Hudson River Music Festival Announces 2026 Lineup and Return to Croton Point Park

Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media

Published on 2026-03-25

Hudson River Music Festival Announces 2026 Lineup and Return to Croton Point Park

Wednesday, March 25 – Today, the beloved Hudson River Music Festival has announced the lineup for their return to Croton Point Park on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21. Rooted in the spirit of Toshi and Pete Seeger’s folk picnics, the festival is set to return 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. From musical performances to community-driven experiences, the festival continues to carry the torch of a beloved tradition in the Hudson Valley area. 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.

On the Hudson Stage, folk musician and four-time Grammy nominee Jesse Welles brings his socially conscious songs that echo the spirit of past generations.

Legendary guitarist Warren Haynes of the Allman Brothers Band brings his signature blend of rock and blues, performing for the first time as a trio with Grahame Lesh, son of Grateful Dead founding bassist Phil Lesh, and Daniel Donato, founder of Cosmic Country, a band celebrated for its improvisational mix of country rock and psychedelia. Rolling Stone has called Donato “Nashville’s Newest Guitar Hero.” Together, this trio connects the festival to the enduring legacy and the improvisational spirit of jamband history.

Grammy-nominated country star Margo Price brings her heartfelt storytelling rooted in classic Americana, Grammy-nominated Cuban artist Cimafunk delivers his signature mix of funk, hip-hop, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Chaparelle blends modern sensibilities with classic country charm.

This year, the festival introduces the Rainbow Stage, featuring a full day of programming that celebrates musical heritage and community. Composer and multi-instrumentalist David Amram, whose career spans decades of American music history, will perform, as will Damaris Bojor, a rising star in the Mexican music scene and creator of the innovative new genre “Folkpirano.” Tom Chapin & The Chapin Sisters carry forward the family folk tradition, while Guthrie Family Singers celebrate a multi-generational legacy of storytelling through song. The Ebony Hillbillies bring their unique African-American string band tradition, and Leah Song, American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, storyteller, poet, and activist, is known as one of the frontwomen of Rising Appalachia. And that’s just a taste, there are many more incredible artists performing throughout the festival.

From timeless classics to new collaborations, the Hudson River Music Festival continues to celebrate the music, history, and community that make this region so extraordinary, creating memories and moments that will become part of the festival’s story for years to come.

Hudson River Music Festival is committed to an inclusive experience for all guests. The festival offers ADA parking, accessible shuttles (including to Croton-Harmon Train Station), and accessible viewing areas at both stages, including an elevated platform on the main stage. ASL interpreters will be available for all Hudson Stage and Rainbow Stage performances, with dedicated viewing from the Deaf Zone.

Purposefully taking place on Father’s Day, Hudson River Music Festival will invite families to celebrate together with a full day of interactive, all-ages programming across the festival grounds. On the new North Star Stage, which will focus on activities and family fun, young music fans can rock out with The Rock and Roll Playhouse, Bash The Trash, and yoga sessions. Families can get creative in the Kids & Family Arts & Crafts Area, and join the participatory Circle of Song. Roaming performances from Arm of the Sea, a whimsical Fish Migration 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. Families can flow together with yoga from Feel Trip, make music from recycled materials with Bash the Trash, and enjoy musical moments from the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus. From hands-on creativity to river-inspired spectacle, the festival offers a vibrant, multi-generational celebration perfect for Father’s Day along the waterfront.

Early Bird pre-sale begins on Thursday, March 26, with Public on sale this 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.

Growing from the success of last year’s festival, this year will include a food court that’s doubled in size and even more food options featuring regional food vendors to ensure everyone is fed and happy all day. The expansion means shorter wait times and more options. VIP benefits include guaranteed parking close to the entrance, a dedicated express entry line, VIP-only food vendors, full-service cash bar, air-conditioned luxury restrooms, charging stations, shaded lounge seating under a tented VIP area, and elevated bleacher seating with premium sightlines.

Hudson River Music Fest 2025 Photo Credit Scott Harris

Steve Sullens, Founder and President of Harper House Music Foundation, shared, “We are proud to work alongside Dayglo and RiverFest in reviving and continuing the musical and cultural traditions Pete and Toshi Seeger established along the Hudson River decades ago. Harper House’s leadership support of the 2nd Hudson River Music Festival is fully aligned with our mission to facilitate music projects and initiatives that bolster artists’ creative efforts and preserve their unique legacies.”

Mitzi Elkes, Hal Cohen, and Roy Volpe, co-founders of RiverFest FPS (For Pete’s Sake): “Last year’s inaugural festival reminded us of the enduring power and timelessness of Pete and Toshi Seeger’s vision – that music and activism can truly unite a community for positive change. As we return this year, we are honored to partner with Dayglo and Harper House Music Foundation to bring extraordinary artists together, amplify voices, and gather families of all generations together on the shores of the Hudson River. We look forward to seeing everyone at HRMF 2026 and experiencing the magic again this year!”

“We’re thrilled to bring the Hudson River Music Festival back to Croton Point Park. 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. 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,” said Peter Shapiro, Founder of Dayglo Presents.

ABOUT HARPER HOUSE MUSIC FOUNDATION

HHMF seeks to be an agent of change by facilitating efforts that help artists share their work, lead stable and healthy lives, and preserve their unique legacies. As a public charity, it is centered around grantmaking to organizations serving musicians and investments that address infrastructure and funding gaps, and is dedicated to supporting a diverse music landscape. HHMF has collaborated with and contributed to such vital music nonprofits as the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie Centers, Americana Music Foundation, Backline, Neal Casal Music Foundation, and Newport Festivals Foundation, while also working with such notable artists as Natalie Merchant, T-Bone Burnett, Rosanne Cash, and Rhiannon Giddens. For more information, please visit harperhousemusicfoundation.org.

ABOUT RIVERFEST FPS (FOR PETE’S SAKE)

RiverFest FPS (For Pete’s Sake) (RFPS), a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, co-founded by Mitzi Elkes, Hal Cohen, and Roy Volpe, is the promoter of the Hudson River Music Festival (HRMF). RFPS’s mission is to create and operate a multi-cultural music festival dedicated to educating attendees about environmental issues and a sustainable planet. Honoring the legacy of Pete and Toshi Seeger, the HRMF, through a blend of music, art, and activism, inspires environmental stewardship, social justice, and community engagement while celebrating the Hudson River’s profound cultural and ecological importance.

ABOUT DAYGLO PRESENTS

Dayglo Presents is a live music and media company led by independent music impresario Peter Shapiro. Since its inception, Dayglo has built a reputation for creating unique and meaningful experiences. The company operates Brooklyn Bowl venues in multiple cities, The Capitol Theatre, Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY, and LOCKN’ Farm in Arrington, Virginia. It has partnered exclusively with the family of Jerry Garcia to open Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, followed by an additional club in Chicago. Dayglo Presents also originated The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a national family concert series that currently takes place in over 25 markets across America. Dayglo publishes Relix Magazine, and two highly trafficked music websites, Relix.com and Jambands.com. Other live events and experiences created and/or produced by Peter Shapiro and his team at Dayglo Presents include Fare Thee Well, Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead, the Soulshine Benefit at Madison Square Garden raising money for hurricane relief in North Carolina and Florida, Hudson River Music Festival, Jazz & Colors, an experiential music event held in Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other locations, The Women’s March, The March for Science, Easy Rider Live, Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion at SXSW, and the Bob Weir & Phil Lesh Duo tour.

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