Gas prices on Monday morning crossed over the $4 mark across much of the Hudson Valley – $4.15 by the Taconic in Salt Point – as prices have spiked more than 25-percent in recent weeks.

To provide residents a bit of relief at the pump, more than a dozen New York State Senators have signed a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging the implementation of a statewide gas and diesel tax holiday in response to the surge in gas prices.

“This increase has disrupted daily life for New Yorkers statewide, from commuting to industrial production to tourism,” the letter, penned by State Senator Michelle Hinchey, who represents parts of the Hudson Valley, says.

This week, members of the Dutchess County Legislature will also introduce a cap on the county’s sales tax on gasoline and highway diesel at $3 per gallon.

Currently, Dutchess collects a 3.75-percent sales tax on every gallon of gas sold throughout the county. The proposed resolution would cap the taxable base at $3 per gallon, meaning consumers would not pay county sales tax on gas purchases above that threshold.

The resolution will be officially introduced during the April 9, 2026 meeting of the Dutchess County Budget and Finance Committee. The meeting begins at 5:30pm in the Legislative Chambers, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie.

Putnam and Rockland counties have already approved gasoline sales tax caps, and a similar bipartisan proposal was recently introduced in Ulster County.

“This is no windfall, but we are doing what we can to help families,” Rockland County Executive Ed Day said. “Government should not benefit from higher prices – it should step in to provide relief. This action delivers immediate, albeit modest, savings and continues our efforts to ease costs for residents when and where possible.”

Pending approval, all caps would take effect on June 1, 2026.

Remember, we’re just the messengers here, but forecasters say this week’s weather will begin with “seasonably cool conditions” – snow showers included – before warming up the second half of the week.

This morning, an upper-level trough pushed in surface-reaching snow showers in the northern parts of the area, including the Catskill Mountains, with a chance for more precipitation increasing overnight.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Albany say there is still uncertainty how far south the precipitation will reach, though parts of the Hudson Valley may see a trace of snow tonight into Tuesday morning. Higher terrain areas are more likely to see accumulation, from 0.5- to 1.5-inches, with a coating across the valley.

Overnight temperatures are expected to be below-freezing through Wednesday night, so be sure to protect any sensitive vegetation, if necessary.

The week will finish with temperatures topping 60- and 70-degrees, “making for very pleasant weather” through the weekend, forecasters assure.

Meet and Make Mondays
Continues April 6, 2026 from 6-8pm
Cost of admission: $5-$20 donations encouraged
Women’s Studio Workshop, 722 Binnewater Lane, Kingston
Cut & Paste Collage Night! Continues May 11 with BYO Project, and June 8 with DIY Solstice Fairy Ornament. Light snacks and refreshments provided. Website

Author Talk: No Place for Saints – Mobs and Mormons in Jacksonian America
Monday, April 6, 2026 at 7pm
Virtual
The emergence of the Mormon church, now more properly referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is arguably the most radical event in American religious history. How and why did so many Americans flock to this new religion, and why did so many other Americans seek to silence or even destroy that movement? The author will speak to the history of events around the LDS movement; this is not a presentation on LDS theology. This event is co-sponsored by the Dutchess County Library Association. Register

Jewish Film Festival
Through April 6, 2026
Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville
The lineup includes a rare screening of the nine-and-a-half-hour Holocaust documentary Shoah, as well as filmmaker talks and programs. Website

▲ Renegades’ Home Opener
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 with the first pitch at 6:35pm
Cost of admission: $10 and up
Heritage Financial Park, 1500 Route 9D, Wappingers Falls
The Yankee-affiliated minor league team takes on the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Website

County Leaders Breakfast: Shaping the Future of the Hudson Valley
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 8 to 10am
Cost of admission: $60-$70
DoubleTree Poughkeepsie, 40 Civic Center Plaza
Hosted by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, county leaders – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, Sullivan County Legislative Chair Naida Rasjz and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger – will come together to discuss the issues shaping the region’s future. Register

Artist Talk and Live Painting with Polly E. Perkins
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 3 to 4:30pm
Inn at Bellefield, 25 Old Vineyard Place, Hyde Park
Perkins will share insights into her artistic journey, influences and current work followed by a live painting session. RSVP

Material Curiosity by Design: Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 6:30pm
Virtual
Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman helped create the distinct design language and aesthetic of California mid-century modernism. Their six-decade personal and professional partnership produced a wide ranging body of work across media including ceramics, textiles, mosaics, wood, and metal that bridged their fine art and studio craft training. Part of the International Museum of Dinnerware Design in Kingston’s Unforgettable Dinnerware lecture series. Register

Local Waves
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 with doors at 7pm, show at 7:30pm
Cost of admission: Free
The Local, Saugerties
A free series curated by Mike Amari of Chosen Family in partnership with Wave Farm’s WGXC featuring Hudson Valley artists performing original music. April 8: Will Stratton/Meg Lui, May 13: Pocket Merchant, June 10: Ongoing.

