What a weekend!

Sooooo many choices ...

Here are some suggestions for fun things to do this weekend. (I'm not sure I am going to be able to get to all of these events, but I'll do my best!)

Art Studio Tours in the Rhinebeck-Red Hook area on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 18-19) -- meet well-known and up-and-coming artists, view works-in-progress and purchase or commission art during this self-guided tour of more than two dozen artist studios. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. More info and maps at www.artsnortherndutchess.org

On Saturday, Michael Gallo Farrell's exhibit, "An Organic Octave Overture," opens at Mill Street Loft, 45 Pershing Avenue in Poughkeepsie. Michael is the associate director of the Art Institute of Mill Street Loft (and also happens to be married to one of my co-workers, Poughkeepsie Journal assistant local editor Barbara Gallo Farrell.) The exhibit runs through Nov. 20 and "is a now-and-then show embracing the themes of the natural world, the Hudson Valley and real organic music" through a combination of traditional and digital photography. The opening reception takes place from 5-9 p.m. with ethnic food, spirits and live music.

Celebrate the bounty of the Hudson Valley at Octoberfest 2008 -- from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Terrapin Catering at Dinsmore Golf Course, Route 9 in Staatsburg (just south of the village of Rhinebeck). The event, presented by Terrapin restaurant and catering and Fleishers Grassfed & Organic Meats, includes beer, wine and food samples from local producers. Additional food vendors will be selling "innovative pub grub and a slant on Octoberfest favorites like kielbasa and more." Live polka music from Brauhause Musikanten. Admission is $19.95 for advance tickets available at WDST.com and $25 at the door; $12 for designated driver/20 and under; kids 12 and under free (all minors must be accompanied by an adult).

This weekend is also the always-wonderful NY Sheep & Wool Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Route 9, Rhinebeck. This is the place for you, if you like crafting or eating (there are going to be fab chef demos this year!) Those into the fabric arts might also want to cross the Hudson River and swing by the Quilters Cornucopia taking place Saturday and Sunday in Stone Ridge. Quilts, quilted wearables, quilt-related vendors, demonstrations, and more. Exhibit of artist-made dolls. $6 admission. SUNY Ulster Senate Gym, Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge.

Whew. Have fun!