Summer in the Sullivan Catskills doesn’t just arrive—it parades in with flair, flavor, and a whole lot of outdoor fun. Tucked in the heart of the scenic Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York, the Sullivan Catskills offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and cultural energy. Known for their rich history as a vacation destination and home to the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival, the region is now a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and arts aficionados.
From high-voltage drag performances and legendary concert lineups to idyllic market strolls and river adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the summer season in the region. Whether planning a weekend getaway or an extended summer stay, here are five can’t-miss happenings to make any visit unforgettable.
Drag Me to the Catskills
Glitz, glam, and unapologetic fabulousness return to the Forestburgh Playhouse with “Drag Me to the Catskills” June 13-15. This annual celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and self-expression features a weekend-long lineup of show-stopping performances, rollicking dance parties, and a must-attend drag brunch.
Expect appearances from drag royalty including Ms. Kasha Davis, Thorgy Thor, Lady Bunny, and Ambrosia Salad, among others. This colorful Pride month extravaganza is guaranteed to dazzle.
Sullivan Catskills Farmers Markets
Summer’s bounty shines bright across the region’s beloved farmers markets, held weekly in towns like Barryville, Callicoon, Jeffersonville, Livingston Manor, and Narrowsburg.
Beyond fresh produce, visitors will find everything from artisan cheeses and small-batch jams to handmade soaps and vintage finds. Many markets double as social hubs with live music, kids’ crafts, and hot food vendors, making them perfect for a leisurely morning with the family—or a laid-back date with a picnic basket.
Forestburgh Playhouse Mainstage Season
A gem in the Catskills theater scene, the Forestburgh Playhouse is New York’s oldest continually operating summer stock theater, and its 2025 mainstage season promises something for everyone.
This summer’s roster features a crowd-pleasing mix of musicals and comedies: “Shrek the Musical,” “Next to Normal,” “Boeing Boeing,” “Newsies,” “The Full Monty,” “Head Over Heels,” and “The Cottage.” With Broadway-caliber talent and a charming rural setting, it’s theater-going at its most enchanting.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Summer Concert Series
Set on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts delivers a summer concert series with serious star power.
This year’s lineup spans genres and generations, including chart-toppers like Luke Bryan, Avril Lavigne, Def Leppard, and Barenaked Ladies, plus family-friendly favorites like Kidz Bop and a comedy duo night with John Mulaney and Nick Kroll. Arrive early to explore the Museum at Bethel Woods or try out the new free disc golf course.
River Adventures & Water Fun
When the Catskills heat up, the region’s sparkling rivers, streams, and lakes come calling. Dive into summer with a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard session on the Delaware River.
Sportier members of the crew will love whitewater rafting and tubing, offered through local outfitters like Lander’s River Trips and Kittatinny Canoes. Prefer a slower pace? Lake Superior State Park offers peaceful swimming, sunbathing, and fishing options. And for the angling-inclined, the region’s renowned streams are a fly fisher’s dream.
For more inspiration about what to enjoy on a trip to the Sullivan Catskills, visit Sullivancatskills.com or download the Sullivan Catskills Go! mobile app to start planning your visit.
