Lights Across the Hudson 2026
Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation invites the community to join us for our second annual Lights Across the Hudson, a luminary event celebrating those we have lost.
Join us for this spectacular tribute on Friday, July 31st, 2026 from 7-9:30PM at The Walkway Over the Hudson, which will shine brightly as thousands of glowing luminaries light the way in memory of loved ones. This event will feature:
- Luminaries – Each luminary will represent a life remembered. You can dedicate a luminary to honor your loved ones and contribute to this stunning visual tribute.
- Inspirational Readings – Hear beautiful readings that celebrate life and healing from a number of local spiritual leaders, including Reverend Liz Estes from the Old Dutch Church and Ani Lhandrun from the Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery.
- Music – 92.9 WPBM and Pamal Broadcasting will be on site to provide the soundtrack for the evening’s event, with live music provided by Hudson Valley Voices in Harmony, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports young singers who want to join others in creating beautiful music together, guided by the belief that music has the power to change lives, and Licensed Music Therapist, local performer and Hudson Valley Dutchess Team lead, Mary Doherty.
- Special Moments – Reflect, connect and share memories with others in a serene, supportive environment.
- Food Trucks – Savor delicious offerings from a number of local food trucks, like Lemon Love, Don Felix, Black Raven Kitchen, Moose Scoops and Loaded Kitchen.
This event is FREE and open to all who wish to join us! Whether you’re honoring a loved one or simply looking to be a part of this community remembrance, everyone is welcome to attend and share in the spirit of togetherness.
Sponsorships are available at $1000 for 20 luminaries, parking passes for two cars in the East side (Poughkeepsie) solar lot, inclusion on the banner on the Walkway and on our website at the Bronze level with live link to company through 3/31/27 and $500 for 10 luminaries, parking passes for one car in the East side (Poughkeepsie) solar lot, inclusion on the banner on the Walkway and on our website at the Bronze level with live link to company through 3/31/27.
Help us light up the Walkway and join the community as we come together in celebration of those we have loved and lost.
Bag Purchases
The deadline to pre-purchase luminary bags for this year’s event has passed.
* Luminaries are available to purchase online using the form below. Please note that all night-of purchases must be made online using a credit card. Cash will not be accepted on site.
Please show proof of purchase to a volunteer at one of the welcome tables stationed at either side of the Walkway to receive your luminary.
Parking & FAQs
Several parking lots and substantial on-street parking is available near the Walkway. Please follow posted signage for information about metering and availability.
New York State’s Golden Parks Pass is not valid at Walkway Over the Hudson.
Walkway West (Highland)
GPS Address: 87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY 12528
West Side General Parking – As of January 1, 2025, the Town of Lloyd charges for parking all lots and marked spaced along Haviland Road. This includes the Rail Trail Caboose Lot and the lower gravel lot. Please follow posted signage in all lots and along the street for information about how to pay for parking.
West Side Accessible Parking is available in the Rail Trail Caboose Lot. All handicap spots are free parking at all times.
Town Of Lloyd Resident Parking – Town of Lloyd residents and property taxpayers may register their vehicle(s) with the Town Clerk to exempt them from paid parking on Haviland Road and in lots near the Walkway. To register, follow the link above. You will need to provide your vehicle registration and a utility bill, property tax bill or other document showing your name and address.
Annual Passes – Non-Lloyd residents can purchase an annual pass for up to two cars in the same household. Vehicle registration and plate information is recorded, so no sticker or tag is needed. The fee is $100 for adults and $50 for seniors (62+). For more information on how to purchase an annual parking pass please contact (845) 691-2144 ext.2.
Walkway East (Poughkeepsie)
GPS Address: 61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
East Side General Parking – New York State Parks operates the Walkway’s main, paved parking lot at 61 Parker Avenue. This lot accepts the annual Empire Pass. Daily fee parking is available. Please pay at the pay station located at the west end of the lot.
East Side Accessible Parking – Handicapped parking is available in the main paved lot at 61 Parker Avenue. For the quickest and most accessible route onto the Walkway via handicapped parking, park on the west side of the park in Highland, where all handicapped parking spaces are free parking.
East Side Free Parking – There is free parking available near the Poughkeepsie entrance to the Walkway in Pulaski Park (162 Washington Street – approximately 0.2 miles from the Walkway’s Washington Street Stairs entrance) and along Brookside Avenue between Washington Street and Garden Street. Follow posted signage for additional paid or free on-street parking in the vicinity.
The Scenic Hudson Solar Canopy Lot on Parker Avenue is privately owned and will not be open to the public the evening of the event, except to those with valid handicap stickers.
Additionally, the City of Poughkeepsie operates a large, multi-story pay-to-park garage located at 41 Civic Center Plaza located approximately 0.6 miles from the Walkway’s Washington Street Stairs entrance accessible to Walkway patrons.
Washington Street Stairs (Poughkeepsie)
A staircase located at 131 Washington Street in Poughkeepsie offers entrance to the park directly at the East Gate Plaza. The Washington Street Stairs are 0.7 miles from the Poughkeepsie Train Station and accessible by a short walk or car ride.
Upper Landing Park (Elevator Entrance):
A Dutchess County Park located on the banks of the Hudson River on Water Street in Poughkeepsie, Upper Landing Park offers visitors a beautiful setting to stroll through 300 years of history, relax, picnic, and access the Walkway’s elevator (open seasonally).
Parking is available at the Poughkeepsie Train Station – 83 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601. Follow posted signage for payment and permit information.
Elevator at Upper Landing Park: The 21-story, glass-enclosed ADA-compliant elevator on the Poughkeepsie waterfront at Upper Landing Park operates seasonally from 9 a.m, until 90 minutes prior to park closing, unless closed for maintenance. The elevator is attended by staff and the ride is approximately 90 seconds. Like the Walkway, the elevator is open weather permitting and may close for thunder, lightning, and high winds.
To confirm if the elevator is running, call the Elevator Status Hotline: 845-834-3641
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, heavy winds, or other unsafe weather conditions, a rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, August 1, at the same time and location. Any cancellation announcements will be shared on our website, via email, and across our social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and event information.
Make a Difference
Can’t attend the event, but still want to support our cause? No worries! Your donation will make a meaningful impact by helping us deliver essential care and support when it matters most. Life-limiting illnesses affect everyone, and now more than ever, your generosity is crucial to ensure that all members of our community receive the best care for themselves and their loved ones during life’s most challenging moments.