Take a day trip north this weekend and experience these Hudson Valley happenings:

Oktoberfest 2014 @ Bear Mountain
Where: Bear Mountain State Park (across the Bear Mountain Bridge from Peekskill, NY)
When: Saturday-Sunday, September 6-7

Buckle your Lederhosen and get ready to rock—to an oompah band, of course.  For better and for wurst, the Hudson Valley tradition kicks off this Saturday, September 13th, with a rotating line-up of music, beer and other morsels from the mutterland.  It runs 12-6pm every weekend through Columbus Day, so that's plenty of time to head for Hessian Lake and have yourself a guten tag, ja? Free admission; $8 vehicular use fee. More details.

Crown Maple Syrup Pancake Breakfast
Where: Madava Farms (47 McCourt Road, Dover Plains, NY)
When: Saturday, September 13, 10:00am

Artisanal foodists, take note.  Chef Jacob Griffin of the Dutchess County-based organic syrup label will griddle up a piping hot pancake feast spotlighting his products and locally-sourced cuisine.  Menu highlights include maple sugar and Macoun apple flapcakes with a rye whiskey maple infusion, maple-spiced cider, maple-glazed sausage and maple beach mimosas, paired with Irving Farm coffee and Harney & Sons tea—both made in Millerton.  It's sure to put the "nom" in phenomenal. More information.

image: Crown Maple Syrup

Basilica Soundscape
Where: Basilica Hudson (110 Front Street, Hudson, NY)
When: Saturday-Sunday, September 12-13

If festivals in cavernous Brooklynesque abandoned industrial spaces are your speed, set your iPhone reminder now.  You won't want to miss this curated two-day program of music, visual art and literature, complete with farm to table food.  The sounds of anything and everything, from New York psych bands to a Balinese ensemble to Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry, will overlap readings, performance art and displays for a fully organic experience. More information.

image: Westchester Magazine

American Gold Cup
Where: Old Salem Farm (190 June Road, Old Salem, NY)
When: Wednesday, September 10-Sunday, September 14

It's not every day an international equestrian competition goes down right in our backyards.  Bringing together some of the best riders around, perhaps our favorite part of this World Cup qualifier event is that the main event viewing terrace will be transformed into Houlihan Lawrence Grand Prix Overlook through the duration of the event.  Stop in for refreshments and grab our latest Portfolio or Equestrian properties book.  NBC Sports will bring their broadcast Friday. Tickets required for weekend entry. More details.

image: American Gold Cup

Crafts at Lyndhurst
Where: 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
When: Friday, September 12-Sunday, September 14

The outdoor fall craft festival at Lyndhurst is one of the premier art shows in Westchester—and one of the best-attended in the country.  275 artists will have their work displayed and for sale across the grounds of the grand Gothic estate, built by William Paulding and famously the summer home of robber baron Jay Gould.  Who knows, the friendly artist whose painting you buy to hang in the guest room could someday be the next Picasso.  More information.

image: Lyndhurst