2025 FREE EVENTS
SATURDAY, JULY 26TH
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Borscht Belt Tchotchke Roadshow
Saturday, July 26
3:00-4:15pm
108 Canal Street parking lot
Next to the Borscht Belt MuseumGot 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 27TH
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Borscht Belt Fest Street Fair
Sunday, July 27
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Canal StreetFor 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!
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Mike’s Amazing Family Activities Tent
Sunday, July 27
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Liberty SquareBrought 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.
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Borscht Belt Tchotchke Roadshow
Sunday, July 27
10:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 3:00pm
108 Canal Street parking lot
Next to the Borscht Belt MuseumGot 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.
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Danny Lipsitz's High Anxiety Brass Band
Sunday, July 27
11:00am - 12:30pm
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty StreetGet 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.
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Simon Sez with Steve Max
Sunday, July 27
12:30 – 1:00 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty StreetThink 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.
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Rugelach Bake-Off
Sunday, July 27
1:00 – 1:30 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty StreetSweet, 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.
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Klezmer Berl’s Hotsie Totsie Orkester
Sunday, July 27
2:00 – 3:30 PM
Hunt Memorial Building
2 Liberty StreetFor 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.
Volunteer – Because We Could Use a Few Good Mensches!
Borscht Belt Fest is coming to Ellenville, N.Y. on July 26 & 27, 2025. Don't miss your chance to be part of this celebration of the Borscht Belt era. Sign up to volunteer today.