Feb 12 - Mar 1: Culture of Bathe-ing: The Largest Sauna Festival in U.S. History
- Upstairs NYC
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Williamsburg’s waterfront transforms into a steaming sanctuary of art, ritual, and radical connection.
Practical Info
Date & Time: February 12 – March 1, 2026 (Ticketed sessions vary; programming runs daily)
Location: Domino Park (Williamsburg Waterfront 15 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 map)
Overview:
Led by Robert Hammond (co-founder of the High Line) and hosted by Therme Group, Culture of Bathe-ing is an unprecedented "bathing experiment" that transforms Domino Park into the largest sauna village ever staged in the United States. This isn't just about sweating out the winter; it is a 17-sauna architectural village blending wellness with immersive art. Through a partnership with Pioneer Works, the festival features over 1,000 guided experiences, live performances, and "Hot Bodies"—a program using heat as a medium for deep human connection.
Photograph: Courtesy Culture of Bathe-ingCulture of Bathe-ing
Key Takeaways:
Global Mastery: Features Aufguss World Champions and practitioners from elite sanctuaries like Bathhouse, Othership, and the legendary Russian & Turkish Baths.
Architectural Marvels: 17 distinct saunas create a visual "village" against the industrial backdrop of the Williamsburg Bridge.
Artistic Depth: Beyond the steam, enjoy live music, DJ sets, and ritual performances curated by Gabriel Florenz of Pioneer Works.
Democratic Wellbeing: While guided sessions range from $60–$125, the festival includes free public programming and workshops to ensure the community remains central to the heat.
An Insider’s Tip:
The true "soul" of this festival lies in the Aufguss sessions. These are choreographed performances where "Heat Masters" use essential oils and rhythmic towel movements to circulate steam. It is a high-sensory ritual that is rarely seen on this scale in America. Book the "Golden Hour" slots; there is nothing quite like watching the Manhattan skyline flicker through the steam of a panoramic sauna as the sun sets.
A Note for Our Inner Circle:
This event represents a major strategic move by Therme Group to introduce their vision of "Urban Wellbeing" to North America. Following their massive success in Europe (5.3 million annual visitors), they are using the Williamsburg waterfront as a proof-of-concept: that the ancient tradition of the communal bathhouse can solve the modern crisis of urban isolation. It’s a sophisticated blend of social engineering and luxury wellness.