Empire Records (1995)
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (aka Rex Manning Day) at 7:30pm
Cost of admission: Free
Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie
Doors open 30 minutes before the screening. Empire Records (1995) is a cult-classic comedy about a chaotic, independent record store fighting against being absorbed by a corporate chain. Centered on one hectic day in the lives of its colorful staff, the film blends ’90s alternative music, youthful rebellion, and sharp humor while exploring themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of not “selling out.” Rex Manning Day, celebrated by fans every April 8, has become a real-world tribute to Empire Records and everything it stands for: independent music, record store culture, and not selling out. What started as a fictional promo day in the film is now an annual inside joke and celebration, with fans revisiting the movie, blasting the soundtrack, and showing love to their favorite local record stores. “Say no more, mon amour.” Website

Rosendale Theatre: Bill Brooks' Remarkable Rosendale Postcard and Photo Show!
Thursday, April 9, 2026 with doors at 6pm, The Rosendale Ukulele Group Pre-Show at 6:30pm, and show at 7pm
Cost of admission: $11
The Rosendale Theatre, 408 Main Street, Rosendale
Come by for a super special Rosendale evening as Rosendale Town Historian Bill Brooks presents another wonderful photo walk through Rosendale’s colorful history! Special guests include The Rosendale Ukulele Group, Women’s Studio Workshop, Staats Fasoldt, Fre Atlast: A Rosendale Drum Rap, Amy Trompetter/Redwing Blackbird Theater Puppets, “Four Bills” (Bill Liggan, Bill Moylan, Bill Pape and of course Bill Brooks!), hosted by your evening emcee: Carl Welden. Partial proceeds benefit the Rosendale Food Pantry. Website

Webinar: Where to Start – Frederic Church’s Early Career in Wider Contexts
Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 6 to 7pm
Virtual
Where does a legacy like Fredric Church's begin? Learn more about Church’s earliest works and their broader contexts during this webinar with Joseph Mizhakiiyaasige Zordan, PhD Candidate in the History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University and contributor to forthcoming publication, Frederic Church: Global Artist. This presentation will reexamine the role of local, national, and familial mentors in establishing Church's artistic career, particularly through his painting Hooker's Company housed in the collection of The Wadsworth. This presentation will be moderated by Erin Monroe, Krieble Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture at The Wadsworth and is offered in conjunction with Frederic Church 200, the bicentennial celebration of Church’s birth. Register

Personal Care Supply Drive
Collecting Through April 9, 2026, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm
721 Broadway, Suite 150, Kingston
Senator Michelle Hinchey’s office will be collecting personal care items through April 9th to support families in need served by The Institute for Family Health. New, unopened items are accepted, including: Menstrual products, Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, Diapers and baby wipes, Deodorant, Soap and body wash, Shampoo and conditioner, Hand and body lotion, Hair brushes, Shaving cream and razors, Socks (all sizes), and Shower shoes.

International Hudson Valley Tattoo Convention
April 10-12, 2026
MJN Center, Poughkeepsie
More than 200 hand-selected tattoo artists from around the world, including many local artists. Tickets

From Conventional Farmland to Perennial Pasture: A Field Walk and Workshop
Friday, April 10, 2026 from 2 to 5pm
Sky High Farm, Ancram
A field walk and in-depth discussion about converting conventionally managed crop grounds into cool-season perennial pasture for livestock. Barbecue to follow. RSVP is required. RSVP

Garden Day 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8:30am to 4pm
SUNY Ulster, 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge
A full day of lectures from Ulster County Master Gardener volunteers. Website

