BETHEL – In 2026, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the award-winning nonprofit cultural center and site of the 1969 Woodstock festival, marks its 20th anniversary. To celebrate two decades as a living cultural institution, Bethel Woods is announcing a special Anniversary Celebration featuring The Beach Boys on Friday, July 24, with special guests to be announced. In recognition of the community that has supported Bethel Woods over the past twenty years, lawn and pavilion tickets are priced at $20, and free for children under 12. For those seeking an enhanced experience, a limited number of “Emerald Circle” seats are available for $200.

This milestone anniversary serves as a moment of profound gratitude. The upcoming community celebration is designed as a direct “thank you” to the local residents and supporters whose commitment has helped make Bethel Woods part of the cultural fabric of the region. Today, Bethel Woods stands as one of the rare places where history, culture, and human connection converge, not as a memory, but as an ongoing experience that, for many, defines a way of life.

“In a world that can feel divided, people are looking for places that bring them together in a real way,” said Eric Frances, CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. “Bethel Woods has always been more than a venue. It’s a place where music, art, and community foster connection and help us imagine what comes next. This anniversary is a chance to reflect on what we’ve created and recommit to the future we’re shaping together. This concert is a tribute to those in our community who have given so much of themselves to this site. They are the reason peace still happens here, and this celebration is our way of recognizing the vital role they play in our past and our future.” 

Established in 2006 by philanthropist and Cablevision Industries founder Alan Gerry, Bethel Woods was envisioned as a nonprofit catalyst for cultural renewal and economic revitalization in Sullivan County. Over two decades, it has evolved from a bold idea into a nationally recognized campus for live music, arts education, camping, and historical interpretation—welcoming nearly five million visitors since inception and reaching more than 15,000 students and participants annually through its education programs.

Over the past 20 years, the Center has generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for New York State, serving as an engine for tourism, job creation, and regional investment. Beyond its performances, the organization has become an essential community partner—supporting local schools, collaborating with other nonprofits, expanding access to the arts, and strengthening Sullivan County’s identity as a destination for culture, heritage, and outdoor recreation. 

At the heart of the campus, The Museum at Bethel Woods preserves and interprets the legacy of the 1960s and the Woodstock festival, while connecting that history to contemporary conversations around music, social change, and civic engagement.

The 20th anniversary will be marked with a summer of celebration designed to invite participation and deepen connection, anchored by the signature community concert and supported by special exhibits, recognition events, low-cost public programming, and storytelling initiatives that highlight Bethel Woods’ artistic, educational, and community impact. The anniversary concert evening will also feature creative arts activities, additional live entertainment across the campus, sponsor activations, and a celebratory fireworks finale. To align with this milestone anniversary, Bethel Woods is pursuing designation as a National Historic Landmark, a recognition that would honor the site’s enduring historical significance and ensure its legacy in the lead up to the 60th anniversary of Woodstock.

“This milestone is not just about celebrating where we’ve been,” Frances added. “It’s about reaffirming why Bethel Woods matters now and how we will continue to serve as a cultural epicenter for generations to come.” Additional details about anniversary programming and events will be announced in the coming months. Tickets for The Beach Boys concert go on-sale Friday, May 22 at 10 am ET.