Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts
What is Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts?
Since 2006, the Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts has been inspiring, educating, and empowering people through arts and humanities. Located just 90 miles from New York City, the center puts on many concerts, events, programs, and festivals throughout the year. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts sits on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York.
History of Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts
Alan Gerry had a dream back in the 1960s—to create a place dedicated to the arts. Fast forward a few decades, and that dream became a reality with the founding of the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts!
Before the center officially opened, Gerry marked the 30th anniversary of Woodstock in 1999 with a four-day music festival. The overwhelming success of the event confirmed his vision of establishing an art center where music and culture could thrive.
Since its grand opening in 2006, Bethel Woods has welcomed legendary performers. Picture icons like Elton John, the Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Van Halen, Lady Gaga, and many more. With such an impressive lineup, you never know who you might see next!
Exhibits at Bethel Woods
Bethel Woods is most famous for its Woodstock and the Sixties exhibit. You can learn all about the famous music festival at the very site where it happened! Bethel Woods works hard to preserve Woodstock’s memory. In 2017, the site of the 1969 Woodstock festival was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was largely due to Bethel Woods’ continued preservation of the land and dedication to the site!
Most of the exhibits at Bethel Woods revolve around Woodstock, but there are other rotating exhibits, too! Make sure to check out their current exhibits to see what they have going on when you visit.
See a Show at Bethel Woods
After learning about the iconic history here, it’s only right that you should see a show! There are several stages at Bethel Woods Center for the Performing Arts, so there are a variety of shows happening!
Want to see a big show? The Pavilion at Bethel Woods is one of the best outdoor concert venues in The Catskills. It seats 5,000 people, with lawn seating available for 11,000 more fans. The Horizon Stage is for smaller, up-and-coming acts. You can catch them performing before the Pavilion concerts start! It’s a great way to discover new music.
Lastly, check out the Museum Theater on site for even more performances. During museum hours, they typically play informational movies about Woodstock, but after hours, there are impressive performances to see!
Book Your Stay in Hawley at the Settlers Inn
A drive to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts would make a great day trip from Hawley. The drive is about 35 miles or around 45 minutes to the center.
After you’re done taking in all the amazing history and music at Bethel Woods, come stay with us at the Settlers Inn! Choose from any of our 23 beautifully decorated and spacious guest rooms, most of which offer a seasonal fireplace and Jacuzzi tub.
We have an award-winning restaurant on site and plenty of outdoor space to take in the fresh mountain air. When booking your reservation, ask about our current specials too, we would love to help you book the perfect room! Call us at 570-226-2993 for more information. Browse our available rooms now and book your stay in Hawley directly at the Settlers Inn!
Photo courtesy of bradfordst219