Trailside's April Hike
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10am
Cost of admission: Free
Silvermine Parking Area, Tomkins Cove
A hike along Menomine trail to the William Brien AT shelter. Skirting Silverlake. Total hike length: 2.7 miles. Estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes. Meet at the Silvermine parking area (1.5 miles west of Long Mountain traffic circle). The trail skirts Sivermine lake across some rocky flat ground for about a half mile then climbs to the William Brien Appalachian Trail shelter. Elevation gained will only be around 390 ft but it all comes right before the turnaround point. Register

Ulster County Fiber and Cider Tour
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10am to 3pm
Various locations
Visit local sheep and apple farms, yarn shops, and grab a bite at participating food stops across Ulster County! Then head to Twin Star Orchards for the afterparty, Cochineal Dance and Shepherds Market, featuring live music by the Crushed Bugs. The orchard will be open for the season, with food and drink available for purchase. Register

Elise Howard, Plant This, Not That
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:30am
Cost of admission: Free with registration requested
Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield, 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
Elise Howard will talk about her new book - Plant This, Not That - which considers some of the most common non-native (and often, invasive) plants in North American gardens and suggests substitutions for more beneficial and equally beautiful natives. The book also features an overview of how native plants contribute to our local ecosystems, where to shop for them, advice on maintaining a mostly native garden, and resources to learn more about native planting. Register

Mid Hudson Orchid Society Spring 2026 Orchid Show & Sale
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 11am to 4pm
Cost of admission: Free
Union Church Community Center, 44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh
Free Admission! Spend the day surrounded by breathtaking blooms at the Union Church Community Center. Step into a vibrant world of color, fragrance, and extraordinary beauty as you explore an impressive selection of orchids—from rare and unusual varieties to timeless favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your orchid journey, this in-person event offers something for everyone. Browse and shop stunning plants, connect with fellow orchid enthusiasts, and learn from experienced growers who are eager to share their knowledge. You’ll also find helpful supplies and expert advice to keep your orchids thriving at home. Website

Scavenger Hunt to Downsize Poverty
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from noon to 3pm
Cost of admission: Free
6036 Broadway Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Before leading a scavenger hunt, a brief presentation about global poverty and how conditions can be remediated will be provided. The scavenger hunt will take place for about half an hour to 45 minutes, and the winning team will have their selection of prizes!

Autism: The Musical
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1pm
Cost of admission: Free at the door, $1.50 in advance
Upstate Films, Rhinebeck
A free community screening followed by a panel discussion as part of Autism Awareness Month. Website

Lecture: How to Start a Revolution
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2pm
Cost of admission: Free
Virtual and in-person at the Putnam History Museum
Matthew Weigman, historical interpreter at Washington’s Headquarters, NYS Historic Site in Newburgh, will deliver a lecture at the Putnam History Museum titled “How To Start a Revolution” about the genesis of and events leading up to the American Revolutionary War. This slide lecture developed by the staff at Washington’s Headquarters will explore the political, economic and social forces that transformed colonial protest from open rebellion towards independence.Washington’s Headquarters is one of 35 historic sites of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is one of 28 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. Register

29th Annual Chili Bowl Fest Fundraiser
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2-7pm
Cost of admission: $10 from 2-4pm, free from 4-7pm
Women’s Studio Workshop
Shop from hundreds of handmade bowls and mugs with all proceeds supporting WSW’s artistic programming. Website

FOCUS Artists Talk
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 3 to 4:30pm
Woodstock Artists Association and Museum, 28 Tinker Street, Woodstock
The talk will feature participating artists offering unique insights into their works and the overarching themes of the exhibition, FOCUS: A Feast for the Eyes. Website

Opening Reception: (your) body is a porous language (our) embodied connections
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 4-6pm
Ann Street Gallery, 104 Ann Street, Newburgh
Spring exhibition curated by poet, performance artist and Beacon resident Edwin Torres. Poetry reading: April 26 from 3-5pm. Artist talk: May 23 from 3-5pm. Website

Art Omi Writers Reading
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 5 to 6:30pm
Cost of admission: Free with RSVP required
Benenson Visitors Center, Art Omi, Ghent
The international group of authors will read a selection of new and in-progress works spanning various genres and languages. RSVP

I Should’ve Said Story Slam
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: $30-$35
Woodstock Playhouse
20 storytellers, 4 minute stories, 3 judges, 1 gong! Tickets

