Welcome to the Historic Hudson River Towns Events Calendar!
Organizations in Historic Hudson River Towns member communities are welcome to post events here free of charge. Events must be open to the public, with or without admission fees. Historic Hudson River Towns reserves the right to reject any event that is considered inappropriate for any reason. Please allow up to 24 hours after submission for event to be listed.
Submit your local events to the Historic Hudson River Towns (will require admin approval upon submission).
1876 Centennial Garden Party
Step back into the 1870s at the Armour–Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, New York, for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration honoring the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Set against the extraordinary backdrop of this 1872 National Historic Landmark, the 1876 Centennial Garden Party transports guests to the moment when Americans marked the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Located just 45 minutes north of New York City, this fete will feature period lawn games, live music, Victorian-era historic interpreters, Centennial artifacts, and 1876 inspired food and drink. Period costume is welcome (but not required) to join in the spirit of the celebration.
As part of the event, guests will also enjoy a self-guided visit through two interior floors of the house. A special highlight of the afternoon will be 1876-themed storytelling by Jonathan Kruk, bringing the spirit of the Centennial vividly to life.
Guests may stroll along the veranda, explore the octagonal Foxglove Garden,and encounter a variety of delightful surprises throughout the afternoon, including a sleight-of-hand magician and a silhouette artist cutting keepsake portraits by hand. Featured performers will include historical interpreters portraying George and Martha Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
Enjoy historically inspired light fare by Horsefeathers of Tarrytown while observing a game of Victorian croquet. The event will also include cold beverages, including two complimentary wine and beer drink tickets.
Cannot attend the Garden Party? This special event is the culmination of “The Octagon House: 1876 Centennial Tour,” a one-hour guided tour currently on view through September 20.
Proceeds will support the ongoing preservation of the Armour–Stiner Octagon House.
What’s included
🎟 Tickets: $150 per person
✔️ Trolley transportation to and from convenient off-site parking
✖️ No on-site parking day of event
✔️ Self-guided tour of two floors of the Octagon House
✔️ Inspired light fare by Horsefeathers of Tarrytown
✔️ Cold beverages including two complimentary beer and wine tickets 🍻
✔️ Live music 🎶
✔️ Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk
✔️ Historic interpretations of George and Martha Washington, among others
✔️ Croquet, sleight-of-hand magic, silhouette art, and more!
✔️ Period costumes welcome
⚡ Limited spots available—secure your ticket now!
Highlights
Exclusive access to 3.5 acres of verdant landscape featuring The Foxglove Garden, The Restored Lord & Burnham Greenhouse, and the 360 degree veranda, which includes peak summertime views of the untouched 19th century landscape!
Check-in details
Remote parking will be located at Dows Lane Elementary School at 6 Dows Lane, Irvington, NY. A two-minute trolley shuttle will bring guests to and from the event. Ride share, and walking along The Old Croton Aqueduct are also encouraged.
No onsite parking will be available at The Octagon House or along West Clinton Avenue.
No tickets will be sold on the day of the event.
Restrictions
This is an outdoor event, rain or shine. Consider footwear appropriate for grass.
Related Events
Submit your local events to the Historic Hudson River Towns (will require admin approval upon submission).