Kids & Family

A captivating large-scale environmental puppet performance that blends visual storytelling with live music. Founded in 1982 by Marlena Marallo and Patrick Wadden, Arm of the Sea uses original works of mask and puppet theater to inspire insight and uplift communities.

Their performances explore the deep connection between humans and the life-support networks of our blue-ocean planet, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the environment.

A tribute to the traditional Clearwater Festival, the Circle of Song features all-day folk music performances in a cozy tent by the river. Experience the rich sounds of acoustic music as artists come together to celebrate the spirit of community and environmental activism that Pete and Toshi Seeger championed.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse is the largest national kid-friendly live concert series having performed to hundreds of thousands of kids and their families. It has hosted over 1,000 shows in more than 35 leading live music venues across the United States, filling the void for shared musical experiences between parents and children across the country.

Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children aged 1-7, games, movement, stories and most importantly an opportunity to rock out. It allows parents to enjoy the music they love while little fans are encouraged to explore their creativity and have fun!

Watch a breathtaking flotilla of boats, floating together in the Hudson River. A vibrant procession of puppets will emerge from the boats. This procession will create a stunning visual display as the boats move in harmony, celebrating the river and the art of puppetry in a truly magical way.

GET ON A BOAT ON THIS BROAD OLD RIVER.

Pete Seeger and some friends had a vision that the Hudson should be clean enough for people to enjoy. He sang up and down the river to raise funding to launch the flagship of the environmental movement in 1969 from South Bristol, Maine.  The Working Waterfront carries this concept to you and invites you to get closer to the river by going out in a rowing or sailing boat during your visit to our festival. You can row or sail a boat provided by Rocking the Boat. 

The Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration highlights the awe-inspiring annual fish migration up the Hudson River, blending art and community engagement with Riverkeeper’s mission to protect the river and its life. 

Hands-on boat and kayak training that offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, build skills, and foster a sense of community.

Talented musicians bringing their performances to life as they stroll throughout the site, creating an immersive and dynamic musical experience.

Out of Hand is a talented collective of exceptional circus performers. This lineup features Tony Duncan, Melissa K. Knowles, Finn Ann Cotton, and Nate Olson. Their performances blend expert juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, contortion, stilt walking, balancing acts, and captivating displays of unique skills with playful comedy. Throughout the day, they’ll be strolling the festival grounds and performing small shows, offering festivalgoers the chance to try their hand at some basic circus skills.

River, Sky and Land: Driftwood River Sculptures

Enjoy working with driftwood bark, sand, paint, and wire to make a 3-D Hudson River habitat sculpture with Strawtown Studio artists and teens. Through this art & science activity you’ll be invited to connect with the river’s aquatic, terrestrial and aerial life. While making your artwork you will learn about the river as the home for migratory fish and bird species. Join us and make a river keepsake for your home! For all ages.

For twenty years Strawtown Studio has been engaging children and families in learning about the Hudson River and our local nature through community arts workshops!

Strawtown Studio  - Youth Led Activity

Voices for the River, Sky and Land

Printmaking for our Hudson Ecosystem

Join the Strawtown teens for a printmaking activity with images they have created to speak for our river, sky and land.

Print your own sign or postcard from one of the prepared plates, as you learn more about the Hudson River "significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat” of the wide bays at Croton Point. For all ages.

The Hudson Valley Birth Network is proud to sponsor the Baby Care Cabana, conveniently located next to the medical tent. This welcoming space offers a private and comfortable area for parents to relax, nurse, and change their babies during the festival. 

Meet award-winning children's book authors Susanna Reich and Gary Golio in the Hudson Valley Books for Humanity booth from 3:30-5:30. Susanna will be signing her picture book biographies Stand Up and Sing! Pete Seeger, Folk Music, and the Path to Justice and Fab Four Friends: The Boys Who Became the Beatles. Gary's books include When Bob Met Woody, Jimi (a New York Times bestseller), Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday and the Power of a Protest Song, Dark is the Night: Blind Willie Johnson's Journey to the Stars, and more. Books will be on display and available for purchase all day. Stop by in the afternoon to talk music and children's books and get your books personally signed by the authors.