Returning for its seventh edition from June 25 to June 29, 2026, Upstate Art Weekend (UAW) takes over the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Praised by The New York Times as home to “New York’s Best Summer Art Shows,” it’s the perfect excuse to hop on a Metro-North train or pack up the car for a scenic drive.
What to expect at UAW 2026
Founded by Helen Toomer in 2020, UAW has evolved into a nationally recognized cultural platform. This year, the festival is bringing together more than 160 participating museums, galleries, sculpture parks, and artist studios across the region.
When combined with the Open Studios event, the 2026 programming will engage over 400 artists and cultural destinations. From massive outdoor installations to hidden artist-run spaces tucked along country roads, the weekend is a celebration of the region’s incredible creative ecosystem.
Choose your own art adventure
Rather than approaching the weekend as a checklist, the most rewarding experience comes from moving slowly through the landscape.
Organizers have also highlighted several curated regional routes to explore:
- The River Route: Perfect for train travelers, this route moves along the Hudson River through walkable towns like Beacon and Cold Spring, featuring heavy hitters like Dia Beacon and Magazzino Italian Art.
- The Kingston Corridor: This route offers one of the densest concentrations of UAW programming, highlighting artist-run spaces, performances, and rural destinations throughout Mid-Ulster.
- Hudson + Columbia County: Expect walkable gallery districts that blend into expansive farmland and destination installations, including Art Omi and Olana.
- Catskills + Mountain Towns: For a slower pace, take winding mountain roads to discover evolving cultural communities in places like Tannersville and Livingston Manor.
Not-to-miss parties and events
The art is just the beginning. The weekend is packed with vibrant community gatherings and late-night fun:
- UAW Opening Celebration: Kick things off on Thursday, June 25 from 11 am to 1 pm at the stunning Olana State Historic Site in Hudson with a welcome toast and an artist conversation.
- UAW Kick Off Party: Head over to PS21 in Chatham on Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm for a lively celebration in the orchards, featuring a performance by Jeremy Nedd and refreshments.
- UAW Dance Party: On Friday, June 26 starting at 8 pm, dance the night away at Assembly in Kingston. It’s a celebratory fundraiser in partnership with NOISE FOR NOW to raise funds for abortion access.
Before you hit the road, make sure to download the Bloomberg Connects app to access the official digital guide, interactive maps, and venue listings.
📅 June 25-29, 2026
📍Across the Hudson Valley and Catskills
