From Celebration to Transformation
What a day! On September 27, Crystal Lake overflowed with joy, music, food, and community connection during Creek Fest at Crystal Lake 2025. In thankful collaboration with Outdoor Promise, Scenic Hudson, City of Newburgh, Newburgh Waterways, EJ Fellows, Quassaick Creek Greenway, Quassaick Creek Watershed Alliance, and Greater Newburgh Parks Conservancy. Together, we all hiked, paddled, danced, drummed, and celebrated the beauty of Crystal Lake.
Our Favorite Moments
Nature & Exploration
We kicked off with an Outdoor Promise Hike, explored biodiversity through AquaBlitz + BioBlitz workshops with the Quassaick Creek Watershed Alliance and Newburgh’s Environmental Justice Fellows, and even paddled across the lake with Newburgh Waterways.
Art, Love & Community
The Revolutionary Love Project workshopwith Anusha Mehar inspired reflection and resilience. Families drummed with Spero, kids got creative with arts & crafts, and neighbors gathered for a delicious community meal by Los Sabores de Mi Pueblo.
Music & Celebration
From lively Latin music with El Super Grupoto the powerful finale with the Ubaka Drumsong Orchestra, music filled the air and brought us all together by the water.
💚 Gratitude to the performers and dancers who reminded us how joyful community can be.
🎵 NEXT UP: Sounds & ExpressionsSaturday, October 11 · 4–8pm
In partnership with Sael Varela, our upcoming event, Sounds and Expressionswill be hosted at the Newburgh Sanctuary. There will be live bands, local vendors, and a collaborative mural plus art on display.
Wander through art installations, add your mark to a community mural, and take part in collaborative art-making while listening to live music by local artist.
🌿 Herbal Medicine for Winter Wellness Sunday, Oct 19 · 1-3pm
Get ready for Winter! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create three powerful herbal remedies to support your body through the cold season — from a Holy Basil + Lemon Balm tincture for stress, to a Garlic + Oregano Honey syrup for coughs and immunity, and a Mugwort, Marigold + Calendula cleansing wand to purify your home.
All materials provided — come dressed ready to harvest and work directly with making the herbal medicine in the garden.
A Special Thanks
Thank you to our Land & Culture Champion, Central Hudson, for supporting community connection through art, culture, and care for the land. 🌳
