Once again, Peekskill will turn into an enchanted city. A brick road, a scarecrow, a tin man, a lion, and a girl with braids will be the stars of the OzLand Festival on Saturday, August 16. The classic work of L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz, will come to life in Pugsley Park —in the very heart of the city— bringing the public music, costumes, crafts, contests, performances, and activities for the whole family. This is the fifth edition of the festival, produced and organized by Antonia Arts since 2021.
This year, the event will begin at 1 p.m. and is scheduled to run until 7 p.m. As every year, it will be free of charge and remains one of the most anticipated gatherings in the community, due to L. Frank Baum’s literary connection to Peekskill. Local lore tells of a yellow cobblestone path in the city that once led to the military academy. Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, attended the school for a time, and the city’s history holds that the path inspired the famous Yellow Brick Road Dorothy follows on her journey to Oz.
Scarlett Antonia, founder of the nonprofit organization Antonia Arts, has worked tirelessly to make each year’s festival better than the last. For the 2025 edition, more surprises are expected. “This year, OzLand will be bigger than ever, with more activities, more artists, and more magic. We are excited to see the community come together to celebrate,” Antonia said in a recent Facebook post.
Among the scheduled activities, attendees will have the chance to dress as the iconic characters of Oz for a costume contest with prizes. In addition, there will be live music by local groups such as The Wiz Kidz and DJ sets to energize the afternoon. Food and local craft vendors will also be part of the scene.
The event includes activities for all ages: Zumba and line dancing classes for adults, storytelling and creative workshops for children, and the Artsmobile from ArtsWestchester, offering participatory art experiences in an open-air setting filled with creativity and charm.
In its four previous editions, the OzLand Festival has drawn hundreds of people to downtown Peekskill. Last year featured Jonathan Kruk, the Master Storyteller of the Hudson Valley, accompanied by musician Steve Kelman. This year, Kruk’s performance will return. “It is an opportunity for families to connect, have fun, and celebrate the rich literary history of our city,” Antonia said on the event’s official page.
