We Love Crystal Lake Summer Celebration July 11th
The We Love Crystal Lake Event Series addresses a critical need for safe, inclusive, nature-based gathering spaces in the City of Newburgh—especially for urban, low-income, and immigrant residents who have limited access to green spaces. By activating Newburgh’s largest green space, Crystal Lake, the event promotes ecological awareness, food justice, outdoor recreation, and community connection. It strengthens local pride while advancing our ongoing stewardship and restoration of Crystal Lake, a vital natural resource at the heart of the city.
Free community festival features live salsa, kayaking, free haircuts, a shared meal, and environmental stewardship at Newburgh’s largest green space.
NEWBURGH, NY – June 11, 2026 — The Newburgh Sanctuary is thrilled to announce the return of its We Love Crystal Lake event series with a vibrant Summer Celebration on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crystal Lake (61 Temple Ave). Designed to break down social and economic barriers, this free, multilingual, and culturally resonant festival invites residents of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature and celebrate community resilience.
The We Love Crystal Lake series directly addresses a critical need for safe, inclusive, nature-based gathering spaces in the City of Newburgh—particularly for urban and immigrant residents who have historically had limited access to green spaces. By activating the city’s largest natural gem, the event merges ecological awareness, outdoor recreation, and food sovereignty with the arts. This summer gathering kicks off the first of three seasonal celebrations designed to build local pride and highlight the ongoing community stewardship of Crystal Lake.
"We are building incredible positive momentum at the lake, from launching innovative floating gardens to planting native pollinator corridors," said Betty Bastidas, Executive Director of the Newburgh Sanctuary. "This festival is about continuing that transformation. It is a space where our neighbors can celebrate, heal, and nourish themselves on the land. We are inviting everyone to come out for a day of laughter, connection, and a shared love for this beautiful sanctuary."
The event features a robust lineup of entirely free activities, including kayaking, thrifting, tarot readings, nature-based arts, and free haircuts. Attendees will also enjoy a free community meal, an energetic salsa dancing workshop, and live musical performances funded in part by a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson.
Event Schedule | Saturday, July 11 (3:00 PM – 8:00 PM):
● 3:00 PM: Guided Community Hike led by Outdoor Promise
● 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Drop-in Activities (Free haircuts, thrifting, tarot card readings, nature-based arts, and garden walk-throughs)
● 4:00 PM: Salsa Workshop open to all skill levels
● 5:00 PM: Free Community Meal by Sabores de mi Tierra
● 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Live Music by Pulso de Barro
● 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM: Live Music by Daniel Villegas' Libre Band
Members of the public, families, and local media are warmly invited to attend. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted to the Newburgh Sanctuary’s social media channels.
About the Newburgh Sanctuary: The Newburgh Sanctuary is a community-led organization transforming public land into flourishing spaces of nourishment, healing and belonging. Through arts, food, wellness, and cultural events, we strengthen collective identity, pride and joy. Together, we empower people and the land to thrive in harmony.
