If you’re someone who loves food, fun, and the smell of garlic in the air, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival (in Saugerties, NY) is one event you won’t want to miss.
Every year, usually on the last full weekend of September, the town of Saugerties comes alive with garlic lovers from all over. Saugerties+2HV Garlic Festival+2
Let me tell you what it’s like, what to expect, and tips to make your visit extra fun.
Why the Garlic Festival Is Special
- It’s a celebration of harvest
This festival highlights what garlic growers call the “Stinking Rose” — garlic in every form possible. HV Garlic Festival - It supports the community
The Kiwanis Club of Saugerties puts it on, and proceeds help local causes. Saugerties+1 - Lots to see and taste
Beyond raw garlic, you’ll find food with garlic (yes, even garlic ice cream!), cooking demos, craft vendors, kids’ activities, and live music. HV Garlic Festival+3Saugerties+3New York by Rail+3 - A fun tradition
The festival started in 1989 by Pat Reppert and in 1992 the Kiwanis Club took over and moved it to Cantine Field in Saugerties. Wikipedia+2Saugerties+2 - Size and reach
Over two days, it draws thousands of people. Some estimate around 50,000 visitors over the weekend. Saugerties+3Wikipedia+3HV Garlic Festival+3
When & Where
- Dates for 2025: Saturday, September 27 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Sunday, September 28 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) HV Garlic Festival+2HV Garlic Festival+2
- Location: Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex, Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, NY HV Garlic Festival+3HV Garlic Festival+3HV Garlic Festival+3
- Getting there: If you’re coming by car, use NYS Thruway exit #20 (mile marker 101) and follow signs. HV Garlic Festival+1
What You’ll Find There
Here’s a taste of what to expect:
The Garlic Marketplace
Over 100 garlic farmers and vendors bring their best varieties. You can buy bulbs to cook with, plant in your garden, or just admire. New York by Rail+2HV Garlic Festival+2
Garlic-Infused Food
This is where things get fun (and strange, in a good way). You’ll see garlic sausages, garlic soups, garlic pizza, garlic pickles, garlic ice cream — yes, garlic in dessert form! Wade Tours Bus Tours+4Saugerties+4Yelp+4
One Yelp reviewer wrote:
“Think going to Hershey … the closer you get the more garlic you smell … garlic in so many different forms … garlic ice cream … garlic chocolate bars … garlic popcorn …” Yelp
Cooking Demos & Talks
Chefs and garlic growers lead demonstrations and talks. You’ll learn growing and braiding tips, how to store garlic, and creative recipes. Saugerties+2HV Garlic Festival+2
Arts, Crafts & Vendors
More than 80 craft and artisan vendors display handmade items — jewelry, art, kitchen gear, and more. Saugerties+1
Entertainment & Kids’ Area
Live music (bluegrass, folk, etc.), puppet shows, a climbing wall, and a kid’s tent make it family friendly. Saugerties+2HV Garlic Festival+2
Tips to Make Your Visit Better
- Arrive early — It gets busy. Many people note the crowd is heavy later in the day. Reddit+1
- Bring cash — Even though many vendors accept cards, some still prefer cash. Yelp
- Dress for walking and weather — Good shoes, sun hat, maybe a rain jacket depending on forecasts.
- Try odd items — Don’t skip garlic ice cream or garlic chocolate — it’s part of the fun.
- Stay flexible — You might want to slow down, stop at a bench, enjoy the music, or browse craft booths.
- Parking & shuttles — There is free parking and shuttle service from lots farther away. HV Garlic Festival+2New York by Rail+2
Is It Worth It?
From local chatter:
“Tons of vendors, more than just garlic… food makes it worth going.”
“It’s basically a vaguely garlic-themed county fair without rides. The garlic farmer’s market is great.” Reddit
Some say the food is hit-or-miss, but the experience, samples, and variety make it fun for garlic lovers. Yelp+1
If you love food, smells, discovering new flavors, supporting small farmers, or just want a quirky festival experience — go for it.
Why You Should Plan Ahead
Because:
- Tickets on event days are $15 per person (children under 12 free). HV Garlic Festival+1
- Advance tickets are cheaper ($10 for adults, $8 for seniors) and sometimes sold out. HV Garlic Festival+1
- No pets, no smoking, no bicycles or scooters allowed. HV Garlic Festival+1
- Bring your map (festival map is available online) and plan your must-see booths ahead of time. HV Garlic Festival+1
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Festival in Saugerties is more than just a food fair — it’s a celebration, a community event, and a chance to taste garlic in ways you never imagined. Even if you’re only mildly into garlic, the atmosphere, laughs, and surprises make it a memorable trip.
If you decide to go and try something wild like garlic ice cream or garlic chocolate, let me know — I’d love to hear how it was!
