On Our Radar: Share-Worthy Summer Events
Let the good times roll with these summer art and music events 🤙🏻
We wait ALL year for summer, and man oh man, this year was no exception. After a plague of bad weather including, but not limited to, cooler-than-usual temps, wildfire smoke, and drought followed by an absolute deluge of rain… the forecast is finally clear and summer-y again.
This window of lovely sunny weather has us all excited about summer all over again, including a handful of upcoming events. Check out our list below, then plan a trip using our July discounts and promos, in which we share exclusive discounts from 15-25% for some favorite hotels and Airbnbs who can’t wait to host our Escape Club members.
Happy travels & see you out there.
Catbird Festival: August 19 + 20 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Photo: c/o Bethel Woods
For the first time since the 1969 Woodstock festival, music and camping will take place on the same historic field at Bethel Woods at Catbird Music Festival.
This new music festival features alt-folky names like The Lumineers, The War on Drugs, and Band of Horses – plus country names like Tyler Childers, Charley Crockett and Margo Price.
Camping options include car camping, RV camping – or rent a glampsite. Tickets begin $140 for one day general admission, $200 for both days GA – and climb to $1,250 for their platinum offering.
Upstate Art Weekend: July 21-24
Illustration: c/o Steven Weinberg
This connective annual event for locals and tourists alike, celebrates the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York. The fourth edition of UPAW will take place Friday, July 21, through Monday, July 24, 2023. Participants include art organizations, galleries, museums, residencies, and creative projects.
UPAW compiles a program of events and a comprehensive google map; the event is completely self guided so you can choose your own adventure. Go see our pals at West Kill Brewing for event Fish, Fowl + Forest, where landscape painter Steven Weinberg, wildlife/adventure photographer Jaime Kennard, and ceramist Arc Ceramics are having a group show.
Outlaw Music Festival: July 29 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
North America’s largest touring music festival, Outlaw Music Festival returns to Bethel Woods this year on July 29. This year’s festival includes Willie Nelson & Family, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Gov't Mule, Kathleen Edwards and Particle Kid.
Tickets begin ~$45 for lawn and climb to ~$1,000 for a premium box seat bundle.
Phoenicia Flea: Summer 2023
Photo: Phoenicia Flea at Stone Ridge Orchard by Escape Brooklyn
This nomadic market of makers and merchants from the Catskills, the Hudson Valley and beyond pops up at extraordinary properties in the Northeast all season long. Check the rest of their 2023 schedule below:
July 8: Shandaken Inn - Shandaken, NY
July 29: Eastwind Hotel - Windham, NY
August 5 + 6: Catskill Brewery - Livingston Manor, NY
August 12 + 13: Nat’s Mountain House - Tannersville, NY
August 19 + 20: Hasbrouck House - Stone Ridge, NY
September 2 + 3: Hasbrouck House - Stone Ridge, NY
September 9 + 10: Catskill Brewery - Livingston Manor, NY
September 23: Shandaken Inn - Shandaken, NY
September 30: Stockade Faire - Kingston, NY
Woodsist Festival: September 23 + 24 at Arrowood Farms in Accord, NY
Photo: Anthony Mulcahy
Of all the music festivals old and new, Woodsist Festival is likely our favorite of the bunch, with headliners Kevin Morby, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Woods, Cass McCombs – plus some lesser-known names like Anna St. Louis and even lo-fi throwback Tyvek.
Woodsist Festival takes place at the magical Arrowood Farms, a sustainably-minded farm brewery, distillery, and event destination in the Hudson Valley. Stay nearby at Inness, or check their recommended lodging spots.
Upcoming Shows at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, NY
Photo: at Levon Helm Studios Escape Brooklyn
Music fans heading Upstate and anywhere near the Woodstock area must check out Levon Helm Studios. Shows at this legendary venue (read up on its history here) sell out quick, so plan ahead and add these two shows to your calendar ASAP.
The Nude Party, playing September 30, 2023. Check their newest album, Rides On and purchase tickets here.
The Bones of J.R. Jones, playing October 14, 2023. TBOJRJ’s new album Slow Lightening drops the day before. Preview the album’s first single, Heaven Help Me, and purchase tickets here.