Musical Summer Nights

There’s something special, even magical, about live music with a beautiful, historic 1,400-acre property in the Hudson Valley as the backdrop. Whether it’s witnessing a captivating sunset while enjoying a concert or “dancing” under the stars at a DJ Swim Night in the lake, when the landscape becomes part of the show, memories are made. And that’s what happens every summer at Mohonk Mountain House.

From northern Westchester, it’s a quick 90-minute drive to escape your daily life and spend a few evenings at a Victorian castle in the mountains. “Our annual Festival of the Arts, running July 6—Aug. 15, is one long concert series,” says Eric Gullickson, president of Mohonk and a fifth-generation member of the Smiley family, founders of the resort. “With at least one concert per night, you can experience a multitude of musical genres, ranging from pop, folk and disco to classical, jazz and Latin American music. The summer ends with Music on the Mountain from Sept. 1 to 7, featuring nightly concerts from nationally known musicians.” 

Perched atop Shawangunk Ridge in New Paltz, the historic charm of the 156-year-old Victorian castle and acres of trails, exquisite lake, outdoor activities and wellness classes make Mohonk the perfect summer getaway for couples and families.

Mohonk Mountain House.

Your summer soundtrack

There’s a not-so-hidden secret behind the Festival of the Arts’ success: the curator. Now in its 36th year, the annual festival is curated by fourth-generation Smiley family member Maria Guralnik. “As I grew up, I would bring my flute to Mohonk and play a little bit,” remembers Guralnik, who is also an assistant professor of practice in arts management and entrepreneurship at Purchase College. “I was very inspired. Now, I curate the Festival of the Arts. What makes me proud is the fact that I’m just one part of the family, now going into six generations, that all ascribe to the same value system of championing the arts.”

Guralnik’s expertise yields a six-week music/entertainment series featuring top-tier performances across multiple genres. The 2025 lineup includes Queen Mary, a Queen tribute band featuring a female lead singer. There’s also rock & roll from Rhett Miller and the All Stars (July 19 & Aug. 9), jazz by the Frank Vignola Trio (July 24) and GRAMMY Award winner Nicole Zuraitis (Aug. 5), Celtic music from The Chivalrous Crickets (July 27), the Amici Dell’Opera (July 29), Woody Guthrie classics performed by David Lutken (Aug. 11), swing music from Danny Lipsitz and the Brass Tacks (Aug. 7), and more. The festival closes with songs from the icons of country and folk by Americana Women on Aug. 15. 

More than just music

Music is one part of the summer experience at Mohonk; the others are the Summer Showcase and DJ Swim Nights. “On July 9 and 30, as well as Aug. 13 and 27, we will throw lawn parties on the shore of Lake Mohonk,” says Gullickson. “There are live performances by acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, musicians and fire performers as the sun sets over the mountain. It’s the perfect family night for all ages.” And on July 2 & 16, as well as Aug. 6 & 20, Mohonk offers DJ Swim Nights, a relatively new tradition that’s already become a fan favorite. “Once the sun sets, we light up the lake and DJ Steve spins a combination of disco, house and pop classics,” Gullickson explains. “Swim-dancing under a blanket of stars is a truly magical experience for kids and adults alike.”

The grand finale

Mohonk wraps up their summer season with Music on the Mountain, a week-long celebration from Sept. 1 to 7. This annual festival features night after night of performances with nationally known artists and beloved Mohonk alumni. The 2025 lineup includes A Night in Oz on Sept. 1, led by “Wicked” musical director Dan Micciche; beloved alumna singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant on Sept. 3; and GRAMMY Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter, pianist and arranger Nicole Zuraitis on Sept. 5. The week also features the jazz duo Edmar Castaneda & Andrea Tierra.

The Mohonk experience

Beyond the concerts, Mohonk is worth the visit. The kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort boasts a “Kids Stay & Eat Free” program for children 12 and under, and the numerous activities help families and couples unplug and be fully present. There’s hiking, beach swimming, archery, pickleball, boating, tennis, golf, yoga, Pilates, etc., included in the overnight rate.

The Victorian castle features 253 unique rooms, many with fireplaces and balconies, and the private Grove Lodge is ideal for family reunions and group getaways. Plus, there are peaceful mountaintop summerhouses that capture the majestic views, a rejuvenating spa and four different dining locations. “Mohonk is for families, couples, music lovers and anyone who wants to have a magical summer experience,” says Gullickson. “We strive to make it a cultural center.”

This partner content was published in the July/August 2025  edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.