Rosendale Street Festival Celebrates
Community, Music, and Nearly Five
Decades of Tradition
by Rob Brune
The village of Rosendale once again came alive as thousands of visitors filled Main
Street for the 48th annual Rosendale Street Festival, one of the Hudson Valley's most
beloved celebrations of music, art, and community. Set above the Rondout Creek, the
historic village offered a picturesque backdrop as festivalgoers explored more than 50
artisan vendors, local businesses, food trucks, beer gardens, and eight music stages
featuring more than 100 performances throughout the weekend.
Although heavy rain on Saturday temporarily slowed attendance, Sunday’s brilliant
sunshine could not have provided better conditions for families, music lovers, and
visitors to enjoy one of the region’s signature summer traditions. Throughout the village,
Rosendale’s colorful murals, historic buildings, and thriving arts community reminded
visitors why the village has long attracted artists, musicians, and creative thinkers since
its founding in 1844.
The festival also carried special meaning as the community continued to honor the
memory of founder William & Uncle Willy & Guldy, whose larger than life personality
helped establish the event as a joyful gathering that celebrated music and togetherness.
Guldy, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 85, remains an enduring symbol of
Rosendale’s welcoming spirit. His memorial at Willow Kiln Park, beside one of the
festival’s busiest music stages and beer garden, served as a quiet place for reflection
amid the weekend's festivities. Visitors were also encouraged to support the Uncle Willy
Scholarship Fund through voluntary donations. Guldy was widely known for
encouraging young musicians and inspiring generations to participate in the arts while
always reminding people to enjoy themselves and celebrate their community.
Volunteer music committee member Valerie Mathis explained that planning the festival
begins nearly a year in advance. “We’re gonna hit 50 years in 2028,” she said. So
we’re going to have an appropriate celebration.” She noted that organizing the music
alone is a months long effort beginning each fall as volunteers review hundreds of
submissions before carefully matching performers to each stage. “We have about 108
bands performing this year,” Mathis said. ” We have two indoor stages, the rest are
out doo’s all run by volunteers. And it’s free to get in.”
Mathis explained that the musicians donate their performances while volunteers provide
hospitality, transportation around the village, and shared equipment to make the
experience easier for every artist. “The whole town contributes really to making it just
like a celebration,”she said. “An opportunity for everyone to see people, and maybe sell
some stuff.”
That volunteer spirit could be felt throughout Rosendale as local businesses, civic
organizations, artists, and residents worked together to welcome visitors from across
the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Among Sunday’s musical highlights was Little Sister, whose warm blend of indie rock
and folk opened the Café Stage with thoughtful songwriting and rich harmonies. Laura
Westman, Neil Curri, Justin Reilly, and David Runski drew an appreciative audience that
gathered beneath the summer sun to begin the day’s performances on an uplifting note.
Inside the historic Rosendale Theatre, Rivergrass Revival delivered one of the
weekend’s standout concerts. The cool comfort of the air conditioned theater provided
welcome relief from the afternoon heat while the band’s blend of bluegrass, folk, Celtic,
country, and roots rock showcased exceptional musicianship. The intimate setting
allowed the audience to fully appreciate the group’s intricate harmonies and energetic
performance.
Another festival favorite was The 209s at the Firehouse Stage. Fronted by vocalist
Krisha Patenaude, the Hudson Valley quintet filled the afternoon with soulful R&B, funk,
and vintage groove. The chemistry among the musicians kept audiences engaged
throughout their performance while just steps away children laughed and cooled off
beneath a giant inflatable fire hydrant sprinkler provided by the Rosendale Fire
Department. The playful scene perfectly captured the relaxed and family friendly
atmosphere that has made the festival such an enduring success.
Even Saturday’s stormy weather created an unexpected memory. Brian Schoenau of
the Six Bells Inn and Flowers Tavern remarked that the thunder and flashes of lightning
actually enhanced the atmosphere during the inn’s scheduled Murder Mystery event as
flickering lights added an unplanned theatrical touch to the evening.
Beyond the music, visitors spent hours browsing handcrafted artwork, jewelry, clothing,
pottery, and locally made products while enjoying an impressive variety of international
foods and regional craft beverages. The festival’s walkable layout encouraged guests to
discover new artists, reconnect with friends, and support the many independent
businesses that give Rosendale its distinctive character throughout the year.
As anticipation now begins building toward the festival’s milestone 50th anniversary in
2028, the Rosendale Street Festival continues to demonstrate what makes the Hudson
Valley’s creative community so remarkable. It is far more than a weekend of
entertainment. It is a celebration of volunteerism, artistic expression, and neighbors
coming together to honor a tradition that continues to grow while never losing sight of
the welcoming spirit that Uncle Willy inspired from the very beginning.
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