Bethel Woods Center for The Arts
The legendary 1969 Woodstock festival, held in Bethel, New York, created a sense of social harmony that made it one of the most culturally significant events of the last century. It celebrated peace, love, and artistic expression – ideals that continue to live on at the site’s current incarnation: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
A world-class performing arts center, the not-for-profit organization is dedicated to interpreting the cultural, social and political events of the 1960s while providing the highest quality arts, educational and cultural experiences to the region. Its pristine 800-acre campus, offering views of rolling hills and stunning sunsets, includes the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods the Pavilion Amphitheater with seating for 16,000,an intimate 440-seat indoor Event Gallery, and a Conservatory for arts education programming.
The Museum, housed in a beautiful LEED-certified green building set back from the top of the Woodstock festival hillside, offers an immersive and captivating multi-media experience that combines film and interactive displays, text panels and artifacts to tell the story of the 1960s. Its programming and learning opportunities feature continually evolving exhibits and informative film and lecture series. Currently on display is THREADS, a special exhibit presented in collaboration with Andy Hilfiger, which connects 60s fashion to modern rockwear.
Presenting nearly 300 events and performances each year, Bethel Woods offers diverse programming for every audience. This summer that will include arts and humanities-based programs like PLAY: Theatre, PLAY: Music and Project Identity: Sessions which are designed to allow their young participants opportunities for empowerment, education and inspiration. The organization will also continue to host some of the world’s most popular and talented artists. This year’s line-up ranges from superstars like Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to rock stars like Van Halen and Def Leppard to icons like Neil Young and Jackson Browne. It also includes the return of series celebrating chamber and cabaret music. This wide range of performances will allow hundreds of thousands of guests to again gather on the site’s historic grounds united by a universal love of music.
Programming will continue through the end of the year with a variety of festivals that celebrate the region’s beauty and talent by showcasing local artists, farmers, crafters and creators and welcoming guests to enjoy the peaceful setting and scenic vistas of the campus. This year will include the return of the 17th annual Harvest Festival, Craft Beer and Wine Festivals, and the debut of Live Well, Be Well, a day celebrating peace, love and yoga.
To learn more about the history and wide array of opportunities available at Bethel Woods, please visit www.bethelwoodscenter.org. Ticket sales generate only a fraction of the funds necessary to present these diverse opportunities, many at low or no cost, so the public’s support is vital to the continued sustainability of this cultural treasure. Consider a contribution to help preserve its legacy for generations to come.
200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY
(866) 781-2922
bethelwoodscenter.org