What's On This Weekend in Poughkeepsie (Dec 20-21)

This Weekend in Poughkeepsie

Author

Trevor Redl
December 20, 2025

In partnership with

Good afternoon, Poughkeepsie.

In today’s Poughkeepsie Weekly:

  • This Weekend!

  • New York’s 39th State Senate District

Let’s get to it.

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THE DIGEST

Voters in New York’s 39th State Senate District will see a competitive race this cycle, with candidates bringing distinct backgrounds in local government, public service, and advocacy.

Lisa Kaul, a Dutchess County Legislator representing the Town of Poughkeepsie. Kaul, a Rhodes Scholar with a PhD, has emphasized bipartisan problem-solving, affordability, infrastructure investment, climate action, and access to basic needs such as housing and healthcare. She was first elected to the County Legislature in 2023 and ran unopposed in 2025, becoming the first AAPI legislator to serve in Dutchess County.

Evan Menist, a Poughkeepsie City Council member, is running on a platform centered on affordability. Menist, who comes from a union household and describes himself as working class, has served on the City Council for six years. He has said his focus in Albany would be lowering everyday costs for Hudson Valley families, including housing, utilities, healthcare, childcare, and taxes, drawing on both his legislative experience and personal financial challenges.

The incumbent, Rob Rolison, previously served two terms as Mayor of the City of Poughkeepsie after a long tenure on the Dutchess County Legislature, including six years as its chair. As mayor, Rolison is credited with stabilizing city finances, eliminating a significant budget deficit, and improving the city’s fiscal outlook. Earlier in his career, he worked for decades in law enforcement with the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.

The race is expected to focus on cost of living, public services, and the future direction of the Hudson Valley as candidates make their case to voters ahead of the election.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Saturday

12:00–6:00 PM: Yule Celebration - Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Poughkeepsie

1:30 PM: Snow Globe Workshop - Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

2:30–4:00 PM: Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians: A Tour of Music Through Europe - Boardman Road Branch Library

3:00–4:00 PM: Conversazione in Italiano - Gallery 40, Poughkeepsie

5:00 PM: Dead Serious MMA (Doors 4:00 PM) - MJN Convention Center, Poughkeepsie

5:00 PM: “Winter Glow” Drive-Through Holiday Light Show - Heritage Financial Park

8:00–11:00 PM: Ugly Sweater Karaoke Party ($5 cover; sign-ups at 7:30 PM) - The Lounge at Hudson Valley Pickleball & Golf

Sunday

11:30 AM: Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Workshop - Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

12:00–12:30 PM: Flag Changing Ceremony - Walkway Over the Hudson (Center Overlook)

12:00–5:00 PM: River Community Church Gift Wrapping - Yankee Candle, Poughkeepsie Galleria

1:00 PM: Marist Men’s Basketball vs. Stony Brook - McCann Arena, Marist College

1:00 PM: 3D Printing Snowman Fun - Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

5:00 PM: Marist Women’s Basketball vs. Quinnipiac · McCann Arena, Marist College

:

5:00 PM · “Winter Glow” Drive-Through Holiday Light Show · Heritage Financial Park

5:30 PM · Holiday Sushi Omakase · Dassai Blue Sake Brewery

5:30–7:30 PM · Family Free Night · Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

WEATHER 

Saturday

26 🌡️ 39 | ☁️ 

Sunday

26 🌡️ 41 | ☀️ 

Monday

22 🌡️ 37 | ☀️ 

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