Discovering the Heartbeat of Upstate New York: A Guide to the Best Places to See Live Music

Upstate New York is a cultural region known for unadulterated nature, mountains and waterfalls, as well as its rich artistic history and vibrant music scene, an area that continues to be a hub for music lovers and artists. If you're looking for the best places to see live music, here's a guide to some of the best live music venues in the Catskills nearby our hotel.

1. The Bearsville Theater

A legendary venue in Woodstock, the Bearsville Theater has a rich history of hosting notable artists across various genres. With its spacious setup and excellent acoustics, it can draw in big-name acts as well as emerging artists. Located just a short drive from the town center, The Bearsville Theater is a must-visit for serious music enthusiasts. The theater's rich history and state-of-the-art sound system create an unforgettable experience for concertgoers. Whether you’re catching a rising star or an established act, the energy in this venue is palpable, but our favorite thing about it is that it's woman-owned by local Lizzie Vann, Ulster County's Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024. For more info on Upcoming Shows – Bearsville Theater  check out their schedule.

2. The Woodstock Playhouse

For those who appreciate theatrical performances alongside live music, The Woodstock Playhouse is a staple of the Catskills arts scene. This historic theater has been showcasing talent since 1938 and features a variety of performances, including musicals, concerts, and special events. The intimate setting allows for an engaging experience, where you can feel the energy of the performances up close. It's a great place to catch local talent as well as touring acts. Check their schedule for upcoming shows here Woodstock Playhouse. 

3. Maverick Concert Hall

The Maverick Concert Hall is a historic performance venue in Woodstock, founded in 1916. Maverick Concerts is the oldest ongoing summer chamber music festival in the US! The incredibly unique open-air concert hall is housed in a rustic wooden building, which offers excellent acoustics, and a charming, intimate atmosphere that feels like pure magic! In addition to classical music, Maverick features jazz, contemporary, folk, and world music. Maverick Family Saturdays offers free music, demonstrations, and discovery for the whole family. Check out the Maverick Concerts summer schedule here: Maverick Concerts | Chamber Music | Jazz | Contemporary and their latest feature in Chronogram.

 4. The Colony

The Colony is a music venue that has become a cornerstone of the Woodstock music scene. Known for its welcoming vibe and eclectic programming, The Colony hosts a diverse lineup of artists, from indie rock to folk and beyond. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it's an excellent spot for summer concerts under the stars, open-mic-nights, and discovering up-and-coming talent. The venue also features art exhibitions and community events, emphasizing its commitment to supporting local culture. We have had delicious barbecue on their lawn while listening to live music during the Summer, danced the night away on an Autumn night, and felt grateful to have such a cool venue so close to home many a time. Check out their schedule here: Colony Woodstock | music venue | 22 Rock City Road, Woodstock, NY, USA when you are planning to stay at Hotel Mountain Brook, our upstate NY boutique hotel.

5. Bethel Woods

Located in Bethel, NY, Bethel Woods is renowned for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural history, most famously known as the site of the original Woodstock festival in 1969. The venue hosts a diverse array of concerts and events throughout the year, featuring genres from rock and pop to classical and folk. With its picturesque landscape, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts offers a unique outdoor amphitheater experience that enhances the enjoyment of live performances. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of music while exploring the beautiful surroundings that celebrate both the legacy of Woodstock, as well as its ongoing musical journey. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

 6. Levon Helm Studios

Home to the late, great Levon Helm of The Band, the studio and performance space is a must visit for any music enthusiast. Levon Helm Studios hosts regular "Midnight Rambles," where guests can enjoy an evening of live music in what feels like Levon's living room! With its unique and relaxed atmosphere, this venue not only showcases talented musicians, but also captures the spirit of community, which Woodstock is known for. Checkout their upcoming schedule Upcoming Shows — Levon Helm Studios and book your stay with us. It is sure to be an unforgettable weekend of incredible music and superb hospitality.

7. Ashokan

The Ashokan Center is an independent music & nature nonprofit established in 2008. They host educational field trips, public & community events including festivals and music & dance camps. They value the preservation of historic crafts & traditions, while supporting lifelong experiential learning. A welcoming community to all, the Ashokan Center values interactions across age groups and generations. All are welcome here. Day passes are available through their website, and they have an extensive upcoming event calendar. From Mushroom Hikes to Old Time Rollicks, the Ahsokan can be counted on for original folk programming. Check them out here; Upcoming Events - The Ashokan Center

8. Local Bars & Restaurants around town.

For a small, upstate NY towns, the Catskills certainly boastsan eclectic, large, and well-versed music scene. You don't necessarily have to visit a "music venue" to catch a great show. Many of our local restaurants and bars host live music performances year-round. Walking out of the front door of our sister property in Woodstock, Twin Gables, you can head in either direction to find a good time.

Here are some of our favorite bars and restaurants with a fun and vibrant music scene:

• The Station Bar & Curio Station Bar & Curio (this is our owner's personal fave, and where she spent many a night post pandemic listening to live reggae, taking in the taxidermy, and trying local ciders.)

• Tinker Street Tavern LIVE MUSIC — Tinker Street Tavern

• Pearl Moon Pearl Moon - Music Events

• Catskill Mountain Pizza Music & Events - Catskill Mountain Pizza Company

From our front door at Hotel Mountain Brook, you also have a walkable option or two for a live music scene in town:

• Last Chance Live Music (at first, you wouldn't suspect a music venue in this old timey candy shop and restaurant, but behind a hidden wall, you are led into a massive bar area that perfectly preserved a time of yesteryear and is the best local spot to catch live music when available!)

• Orpheum (right down the hill from us, has scheduled live music as well as movies and shows)

With its rich musical heritage and strong sense of community, Upstate New York remains a vibrant hub for live music enthusiasts. For a totally immersive experience, book a stay at our mountaintop lodge the historic Hotel Mountain Brook located in the center of it all, walking or driving distance to a lot of the action.

Thanks for reading - Discovering the heartbeat of Upstate New York; a guide to live music venues!

Peace, love, & harmony.