Hudson Valley Garlic Festival 2026

Dates: Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 Location: Cantine Field, Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, NY 12477 Admission: $5 per person suggested donation (kids under 12 free) Parking: Free

The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival: A 30+ Year Tradition

The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is one of the most beloved annual events in the Hudson Valley — and for good reason. Since 1989, the garlic-loving community has gathered at Cantine Field to celebrate all things garlic. What started as a small promotional event at Shale Hill Farm & Herb Gardens has grown into one of the largest food festivals in New York State.

Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties, the festival is more than just a weekend of food — it's a community-powered tradition supporting local charities and community initiatives.

How It All Began

In 1989, Pat Reppert of Shale Hill Farm and Herb Gardens organized the first Garlic Festival held in the Hudson Valley — and perhaps on the East Coast. It started as a promotional event for New York State grown garlic, with no paid publicity beyond her newsletter and a local newspaper article. Attendance far exceeded expectations.

By 1991, tickets were pre-sold to control crowds, and over 1,500 people called trying to get in. Pat knew the festival had outgrown her farm, so she approached the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties to take it over.

In 1992, the Kiwanis Club held their first Garlic Festival at Cantine Field. The pre-festival estimate was 2,500 people; despite rain, 5,000 showed up. Attendance doubled to 13,000 in 1993, and soared to over 30,000 in 1994.

By 1995, the festival peaked at 40-45,000 attendees — causing a Thruway traffic jam and blocking Route 9W for 11 miles. The decision was made to expand to two days and charge an entrance fee, and the first two-day event was held in 1996. The record attendance of 53,000 was set in 2007.

What to Expect at the 2026 Festival

Food & Drink

Let's be honest — this is why you're coming. The festival features over 200 vendors serving up everything garlic-infused you can imagine:

• Garlic fries, garlic pizza, and garlic bread — the classics, perfected
• Garlic hummus and roasted garlic spreads
• Garlic ice cream — don't knock it till you've tried it
• Locally grown garlic by the bulb and braid
• Farm-fresh produce from across the Hudson Valley
• Craft beverages and local specialties

Shopping

• Artisan crafts and handmade goods from local makers
• Garlic-themed gifts, T-shirts, and kitchen gadgets
• Local honey, maple syrup, and specialty foods
• Pottery, woodworking, and fine crafts from regional artisans

Live Entertainment

Continuous live music across multiple stages featuring regional bands and performers. The lineup for 2026 will be announced closer to the date — check the official festival site for updates.

Cooking Demonstrations

Watch regional chefs demonstrate garlic-infused recipes you can recreate at home. Past demos have covered everything from roasting techniques to full garlic-forward restaurant dishes.

Kids Activities

Family-friendly fun including face painting, games, and hands-on activities for the little ones.

Educational Talks

Learn about garlic varieties, growing techniques, and the history of this remarkable plant from local experts — affectionately known as the "stinking rose."

Zero Waste Mission

The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is committed to being an environmentally responsible event. Through their Zero Waste program, volunteers help guests sort compostables, recyclables, and landfill waste at stations across the grounds. The festival uses compostable serviceware and works hard to minimize what goes to the landfill.

Want to help? The Zero Waste team is always looking for friendly volunteers. No experience needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to help. Volunteer for Zero Waste.

Event Rules

• No alcohol (coolers will be checked)
• No smoking
• No pets (service animals welcome)
• No soliciting
• No bicycles, recreational scooters, or skateboards

Tips for First-Timers

Go early. The festival draws tens of thousands across the weekend. Arriving at opening gives you the best experience with shorter lines and easier parking.

Bring cash. While many vendors accept cards, some are cash-only. ATMs are available on-site.

Come hungry. Seriously. The food vendors alone are worth the trip from anywhere in the Northeast.

Dress in layers. Late September in the Catskills can be warm in the afternoon and cool by evening.

Stay the weekend. Saugerties has excellent lodging and dining beyond the festival grounds.

Getting There

Cantine Field Washington Avenue Extension Saugerties, NY 12477

• From NYC: ~2 hours via I-87 (Thruway), Exit 20
• From Albany: ~45 minutes south on I-87
• By bus: Trailways service from Port Authority to Saugerties

Parking is free and available on-site, with overflow lots and shuttle service during peak hours.

Festival at a Glance

Plan your visit with our Saugerties Events Calendar and find places to stay with our Business Directory. For vendor applications, entertainment lineup, and Zero Waste volunteer info, visit hvgf.org.

The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is a Trade Mark of the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties. "Copyright 1994-2025 Kiwanis Club of Saugerties All Rights Reserved."