Council and staff back plan to bring Art on the Green back downtown in 2026; farmers market relocation, night-market options discussed

Hudson City staff and Art on the Green organizers told council at a June 17 workshop that the art fair could return downtown in 2026 if staged across the four primary greens, but the plan will displace the farmers market for the event weekend and require city resources for closures and public safety.

Jenna, a staff presenter, explained the downtown site plan would place roughly 170 10-by-10 vendor tents across Clock Tower, Gazebo, Park Lane and First & Main greens. She said staff had reviewed logistics — including parking, electric pedestals and police and fire staffing — and judged the downtown greens to be the best long-term location to benefit Hudson businesses and visitors. The event will remain at Joann’s for 2025, the presenters said, with downtown relocation proposed for 2026.

Organizers told council the event grew into a 150–170 vendor show and that returning downtown will require a cap on the number of booths. Art on the Green co-chair Charlotte Barton (speaking from the audience) said the group is willing to make schedule adjustments — for example ending Sunday events earlier — so the Hudson Bandstand or other activities can still take place.

Councilors raised two recurring concerns: the farmers market’s regular weekend use of greens and public-safety access. Councilor Sutton suggested rethinking the market’s claim to dedicated greens every Saturday so the city can host occasional large events that bring regional visitors. Councilor Vanweg pressed staff on why the event had moved off the southern green previously; organizers explained COVID interruptions, landscaping work and then Joann’s bankruptcy had produced the sequence of locations. Staff said the southeast green had become congested and the larger consolidated downtown layout better accommodates pedestrian flows and access to emergency services.

Staff outlined alternatives for the farmers market on the Art on the Green weekend: forego a market for the one-weekend event; extend the farmers market season by a week; or host a night-market variant on a weekday. The parks and events staff also noted some greens lack the electrical infrastructure needed for market vendors, limiting temporary relocations.

City staff said the next step will be further coordination between Art on the Green organizers, Parks and Public Works to finalize a footprint, vendor cap and logistics; the organizers plan a joint press release announcing the 2026 downtown location after council’s review.