Historic Hudson Valley Venue Now Has Top Honors

The news probably will not come as a surprise, as this Hudson Valley hotspot really does have it all. Historic grounds, breathtaking views, an incredible museum and star-studded lineup of shows year after year. Naturally we're talking about Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and more specifically, about their recent recognition by USA Today.

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Bethel Woods Earns USA Today's Top Recognition

'Nature and live music are in perfect harmony' - that's how USA Today described the 10BEST list of 'best amphitheaters' in the US, and to be honest, that feels like the perfect way to describe one of the area's most perfect locations (even after a rain shower).

Our very own hometown outdoor amphitheater , Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, recently earned the title of Top Amphitheater by USA Today, beating out contenders like Moody in Texas, Red Rocks in Colorado, Ascend in Nashville and The Gorge in Washington.

USA Today cites that there are 'well over a thousand amphitheaters throughout the United States' - our response to that - how lucky are we to live in the area with the top one?

In their description about Bethel as the #1 venue, USA Today shared the following:

Set on the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, The Pavilion at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts showcases its rich musical heritage within the Catskills. This open-air amphitheater features a sweeping pavilion roof over 5,000 seats and a gently sloping lawn with seating for 11,000 more guests. Each seat offers great acoustics and views of the stage, and performances range from jazz to pop, rock, country, soul — you name it.

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Bethel Woods, USA Today's 10BEST Top Amphitheater

Back in mid-April, we shared the news that Bethel Woods was up for this major recognition, explaining that an 'expert panel' was assembled to narrow down the list of contenders for the 10BEST ranking, and then the readers themselves would do the voting. It seems like the Hudson Valley and beyond came through to ensure that our area's premier location to see a show got the well-deserved honor.

There's something uniquely magical about the communal experience of live entertainment under the open sky. Every year, millions of people are drawn to amphitheaters, captivated by their compelling blend of natural beauty, exceptional acoustics, and immersive atmosphere.

The above statement, included in the USA Today coverage of the 10BEST list, is a spot-on reflection of how many of us feel about seeing a live show at Bethel Woods. If you're anything like me, you're constantly looking forward to the next chance you have to take in a show on the historic and stunning grounds of peace, love, and so much more; and with that in mind I have to ask, when's your next Bethel show?