Borscht Belt Fest returns on July 27 & 28, 2024
Created by the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum, Borscht Belt Fest celebrates and pays homage to the Borscht Belt’s vibrant past and showcases its legacy and wide-ranging influence on contemporary American culture.
The festival takes place in downtown Ellenville and features stand-up comedy, art, live music, film, educational programming – and of course food.
Borscht Belt Fest’s street fair, exhibits, musical performances and movie screenings are free. Comedy shows and talks each require a ticket purchase, with the proceeds going to support the non-profit Catskills Borscht Belt Museum.
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Festival Line-Up
We’ve got stand-up comedians who will have you rolling in the aisles! Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to get tickets for our hilarious comedy programs.
Get a glimpse of the Catskills vibrant past at the Borscht Belt Museum. Browse exhibits showcasing Borscht Belt-themed artwork. Borscht Belt Talks will feature renowned speakers sharing captivating stories of the Borscht Belt's entertainment legacy and culinary heritage.
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Borscht Belt Fest street fair with an array of delicious food, nostalgic merch, local artisans, free entertainment and games.
Our 2024 Line-Up will be announced over the coming months, but for now have a look at what you missed last year…
Street Fair
Bring your appetite, for fun and food! Our curated Borscht Belt Fest street fair will encompass several blocks of downtown Ellenville. The event will feature local artisans, nostalgic merchandise, and delicious food, including artful interpretations of Jewish classics. Enjoy a full day of entertainment with bands, singers, street vendors, games, galleries and more. We're proud to partner with dozens of local and regional restaurants, delis, and food trucks to offer a range of culinary classics and contemporary twists. Come join us, the Borscht Belt is back!
The Catskills Borscht Belt Museum's inaugural arts extravaganza, Borscht Belt Fest 2023, was a smashing success, with 31 comedians, 5 bands, 1 babka-bakeoff winner and thousands of attendees who packed into our pop up museum and kvelled over the culinary offerings from two dozen food vendors. Thanks to filmmaker Melody Gilbert for putting together these highlights of the day.
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Celebrating the Legacy
Borscht Belt Fest is a project of the Borscht Belt Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Borscht Belt resort era, and celebrating its history as a refuge from bigotry, the cradle of stand-up comedy and a cultural catalyst that left deep imprints on America.
Future home of the Borscht Belt Museum.
The festival includes indoor and outdoor venues, anchored on one end by the Shadowland Stages’ iconic art deco theater and on the other end by the museum’s home, the former Home National Bank, a Neo-Georgian landmark that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Borscht Belt Fest employs local resources wherever possible and boosts Ellenville’s identity as a cultural magnet, tourist draw and diverse community that is welcoming to all.
Architectural rendering of the Catskills Borscht Belt Museum by Architecture in Formation www.aifny.com.
Borscht Belt Fest needs your support!
Please help us ensure the inaugural festival is as vibrant, varied and successful as possible. Funds raised will support the artists, artisans, cooks and comedians who will be bringing their talents to Ellenville.
Consider it a mitzvah. And don’t forget: donations are tax-deductible!
Use the form to donate quickly and securely via Donorbox. Checks, to the Committee for a Catskills Resort Museum, can be mailed to:
Borscht Belt Fest
P.O. Box 45
Ellenville, N.Y. 12428
Or email us to arrange your donation.
Join our Team of Volunteers
Borscht Belt Fest is coming to Ellenville, N.Y. on July 27 & 28, 2024.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this celebration of the Borscht Belt era. Sign up to volunteer today.