Lake Mahopac Rotary Club's 2nd Annual East Coast Professional Wrestling Show
Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7pm
Cost of admission: $20
Mahopac High School, 421 Baldwin Place Road, Mahopac
The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club presents its 2nd Annual East Coast Pro Wrestling Show on April 11th at the Mahopac High School gymnasium. Three ECPW Championships will take place during this fundraising show which features WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana in addition to former WWE Stars - Afa Jr. and Nunzio. Website

Home Bakers Meetup
Sunday, April 12, 2026 from noon to 3pm
Cost of admission: $20
Hudson Valley Brewery, 7 East Main Street, Beacon
Bakers of all experience levels from professionals to beginners, are welcome to bring their creations, swap samples with fellow local grain and flour enthusiasts, share stories and tips, and sample beers from the award-winning Hudson Valley Brewery. There will be several bread professionals on hand to talk techniques, along with some special guests and vendors. The Meetup is a space for participants to share their favorite homemade bread or other baked good with fellow enthusiasts. Feel free to bring along a sourdough starter to trade and a recipe if you are so inspired. Cutting boards, bread knives, and fillable cards will be provided to display your baked goods and to tell us about your favorite flours and featured ingredients. Not a baker but love being around a bunch of bread nerds in a bar featuring New York State beer? Come on down and enjoy tastings. All are welcome! Website

Closing Reception: Artists Respond to Poetry
Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 1 to 3pm
Cost of admission: Free
Arts Mid-Hudson Gallery, 696 Dutchess Turnpike, Suite F, Poughkeepsie
This exhibit features 20 poets and 20 visual artists in our ninth annual celebration of National Poetry Month. The participating visual artists have selected a poem to respond to through their own work. Website

Celebrate Fred Schaeffer and the Ambassador Legacy Fund
Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 2-3pm
Walkway Over the Hudson
Celebrate the start of the Walkway’s 17th season with the unveiling of a special plaque recognizing Fred’s role bringing the Walkway to life. RSVP

Ulster Toward Zero Waste
Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 7pm
Virtual via Zoom
What if much of what we call “waste” could instead become a resource? By reducing waste at the source, expanding reuse, separating organics, and recycling properly, communities are showing we can dramatically cut what gets discarded. KingstonCitizens.org and Greenway Environmental Services will discuss a county Zero Waste Implementation Plan (ZWIP) guided by experts ensuring that reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics recovery are prioritized. Website

I had this dream and you were in it
On view through April 12, 2026
Women’s Studio Workshop, 722 Binnewater Lane, Kingston
An exhibition of new work by Ollantay Avila Alcocer, Carissa Kolcun, and Kimberly Jo.

Exhibition: Artists Respond to Poetry
On view through April 12, 2026
Arts Mid-Hudson Gallery, 969 Dutchess Turnpike, Suite F, Poughkeepsie
20 poets and 20 visual artists celebrate National Poetry Month. Link

Bannerman Island and the Mighty Hudson River Exhibition
On view through April 12, 2026
Howland Cultural Center, 477 Main Street, Beacon
Unique fine art paintings, watercolors, prints, photography, and mixed media works in a variety of genres.

• In the Hudson Valley, observers at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz note that tulips have begun budding.

• Magnolias, cherry blossoms, and lilacs are budding at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy in Yonkers. Additionally, spring ephemerals are in full swing, with carpets of soft, small flowers covering the drab winter landscape. The daffodils on the conservancy’s Daffodil Hill are in early bloom, with a few flowers appearing.

• Magnolias and lilacs are budding at Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown. The site’s winter aconite has faded giving way to the white of spring snowflakes, and the sky blue of Siberian squill and glory-of-the-snow. Daffodils add cheery yellow and Lenten rose provide soft mauves and pinks limned with chartreuse and freckled with maroon and burgundy.

• At Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson, expected to open around April 20, tulips are budding. The farm is hosting the Hudson Valley Tulip Festival in late April.

• Early blooms are appearing on magnolias at Lasdon Public Gardens & Veterans Memorial in Katonah, while cherry blossoms, lilacs, and tulips are budding. Additionally, early spring bulbs are flowering and early spring shrubs are budding with blooms anticipated later this week.

Finally, SPRING! Capture it + submit your (1) best photo of spring in the Hudson Valley from this year to photos@hvny.info. Original photographs only. Please limit filters/retouching, and include your full name + location, if it’s a public place.