NEWSLETTER
Beacon, NY - The Bannerman Castle Trust (BCT) with their offices & gallery at 150 Main St. in Beacon, NY, announces their upcoming 2026 schedule of tours and events on Bannerman Island. An incredible variety of great tours, programs, and events have been scheduled from Spring through Fall!
Proceeds from tours and all ticket sales help the BCT continue their mission to restore and preserve the historic structures and trails on Bannerman (a.k.a. Pollepel) Island - a popular destination for visitors looking for unique Hudson Valley experiences. Visitors can explore the island's historic trails, gardens and museum with experienced tour guides, and hike some trails on their own. The island is also a great place to enjoy a show or event including plays, concerts, movie nights, dinner events and environmental programs.
All tours begin aboard the BCT’s tour boat, the MV Estuary Steward, which leaves from the Beacon, NY dock (across from the Beacon Metro North Train Station). The 25-minute scenic cruise to the island features breathtaking views of the Hudson River Highlands. Public tours (including travel) last just over two hours and run from May 1st - November 1st. As always, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday tours run throughout the day at 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm - with additional Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday day & evening tours listed at: www.bannermancastle.org. Private Charter Group Tours are also available by calling Neil Caplan at 845-440-3318.
The BCT’s 2026 touring season begins with the BANNERMAN ISLAND ANNUAL PRESS TOUR Event on Tuesday, April 28th. This tour is specifically designed for members of the press and for personnel from other area arts & cultural organizations. A public volunteer day called I LOVE MY PARK DAY (sponsored by Parks & Trails, NY) is also scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd.
There will be two fundraising dinner events on Bannerman Island this year including the popular Titanic First Class Dinner on Saturday, May 23rd (with just one seating for 44 people from 5:00 -10:00pm) and the Annual Farm to Table Chef's Dinner on Saturday, September 5th (with 2 seatings for 44 people each, between 3:00-10:00 pm).
The BCT’s Annual Butterfly Day (for all ages) features lectures and butterfly themed festivities hosted by Butterfly experts on Wednesday, August 19th. Tours are scheduled for 11:00am and 12:00 noon.
Third Sunday Music Concerts are presented every Third Sunday of the month on Bannerman Island from May – October for the 11:00am and 12:30pm tours only. This tour includes a self-guided tour and features live music on the island’s stage. This year’s concerts include the Lucky Luna Band on May 17th, Bryan Scar on June 21st, The Costellos on July 19th, Tara O’Grady on August 16th, Jeffrey Kirn on September 20th and Route One on October 18th.
Friday Movie Nights on Bannerman Island include Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade on May 8th, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, June 5th, 1776 (The Musical) celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, July 3rd, Strangers on a Train, July 10th, Ever After, July 17th, Contemporary Silent Movies with Live Music (Special Film Event) on August 6th, The Princess Bride, August 14th, Blue Hawaii, August 21st, The Great Gatsby, Sept.11th and Gremlins on October 2nd.
2026 Theater events include “EPIC BROADWAY ON BANNERMAN ISLAND” on Friday & Saturday, July 24th & 25th (possible additional dates on July 31st & August 1st), DRACULA: THE JOURNAL OF JONATHAN HARKER running from September 15th - 20th and September 23rd – 27th (Rain Dates: Sept. 22nd & 24th) and THE FLOCK: Skyla Schreter Dance project, with dates to be announced August - October.
Please Call 845-831-1001 for more information on BCT Programs or visit bannermancastle.org to purchase tickets.
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PHOTOS: https://drive.google.com/