In Photo: Assemblymember Barrett, members of the PS21 Board of Directors, local officials, and Chamber representatives cut the ribbon with the Chamber’s ceremonial scissors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting for PS21’s New Winter Festival
February 16, 2026 – Chatham, NY
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce proudly participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, February 16, 2026, celebrating the launch of The Dark, a new annual winter festival presented by PS21 : Center for Contemporary Performance.
The ceremony brought together members of the PS21 Board of Directors, Chamber leadership, community members, and local officials, including Didi Barrett and John Howe, Mayor of Chatham. Attendees gathered to mark the official opening of what promises to become a signature cultural event for Columbia County.
Taking place February 16–22, 2026, the festival unfolds at PS21 and in venues across Columbia County—including theatres, restaurants, libraries, saunas, and outdoor public spaces. Featuring more than 60 international artists and over 80 performances, the week-long celebration includes contemporary performance, installation art, music, dance, and theatre. The festival explores winter as a season of community and solitude, fire and ice, darkness and light.
A major new attraction for the region, the festival helps position Columbia County as a year-round cultural destination—not only during the summer months, but throughout all seasons.
PS21 Center for Contemporary Performance is located at 2980 Route 66
Chatham, NY 12037. Learn more about PS21 Center for Contemporary Performance | Chatham, NY
