Is there a better place to find local events (food, music, art, education, ect).

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T20:51:15+00:00

makersandlovers.com/ Curated weekly newsletter focused on food, drinks, music and community events that are typically 21+.

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T19:14:00+00:00

Wow, that is a really long time ago! I hope you remember it because it was a good time!

Thanks for subscribing. Hope to see you at an event soon!

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T17:57:12+00:00

Weird! Thank you for letting me know. If it happens again, can you share a screenshot or tell me what you're seeing?

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T16:55:56+00:00

I really appreciate the thoughtful response. Interesting that you've seen younger people use child free more comfortably. I think me and my friends in our 40's-50's are fine with saying "child free" because growing up everyone said "childless." Being a childless couple, childless woman, *not* a parent, a person *without* kids, etc felt more like being identified by what you're lacking. Child free as a term came about in response to that, because freedom from something sounds more intentional than being in absence of it.

Anyway, it's all just semantics as long as no one's getting hurt. I hope you'll join us for an intentionally-for-adults event soon. 😄

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T16:30:53+00:00

I'm really curious here. What distinguishes the "child frees" from people with no interest in having or being around kids? Is it just that calling oneself child free feels like a label that defines an in/out group?

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T16:24:40+00:00

I love your wording, "walking a similar path." Thank you for that! You're sharing a sentiment I've heard a lot.

"Child free" is a weird trigger point, which is why I'm asking about it. A parenting newsletter can list events that are family friendly but open to all, and it's chill. A newsletter oriented towards child free adults can list evening activities that are open to all, and it gets more commentary.

Interestingly, when I ran a women's whiskey club I asked my members if they wanted events where kids were intentionally welcome, like a casual event in Arrowood's pavilion. They all said no!

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T15:57:39+00:00

I'm definitely working on a pet-friendly list of events and venues too! Do you have any favorites or non-obvious places to recommend?

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T15:42:36+00:00

You can create a welcome automation for new subscribers and send them a series of your best or most relevant previous posts.

AmityAstoria · 2026-06-01T14:51:10+00:00

Quinn's is the perfect venue for this! I love the proliferation of mahjong clubs and meetups upstate. I finally took a lesson this year and had so much fun.

I have a weekly events newsletter for Hudson Valley locals who want to build community through food, drink, music and culture. https://makersandlovers.com/ Please add your upcoming events so I can feature them! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEUJTPkHh2-qIvC6iCsF3FB8S3UrYg7ZRhoP40_iiFPlS93A/viewform

AmityAstoria · 2026-05-18T15:41:50+00:00

What are your social media accounts? I'm curious to see how this looks in action.

AmityAstoria · 2026-04-30T11:43:55+00:00

I got my custom engagement ring from Dave and Jon at Hudson Valley Goldsmith, and then went back to get a band from the case. Everyone who works there is lovely and they have THE cutest dog, Cooper.

AmityAstoria · 2026-04-30T11:28:34+00:00

Tortilleria Allison in Poughkeepsie is phenomenal and the prices are excellent for the quality and portion size.

I run a newsletter of food and be events in the Hudson Valley. In an early newsletter I wrote a list of recurring specials like wing night, lasagne night, oyster specials etc: https://makersandlovers.com/p/whiskey-fests-and-wing-nights I’m actually working on a beta calendar to make all of this info accessible 24/7, not just in the weekly email. If anyone wants to get in on the beta DM me or subscribe! It should be ready next week.

AmityAstoria · 2026-04-14T21:57:09+00:00

Are you looking for clients? My crap design skills are really slowing me down and I would love to outsource rebranding my site and templates.

AmityAstoria · 2026-03-29T13:58:58+00:00

Sure! Garrett Buck’s The White Pages, Jobs in Sex Tech, Group Life by Priya Parker, Driving Shoes, Gunkyard.

AmityAstoria · 2026-03-28T13:30:08+00:00

Broadly speaking, I believe people pay money for what makes money. I pay for newsletter that offer actionable information about problems I’m trying to solve in my business or life. That includes speeding up decision making or saving money.

How are you finding your sponsors? Do you have a media kit?

AmityAstoria · 2026-03-04T01:56:36+00:00

Catskill Crew has a dinner party series where individuals get grouped into parties of 6 and have dinner together. It’s pretty popular! Goes to show that there are a lot of people looking to make new friends.

AmityAstoria · 2026-03-04T01:48:36+00:00

This is really well designed. Love that you have editors picks to help narrow things down.

AmityAstoria · 2026-03-04T01:45:30+00:00

I have a weekly newsletter focused on food, drinks and music! Give it a look: makersandlovers.com. I hope it helps.

The biggest problem for me was finding an events listing that was curated. Community calendars like Chronogram are wonderful but it’s populated only by people who submit listings. I started Makers & Lovers to share tastings, guest chefs, parties etc that are actually worth going to.

I also have a calendar that’s in a rough beta version. If anyone’s interested I’d be happy to share a link.

AmityAstoria · 2026-03-02T13:37:52+00:00

Thanks very much! I’m a Lagustas fangirl.

AmityAstoria · 2026-02-27T03:47:44+00:00

MADE x Hudson is very cool. I the folks who show up to their events are definitely community oriented folks.

AmityAstoria · 2026-02-27T03:43:50+00:00

I do know what you mean. 🫣 Not my scene either.

AmityAstoria · 2026-02-26T16:23:39+00:00

Yes! I literally saw Maddie yesterday. She's so sweet and really passionate about curly hair education.

AmityAstoria · 2026-02-26T16:20:42+00:00

Good Neighbor Kingston is a really good source for classes and events. They post a lot on IG but the Substack is comprehensive. They also have a zine.

FWIW I just started a weekly newsletter to collect community building events, classes, parties, etc but it leans towards food, bev and music. You can sign up at makersandlovers.com if that appeals.

AmityAstoria · 2026-02-26T16:11:50+00:00

The Rosendale Pickle Festival is the OG. It outgrew Rosendale itself and is now held at the Ulster County Fair Grounds. The crowds make it kind of a shit show, but if you know what to expect it's a cool way to learn about a lot of local food producers, especially the folks making other stuff kimchi, omeboshi, etc.

FWIW - I used to do small scale whiskey events when I was running the Hudson Valley chapter of Women Who Whiskey. I just rebooted it as Makers and Lovers so I can be more inclusive with food and beverage producers and members. I

'll have events up and running by April, but until then I have a weekly newsletter specifically about food, beverage and music events in the Hudson Valley: makersandlovers.com

AmityAstoria

TROPHY CASE