ENTERTAINMENT

Cruise, eat, tour castle, island in Bannerman benefit

Lindsay Pietroluongo

The annual Chef’s Farm Fresh Dinner at Bannerman Island, presented by the Hudson Valley Chefs’ Consortium, will be held on Sep. 12, with a rain date of Sept. 14. Noted regional chefs will use local, farm-fresh ingredients to prepare a five-course meal for guests, including soup, salad, a cheese course, an entree and dessert, while local musicians perform live. Created by Noah Sheetz, the dinner helps to raise funds for the Bannerman Castle Trust, which works to preserve both the castle and Pollepel Island.

Departures leave at 3 and 4:15 p.m. from the Beacon Institute dock, which is south of the Metro-North Dock in Beacon, across from the train station. Take a 30-minute boat ride on the Estuary Steward as you learn about the history of Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle. Upon arrival, embark on a self-guided tour of the island and visit the exterior of the castle. Wear comfortable shoes! The terrain can be rough in places and the experience begins with a 72-step climb.

There will be two seatings for dinner, which will take place in Helen Bannerman’s garden. Limited seating is available and reservations are required. Tickets are $135 per person. Bannerman Castle Trust members save $10. Reservations can be made at zerve.com

Additional Bannerman Island events for the season include music by The Costellos Sept. 20 and a performance by Peter Walker and bagpipe band the King’s Highlanders Oct. 18. Save $5 per ticket when you make reservations for any two events. Bannerman Island tours for the public run through Oct. 26; advanced booking is required.

Visit online at bannermancastle.org. Connect at facebook.com/bannermanisland and on Twitter at @BannermanIsland.

Honorable mention

Ella’s Bellas (418 Main St., Beacon) is wrapping up its summertime shindigs with two more Sept. 11 and 25. Boutique catering service Brooklyn Oyster Party will be shucking on the back patio while craft cocktails are served. Try the refreshing Cool As a Cucumber, made with muddled cucumber and mint, Seneca Drums Gin, hand-crafted mint syrup from local company More Good, and coconut water. Call 845-765-8502; visit ellasbellasbeacon.com.

Lindsay Pietroluongo writes about nightlife in the Hudson Valley for the Poughkeepsie Journal. Email her at lindsaypietro@gmail.com

Chef’s Farm-to-Table Dinner, Bannerman Island, Fishkill; 855-256-4007