Once considered the most useless part of the chicken, wings have become an American staple, and there’s a whole festival for them in Hudson Valley. The 16th annual Hudson Valley WingFest or “Best Winter Cabin Fever” event in NY is coming back to the Majed Nesheiwat Center (formerly the Mid-Hudson Civic Center) in Poughkeepsie on Feb. 4 from 5-9 pm.
More than 15 vendors will try to win over your attention and your tastebuds with wings of all flavors and sizes. Think you can eat 18 in record time? Enter the 5k Wing Eating Championship by qualifying at select vendors, found here. For those who prefer to eat their wings at a more enjoyable pace, three brew stations will keep the drinks flowing all night long — because everyone knows the best thing to go with wings is beer. Those dressed according to theme (superheroes and villains) can win prizes throughout the night, and Motley Crue tribute band WildSide is scheduled to perform.
At the end of the night, you can vote for your favorite wings in various categories, including Best Hudson Valley Wing, Best BBQ wing, Best Desert Wing, and Craziest Creative Wing. Returning contender New York Soda Jerks and newcomer Flavor Bandits are among some of the vendors vying for the championship. Who will win at Hudson Valley WingFest this year? Well grab your hen-kerchiefs, because it’s going to get greasy.
The Specs
- Over 2,000 people are expected to attend (2018).
- Tickets are $30 for general entry at 5 pm and $59 for VIP entry at 3:30 pm and a superhero 32 oz mug. Kids under 12 get in for free.
- Want to continue your wing adventure? Check out our guide to the best wings in Buffalo, NY.
Poster
2022 Promo Video
FAQs
What bags are permitted in the venue?
No bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are allowed inside the festival.
How do I enter as a vendor for Hudson Valley WingFest?
Email [email protected] if you’re interested in signing up your restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering company.