Bethel Woods: A historic venue and museum with activities for everyone

By Joseph Gonzalez

As the summer approaches, many of us want to spend as much time outside as possible. The ideal situation would be to get out and catch some sun, while also doing something fun at the same time. Something that would fulfill both of these needs is discovering summer activities at Bethel Woods NY. Located in upstate New York, this idyllic Center for the Arts was once the original Woodstock site, but today, it has something for everyone. They have preserved the historic site and continue to hold concerts and festivals. However, as a nonprofit, they also believe that arts and culture are critical to the strength of the community. They offer youth, teen, adult and group programs for education and wellness programs, museum exhibitions and a full campus of farm-fresh dining options.

From upbeat to laid back: Something for everyone

Think of something that you’ve never tried before. Why haven’t you tried that thing?

Is it because you don’t think you’ll like it, or maybe you’re afraid of change? Either way, it’s important to try new things constantly, because humans crave stimulation, and it’s our nature to bloom out into the unknown. This is important for all stages of life’s journey. Whether an adult looking to kick back with a liquid light show and multi-course dining experience, or a child in need of some serious sensory-experience free-for-all, there truly is something for everyone with summer activities at Bethel Woods NY. 

Bethel Woods is the National Register Historic Site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. We are known for our music events as well as the historic 1960s Woodstock Museum, both located on 800+ acres of scenic country hills in the Sullivan Catskills. 

The nonprofit recognizes and values the arts, humanities, and their contribution to physical and psychological well-being in their programming and overall philosophy.

“Some of our most meaningful work as a nonprofit is done through our museum, historic preservation, and creative programming efforts,” says Bridget, Bethel’s marketing manager. “Bethel Woods is a truly fantastic place to visit.” 

Summer activities at Bethel Woods NY

Bridget provided rundown of events happening this month, which include:

• Sensory-Friendly Museum Day: During Sensory-Friendly Museum Days, individuals of all ages with autism, complex developmental disabilities, or sensory sensitivities are welcome to experience our Main Exhibit, gift shop, and cafe during special early-morning hours before the museum opens to the general public.
• Sip & Sketch Workshop: A live drawing workshop, celebrating the Museum’s 2022 Special Exhibition: & ART FAIR. Artist Kenny Eicher will guide an evening of expressive observational drawing, inspired by the music of Woodstock. Special after-hours access to the Museum makes for a playground of creativity and connection. All levels welcome.
• The state’s longest-running beer festival, now held at Bethel Woods. Featuring 100 NYS brewers, 200 craft beers, unlimited food, and live music by The Wallflowers, Almost Queen & more.

In addition, The Who will be performing at the end of May as well.

Try something new

Many people are still coming out of a post-Covid mindset. Discover Mind Key’s editor’s tips for breaking out of that mindset. One of those tips is to ‘try new things consistently’. Bethel Woods may not seem like it’s your cup of tea, but I’ve personally known people that weren’t a fan of certain music events. But once they went to Bethel Woods, they ended up having a blast!

If you get the opportunity to do so, try to visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts this summer–you may discover something about yourself that you hadn’t realized.