Dutchess County Fairgrounds

6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, USA

Address:	6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck, NY 12572, USA
Phone:	+1 845-876-4000
Site:	dutchessfair.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

IKatchSkams

The Sheep and Wool Festival is the annual event that my husband and I NEVER miss!!! We have been traveling from Fairfield Cty CT to Rhinebeck for some 10 years now. We purchase our tickets ONLINE and in advance for a hassle-free admission once we get there. There is so much to see that it is nearly impossible to see everything in one day. Parking is easy and well marked so you dont get lost at the end of the day. Handicap parking is available and clearly marked, too. I am handicapped and have no trouble navigating the grounds. The restrooms are "attended", too thank goodness! We love to see all that the vendors have to offer; there is NO mass produced stuff here...all original. So come prepared to be WOWED! Of course, there is going to be a ton of people but with the way the vendor spaces are laid out...there is no trouble getting up close to the ones that catch your attention. For people coming with children...there are lots of animals to see and "touch". Sheep shearing is one of our favorite events, too. Alpacas are led around the grounds and quite friendly. So much to see, feel, touch and experience so BRING YOUR CAMERAS!!! Photographers will also love this event... The food vendors are ALWAYS good so dont miss out as you scour through the vendors for some terrific finds and buys... I expect this year will be as great as any other year we have attended. This is a RAIN OR SHINE event as you can imagine. Many of these vendors have traveled through many states to show, sell and display here so lets all hope and pray the weather is GREAT for their sake and for the animals, too. DO NOT BRING PETS TO THIS EVENT...the only animals allowed which are NOT affiliated with the fair are SERVICE DOGS with their harnesses or vests designating they are service dogs and not pets. WE CANNOT WAIT TO GET THERE THIS YEAR!!! A terrific way to spend time out of doors and to get some holiday shopping done...

Deborah Gruendle

Unbelievably expensive! Granted, no admission fee for kids under 12, but given the prices of things you have to pay for once you get in, Id rather pay for the kids and have a all inclusive price. Food very good, but again $16.00 for two slices of plain pizza and 3 bottles of water! $8.00 for a pulled pork sandwich? $5 for three shots at a basketball hoop? AND, arrival parking was not a problem. BUT, it took more than 1 hour to exit the parking lot. Traffic controllers had no control! Four of them working the exit and it wasnt until the two State Policemen arrived that the traffic began to move. Fortunately, I didnt have a specific budget to work with so I was able to provide my grandkids with a fun day. However, next year Ill probably skip the DC fair and take my grandkids to an event that is more economically friendly!

Lisa Schnettler

I attend two events here each year - the Dutchess County Fair and the NY Sheep and Wool Festival. A few things stand out: 1) Super organized when it comes to traffic flow and parking. There are always tons of people directing the flow into the parking areas. There are usually police directing the flow of traffic from the road. Excellent. Every time. 2) Bathrooms. There are many. They are spread out, so you never have walk too far to reach one. And they are very clean and always functional. (no smelly stalls and broken locks here) There are usually people in them directing folks to empty stalls to help speed the line along. (obviously, Im talking about the womens restroom) 3) The grounds are just lovely. Lots of trees, plenty of space. Good variety of areas - shady, sunny, etc. Well maintained. Clean.

Greg Draiss Lawn and Garden Care

Outrageously overpriced operation. Few years back they threw out several church and non profs food booths from spaces they had for generations offering them only a space inside the race track. While most every other fair offers free top notch entertainment they began charging for prime seating. Used to offer half price tix...no more. No pay one price for rides like most other fairs. Many locals used to make some cash by letting fair goers park in the yards/lots. Fair must not have liked that since they then did not charge for parking but raised ticket prices. Nothing "family freindly" IMHO.

Ashley Bagen

One of the best fairs EVER!!! The best rides there are definetly the Waveswinger, Vertigo, Genesis, Rock and Roll, and the Alien Abduction. If you havent yet, you have to try the hot dogs here! Best hot dogs Ive ever tasted! There is also plenty more good food here, like the pizza, fries and burgers. The 4H farm animals and the animals at the miniature zoo are so cute! The only hard part is parking, even if there are people navigating you around the parking areas. Its just proof that this fair is the bomb! The Dutchess County Fair has something for just about everybody!!!!!!

Joan Pogo

I really think the Fair is a great one in most respects; however, I leave it feeling so sorry for the camels, ponies, pigs and elephants and other animals who really live a terrible life traveling from circus to circus just to entertain people and to make money off of them. They spend their lives in a small confined area and then hours and hours in a truck going from one fair to another. This is not a life that they deserve and it teaches the kids that this is normal and right when it is not not.

Vinny Diaz

This year went to the crafts fair which was fun. The highlight of the show for us was lunch. We ate at Lemon Grass Grille. It was excellent. This is not your typical burgers and fries. I had a fantastic Hahn Mi salad and my husband had a chicken Po Boy...I have never had food like this outside a restaurant. I asked the 2 guys in the tent if they owned a restaurant and to my surprise it was the first time they cooked for the public...knocked it out of the park.

A Private User

Just went to the Craft Fair hosted here. Lots of interesting booths and exhibits. The food this year was for the most part the same. Although, I did try a new vendor by the name of Lemon Grass Grill. By far the best food Ive eaten at any fair. I had a Bahn Mi sandwich, which is a Asian take on a po boy sandwich, delicious!.. Hope to see them at future events here at the Dutchess County Fair.

Marjorie Gobenciong

The Dutchess County Fair was great but the RUDE ABUSIVE service at the Coppolas restaurant booth that takes cash only but doesnt have a sign posted that says so was too much. The owner of Coppolas restaurant was a screaming abusive jerk and the restaurant should be avoided. The management is too old, crotchety, and abusive for a fun filled day at the fair with family.

A Private User

i missed not seeing the mumers,the hansons,and the old time picture taker.i have always had the grandkids picture taken.i also wanted my six year old to see the big cats that they used to bring to the fair.we also did not see the mexican dancers.the kids loved the midway,fosters for lunch,the 4h displays,the wild and exotic animal exibit.all and all a great fair.

Rhinebeck Chamber

The Dutchess Fairgrounds by itself is a wonderful piece of land. Soft undulating manicured grounds quickly dispel the usual parking lot type of fairgrounds one is accustomed to. Security and ticketing staff are courteous and helpful. The events Scheduled during the season are varied and interesting. Always something for everyone.