After a sold-out 2023 season and a year-long hiatus, the Hudson Valley’s most vibrant celebration of creativity is back: the Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival will return for its third edition, November 5–9, 2025.

More than a festival, Beacon Bonfire is a five-day takeover of the city - transforming streets, breweries, galleries, and unexpected corners of town into stages and canvases. Inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Burning Man, Bonfire blends grassroots energy with Beacon’s unique history, drawing artists and audiences from across the Hudson Valley and beyond.

“The Bonfire is about igniting the spark that happens when art and community collide,” said Kelly Ellenwood, co-founder of the festival. “Beacon has always been a place where creativity burns bright - this festival is our way of stoking that fire for everyone, and creating the space and support that artists of all disciplines need to explore new ideas and projects.”

What’s New for 2025

“Buy One / Give One” Ticketing: In partnership with the Beacon Unicorn Fund, every festival pass purchased can fund a pass for a community member who may not otherwise attend.

Expanded Main Street Takeover: On Saturday, November 8, the full mile of Main Street will pulse with music, dance, and street performance—from the historic Fishkill Landing (West End) to Matteawan (East).

Beacon Bonfire Film Festival @ Industrial Arts Brewing (Nov. 6–7): A cinematic spotlight featuring screenings, pop-up events, and filmmaker talks.

Opening Night Ceremony (Nov. 5): “Syncretic Liturgy in Service to the Bonfire” at Prophecy Hall, the landmark former Dutch Reformed Church.

10K Firetower Run (Nov. 8): Start the day with a race to Beacon’s iconic firetower.

Sunday Reprise (Nov. 9): A family-friendly finale of community art, fire dancers, and the beloved Beacon Drum Circle.

Community Roots + Regional Impact

Since its inception, Beacon Bonfire has drawn thousands of visitors to the Hudson Valley, providing a platform for local artists and boosting the regional economy. Dozens of past participating artists have chosen to relocate to Beacon, inspired by the festival’s spirit of collaboration and its promise of what organizers call the city’s “indefinable magic.”

Supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, Dutchess County, Destination Dutchess, and Arts Mid-Hudson, Beacon Bonfire continues to grow as a premier cultural destination while staying true to its grassroots origins.

How to Get Involved

Volunteer & Earn a Pass: a 4 - 5 hour shift earns volunteers a festival pass! Sign up on our website here.

Stay Car-Free: The festival is designed for walking, biking, and public transit. The Beacon Free Loop now runs Sundays, making it easy to experience the full festival footprint.

Tickets available at beaconbonfire.com

About the Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival

The Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival is co-produced by the BonfireWORKS Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists and fostering community through creativity. Learn more at bonfireworksfoundation.org.

The 2025 Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The 2025 Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival is made possible, in part, through funding from the County of Dutchess and Destination Dutchess (formerly Dutchess Tourism, Inc.) and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson.

The 2025 Beacon Bonfire Music + Art Festival gratefully thanks BeaconArts and the Clara Lou Gould Fund for the Arts for their support. beaconarts.org

Photo Credits For Images:

1. Skyla Schreter, "Phase Space" at the Landmark (now Savage Wonder). Photo Credit Darya Golubina, 2025
2. Watson, at the B House stage, 2025
3. Jeezmo, at the Masonic Lodge, 2025
4. Syncretic Liturgy Crew, before they processed to Prophecy Hall, 2025
5. Samantha Palmeri, 364 Main Community Mural, 2025
6. Veteran's Place S'mores, 2025