2025 FREE EVENTS

FESTIVAL KICK OFF EVENT
Friday, July 25
7:30 - 10:00 PM
Tony & Nick’s, 162 Canal Street

Start your festival weekend with a bang at Ellenville’s swankiest Italian joint. Join us for a lively evening of games, prizes, and open-mic comedy. Plus a few surprises — and plenty of good company along the way.

Whether you're catching up with old friends or stepping up to the mic, this is your chance to kick back, connect, and crack a few jokes!

Borscht Belt Museum archivist Allen Frishman is the MC. Board members Robin Kauffman and Peter Chester are your hosts.

Cash bar. Dinner available until 9 pm. No reservation necessary; first come, first served.
Want to perform? Email events@borschtbeltmuseum.org to claim your 5-minute slot.

Saturday, July 26
3:00-4:15pm
108 Canal Street parking lot
Next to the Borscht Belt Museum

Got a Catskills keepsake? The Borscht Belt Museum is collecting Borscht Belt memorabilia — from hotel matchbooks and expired resort IDs to camp T-shirts, bungalow colony mementos, postcards, viewfinders, old vacation photos and even glamorous gowns worn at Catskills resort shows — and much more!

Donate your item(s), we'll record a video of you telling its Catskills story, and help the Borscht Belt Museum preserve this legacy through artifacts and oral history!

This event is a collaboration with The Barter Boat. Only original items will be accepted, not scans or photocopies.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Saturday & Sunday
10:00 am -4:00 pm
Hunt Building Gallery

New York-based street photographer Larry Racioppo has immortalized the Catskill summers that shaped his youth.

Beginning in 1971, Racioppo photographed the bungalow colonies his family had visited for over two decades.

The museum is honored to present selections from a bequest of his work that Racioppo recently donated to the museum.

Join us at the Hunt Building Gallery and see the Borscht Belt through Racioppo’s eyes—a site of community, connection and play.

Exhibition curated by Gabriela Valencia.

Sunday, July 27
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Canal Street

For one day only, the streets of Ellenville will be buzzing with live music, mouthwatering food, nostalgic merch, local artisans, family activities, and more! Don't miss this vibrant celebration of Borscht Belt culture and community. Come for the fun, stay for the memories — and bring your appetite!

Sunday, July 27
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Liberty Square

Brought to you by Mike’s Amazing, this all-day drop-in zone features games, crafts, and hands-on fun for kids of all ages. Whether you’re making something goofy, winning a prize, or just taking a break from the street fair, there’s something here to keep little ones — and their grown-ups — smiling.

Sunday, July 27
10:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 3:00pm
108 Canal Street parking lot
Next to the Borscht Belt Museum

Got a Catskills keepsake? The Borscht Belt Museum is collecting Borscht Belt memorabilia — from hotel matchbooks and expired resort IDs to camp T-shirts, bungalow colony mementos, postcards, viewfinders, old vacation photos and even glamorous gowns worn at Catskills resort shows — and much more!

Donate your item(s), we'll record a video of you telling its Catskills story, and help the Borscht Belt Museum preserve this legacy through artifacts and oral history!

This event is a collaboration with The Barter Boat. Only original items will be accepted, not scans or photocopies.

Sunday, July 27
11:00am - 12:30pm
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty Street

Get ready for a high-octane musical mash-up of klezmer, swing, jazz, and rock ’n’ roll — all with that unmistakable Borscht Belt flair. Led by NYC bandleader and entertainer Danny Lipsitz, the High Anxiety Brass Band channels the spirit of Catskills lounge acts, delivering toe-tapping tunes, punchy horn lines, and just the right amount of musical mishegas.

Sunday, July 27
12:30 – 1:00 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty Street

Think you're good at following directions? Think again. Join legendary Simon Sez caller Steve Max for a hilarious, high-energy showdown that’s equal parts competition and comedy. All ages welcome — but don’t expect to win unless you're really paying attention.

Sunday, July 27
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty Street

Sweet, swirly, and fiercely competitive. From cinnamon to chocolate to... pickles?! Enter your best twist on this classic Jewish pastry and impress our panel of esteemed judges. Want to compete? Email to register.

Sunday, July 27
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty Street

For over fifteen years, this beloved Hudson Valley ensemble has brought joy, rhythm, and ruach to every room they play. Rooted in Eastern European Jewish folk traditions and infused with camaraderie and soul, the Hotsie Totsies serve up classic klezmer with irresistible energy. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing.

Sunday, July 27
2:30 – 3:30 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
Mike’s Amazing Family Activities Tent

Krazy Tyrone, the legendary tummler of Kutsher’s Hotel, is back with a reprise of his off-the-wall ping-pong wizardry that often involves an unlikely array of paddles.

Do you have what it takes to go a round with Krazy Tyrone?

Sunday, July 27
3:30 – 4:00 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty Street

Israeli-American rapper Kosha Dillz delivers user-friendly raps with themes serious and some not. He approaches dark topics with a bit of humor, various languages and improv roasting.