The Beat

Saturday, January 31, 2-3pm

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (1/15/26) — Not only a fashionable “Queen of Gilded Age High Society,” Ruth Livingston Mills, who lived at Staatsburgh, was also rather athletic and loved to ice skate!  And she was in good company, as her family, friends and servants also enjoyed gliding across the Hudson River near the mansion. Staatsburgh State Historic Site invites children to a Victorian skating party craft program, to make a diorama of their own imagined skating event. …

Orange County, N.Y. (Jan. 5, 2026) — Just one hour north of New York City, Orange County, N.Y., settles into a fresh state of mind each winter, offering a wide mix of outdoor adventures and cozy escapes. From downhill skiing and snow tubing to ice skating, snowshoeing and winter hiking, the county’s open landscapes and historic trails shine in the quieter months, when snow-dusted views stretch farther and the pace naturally slows.

Lewiston, NY –  Artpark is proud to announce Femmes Of Rock at Artpark’s Amphitheater in Lewiston NY, on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 7:00PM. Special guest to be announced. FEMMES OF ROCK is a high-octane, multimedia rock experience that redefines the electric violin. Led by Lewiston, NY native, Nina DiGregorio and fronted by three powerhouse female violinist/vocalists and backed by a thunderous three-piece band, this show takes classic rock and heavy metal to a level you’ve never seen—or heard—before.

Albany, NY – New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the 250^th Knox Regional Commemoration are hosting events marking the 250^th anniversary of Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery in December 2025 and January 2026.

Newburgh, N.Y. - Celebrate the Holidays at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh on Sunday, December 14 from 1-4 pm. With the Hasbrouck House closed for restoration, the museum will be the headquarters for festivities.

December 13 & 20, 2025

Staatsburg, N.Y.  (12/09/25) — A stunning and festive touring experience awaits you in one of the great estates of the Hudson Valley. While touring Staatsburgh State Historic Site’s Beaux-Arts country home for A Gilded Age Christmas, enjoy live classical guitar performed by Dan Stevens. Stevens will perform a selection of holiday tunes and classical guitar standards in the mansion’s formal dining room on Saturdays, December 13 and 20, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The music is included in the site admission price.

Free Events at More Than 115 State Parks, Historic Sites, DEC Natural Areas and Environmental Education Centers, Canal Trails and Other Public Lands on New Year's Day

For the 15th Year in a Row, Outdoor Hikes Make Mental and Physical Wellness Part of New Yorkers’ New Year’s Tradition

For More Information or To Register for Events, Visit the State Parks, DEC and Canals Websites

Governor Kathy Hochul today encouraged New Yorkers to start their year off with wellness at the forefront by participating in a First Day Hike for free. New Yorkers will have an opportunity to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” this holiday season, by celebrating the New Year at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers and various other public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2026. The 15th annual First Day Hikes program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at 117 locations across the state.

Lewiston, N.Y. –  Artpark and Company announced today a grant award totaling $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded $80.9 million in FY 2026 to arts and culture nonprofits across all 10 regions and a historic number of artists.

Current Passholders Can Renew Online and Save for the Season 

Order by December 14 to Have in Time for the Holidays 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that the 2026 Empire Pass is now available for purchase. The $80 Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, state boat launch sites, arboretums, park preserves and Department of Environmental Conservation Forest preserves.

Holiday Whodunit, A “History Mystery” For Children at Staatsburgh State Historic Site

Sundays, December 7,14 & 21

Staatsburg, N.Y. (11/20/25) — Staatsburgh State Historic Site will present the Holiday Whodunit, a mystery for children to solve on the first three Sundays in December. Children ages 6 to 11, and their family members, become detectives and solve a mystery by interviewing costumed interpreters, who portray Gilded Age houseguests of the Mills family, and their servants.