I knew the sound of a chain saw during Fright Night at Bethel Woods was not going to be a good thing. I’d already been followed by the Nun from the Conjuring movies, a crazed ghoulish spirit, and almost got talked into climbing into a witch’s cauldron of something steamy, and I’m not talking clam chowder.
This was Bethel Woods’ annual Peace, Love & Pumpkin festival that takes place every fall celebrating the harvest of the season, its beautiful location in the heart of Sullivan County, and the historic grounds that once held the August 1969 Woodstock Concert.
There was so much to take in already, and now I had a guy with a chain saw prowling around the Halloween décor and lights. In the distance, humongous skeletons were performing a Grateful Dead song, but a speaker I’d just walked past during my stroll gave growling warnings that something was going to get me. It was all in great fun, and since this was a family event, it offered just enough spooky ambience.
Bethel Woods, the award-winning concert and event venue, is renowned for its top-quality summer entertainment. It’s a fitting title since the place was the site for one of the 60’s most memorable events: those three days of “peace, love and music.” They’ve taken that motto as inspiration for the holidays. So, their Peace, Love & Pumpkins offering takes advantage of the staff’s creativity, and the miles of gently rolling walkways within the main facility. It’s their way of keeping the theme of “peace” and “love” going all year.
This “enchanting walk-thru Halloween experience,” runs until November 2. It’s their fifth year of decorated garden trails with hand-carved jack-o-lanterns, Woodstock festival icons, dinosaurs, mermaids and witches. I particularly enjoyed the nod to the Hocus Pocus movie.
Before or after the stroll, there are pavilions featuring beverages – for kids and adults — with warming bonfires and comfy chairs for outdoor sitting. There was a band playing on this night which encouraged visitors to stay for a while and sip a cup of hot chocolate.
Once the pumpkins are taken down, it’ll be time for the next holiday event: the Peace, Love & Lights festival which is a drive-thru experience winding along almost two miles of beautiful grounds all aglow. On the weekend after Thanksgiving, local vendors are on hand with unique holiday gifts, some handmade or featuring the fruits of the Hudson Valley.
A new experience was recently introduced and may make for a great 2026 getaway: check out the “glamping” at Bethel Woods. Choices include pitching your own tent or booking a stay in one of their luxury pavilions. Once the summer concert line-up is introduced, a stay-over to avoid the drive home may just be the thing.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is committed to building upon its rich history of peace and music by providing extraordinary experiences and access to the arts. With the belief that the world can be made better through the power of music and the arts, Bethel Woods makes music, visual, performing and creative arts programming available and accessible to the community, helping people of all ages discover and tap into their creative potential.
Visit bethelwoodscenter.org for dates, times, tickets, and lots more information about their year-round events.
October 31, 2025: Halloween trick or treating experience for kids.
The Walk-Thru experiences continues until November 2, 2025.
The Fright Night experience was a one-night only event.
All photos by MJ Hanley-Goff
