Community
Vassar has been connected to the Poughkeepsie community since its founding. Area residents are welcome at many sports and cultural events or just to stroll our lovely campus. Vassar’s community benefits report lists the many ways Vassar interacts with the community.
Go to our sign-up page if you would like to be added to our Vassar Events e-mail list.
Things To Do On Campus
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Visit The Loeb Art Gallery
Attendance is free and open to all
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Walk on the Ecological Preserve
The Preserve is home to a number of organizations and habitats
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Children’s Summer Athletic Camps
Check for enrollment information
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Walk on the campus
View the map for buildings, parking, and other information
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Powerhouse Theater
Attend performances in the summer
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Life Long Learning Program
Get information about courses and activities available
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Visit the Vassar Library
Open to the public during winter and spring breaks and during the summer
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Browse the Farmer’s Market
Located at Townsend North Pavillion Saturdays at 9 a.m.
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Palmer Gallery
James W. Palmer III Gallery serves as an exhibition space for artwork created within and beyond the Vassar community
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Events
View upcoming and ongoing events
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Plan a Wedding
Request the use of College facilities for gatherings, conferences, fundraisers, and summer programs
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Vassar Golf Course
Play on the nine hole public golf course
Explore Our Region
Vassar is located in the Hudson Valley area of New York State approximately 2 hours by train from New York City. Vassar’s location includes the diversity of proximity to New York City, its location in the smaller City/Town of Poughkeepsie, and access to outdoor spaces and farms literally minutes from campus.
Arlington
The neighborhood directly surrounding Vassar is a village within the Town of Poughkeepsie called Arlington. It’s a vibrant, walkable town center and commercial district just steps from campus with many places to eat. Each Thursday from late Spring to early Fall, Arlington and Vassar College host a farmers’ market where customers buy local vegetables and other goods.
The Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley extends from New York City to Albany and is designated as a National Heritage area, filled with history, natural beauty, and active farm and food communities. This area offers endless outdoor recreation and travel opportunities for our community.
The Vassar community enjoys trips on the Hudson, rock climbing in the Shawangunk Mountains, running on the trails of the Mohonk Preserve or exploring the unique communities of Rhinebeck, Woodstock, or Cold Spring.
Poughkeepsie
Vassar College is located in the City/Town of Poughkeepsie, part of the Hudson Valley approximately 2 hours north of New York City. The City and Town have a combined population of 74,000 people. The City is on the Hudson and the location of the famous Walkway over the Hudson used by over 600,000 people annually for walking, running, and biking. The City’s rich history is seen in its buildings, houses, and parks and is a place of racial, ethnic, and economic diversity.
Arts
There is no shortage of creativity with art galleries, venues, and organizations just minutes away.
Experience
What We Love About Poughkeepsie
“Diversity of peoples and cultural backgrounds”
“Exploring Main St. toward the Hudson River”
“Great restaurants”