Borscht Belt Fest 2025 will return to the Catskills in New York on July 26–27 with a who’s who of comedic storytellers spanning stage, screen and sketch. Now in its third year, the festival is the marquee summer event for the Borscht Belt Museum, drawing Baby Boomers and Generation Z alike to celebrate the Catskills’ golden era.
Josh Gondelman, an Emmy-winning writer, stand-up comedian and author, will headline the festival. He’ll be joined by actor and comedian Elon Gold (Netflix, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), comedian Sarge, and more than 30 additional performers. Trailblazing comedian and actor Robert Klein, who spent his childhood summers in the Catskills and launched his career at legendary Borscht Belt venues like the Concord Hotel, and Kutsher’s Hotel and Country Club, will take part in a special Q&A and be honored on Saturday night with a lifetime achievement award, presented by Gondelman.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh Gondelman, Robert Klein, and our entire lineup to Borscht Belt Fest 2025,” said Andrew Jacobs, board president of the Borscht Belt Museum, which aims to preserve the history of the 20th-century Jewish vacationland that drew top entertainers, political leaders and civil-rights activists. “They embody the spirit and legacy of the Catskills we celebrate.”
In addition to stand-up, the festival will feature panel discussions with the celebrated author Gary Shteyngart, children of iconic Catskills performers, writers from late-night television and comedic illustrators from The New Yorker. Guests will also be able to enjoy art workshops, live music, a story slam, a rugelach-making contest and a street fair showcasing local artisans and traditional Jewish food.
The festival drew more than 8,000 visitors last year from the Hudson Valley and Catskills in Upstate New York and the New York metropolitan area. Outdoor events are free and open to the public. Tickets are required for most indoor events and are available for purchase in advance. This year’s event is made possible, in part, by UJA-Federation of New York.
Media contact: Sandi Werfel, sandi@alizstrategies.com.