Over the weekend tens of thousands of people came to Bethel, NY for the two-day Billy Strings concert at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

By all accounts it looked like not only a great concert but a gathering of like-minded individuals who had nothing but good vibes, kind of like another famous concert that happened in 1969.

Campgrounds were full as caravans drove in from all over the country, looking to stay for the entire weekend.

We are appreciative that Bethel Woods is providing a place for world-class musicians like Billy Strings to come play, and that it’s a big enough draw to bring in thousands of people, both locals and visitors.

As more than 17,000 music fans filled the Bethel Woods lawn and pavilion, they also had the opportunity to buy food, drinks and merchandise from at least three dozen different vendors, many of whom were local. It was one of the most impressive two nights we have enjoyed in a long time.

Surely staying at a campground overnight—which contributes to the room tax—would also result in more economic development, from patronizing grocery stores, gas stations and more.

The good vibes will carry on to the 57th anniversary of the Woodstock festival, from August 15 to 18.

Bethel Woods is planning a weeklong celebration, complete with historical tours of the site, film screenings, talks and of course music—with a free performance by Space Carnival in The Market Sheds on Wednesday, August 12 at 5 p.m.

That weekend on the Pavilion Stage will be Thomas Rhett on August 14, the Turnpike Troubadours on August 15, and Brandi Carlile on August 16.

And new this year is Kidstock, to be held on Saturday, August 22. The all-day event will feature lots of activities for kids from puppets to live music.

Again, kudos to Bethel Woods for bringing these events for everyone to enjoy!