander Opus 40: Explore a huge and breathtaking six-acre stone labyrinth, hand-built over nearly four decades by sculptor Harvey Fite.
- Head to Saugerties Lighthouse: a 19th-century lighthouse perched on the banks of the Hudson. The path offers a wonderful walk among the driftwood along the sandy beaches, and the lighthouse itself doubles as a small bed and breakfast.
- Explore the center of Saugerties: take a stroll through the village center, where antique shops, vintage stores (such as Pop Vintage Antiques or Chambers Vintage) and independent boutiques invite you to a pleasant afternoon of treasure hunting.
- Get outdoors: Head to Esopus Bend Nature Reserve, which offers 161 acres of spectacular views, hiking trails, and the beautiful Hudson Valley scenery when you need a break from the crowds.
