2027 Music & Band Applications
Now Accepting Applications for 2027
Important: Please Read Before Applying
For the 2027 festival season, we are currently seeking tribute acts only. At this time, we are not accepting applications from original music acts.
All performances are scheduled as 90-minute sets, and applicants should be prepared to perform a full 90-minute show that aligns with the vintage spirit and audience expectations of the festival.
Event Overview
July 10–11, 2027
Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz, NY
Festival Hours
Saturday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
About the Festival
Following an incredible inaugural year that welcomed more than 10,000 attendees, Vintage in the Hudson Valley returns in 2027 for another unforgettable weekend celebrating the spirit of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
Across two days, guests will explore the Ulster County Fairgrounds, discovering hundreds of vintage vendors, retro treasures, themed shopping districts, food and beverage vendors, and live music from tribute bands celebrating the decades that defined a generation.
From morning until sunset, the festival comes alive with shopping, dancing, great food, and memories made with friends and family.
A New Music Experience for 2027
After welcoming more than 10,000 attendees during our inaugural festival in 2026, we've spent the past year listening to feedback and reimagining the role that live music will play at Vintage in the Hudson Valley.
For 2027, the Main Stage is being relocated and transformed into the heart of the festival experience. A wider main walkway—designed to feel like a winding "Candyland" trail—will guide guests through the fairgrounds and lead directly to the entertainment district.
Food trucks, beer, wine, cider, and gathering spaces will surround the stage, creating a destination where guests can shop, eat, dance, and enjoy live performances throughout the day.
Expanded signage, improved sightlines, and a redesigned festival layout will make the music a central focus of the weekend, ensuring that performers are seen and heard by thousands of attendees.
Our first year taught us a great deal, and we're excited to build an even stronger festival experience for artists and guests alike in 2027.
What We’re Looking For
We are primarily seeking:
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70s, 80s & 90s Tribute Bands
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Classic Rock Tribute Acts
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Motown Tribute Shows
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Soul & R&B Tribute Performances
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Funk Tribute Bands
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Classic Pop Tribute Acts
Examples include tribute performances honoring artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Journey, The Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Queen, Alanis Morissette, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Chicago, and The Doobie Brothers, as well as Motown, Soul, R&B, and Funk tributes celebrating artists such as The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Four Tops, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, Kool & The Gang, etc.
Please note: Vintage in the Hudson Valley Festival is focused on tribute and nostalgia-based entertainment. Original music projects are generally not a fit for this event.
Festival Dates & Format
Ulster County Fairgrounds — New Paltz, NY
Saturday, July 10th, 2027: 10:00AM–7:00PM
Sunday, July 11th, 2027: 10:00AM–6:00PM
Artists perform 90-minute sets with a short changeover between acts.
The festival is entirely outdoors, family-friendly, and summer-forward. We have space for both rising regional acts and well-loved feature artists. Music sponsorship opportunities may also support a small number of special guest performances.
Performing at Vintage in the Hudson Valley Festival includes:
✔ The opportunity to perform in front of 10,000+ attendees over festival weekend
✔ Performance time on our main outdoor stage
✔ Professional stage management and production support
✔ Festival weekend passes for your band and crew
✔ Exposure alongside regional sponsors and partners
✔ Promotion across our website and social media platforms
✔ The chance to be part of one of the Northeast's fastest-growing vintage festivals
Compensation
All applicants are required to provide their requested performance fee on the application. Applications that do not include a compensation request will not be considered.
We encourage tribute bands and performers of all sizes to apply. Final selections are based on overall fit, performance quality, audience appeal, professionalism, and alignment with the festival.
Application Review Process
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2027 festival season.
Our booking team will begin reviewing applications in January 2027.
Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant. If your act is selected for consideration, we will contact you directly.
Please submit one application only.
*Repeated applications, emails, phone calls, social media messages, or follow-ups regarding booking status may result in your application being removed from consideration.
Before You Apply
Please be prepared to provide:
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Band or performer name
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Contact information
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Tribute act description
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Website and social media links
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Live performance videos
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Promotional photos
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Stage plot (if available)
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Technical requirements
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Performance history
Applications without live performance examples may not be considered.
FAQ's
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes! Families, collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and music lovers make up a large part of our audience. More than 10,000 guests attended our inaugural festival in 2026.
Is the festival outdoors?
Yes. Performances take place on our main outdoor stage at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, New York.
Can musicians sell merchandise?
Absolutely. Artists keep 100% of their merchandise sales.
Are there genre restrictions?
Yes. We are primarily seeking tribute acts and nostalgia-based performances from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, including classic rock, Motown, soul, funk, folk, Americana, country, new wave, and pop.
Original acts and genres that do not align with the festival atmosphere may not be considered.
Do you provide sound and backline?
Yes. A professional production company provides the stage, sound, audio engineering, and a standard festival backline. Artists may submit any special technical requirements during the application process.
What kind of stage will be provided?
For 2027, the Main Stage is being relocated to the heart of the festival and will be surrounded by food trucks, beer, wine, cider, and gathering spaces designed to maximize attendance and visibility.
How long are performance sets?
Most performance sets are 60–90 minutes, with changeover times scheduled between acts.
Will there be a backstage or artist area?
Yes. Performers will have access to a designated artist area before and after their performance.
Can out-of-state musicians apply?
Absolutely. Touring artists and performers from across the United States are welcome to apply.
Can I apply if I don't have professional recordings?
Yes. Live performance videos, rehearsal footage, and other recordings are acceptable. However, applications submitted without video samples may not be considered.
When will applications be reviewed?
Applications for the 2027 festival season will begin being reviewed in January 2027.
Will every applicant receive a response?
Due to the high volume of submissions, we are only able to contact performers selected for further consideration.
Can I submit more than one application?
No. Please submit only one application per act. Duplicate submissions and repeated inquiries regarding booking status may result in removal from consideration.
Do I need to provide my requested performance fee?
Yes. All applicants must include their requested performance fee. Applications without this information may not be considered.
What types of acts are you looking for?
We are primarily seeking tribute bands and nostalgia-driven performances from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, including classic rock, Motown, soul, funk, country, pop, folk, Americana, and multi-decade tribute shows.
Do you provide lodging or travel reimbursement?
Not typically. Any lodging, hospitality, or travel accommodations will be discussed directly with selected performers.
Can tribute acts based on a specific artist apply?
Absolutely. Tribute acts are strongly encouraged and are a major focus of our music programming.
How many bands will be selected?
The number of performers selected will depend on the final festival schedule, stage programming, and sponsorship support.