Hudson River Music Festival returns to Croton Point Park

The Hudson River Music Festival returns to Croton Point Park on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, with a lineup that includes folk musician and four-time Grammy nominee Jesse Welles, country star Margo Price, and a jam band trio featuring Warren Haynes, Grahame Lesh and Daniel Donato.

Also appearing on the Hudson Stage are Grammy-nominated Cuban artist Cimafunk, Country music duo Chaparelle and folk, blues, gospel, rock, and funk performer Toshi Reagon

Besides the main stage performers on the Hudson Stage, the festival will introduce the Rainbow Stage, with its own full day of programming including composer and multi-instrumentalist David Amram and Damaris Bojor, a rising star in the Mexican music scene.

Tom Chapin & The Chapin Sisters carry forward the family tradition, while Guthrie Family Singers celebrate a multi-generational legacy of storytelling through song. The Ebony Hillbillies bring their African-American string band tradition, and Leah Song, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, storyteller, poet, and activist, is one of the frontwomen of Rising Appalachia.

Rooted in the spirit of Toshi and Pete Seeger’s folk picnics and the Clearwater Festival, the event returns for the second year presented by Harper House Music Foundation, Riverfest FPS (For Pete’s Sake) and Dayglo Presents.

This all-ages day aims to bring together music lovers, environmental advocates and families for a vibrant celebration. Dedicated to sustainability, and commitment to a Zero Waste future, attendees will be encouraged to reduce their environmental impact and enjoy a greener, more responsible experience.

"This festival is rooted in a unique tradition of music, community, and environmental activism and it’s an honor for us to help carry that spirit forward," said Peter Shapiro, founder of Dayglo Presents and owner of the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. "We look forward to welcoming families and music fans alike for a day that celebrates the Hudson River and the sense of connection that live music can create.” 

Hudson River Music Fest 2025. Photo: Scott Harris

Keeping the festival accessible to all, ASL interpreters are provided for all performances.

The festival will feature an expanded number of craft beer and regional food vendors, intended to produce shorter wait times and more options for fans. VIP benefits include a dedicated express entry line, VIP-only food trucks, full-service cash bar, air-conditioned luxury restrooms, shaded lounge seating under a tented VIP area and elevated bleacher seating with premium sightlines.

Taking place on Father’s Day, Hudson River Music Festival will invite families to celebrate together with interactive, all-ages programming.

The new North Star Stage, young music fans can enjoy The Rock and Roll Playhouse,  make music from recycled materials with Bash the Trash Bash The Trash, and yoga with Feel Trip. Families can experience the Kids & Family Arts & Crafts Area, and join the Circle of Song. 

Roaming performances from Arm of the Sea with puppets and puppeteers from the Jim Henson Studios, New Vaudevillain (stilts and magic), and Nate the Great (music and juggling) will pop up throughout the day. The Riverkeeper Boat Flotilla's appearance honors the Hudson River,
alongside musical moments from the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus. 

Early Bird pre-sale begins on Thursday, March 26, with public sale starting Friday, March
27. There are ticketing options for General Admission, parking passes and a newly enhanced
VIP with added benefits. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a GA
ticketed adult (children 12 and under entering VIP will require a “kids vip ticket”). To purchase
tickets, view transportation options and more, visit hudsonrivermusicfestival.com.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.