The 2026 Hudson River Music Festival will spotlight the legacies of American folk music legends Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan when it returns to New York’s Croton Point Park this Father’s Day.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Jesse Welles headlines the second annual event, which will also highlight performances by the Guthrie Family Singers, Warren Haynes, Grahame Lesh, genre-blurring “cosmic country” guitarist Daniel Donato and many others.
This year’s festival introduces a slate of America 250 programming that focuses on experiences surrounding the enduring influence of American folk music and the cultural impact of artists who helped characterize the American songbook. In partnership with the Guthrie and Dylan Centers, this weekend’s Hudson River Music Festival will spotlight the legacies of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and the generations of artists influenced by their work.
Attendees will have access to an on-site Woody Guthrie exhibit, while the festival’s Woody Guthrie Tent will host family-friendly creative writing workshops inspired by the folk icon’s songwriting spirit. Presented by Harper House Music Foundation, RiverFest FPS (For Pete’s Sake), and Dayglo Presents, the returning event bridges folk traditions and contemporary Americana.
In addition to the aforementioned performers, the Hudson Stage will also feature Margo Price, Cimafunk, Chaparelle, Snacktime and Toshi Reagan. Meanwhile, the Rainbow Stage promises sets by Ebony Hillbillies, Leah Song (of Rising Appalachia), Damaris Bonita, David Abram, Tom Chapin & The Chapin Sisters and Lizzie No.
The Hudson River Music Festival traces its roots to the folk picnics organized decades ago by Pete and Toshi Seeger, a legacy that continues to shape its mission. Beyond the music, organizers are emphasizing longtime elements of the Hudson Valley folk scene, including community engagement, environmental activism, and intergenerational participation.
The festival’s family-focused programming expands to the all-new North Star Stage, where younger attendees will be drawn to performances from The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Bash the Trash, and Feel Trip Yoga. Arts-and-crafts activities, community sing-alongs, roaming entertainment throughout the grounds will also be offered alongside a large-scale puppet performance from Arm of the Sea. The latter includes a river-themed Fish Migration featuring puppets created by artists from Jim Henson Studios.
Environmental advocacy remains a cornerstone of the festival’s identity. The North Field will host nonprofit organizations, grassroots activist groups, educational exhibits, and a climate-focused panel discussion, while organizers continue to pursue a Zero Waste model for the event.
Intentionally planned for Father’s Day, the Hudson River Music Festival aims to bring together multiple generations through music, activism, and shared experiences. This approach feels especially fitting as the nation begins reflecting on 250 years of history, examining how folk traditions have told the American story across generations, from Guthrie’s Dust Bowl ballads to the artists carrying those ideals forward today.
Organizers have expanded festival amenities following the inaugural event, including a larger food court, additional regional vendors, and enhanced VIP offerings. Children 12 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult. For tickets and additional information visit the Hudson River Music Festival’s official website.
