Nyack’s riverside streets will transform into a vibrant hub of culture this October as the Phoenix Festival: Live Arts in Nyack returns for its fourth dynamic year. With live theater, dance, and music, this multi-day celebration offers one special performance of each extraordinary show. The festival honors Nyack’s rich creative culture and draws visitors from across the tri-state area, thanks to its popularity as an easy day trip by car, train, or bus.
Festival Highlights (Oct 3–16)
- “Sugar Ray”– A poignant biographical solo show chronicling boxing legend Sugar Ray Robinson, starring multi Audelco Award-winning Reginald L. Wilson, live Friday, October 3rd, 7:00 PM at The Angel Nyack https://liveartsinnyack.com/sugarayfestival2025
- “The Odyssey”– An epic, one-hour Ancient Greek rendition of Homer’s Book 2, created and performed by Broadway veteran and Legend Robe Winner, Joseph Medeiros on Saturday, October 4th, 2:30 PM at The Nyack Library https://liveartsinnyack.com/theoddessyfestival25
- “Out of the Hat”– Four commissioned short plays by Rockland playwrights performed impromptu by actors whose roles are determined by drawing names out of a hat, handed a script, and given 5 minutes to prepare before performing a fully staged reading performance. – unpredictable and usually a bit wild on Tuesday, October 7th, 7:30 PM at The Nyack Center https://liveartsinnyack.com/out-of-the-hat-festival25.
- Community Event Highlight “The Crucible”– The Firebird Project, in association with Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, proudly presents a new revival of Arthur Miller’s timeless and politically charged masterpiece. Something is wrong with the children of Salem, and their parents are desperate to set it right. As suspicion spreads and old grudges resurface, a wave of moral panic threatens to tear their society apart. Presented as a Public Works performance, this groundbreaking production will feature an ensemble of community members, creating a powerful, immersive experience that brings fresh urgency to one of America’s most enduring plays. Sunday, October 5, 2025, 4:00 PM at The Nyack Center https://liveartsinnyack.com/thecruciblefestival25
- “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” – Filled with Billie Holiday’s popular songs and her powerful memories, Lanie Robertson’s multi-award-winning play recreates Billie’s final performance. Friday, October 10th, 7:00 PM at Prohibition River Rose Hall https://liveartsinnyack.com/ladydayfestival25
“Each Fall, Nyack reminds us of what happens when a whole community says yes to live art.” said Craig Smith, Co-Founder of Phoenix Theatre Ensemble and Executive Director of the Festival. “From a one-night-only Sugar Ray to Homer’s The Odyssey, to a community-powered Crucible, this year’s festival brings world-class artists in theatre, dance, music and comedy to the Hudson Valley. It’s about great stories, local pride, and the creative energy that fuels our local economy all presented in venues throughout the village. Grab a Flex Pass, bring friends, and come help us make the magic together.”
Tickets
The 2025 Phoenix Festival Flexible Admission Passes offer great value and convenience, allowing you to use your tickets in any combination across select performances. The 4 Ticket Pass saves you $20 compared to four standard adult tickets, perfect for bringing friends to one show or attending multiple events solo. For an upgraded experience, the VIP 6 Ticket Pass includes six flexible tickets plus the perk of reserved seating when arranged with the box office at least 24 hours in advance. Both passes can only be redeemed for specific shows listed on the festival website.
Tickets to all Phoenix Festival performances are $38.00. All venues are subject to capacity limits, and smaller venues fill up quickly! For tickets call Phoenix Theatre Ensemble Box Office at 833-681-4800 or reserve on website: https://liveartsinnyack.com
FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Date Show/Event & Venue
Fri, Oct 3, 7:00PM SUGAR RAY @ The Angel Nyack
Sat, Oct 4, 2:30PM THE ODYSSEY @ The Nyack Library
Sun, Oct 5, 4:00PM THE CRUCIBLE @ The Nyack Center
Mon, Oct 6, 6:00PM LARRY PARKS’ DAY IN COURT @ The Nyack Library
Tue, Oct 7, 7:30PM OUT OF THE HAT @ The Nyack Center
Wed, Oct 8, 6:30PM BLOOPERS & FLUBS @ Big Red Books (Free event, reservations required)
Wed, Oct 8, 7:30PM ASHLEY EVERHART @ Prohibition River Rose Hall
Thu, Oct 9, 7:00PM EMOTIONS PHYSICAL THEATRE @ The Angel Nyack
Fri, Oct 10, 7:00PM LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL @ Prohibition River Rose Hall
Sat, Oct 11, 3:00PM SERMONS ON MIRANDA LAMBERT BY BLESSED UNREST @ Prohibition River
Sat, Oct 11, 7:00PM MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by Drilling Company Theatre @ The Nyack Center
Tue, Oct 14, 7:00PM CLARA CROFT IN THE AMULET OF ISIS @ The Angel Nyack
Wed, Oct 15, 7:00PM AFTERPLAY by Brian Friel @ Hudson House (Upstairs)
Thu, Oct 16, 6:30PM DR. UNCANNY PRESENTS: MOREAU ‘96 @ Prohibition River /Rose Hall
Thu, Oct 16, 8:00PM FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT PARTY @ Prohibition River /Rose Hall
