BETHEL - Things are changing at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. 

What began with a season-ending walk by staff around different areas of the historic grounds, in particular the Pavilion Stage amphitheater, has resulted in several upgrades in 2023 to enhance the visitor experience this concert season.

“We took a step back to see what we can do differently,” said Senior Director of Programming Julie Kaufman. “It’s fun to think that after 16-17 years that we’re still creating new experiences basically in the same infrastructure that we already have.”

Visitors will now have an opportunity to watch concerts in a reserved first-come, 100-seat section with an add-on lawn ticket. Located on each side of the Pavilion, the area combines the freedom of the lawn experience with being closer to the stage. 

“We were always shooing people away who are standing there,” explained Susan Russ, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications, “so why don’t we just sell that place so people can actually sit and really enjoy the shows.” She noted the new location addresses an issue for some people sitting up on the lawn. “They go to the concession or bathroom and then have a problem finding their seat. That’s not a problem with these seats.”

This year people will also have an opportunity to purchase a box for a single show. “Maybe they’re a super Chris Stapleton and they really want to go above and beyond, and make somebody’s birthday really special,” said Kaufman.

Russ said the staff is constantly trying to find ways to improve the experience. “We all go to a lot of shows at a lot of different places. Take a picture, comeback and share, look at what they’re doing here, oh, this didn’t work. Always looking for things.”

Kaufman adds that this year’s concert schedule is still a work in progress.

“I’m still actively booking for late August and September. It won’t be for lack of trying. There are so many offers that I put in for artists that don’t end up touring or they have plans to just do theaters. I can put a hundred offers out there in a season and we end up with 20-something shows. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. We are still looking for a comedy show which has been really successful for us.” 

She said the return of popular performers is still a big draw. “Santana sells well year after year. There is a nostalgia factor, that Woodstock vibe. Also, people don’t know how many times they’ll be able to see some of those artists. Maybe you had a vacation last year and you weren’t about to see Santana or Zac Brown Band. There are repeat buyers but also people who are new to the venue, let alone never having seen Zach Brown previously.

Russ adds, “There was a guy who commented in a post, ‘I can’t believe I’m able to check off two bucket lists in one trip: come to the site of Woodstock and to see The Who.’”

All of which makes the nonprofit Bethel Woods 800-acre campus, which includes the Pavilion Stage, Event Gallery, Museum at Bethel Woods, and a Conservatory for creative learning an ever-changing and expanding innovative experience for all ages.

“There’s always the constant awe of this place, all the offerings that we have, how immaculate the grounds are. People just love to come, walk around,” said Kaufman. “We’ve come a long way since 2006 when we had nine shows on the Pavilion stage. Our slogan a couple of years ago was ‘My Happy Place’ and that resonates with people.”

New to Bethel Woods in 2023: 

• The OTR Outpost: Re-served lawn seating located on the triangle grass sections on both sides of the pavilion. Landscaped premium section for 100 chairs on either side, reserved within that section with a chair rental and perfect sitelines for the pavilion  and easy access to concessions. This is an add-on and the purchase of a lawn ticket is required.

• Premium Single-Show Box Experiences: People can buy single-show experiences in the boxes. Includes premium parking, museum admission, green room admission and access to the member lounge. Available online at www.bethwoodscenter.org just go to the show you are looking for and buy them on the page. 

• Top of the Lawn Ex-perience: Three covered party locations at the top of the lawn (Pataki Point, Robin’s Nest and Lisa Lookout). Taking people that have never been before and giving them a unique perspective. The Jim Beam Whiskey sponsored experience includes high-boy cafe style and regular table seating for four. Five tables on either side. 

• Mobile ticketing: No paper tickets. Bethel Woods ticketing experts will be at kiosks in the parking lot and top of the lawn to help people download tickets and answer questions before getting to the main gate. 

• Enhanced Food Ex-perience: New locations and signature menu items created by Bethel Woods Executive Chef Joel Trocino including Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Fiesta Mingsbings (plant-based), a new pizza station and BBQ stand.

• ADA Lawn Reserva-tions:  Visitors can reserve ADA lawn seating at the time of purchase. Crystal Run Healthcare sponsoring the service tram takes visitors from the ADA parking lot right to the lower pavilion. 

• Free Ticket Access Pro-gram: Working with social service groups and Veterans organizations  including New York State Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities, mental health services in Orange County and public housing in Monticello to provide tickets, transportation and meals.