Shad Fest 2011 FAQ’s

Back to Shad Fest event page

How many years has Shad Fest been going on?

The 2011 festival is the 21st Shad Fest that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Riverkeeper has hosted.

What is the history of Shad Fest?

For over 20 years, Riverkeeper’s Shad Fest has been a celebration of the vast numbers of American shad that returned each year to the Hudson River to spawn. The shad run has been a welcome sign of spring, rebirth and renewal for thousands of years, since the Lenape Indians populated the Hudson’s shores. Sadly, the shad population has declined in recent years to dangerously low levels and the focus of this year’s event is on saving the American Shad and other Hudson River signature fish which are similarly at risk. Shad Fest started off as a backyard barbeque held at Bobby Kennedy Jr.’s house, and has grown every year.

How do I buy tickets for Shad Fest?

If you are a Riverkeeper Member, you can buy Shad Fest Tickets here.
If you are not currently a Riverkeeper Member, you can buy Shad Fest Tickets here.

Where is Shad Fest this year?

This year’s Shad Fest will be held at Boscobel House and Gardens- 1601 Route 9D Garrison, NY 10524.

What kind of public transportation can I take to get to Shad Fest?

We strongly encourage you to take public transportation to Shad Fest. We will be providing a shuttle that will take Shad Fest attendees and volunteers to and from Boscobel and the Garrison Train Station.

Where can I park for Shad Fest?

If you drive to Shad Fest, you can park at the Garrison Train Station, Haldane Central School (15 Craigside Drive, Cold Spring, NY, map), or Garrison School District (1100 New York 9D, Garrison, NY. map) and we will be providing a shuttle that will take Shad Fest attendees and volunteers to and from Boscobel to these locations. There are also a limited number of parking spots at Boscobel to purchase for $10. You can purchase parking passes here (insert hyperlink).

What are the hours of ShadFest?

This year’s Shad Fest will be held from 12pm to 5pm.

Can I volunteer for for Shad Fest?

You sure can! We would love as much help as we can get. Check out our Volunteer Page to see what areas we still need help with at this year’s Shad Fest.

What kinds of activities does Shad Fest offer?

This year’s Shad Fest will include: live music, arts & crafts, activities for the kids, eco merry-go-round, laughing yoga, jugglers, birds of prey and Green Street, the Shad Fest’s eco-friendly living vendor display a ‘Taste of the Hudson Valley’, offering the best in local food from the region’s culinary greats!

Can my pet join me for the festival?

While we love our furry friends, we ask that you leave all pets at home (except service pets).

What should I bring to Shad Fest?

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Reusable water bottle

The following items are ALLOWED at Shad Fest:

• Blankets, Sheets, Towels
• Umbrellas
• Outside food
• Baby Strollers
• Non-Professional Recording Equipment (Point & Shoot Cameras, Flip Video Cameras, etc.)

The following items are NOT ALLOWED at ShadFest

• Weapons of Any Kind, including Fireworks or Explosives of Any Kind
• Illegal or Illicit Substances of Any Kind
• Glass Containers and Metal Aerosol Cans, including Sunscreen in Aerosol Cans.
• Skateboards, Scooters or Personal Motorized Vehicles
• Bicycles Inside Festival Grounds (Plenty Bike Racks are available near The Box Office).
• Pets (except Service Dogs)
• Professional Recording (Photo, Video, Audio) Equipment (NO Detachable Zoom Lenses, Tripods or Other Commercial Equipment
• No Unauthorized/Unlicensed Vendors Allowed. No Unauthorized Solicitations, Handbills, Sampling, Give-Aways, etc.

Will food be available to purchase?

Yes, there will be a Taste of Hudson Valley where for a small fee, you can sample some of the best restaurants of the region.

How about beverages?

Your Shad Fest tickets cover all of your beverage needs, including a glass of beer or wine for adults, juices, and water. *Please note* There will be NO BOTTLED WATER. We will have a truck full of high quality local drinking water on site. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to quench your thirst. If you do not own a reusable water bottle, we will have some for sale at the Riverkeeper tent on the day of the festival.

Is Shad Fest handicap accessible?

Shad Fest is a handicap accessible festival. If you are need of handicap parking, please contact 914-478-4501 ext. 226 before the festival to receive a parking pass.

What if I leave a personal belonging at Shad Fest?

During Shad Fest, return found items or look for lost items at the Information/Lost & Found booths. After Shad Fest, you can inquire about lost items by calling 914-478-4501 ext. 226. Valuables will be held for 30 days and then donated to a local charity.

Back to Shad Fest event page