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Catskills Arts & Culture

Hailed as the “new mecca for artisans” by the New York Times, the Great Northern Catskills’ arts, live theater, and performing arts delivers incredible experiences throughout the seasons.

For centuries, the Catskill Mountains’ and the Hudson River’s raw natural beauty have beguiled creative spirits in search of inspiration. From Thomas Cole, the British expat known as the “Father of American Art,” to the performers beginning to make a name for themselves, the Catskills offer an arts and culture scene that is at once familiar, and entirely new.

Here are some of our top recommended Catskills Art Experiences:

The LUMBERYARD Center for Film and Performing Arts heralded an Upstate New York rebirth in performing arts for many, offering a host of engaging events for all ages to enjoy, while providing space for budding artists and performers to hone their craft.

At the Bridge Street Theatre in downtown Catskill, magic shows, theatrical performances and psychics invite you to escape into a world of delight and intrigue. At the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art space hosts dance festivals and music events.

Live music in large venues and local parks resonates throughout the region throughout the summer months.

For a tour of Greene County’s artistic landmarks and spaces, travel along the Kaaterskill Clove Experience, a self-guided tour of the region’s most important and historical arts hot spots.

Learn about Washington Irving's beloved rapscallion Rip Van Winkle, visit art galleries and Catskills museums, and spend time wandering through gardens and groves that inspired the painters, poets, and philosophers that helped shape the nation's appreciation for the natural world.

When the creative spirit beckons, head to the Great Northern Catskills for a unique and inspiring journey.

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Find out why the New York Times called us

The "New Mecca for Artisans"

Watch the video and experience the beauty of the Catskills' region and the mythical lore of the Emerald Isle with festivals and events celebrating the arts, music and more!

Performing Arts

Lumberyard Contemporary Performing Arts

The Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts in Catskill offers winter performances and more. 

Performing Arts

Magic on Main

Be amazed! Be mystified! Magician Sean Doolan provides an up-close and personal magic performance that will boggle your brain. Doolan's Magic on Main will captivate you throughout the hour-long performance. A former trial lawyer, he weaves his personal story of going from working in law to working magic with interactive, mind-blowing tricks and routines. Performing in a historic parlor, Doolan demonstrates the limitations of the human mind through techniques he learned as a student of the ancient art of sleight of hand—and as a trial lawyer. Reserve tickets in advance; seating is limited. Appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Browse All Galleries, Theater, Historic Sites, and Performing Arts

Viewing Listings: 1 - 10 of 39
Open Studio
Piano Performance Museum at the Doctorow Center for the Arts
Petronio Residency
Say What?
Columbia-Greene Community College
Foreland
Doctorow Center for the Arts
Our Lady of Knock Shrine
poster in room 72
Bridge Street Theatre