October is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Beacon, New York. Fall foliage transforms the Hudson Valley, the weather is perfect for exploring Main Street and the waterfront, and Beacon's calendar is filled with live music, art, markets, festivals and seasonal events.
Planning an October getaway? Here are some of the events happening in Beacon throughout October 2026.
Thursday, October 1 — Beacon Drum Circle
6:00–8:00 PM | Long Dock Park
Kick off October along the Hudson River at the Beacon Drum Circle. Drummers, dancers and spectators gather at Long Dock Park for an evening of music along the waterfront.
Arrive early and take a walk through Long Dock Park before the drumming begins.
Beacon Drum Circle Event Information
Thursday, October 1 — Towne Crier Open Mic Night
6:30–9:30 PM | Towne Crier Café, 379 Main Street
Towne Crier's Thursday Open Mic brings local musicians and performers to the stage for an evening of live music right on Main Street.
Thursday, October 1 — Music of the American Revolution
7:00 PM | Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street
The historic Howland Cultural Center hosts this special Beacon REV250 event exploring music during the American Revolution, including music in the colonies, songs of the Revolution and military field music.
Howland Cultural Center — Events
Thursday & Friday, October 1–2 — Kill the Buddha
7:00 PM | Saint Rita's Music Room, 85 Eliza Street
Written and performed by Eli Walker, Kill the Buddha is a darkly comic one-woman show exploring spirituality and self-discovery.
Event Information & Beacon Calendar
Friday, October 2 — Muscle Shoals: Allman Brothers Tribute
8:00 PM | Towne Crier Café
Start the first October weekend with live music at Towne Crier. Muscle Shoals features former members of Brothers of the Road performing a tribute to the Allman Brothers.
Saturday, October 3 — Play Sets: Renée Green
10:30–11:15 AM | Dia Beacon, 3 Beekman Street
Explore the galleries through a family-friendly program focused on the work of Renée Green. Dia educators lead hands-on exercises encouraging participants to see and think about the artwork in new ways.
The program is free and recommended for families with children ages five and older. Space is limited.
Saturday, October 3 — Vaneese Thomas
8:00 PM | Towne Crier Café
Spend Saturday evening listening to singer Vaneese Thomas on the Towne Crier Main Stage.
Sunday, October 4 — Beacon Flea Market
8:00 AM–3:00 PM | 6 Henry Street
Love vintage finds? Start your Sunday at the Beacon Flea Market, where you'll find antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, records, artwork, furniture, home décor and plenty of unexpected treasures.
The outdoor flea market is weather-dependent.
Sunday, October 4 — Beacon Farmers' Market
10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 223 Main Street
Spend Sunday morning shopping from Hudson Valley farms and local makers. You'll find seasonal produce, baked goods, prepared foods and locally made products.
The market continues every Sunday throughout October.
Sunday, October 4 — Catoberfest 2026 XIV
2:00–6:00 PM | Hudson Valley Brewery, 7 East Main Street
Catoberfest returns for its 14th year as a fundraiser benefiting Mid Hudson Animal Aid, with music, raffles, food and fun while supporting a local animal shelter.
Sunday, October 4 — Michele Gedney Album Release Show
7:00 PM | Towne Crier Café
Award-winning songwriter Michele Gedney celebrates the release of Map of the World, her first solo album.
Saturday, October 10 — Beacon City-Wide Yard Sale
9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Throughout Beacon
Treasure hunters will want to get an early start for Beacon's Fall City-Wide Yard Sale.
Residents throughout Beacon participate, creating a city-wide day of bargain hunting for vintage pieces, furniture, home décor, clothing, collectibles and unexpected finds.
The City of Beacon will publish an official list and map of participating addresses in October.
City of Beacon — Fall City-Wide Yard Sale
Saturday, October 10 — Saturday Studio at Dia Beacon
10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Dia Beacon
Join a practicing artist for a free family-friendly workshop featuring art making, material experimentation and play.
Space is limited.
Saturday, October 10 — Beacon Flow Music & Wellness Festival
Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park
Beacon Flow brings music, wellness and community together along the Hudson River.
The free festival features musicians, local artists, food vendors and wellness experiences including yoga, tai chi, meditation, chanting and sound baths.
Beacon Flow Festival — Official Website
Saturday, October 10 — Alison Brown Quintet
8:00 PM | Towne Crier Café
Grammy-winning banjoist Alison Brown and her quintet bring their mix of acoustic, bluegrass and jazz-influenced music to the Towne Crier Main Stage.
Towne Crier — Alison Brown Quintet & Tickets
Sunday, October 11 — Beacon Flea Market
8:00 AM–3:00 PM | 6 Henry Street
Spend Sunday morning searching for vintage finds, antiques and collectibles before heading over to Main Street.
Sunday, October 11 — Beacon Farmers' Market
10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 223 Main Street
Pick up Hudson Valley produce, baked goods, prepared foods and locally made products.
Saturday, October 17 — Play Sets: Gerhard Richter
10:30–11:15 AM | Dia Beacon
Dia's family-oriented Play Sets program focuses on the work of Gerhard Richter.
The program is free, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunday, October 18 — Beacon Flea Market
8:00 AM–3:00 PM | 6 Henry Street
Browse antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, records, furniture, art and collectibles at Beacon's outdoor flea market.
Sunday, October 18 — Beacon Farmers' Market
10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 223 Main Street
Make a morning of it by visiting both the flea market and farmers' market before heading down to the waterfront for the Pumpkin Festival.
Sunday, October 18 — Beacon Sloop Club Pumpkin Festival
Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park
The Beacon Sloop Club's annual Pumpkin Festival is one of our favorite fall traditions in Beacon.
Held right on the Hudson River, the festival traditionally features live music, children's activities, seasonal treats and opportunities to learn more about the Hudson River and the Beacon Sloop Club.
Beacon Sloop Club — Events & Information
Saturday, October 24 — Play Sets: Agnes Martin
10:30–11:15 AM | Dia Beacon
Explore the work of Agnes Martin during Dia's family-friendly Play Sets program.
Sunday, October 25 — Beacon Flea Market
8:00 AM–3:00 PM | 6 Henry Street
Enjoy one more October morning of antique and vintage hunting at the Beacon Flea Market.
Sunday, October 25 — Beacon Farmers' Market
10:00 AM–2:00 PM | 223 Main Street
October's final Sunday market is a great place to pick up local produce, baked goods and Hudson Valley products.
Sunday, October 25 — Play Sets: Lucas Samaras
10:30–11:15 AM | Dia Beacon
Dia educators focus on the work of Lucas Samaras during this free family program.
Saturday, October 31 — Play Sets: Louise Bourgeois
10:30–11:15 AM | Dia Beacon
Start Halloween at Dia Beacon with a family-friendly Play Sets program focused on the work of Louise Bourgeois.
The free program is recommended for families with children ages five and older.
More Things to Do During an October Weekend in Beacon
Even if your visit doesn't coincide with a festival, there's plenty to fill an October weekend.
Visit Dia Beacon, walk along the Hudson River at Long Dock Park, explore the shops and galleries along Main Street, hunt for vintage finds, hike in the Hudson Highlands or simply enjoy the fall foliage.
October is also a beautiful time to experience Bannerman Island, with boat tours departing from the Beacon waterfront during the season.
Bannerman Castle — Tours & Tickets
Stay at Beacon Bed & Breakfast
Turn your October visit into a full fall getaway at Beacon Bed & Breakfast.
We're located just off Main Street, putting you close to Beacon's restaurants, shops, galleries, markets and many of the events happening around town.
Start your morning with a homemade hot breakfast, spend the day exploring Beacon and the Hudson Valley, and come back to a comfortable place to relax after a full fall day.
October is one of the most popular times of year to visit the Hudson Valley, especially as the fall foliage reaches its peak.
Planning an October 2026 getaway? Book your stay directly with Beacon Bed & Breakfast and experience fall in the heart of Beacon, New York.