Catskills Arts & Culture

The Northern Catskills' artistic legacy dates back to the early 1800s with the founding of the Hudson River School of painters and Washington Irving's famous 1819 short story Rip Van Winkle. Two centuries later, the region continues to have a rich cultural heritage and strong creative community that attracts talented artists from near and far. The region boasts many art galleries and studios, cultural centers, historic sites and numerous Catskills museums that preserve and display artifacts from the region's past.

Additionally, Greene County has a vibrant music scene that includes dance ensembles, summer stock theatre and a variety of Catskills events, festivals and performances held throughout the year—featuring the sounds of classical, jazz, folk and Celtic rock.

For performing arts, visit one of the Catskills celebrated professional and community theaters. Venues include The Doctorow Center for the Arts, Dragonfly Performing Arts, the Dancing Bear Theater and Orpheum Performing Arts Center, among others.

To learn more about the region, don't miss the Hudson Valley National Heritage Area—it's one of forty-nine federally-recognized National Heritage Areas throughout the United States. The organization interprets, preserves and celebrates the nationally-significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley.