Bethel Woods

 
In August 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Festival was held on a 37-acre site in Bethel, New York. After this three-day festival, that piece of land was largely dormant for decades until the Gerry Foundation purchased it in the 1990s. The foundation was established by Alan Gerry, who has lived in nearby Liberty throughout his life. He transitioned from being a cable TV pioneer to a philanthropist focused on improving Sullivan County. Specifically, he wanted to tap into the possibilities that the Catskills held for arts and humanities. Reviving the grounds that Woodstock was held on was the perfect opportunity.

When Gerry purchased the 37-acre parcel of land, he also purchased an additional 700 acres that adjoined it. In 2002, the Gerry Foundation broke ground on the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. This performing arts and cultural center launched in July 2006, and it is a non-profit public charity that hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year. In fact, this started when the New York Philharmonic performed at the center’s grand opening. Over the years, Elton John, Sting, Pitbull, Dave Matthews Band and others have performed there.

The venue also includes The Museum at Bethel, which tells the story of Woodstock and its era through film footage, artifacts, displays and more. From summer arts programs for the kids to special museum exhibits, workshops, adult creative arts classes and more, Bethel Woods is a community center that brings together all forms of art in a vibrant, interactive way. If you have not yet visited Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, now is a wonderful time to explore its current programs and upcoming special events.