[PHOTOS] That Time I Lived at Bethel Woods For A Weekend

This radio life is a new adventure every single day. Even after 20 years in the industry, there are days that I say to myself ‘I can’t believe this is actually my job.’ Last weekend, it was three of those days in a row!

Get our free mobile app

READ MORE: A Trip Down WRRV Memory Lane: Here's to 30 Years!

WRRV’s 30th Anniversary Weekend at Bethel Woods

We had been planning this anniversary celebration for months. Once our shows were announced, Friday August 1st with The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory, followed by August 2nd with +LIVE+, Collective Soul and Our Lady Peace, we got to work planning, prepping, and organizing. Along the way, the idea was tossed out of spending the weekend on site, maybe camping or glamping on the grounds in between our shows and live broadcasts.

Eventually, the pieces fell into place, the big anniversary weekend was finally upon us, and I was packing essentially everything I owned into suitcases, totes and bins, loading them into the trunk of my car along with all of the 30th anniversary goodies I had been gathering for the occasion.

Now, i'm not typically the outdoorsy type, so I most definitely overpacked, as did my friend who came along for the ride. Equipped with clothing for all four seasons, multiple pairs of shoes, every flashlight we could find, snacks, drinks, fans, even a portable fridge, we arrived to Bethel Friday afternoon around 1:30pm. We filled half of an extended golf-cart with our stuff (and some of the 30th anniversary decorations).

Pavilion Camping at Bethel Woods, Day 1

Upon checking in, we were assigned to tent #30, glamping style. You'll find some photos down below, but we had a bed, two side bed tables, some floor seating, a fan, and access to electricity. Naturally we filled up the spacious tent with the aforementioned supplies, settled in, and I headed towards the entrance to prepare for the live broadcast.

Following an awesome broadcast, chatting with so many WRRV listeners about 30 years of this amazing radio station, and an incredible night of music thanks to The Offspring, Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory, we left the pavilion and made our way to the campsite. We were greeted by the friendliest faces (Hi, Jess!) who welcomed all the campers home, and told us about the campfire that was already going. After chatting for a bit we headed towards our tent and ended up falling asleep before we even had a chance to get our s'mores supplies and go back out to the campfire.

Day 2 Adventures of My Weekend at Bethel Woods

Saturday morning I was up bright and early, got myself ready in their awesome bathrooms in the glamping area (photos below) and we headed into town for breakfast at The Woodstock Way Groovy Eatery before visiting the Bethel Woods Museum.

Every single person we came across during our museum visit was so friendly, helpful, and an encyclopedia of Bethel fun facts.

I had to cut my time at the museum short to get ready for broadcast #2, so we headed back to the tent to grab my stuff, and because the grounds weren't even open to the public yet, we were transported to the broadcast site by another friendly Bethel staff member (shoutout to Mobile One)!

Saturday night was just as great as Friday, with +LIVE+, Collective Soul, and Our Lady Peace. We even got to see Ed from +LIVE+ cruising around the historic grounds ahead of the show with his family.

Returning to the campsite on Saturday night we stopped to chat with our friends at the gate, checked out the campfire, and enjoyed our final night in the tent.

Luxury Glamping, Night 3 At Bethel

On Sunday morning we headed to Resorts World Catskills for a little slot-therapy and breakfast before broadcast #3, and my friend sadly had to leave the grounds to make her way back home to PA. I was able to move into a luxury glamping cabin for the final night and let me tell you, i'd sell my house and move into this cabin in a heartbeat. Bethel thought of everything  - the bathroom was stunning, kitchenette had everything you could need, and the extra touches of blankets, cameras to capture your memories, the little goodie bags with ear plugs, sunscreen, bandaids, all of it was perfect and so appreciated.

My final night in the cabin was so relaxing; after the show I sat on the porch listening to the music that was still playing in the pavilion and then got a great night's sleep in these luxury accommodations (more photos below).

The NICEST People on Earth Work at Bethel Woods

Full disclosure, I spend a decent amount of time at Bethel during pavilion season; we are there for a lot of shows and have had the chance to get to know many staff members really well. Living there for three days was a completely different experience though, and I commented to everyone I came across throughout the weekend how incredibly nice and helpful the team is (like cast members at Disney World, seriously).

From the security team that carted me around all weekend, the crew at the campsite, the museum staff, the vendors adjacent to the broadcast site that had to listen to me for three days straight, the volunteers, and especially our friend Paul Lloyd and his team, who helped make this weekend happen - thank you - we are so lucky to work hand in hand with the best amphitheater in the US, with the kindest staff around.

Take a look at some of the memories of an awesome weekend below!