Free events in Walden, NY

Safely clear out medicine cabinets by bringing unused medications and medical sharps to Ellenville Regional Hospital for a community drop off. Collection takes place at the Emergency Department entrance during scheduled Friday hours. To protect the staff and collection team, sharps must arrive sealed inside a plastic, puncture-proof container. While dropping off items, participants can access free health resources on-site, including quick, on-the-spot Narcan training, sharps containers, at-home medication disposal kits, and medication locking bags. Alternate arrangements are available for those who cannot come during the scheduled hours. For questions or to coordinate a different time, contact the Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network at (845) 647-6400 ext. 215. Hosted in partnership by Ellenville Regional Hospital, the Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network, and Ulster Partners for Prevention.

Discover a weekly farmers market at the pavilion in Erie Way Park, presented by the Business Improvement District in partnership with the City of Middletown. Browse farm-fresh produce and herbs, homemade bath and beauty items, candles, and a variety of locally made snacks and treats while exploring the vendor booths.

This volunteer day takes place at AOOA Farm, a silvopasture regenerative operation where community members lend a hand in the market garden or fields. Tasks vary by season and may include planting, preparing and maintaining beds, and harvesting. As this is a working farm, plan for outdoor conditions by wearing weather-appropriate clothing such as a hat, sunglasses, layers, rain gear, gloves, and closed-toed shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. Volunteers must be 16 or older, and those ages 16 to 18 must participate with a parent or guardian.

Enjoy a complimentary guided walk on the historic grounds at Staatsburgh, revealing the landscape’s secrets along the way. The route highlights views designed to reflect the owners’ lavish lifestyle while concealing the early 20th century systems and labor that kept the estate running. Expect about an hour on foot, covering roughly a mile on mostly level paths with a few uphill stretches. Reservations are required, and there is no fee to participate.

In New York, No Excuse Saturdays champions building mass cleanup drives in each borough, aiming for ongoing, citywide participation rather than one-off events. The goal is to shape a shared ritual that brings neighborhoods together to care for their public spaces under the No Excuse Saturdays banner.

HUDSONFEST 2026 returns to The Ellis. Admission is free, and people of all ages are welcome.

New York Steppers present an evening of steppin and line dancing at Aloft Harlem, set to R&B and soul with a welcoming vibe and plenty of fun. This edition celebrates Wanda Pellot’s birthday with a taste of Puerto Rico. Wear whatever feels comfortable. Beginners and non-dancers are encouraged, and new faces are welcome to relax and enjoy the scene. Admission is $10 with electronic payment at the door. The first hour features a complimentary intro-to-the-dance class to help everyone get started. This is a recurring New York Steppers event from the original Chicago steppers set in the NY, NJ, and Northeast region.

Bachata Heaven Social presents a night where bachata meets salsa at Lancer’s Night Club in Newark. Enjoy a Salsa On 1 class, followed by a Sensual Bachata lesson led by a Daniel & Desiree Sensual Bachata certified instructor, then keep the energy going with social dancing to music by DJ Carliita and JdaBachata. Admission is free. Parking is available in the lot and on the street, and there are $12 mixed drink specials.