Nestled in the rolling mountains of upstate New York, the Catskills region has long been a haven for artists, adventurers, and families seeking respite from city life. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural history, and vibrant community spirit, the Catskills hosts a diverse array of events that celebrate everything from music and art to agriculture and local traditions. In this article, we’ll explore the most iconic Catskills events that define the region’s charm, offering visitors unforgettable experiences year-round.
1. Bethel Woods Music Festival: A Nod to Woodstock’s Legacy
No discussion of Catskills events is complete without mentioning the legendary Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the hallowed ground where the 1969 Woodstock Festival took place. Today, Bethel Woods honors its roots with summer concert series featuring world-renowned artists across genres, from rock and folk to classical and jazz. The venue also hosts the annual Harvest Festival, a family-friendly event blending live music, local food vendors, and artisan crafts.
Beyond the stage, the Museum at Bethel Woods offers a deep dive into the 1960s counterculture movement and Woodstock’s enduring impact. Whether you’re reliving the “Summer of Love” or discovering it for the first time, Bethel Woods remains a pilgrimage site for music lovers.
2. Catskills Irish Arts Week: A Celtic Celebration
Every July, the town of East Durham transforms into a hub of Irish culture during the Catskills Irish Arts Week. This week-long festival celebrates traditional Irish music, dance, and storytelling through workshops, concerts, and lively pub sessions. Musicians and dancers from Ireland and the U.S. gather to teach and perform, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
The event’s highlight is the Grand Finale Concert, where fiddles, bodhráns, and tin whistles fill the air. For those eager to learn a jig or reel, beginner-friendly classes are available. With its warm, communal atmosphere, Irish Arts Week is a testament to the Catskills’ multicultural heritage.
3. Maple Sugaring Season: Sweet Traditions in the Mountains
When winter thaws into spring, the Catskills’ sugar shacks come alive during Maple Syrup Season. Local farms like Ferguson’s Tree Farm and Catskill Mountain Sugar House open their doors for tours, demonstrating the centuries-old process of tapping maple trees and boiling sap into syrup. The region’s Maple Festivals (held in March) feature pancake breakfasts, syrup tastings, and competitions for the best maple recipes.
Don’t miss the Catskill Mountain Maple Festival in Margaretville, where artisans sell maple-infused treats like candies, barbecue sauces, and even maple cotton candy. It’s a delicious way to welcome spring!
4. Catskills Folk Music Festival: Roots and Resonance
Held annually in the village of Roxbury, the Catskills Folk Music Festival celebrates Americana, bluegrass, and folk traditions. Local and national artists perform on rustic stages, while workshops teach banjo picking, harmonica techniques, and square dancing. The festival’s barn dance, held under string lights, is a crowd favorite.
This event also emphasizes sustainability, with farm-to-table food trucks and eco-friendly practices. It’s a perfect blend of toe-tapping tunes and Catskills hospitality.
5. The Great Catskills Garlic Festival: Bold Flavors and Farm Fun
Garlic lovers rejoice! Every fall, the Great Catskills Garlic Festival in Saugerties draws thousands to celebrate the “stinking rose.” Farmers showcase heirloom garlic varieties, while chefs demonstrate creative uses in dishes like garlic ice cream and roasted garlic bread.
Beyond food, the festival includes live music, craft vendors, and a garlic-growing contest. Proceeds support local agriculture, making it a flavorful way to give back.
6. Catskills Shakespeare Festival: The Bard in the Woods
Theater under the stars takes center stage at the Catskills Shakespeare Festival, held each summer in Hunter. Professional actors perform Shakespearean classics in outdoor settings, from sun-dappled meadows to forest clearings. Modern plays and children’s theater workshops round out the lineup.
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy A Midsummer Night’s Dream surrounded by fireflies—it’s pure magic.
7. Catskills Mountain Festival: Autumn’s Artistry
Autumn in the Catskills is a spectacle of fiery foliage, celebrated at the Catskills Mountain Festival in October. The event features guided hikes, plein air painting sessions, and a craft fair showcasing local pottery, textiles, and woodwork.
The Great Catskills Pumpkin Roll—a race where participants send pumpkins careening down hills—adds whimsy to the festivities. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream.
8. Winterfest: Cozy Celebrations in the Snow
When snow blankets the region, the Catskills embrace the chill with Winterfest. Highlights include ice sculpting competitions in Windham, sleigh rides in Delhi, and the Frosty Pint Beer Festival in Phoenicia, where local breweries serve seasonal stouts and ales.
For adrenaline seekers, Belleayre Mountain hosts ski races and snowboarding demos. Cap off the day with hot cocoa by a bonfire—the Catskills’ winter charm is irresistible.
9. The Woodstock Film Festival: Indie Gems in the Mountains
Film buffs flock to the Woodstock Film Festival each October for screenings of independent films, documentaries, and shorts. Panels with directors and actors, along with awards ceremonies, make this a must-attend for cinephiles.
Held in Woodstock, Rhinebeck, and Saugerties, the festival’s intimate venues allow for meaningful conversations with creators. Past attendees include Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, proving that the Catskills still attract star power.
10. Farm-to-Table Dinners: Culinary Delights in the Countryside
The farm-to-table movement thrives in the Catskills, with seasonal dinners hosted at venues like Table on Ten and Peekamoose Restaurant. These multi-course meals feature hyper-local ingredients, from foraged mushrooms to grass-fed beef.
Some events include farm tours or cooking classes, offering a taste of the region’s agricultural bounty.
Conclusion: The Catskills’ Eventful Spirit
From the echoes of Woodstock to the sweetness of maple syrup, the Catskills’ events reflect its rich tapestry of culture, nature, and community. Whether you’re hiking through autumn leaves, dancing to Irish reels, or savoring garlic-laden dishes, these gatherings invite you to connect with the heart of the region.
Plan Your Visit: Explore more about these iconic events and book your trip through Discover the Catskills, your guide to unforgettable experiences in New York’s mountain playground.
