The Ulster County Italian Festival Returns to the Kingston Waterfront on October 11 |
A Day of Authentic Food, Live Music, and Italian-American Heritage Along the Hudson |
Mark your calendar for October 11, 2026 — the Ulster County Italian Festival is back on the Kingston waterfront, and it's shaping up to be the biggest celebration of Italian-American culture in the Hudson Valley this fall.
Organized by the Ulster County Italian American Foundation, the annual festival transforms the Rondout waterfront into a vibrant piazza of food, music, and community. Last year's event drew thousands of visitors from across the region, and organizers are promising an even bigger experience for 2026.
What to Expect
The festival is a full-day immersion into Italian-American traditions. Expect handmade pasta stations, wood-fired pizza, sausage and pepperoni sandwiches, arancini, cannoli, and gelato — all prepared by local families and restaurants with recipes passed down through generations.
Live music fills the air all day, with Italian folk ensembles, classic rock covers, and DJ sets spinning everything from Sinatra to modern hits. A dedicated kids' zone keeps younger visitors entertained with face painting, games, and Italian-themed crafts.
More Than Food
Beyond the feast, the festival celebrates the deep roots of Italian-American heritage in Ulster County. Vendors showcase imported olive oils, aged cheeses, and artisanal sauces you won't find in grocery stores. Local artisans display handcrafted goods, and community organizations share the history of Italian immigration to the Kingston area.
The waterfront setting adds to the atmosphere — stroll along the Rondout Creek with a plate of fresh pasta, watch boats pass by, and soak in the fall colors along the Hudson.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're of Italian heritage or just love great food and good company, this festival is one of Kingston's can't-miss fall events. Bring your appetite and your dancing shoes.
For updates, follow the Ulster County Italian American Foundation on social media or check ucitalianamericanfoundation.org. |
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Free admission is great but parking down at the Rondout is no joke. If you show up after 10am you're walking from pretty far. Get there early, seriously, I learned that the hard way last time.
Mike T.So true. We parked up on Broadway last year and just walked down. It's maybe 10-15 minutes and honestly not bad at all once you know to expect it. Way less stressful than circling the lots.
My grandparents came over from Calabria and settled in Kingston back in the 50s. This festival always brings me back. The arancini last year were the real deal, not some frozen grocery store version. Already putting October 11th on the calendar.