It’s the 35th Street Festival weekend in the Festival Town, and sweet, funky little Rosendale will be turned on, tuned in and turned inside out on Saturday and Sunday. This year’s count is, in Street Fest parlance: One street, two days, five stages and 74 bands. Impressive as those numbers may be, they don’t begin to tell the story of the massive volunteer effort that turns Main Street to an Ulster County Mardi Gras, or the night-before-Christmas-in July excitement that’s rippling through town right now.
The Festival begins Saturday and ends Sunday dancing down the street with two parades, led off by the Rosendale Community Improvement Association Brass Band. Dozens of vendors from near and far line the pavement. Craft stations at various stages will aid kids of all ages in creating banners, jewelry, and instruments, keeping them happily busy while their adults boogie down. Get your rhythm on at the ongoing Community Drum Circle and take a break in the air-conditioned Rosendale Theatre, where they’ll be serving up the Reel Expressions Youth Film Festival on both afternoons.
With 74 bands involved, “something for everyone” would be an understatement. Returning favorites like Voodelic, Cleoma’s Ghost, and Hemingway’s Cat are too good to miss. For a full lineup, check out the festival's performance schedule.
Rosendale Street Festival. Saturday, July 20, noon to 9pm, and Sunday, July 21, noon to 7pm. Main Street, Rosendale. Parking available at several lots around town, with UCAT shuttles running loops to all parking lots; see the festival FAQ for details. For more information, see the Rosendale Street Festival website or Facebook page.
