The Beach Boys won’t be taking the stage at Bethel Woods’ 20th anniversary celebration after all.
The band has postponed its upcoming performances, including Friday’s show in Bethel. But rather than cancel the milestone event, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has turned the day into a free community celebration featuring Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, live music, museum admission, family activities and fireworks.
“We’ll still have music all day,” Bryn Van Horne of Bethel Woods said, emphasizing that the anniversary celebration itself remains unchanged.
The Beach Boys released a statement regarding the decision to postpone all shows from July 23 through Sept. 3, citing the need for a “short break to recharge.”
“Playing for you is the highlight of our summer every year — especially as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States while saluting the 60th Anniversary of ‘Pet Sounds,’” reads the statement. “To keep the good vibrations going strong, we’ll be taking a short break to recharge before getting back on the road in September. … Thanks for your understanding — we can’t wait to see you back out there for a September to Remember.”
For those who already purchased tickets before the lineup change, Van Horne said refunds will be issued automatically. Premium parking purchases will also be refunded, with guests able to repurchase parking if they choose.
The 20th Anniversary event, now free to attend, opens at 2 p.m. Activities begin shortly afterward with a performance by Jake Nelson and continue throughout the day, culminating in fireworks around 9:15 p.m.
Beyond the music, visitors will receive free admission to the Museum at Bethel Woods, where exhibits explore the history of the 1969 Woodstock festival and the cultural movements of the 1960s. Van Horne said the anniversary offers visitors a chance to connect that history with the site’s more recent chapter.
“It’s great to learn about the history of Woodstock and the historic site of Bethel Woods,” she said, “and then come out of the museum and go over to the celebration and see where Bethel Woods has evolved into in the past 20 years and how it’s evolved since the Woodstock Festival.”
Performances will take place on two stages. Along with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, the lineup includes Remember Jones, the Chris Rabe Band and Jake Nelson. The celebration will also feature Bethel Woods’ Rock Camp Ambassador Band, made up of young musicians who learned to play through the center’s educational programs.
Family-friendly activities, crafts, giveaways and discounted $20 car and tent camping will also be available throughout the day. Visitors arriving early will have a chance to receive commemorative 20th anniversary merchandise.
Despite the unexpected change, Van Horne said the focus remains on celebrating with the community that has supported Bethel Woods since it opened in 2006.
“So much of what we do is for the community,” she said. “We love seeing everybody come out, the joy on their faces, everyone dancing and singing, and we’re hoping that Friday will be just that.”
Image: Mike Love of The Beach Boys performs during the 54th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction and awards gala on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)