Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

The Basics

Located in scenic upstate New York, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts hosts numerous indoor and outdoor concerts each year. Check the center’s calendar for details on all events. Buy tickets to summer concerts early, as they tend to sell out quickly. Many travelers plan a day trip to Bethel Woods from New York City, or pair a visit to the center with a hiking excursion in the Catskill Mountains.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bethel Woods is a must for music fans.

• The museum, center, and pathways are accessible to wheelchairs, and limited accessible seating is available for concerts.

• Strollers are allowed on the lawn for pavilion stage performances; inside the pavilion, strollers must be stored outside the aisles.

How to Get There

The most convenient way to reach Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is by car. If you’re driving the 90 miles (145 kilometers) from New York City, get on I-87 North to NY-17 West. Take exit 104 and continue on to Bethel Woods, located on Hurd Road. General parking is free, and premium parking is available for a fee. Alternatively, look into coach transportation—services typically run from New York City and Monticello Casino.

When to Get There

Bethel Woods is busiest on performance days and on weekends in the summer months. If you’re going to a concert, arrive early enough to park your car, find the pavilion, and locate your seat.

Visiting the Museum at Bethel Woods

While at Bethel Woods, don’t miss the museum and its Woodstock and the Sixties exhibit. Enjoy discounted admission with a Bethel Woods concert ticket, but book your museum ticket in advance, as availability is limited on concert days. A docent-led tour is included in your visit. If the sun’s shining, stop by the Woodstock festival site. You’ll see a monument at Hurd Road and West Shore Road, then use an old festival map to explore.

Ways to explore

Allow at least 1 hour to visit the Museum at Bethel Woods. You’ll find an in-depth exhibit on the Woodstock concert and the legendary musical acts that played there, from Jimi Hendrix to Joan Baez. Standard tickets include a self-guided visit to the museum; you can upgrade to a docent-led guided tour. Musical acts still perform at Bethel Woods throughout the year, and many people visit the museum before attending a show. Special discounts are offered on museum admission for anyone with a concert ticket (valid until noon the next day). Camping and glamping facilities should be reserved in advance.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair-accessible and offers ADA-compliant seating.

Age limits

None; youth under age 18 are advised to attend concerts with a parent or guardian.

What to pack

Insect repellent, sunscreen, debit or credit card (café is cashless), camping supplies (tents available for rent)

What to wear

Shirts and shoes; it isn’t 1969 anymore, and without either, you won’t be admitted.

Not allowed

Smoking or vaping outside of designated areas, pets (except service animals)

Amenities

Museum shop, ATMs, Yasgur’s Farm Café, pop-up food retailers during concerts, Wi-Fi

Address

Bethel Woods is located in Bethel, New York—that’s right, the famous Woodstock concert didn’t actually take place in the town of Woodstock. Getting here can be tricky without your own transportation. Here are some ideas:

Driving

From New York City, take the New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 16. Continue onto Route 17 until Exit 104, then go west on Route 17B. After 10 miles, you’ll see signage for Bethel Woods.

Public transportation

There are no bus or train options to Bethel, but Sullivan County International Airport is located just 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Bethel Woods. From the airport, you can arrange for a taxi to take you there.

Best times to visit

Visit the museum when it opens in the mid-morning, then stick around for a Woodstock omelet at Yasgur’s Farm Café.

Best days to visit

For a quiet visit, choose a weekday, especially outside of the summer months. Late spring and early fall typically offer the best weather in the area.

Best months to visit

June through September, the center presents free live music events on select Wednesdays, with food and drink available for purchase.

Special events

In September, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts hosts an annual Art and Architecture Festival featuring artistic installations and innovative architectural designs.