BETHEL – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the nonprofit cultural center and site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, kicks off its 20th anniversary with a 2026 summer season of concerts, festivals, exhibits, and educational programming. Building on its legacy of peace, creativity, and community, Bethel Woods has evolved into a nationally recognized destination venue in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, drawing visitors from across the country for multi-day stays that combine live music, camping, museum experiences, and arts programming.

 The venue enters its anniversary season backed by major 2026 national recognition including the “Coolest Campground” by Rolling Stone in its 2026 Travel Awards and USA Today’s 10 Best ranking The Pavilion as the #1 amphitheater in the country.  

Through local partnerships and expanded access to the arts, Bethel Woods remains committed to giving back to its community while hosting world-class performances. As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Bethel Woods will host a special community event featuring The Beach Boys and more on Friday, July 24. A thank-you to the community that has helped shape Bethel Woods over the past two decades, tickets will be priced at $20, with free admission for children under 12.

“In 2026, we’re especially excited to mark our 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades as a cultural hub that honors the legacy of Woodstock while continuing to give back to the community that has supported us along the way,” said Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. “Being recognized as the nation’s top amphitheater and coolest campground this year makes the milestone even more meaningful. From A-list performances to immersive family activities and the chance to camp right on the festival grounds, this season promises unforgettable memories.”

Performing at the award-winning amphitheater, Bethel Woods’ 2026 concert season will feature a wide-ranging lineup of legendary artists, rising talent, and fan-favorite events, including:

Legacy Icons & Rock Favorites: Paul Simon; Santana & The Doobie Brothers; James Taylor; TOTO + Christopher Cross + The Romantics; John Fogerty & Steve Winwood; and Alabama Shakes with special guest Mavis Staples.

Americana, Folk & Roots: Billy Strings; Brandi Carlisle with special guest Jensen McRae; Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guest Lukas Nelson; Turnpike Troubadours with special guests Muscadine Bloodline & The Creekers; Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration; and Outlaw Music Festival.

Country & Contemporary Headliners: HARDY with special guests Tucker Wetmore & McCoy Moore; Darius Rucker with special guests George Birge & Austin Williams; Tim McGraw with special guest 49 Winchester; Thomas Rhett with special guests Kashus Culpepper and Emily Ann Roberts; and Jason Aldean with special guests Chase Matthew, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Dee Jay Silver.

Special Events & Unique Performances: Jeff Dunham & Gabriel Iglesias; Josh Groban with the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra; Lindsey Stirling with special guest PVRIS; Buju Banton & Stephen Marley with special guest Gramps Morgan; Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge; and Joe Bonamassa with special guests JJ Grey & Mofro and D.K. Harrell.

Camping is back at Bethel Woods for its third season, with The Campground recently named one of the best in the country in Rolling Stone’s Travel Awards. From May through October, guests can choose from tent camping, glamping, or RV stays just steps from the Pavilion and Museum at Bethel Woods. New this year are expanded glamping options and added amenities including a camp store, food service, fire pits, picnic tables, e-bike and kayak rentals, community game areas, and a Woodstock-inspired disc golf course. 

The Museum at Bethel Woods: Experience Woodstock’s Enduring Legacy

Now open for the season, The Museum at Bethel Woods offers an immersive look at the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, a defining moment of the Sixties with lasting cultural impact. Recognized as the nation’s #2 music museum in 2026 by USA Today’s 10Best, the Museum brings history to life through personal stories, interactive exhibits, and programs. This year’s featured exhibit, How Bazaar: Arts, Crafts, & Camping at Woodstock, explores the Bindy Bazaar marketplace—where artisans sold handcrafted goods—and the tent cities that transformed farmland into a home for thousands during “three days of peace and music.”

Family Fun: Where Kids Can Play, Learn, and Rock

Bethel Woods invites children to explore their creativity through hands-on classes and kid-friendly programs across a range of art forms. This summer, P.L.A.Y. (Peace. Love. Arts. You.) returns for kids ages 5-14, offering a vibrant arts program led by professional teaching artists in music, painting, sculpture, digital design, and more. Families can also enjoy the Family Concert Series on the Horizon Stage, presented in collaboration with Rock and Roll Playhouse. These inclusive monthly performances are offered on a pay-what-you-can model, starting at $5, to support accessible arts programming. 

New this season, Kidstock: Peace, Love & Play takes place on August 22, headlined by Ninja Kidz Live on the Pavilion Stage. The immersive event blends music, performance, and interactive storytelling, inviting families into a multi-verse adventure filled with games, challenges, and audience participation where each choice helps shape the experience. 

BuildFest: Acts of Construction (September 9 - 13, 2026) 

Marking its fifth year, BuildFest, the Bethel Woods Art & Architecture Festival, transforms the historic grounds of the 1969 Woodstock festival into a five-day live-work experience where participants collaborate in self-organized teams to design, build, perform, and bring creative visions to life. This year, the festival expands beyond art and architecture to embrace the full spectrum of the humanities, featuring creative activations ranging from large-scale installations and prototypes to live theatre, light shows, orchestrations, choreographies, and more.

New this year, Bethel Woods will offer a designated rideshare zone for concert guests using Uber, Lyft, taxis, or car services. Guests will have access to a formal pickup and drop-off location, with staff available to assist as needed.

For more information, visit: www.bethelwoodscenter.org and sign-up for up-to-the-minute announcements by texting CONCERTS to 833-359-3833.