About Phoenix Festival:
Live Arts in Nyack

In 2022, Nyack joined the roster of world-class arts events with  Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack, an annual celebration of live theater, dance, music, local culture, and the creative spirit of community. Over its five inaugural weekends in September and October 2022, the Festival presented both live and outdoor performances against the majestic vistas of the Hudson River and the lively, jazzy riverside village of Nyack. In 2023, the critically-acclaimed Festival expanded its programming to include four indoor and outdoor productions, partnerships with Children’s Shakespeare Company and Emotions Physical Theatre, and special events all over downtown Nyack. The 2024 Festival saw even more world class companies bringing live performance joy to audiences of all ages, and brought new visitors and revenue to Rockland and its local businesses and workers. The Festival also offers a spotlight for local Nyack nonprofits, along with opportunities for students and volunteers to get up-close and hands-on with the performing arts.

In 2025, Phoenix Festival is bringing a feast of critically accaimed live performances from companies like Blessed Unrest and Emotions Physical Theatre, breathtaking stories like The Crucible, Sugar Ray, Crusoe, Afterplay, The Odyssey and so much more. We can’t wait to welcome you to Nyack for the 4th Annual Phoenix Festival!

The Festival is hosted and produced by the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, an internationally recognized leader in classical and contemporary theater and winner of multiple prestigious awards for excellence in theater arts. Founded in New York City in 2004, the Ensemble is proud to make Rockland County its second artistic home. PTE Artistic Director Elise Stone and and PTE Executive Director Craig Smith serve as the Festival’s leadership, engaging local, county and New York State institutions, educational organizations, businesses and non-profits in support of the Festival.

FAQ

Q: What happens in case of inclement weather?
A. All performances are Rain or Shine, unless there is a declared Weather Warning for Rockland County issued by the National Weather Service. In the event of a declared Weather Warning, Festival Administration will communicate to ticket holders via email in as timely manner as possible concerning performance delay or rescheduling.
Ticket exchanges to another performance of the same show are allowed up to 48 hours before the originally scheduled performance. Patrons can expedite their own exchanges by consulting their ticket confirmation email for instructions.

Q. Do I need to bring my own chair or blanket to sit on?
A. You will need to bring a chair or blanket for the free shows in Memorial Park. All other venues have seating.

Q. Do you recommend nearby hotels?
A. Yes, see accommodations.