Father’s Day Weekend – Saturday, June 14, 2025 | Croton Point Park, NY
Families are invited to kick off Father’s Day weekend with a day of music, community, and nature at the Hudson River Music Festival, taking place Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Croton Point Park. With programming designed to engage children, inspire creativity, and foster a connection to the environment, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Get tickets here!
A Day Designed for Families
This year’s festival lineup places a special focus on programming for kids and families, combining world-class performances with hands-on activities rooted in the values of sustainability, learning, and play.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse
Founded by music visionary Peter Shapiro, The Rock and Roll Playhouse brings its beloved family concert series to the Hudson River Music Festival with two engaging sets: Pete Seeger for Kids (1–2 PM) and Bob Dylan for Kids (3–4 PM). Designed for children under 10, these interactive shows allow kids to sing, dance, and explore their creativity through the music of legendary artists. The performances also highlight folk music’s legacy as a vehicle for activism, echoing the festival’s broader mission of community engagement and environmental awareness.
Arm-of-the-Sea Puppet Theater
This large-scale environmental puppet show is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Using handcrafted puppets, live music, and vivid storytelling, the latest production explores the lives of fish species native to the Hudson River and the ecological challenges they face. The result is an inspiring, imaginative journey that encourages environmental stewardship through art and performance.
Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration and Boat Flotilla
In a whimsical tribute to the annual fish migration, families are invited to dress up, create fish-themed puppets, and join in the Fish Migration Celebration. The event features hands-on activities and an unforgettable flotilla of artist-designed boats, including a breathtaking sturgeon-themed vessel by Greg Corbino. The flotilla will be led by Shoofly Pie, a 64-foot tugboat, and includes two 30-foot Riverkeeper boats and a 130-foot fireboat. Presented in collaboration with Heather Henson’s Green Feather Foundation, this event is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
Working Waterfront
Encouraging hands-on learning and outdoor fun, the Working Waterfront area offers boat-building workshops, canoeing, and sailing. It’s a chance for children and parents to build skills together while forging a deeper appreciation for the river.
Circle of Song
Set in a cozy riverside tent, the Circle of Song offers 11 continuous acoustic folk performances throughout the day. This intimate setting pays homage to the traditions of the Clearwater Festival, bringing generations together through storytelling and song.
Walkabout Clearwater Chorus
Throughout the day, roving musicians from the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus will fill the park with spontaneous, interactive performances, keeping spirits high and families engaged wherever they go.
River, Sky, and Land Art Workshop
Led by artists from Strawtown Studio, this interactive art workshop invites families to create three-dimensional driftwood sculptures inspired by the river’s habitats. This activity blends science and creativity, offering a hands-on way to learn about the Hudson River’s diverse ecosystem.
Baby Care Cabana
Thanks to the Hudson Valley Birth Network, parents with infants and toddlers can enjoy a peaceful, private space for nursing, diaper changes, and quiet time. Conveniently located near the medical tent, the cabana ensures even the youngest festival-goers are comfortable.
A Festival with Heart
More than just a day of entertainment, the Hudson River Music Festival is grounded in values of sustainability and community action. Initiatives like Pete & Toshi’s Grove and the Zero Waste program encourage attendees to care for the river and the planet, inspiring long-term environmental commitment.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available now at www.hudsonrivermusicfestival.
About the Festival
The Hudson River Music Festival is inspired by the enduring legacy of Pete and Toshi Seeger. Blending music, education, and environmental activism, the festival continues their mission to use music as a force for community building and ecological awareness.
Presented by RiverFest FPS (For Pete’s Sake)
RiverFest FPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization co-founded by Mitzi Elkes, Hal Cohen, and Roy Volpe. Its mission is to produce a multicultural music festival that educates the public about sustainability and environmental justice. The Hudson River Music Festival is their flagship event, combining music, art, and activism to inspire action and celebrate the Hudson River’s cultural and ecological importance.
Supporting Organizations
Harper House Music Foundation (HHMF) supports diverse musical voices and creates opportunities for artists to share their work and preserve their legacies. HHMF has partnered with notable artists and nonprofits including the Americana Music Foundation, Newport Festivals Foundation, and the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie Centers. Learn more at harperhousemusicfoundation.org
Dayglo Presents, led by music industry trailblazer Peter Shapiro, is known for producing innovative live music experiences. From Brooklyn Bowl to The Capitol Theatre and The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Dayglo Presents champions family-friendly music programming and community engagement.
Image credits: Hudson River Music Festival
