Sometimes we find that good ol’ American “rugged individualism” ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, and that seeking strength in unity, leveraging the unique talents and specializations of diverse partners, is more effective than going it alone. On Saturday, May 21, we’ll get to experience what happens when two recently spawned regional spring festivals join forces: the Craft Brew Boogaloo and the Hudson Valley Hullabaloo.
A project dreamed up by the folks at WDST/Radio Woodstock, the Craft Brew Boogaloo first surfaced last year at Cantine Field in Saugerties. Once again, it will feature more than 75 microbreweries – many though not all from New York State – offering more than 150 craft beers for the tasting. Two New Jersey brewers River Horse and Melovino Meadery, will be making their New York festival debuts here this year; and Queens-based Finback Brewing will make its first Hudson Valley appearance as one of the special offerings for VIP ticketholders only.
The $99 VIP ticket also entitles the bearer to early entry to the event (1 p.m. instead of 2), a special tent, seating and indoor bathrooms, plus $15 worth of food coupons and a swag bag. Regular entry costs $50 in advance, $55 on the day of the event. Designated Driver tickets cost $35 for VIP access and $10 for mere mortals. The 2016 lineup for live music includes the Sweet Clementines, Yard Sale, Fife & Drom and the Bryan Brundige Trio.
Since its initial foray in 2013, the Hudson Valley Hullabaloo has been a Kingston event; but this year it’ll be joining the Boogaloo at Cantine Field. Billing itself as “a design-focused, hip-and-happening, family-friendly event whose…aim is to offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality, locally made items in a relaxed, partylike setting,” the Hullabaloo takes some pains to distance itself verbally from the popular conception of a crafts fair. Essentially, it’s arty; it has youthful attitude; it’s very Brooklyn-on-Hudson. And you can even sample some microbrews and really let your hair down while you shop. Rose & Dale will be in attendance with their mobile photobooth, set up inside a shiny, renovated 1963 Airstream trailer. They supply mood lighting, creative props, masks, silly hats and the like, so you can go home with something to remind you of a day of commingled festivities.
Admission to the Hullabaloo costs $2 at the gate; a $10 Premier Pass, purchasable online, gets you in an hour early, at 10 a.m. instead of 11. Both events wrap up at 6 p.m., and the rain date is Sunday, May 22. To find out more, including vendor lists, visit https://hvhullabaloo.com and www.craftbrewboogaloo.com.
Join the family! 
