Pinkster is the historic Afro-Dutch holiday that is distinct to the Hudson Valley, from the Albany area south.
In colonial times, when Dutch settlers visited relatives during Pentecost (Whitsun), they would give their enslaved African American workers a few days off to reunite with family and friends, catch up with each other and celebrate together.
This jubilant annual gathering with music, dancing, games, market, and crafts became known as the Pinkster Festival. In the New Netherland Colony, Pinkster was transformed into a unique Afro-Dutch celebration – a week of temporary freedom for enslaved people.
Able to travel, earn money, and gather in groups, Pinkster allowed enslaved people to take a break from their endless work, see separated family members, preserve and pass on culture to the next generation, and resist enslavement.
Although the oldest African-American holiday in the US, in 1811 New York began outlawing this important centuries-old holiday, forcing Black American New Yorkers to preserve its traditions in private. Revivals of Pinkster have been growing in popularity since the 1970s.
Each year several Pinkster celebrations take place in the Hudson Valley. Here are a few:
Schuyler Mansion, Albany
On Sat, May 23, from 11 am until 4 pm, Schuyler Mansion will host a Pinkster celebration. Performances include the Pinkster Players, Indigenous reenactor Jennifer Lee, Image Quilt led by Omonike Akinyemi, Jordan Taylor Hill demonstrating musical traditions of the African diaspora, and Operation Unite NY. Local vendors will sell their wares, and community groups will share information. Food will be available for purchase from Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen.
More information is available here.
Kinderhook, Columbia County
For the third consecutive year, the African American Archive of Columbia County has organized Columbia County’s only Pinkster Fest. It will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 12 to 5, in Rothermel Park, Kinderhook.
“True to tradition, we’ll have a good old fashion family reunion featuring a Pinkster Parade – with the crowning of the Pinkster King, great food, music, dancing, educational exhibits, vendors, kids’ games, historical skits, and more.” says Lisa Fludd Smith, President of the Archive’s Board of Directors. “We’ve planned an afternoon fun and games guaranteed to engage the entire community, regardless of age or ethnicity.”
Admission is free. More information and registration is available here.
Senate House, Kingston
The Senate House Historic Site in Kingston, NY will host their Pinkster Sunday festival, Pinkster: Joy is an Act of Resistance, on May 24, 2026, from 11 am until 4 pm. Produced by TRANSART Inc. in cooperation with Senate House, this Pinkster Festival includes music, dance, history, food, crafts, vendors, and more. For more information visit transart.org
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, Yonkers
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site invites everyone to celebrate Pinkster with live music, dance, games, crafts, food, vendors, history, and more on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 11 am to 5 pm at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers, NY).
Among others, the event will feature live music and performances from The Pinkster Players, a group of highly skilled musicians and music historians who have been studying West African music in the Americas for over 30 years; Moody Harney of Mother Shuckers for a history of oysters in New York and Black oystermen; African-style drumming with Kofi Donkor; and Pinkster-inspired art and crafts and historical games
Philipse Manor’s Pinkster Jubilee 2026 is part of Yonkers Arts Weekend and is free and open to all.
Brooklyn Pinkster Celebration, Prospect Park
Prospect Park Alliance kicks off the 2026 season at Lefferts Historic House Museum with a celebration of Pinkster featuring Chief Baba Neil Clarke, the Pinkster Players and friends. This family-friendly event features music, history, performances, storytelling, demonstrations, games and food.
The Pinkster Celebration at Lefferts Historic House Museum in Prospect Park will happen rain or shine on May 17, 2026, from 2 pm until 5 pm. More information is available here.
Read more about Pinkster in New York State.
Illustration: Pinkster Festival (created by AI by Columbia County African American Archives).
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