Get ready to sweat—it’s heating up! The largest sauna village ever in the U.S. has opened on the Williamsburg waterfront, inviting everyone to join the communal experience.
This event will be running until March 1st, and it’s called Culture of Bathing. It encourages New Yorkers to step back from their busy lives and engage in a timeless ritual.
What great timing, right? There’s been a rise in social bathhouses across the city, especially as health-conscious Gen Z and Millennials explore global wellness traditions to connect and unwind in a uniquely American way.
“Many cultures have specific styles of bathing,” said Robert Hammond, the festival founder. “Finland has saunas, Japan has hot springs, South Korea has jjimjilbangs.”
“What’s happening is that the U.S. is taking inspiration from all these traditions and creating something fresh,” he added. “That’s what’s behind the culture of bathing.”
The festival, a three-week “public bath and cultural experience,” is set in Domino Park, with a perfect view of the East River.
When guests arrive, they swap their winter attire for swimsuits and sandals in the locker room. Sauna enthusiasts often don bell-shaped felt hats to shield their heads and hair from the heat.
As you gear up, the sweating begins.
With 15 uniquely designed saunas—ranging from cozy Airstreams to large rooms for 70 people—each sauna is set to a different temperature, allowing guests to find the ideal heat level.
But it’s not all just about saunas. Culture of Bathing has teamed up with Brooklyn’s Pioneer Works to offer a variety of engaging programs.
Inside the saunas, you can take part in breathing and laughter workshops. And there are spaces for guided meditation and bodywork exercises.
Throughout the day, the German Aufguss ritual is performed, where a sauna master tosses ice cubes infused with essential oils onto hot rocks to create fragrant steam.
This master will swirl towels and fans in a rhythmic style, adding a performance element to the heat therapy. It often elicits cheers from the crowd.
After the Aufguss, cooling down is a must.
For the brave, there’s a chilling spot with temperatures at 37 degrees, but moving between saunas can certainly provide a refreshing contrast amid New York’s chilly winter.
Inside the event tent, you can relax, hydrate, and mingle while enjoying cultural programming that includes author talks, immersive art experiences, musical acts, and tea ceremonies.
The festival runs daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $60 to $125, depending on the time of day. Each ticket grants a two-hour sauna experience, and the vibe shifts as temperatures rise.
Mornings are typically calm, afternoons become lively, and evenings turn into spirited sauna parties, which is just what New Yorkers seem to love these days.
Younger crowds are increasingly avoiding traditional bar scenes in favor of health-driven, alcohol-free spaces—like sauna nights, comedy shows, and low-key raves, all conducted in temperatures over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hammond, co-founder of The High Line, noted that this trend really picked up speed during the pandemic. “People have become more aware of their health, and studies show that saunas are among the healthiest activities you can engage in,” he remarked.
Research from 2018 has indicated that greater sauna use can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Just a couple of sessions each week can lower the odds of heart attack and stroke by as much as 25%, while even more sessions can drop that risk by 77%.
Another study highlighted that sauna use can offer benefits akin to moderate exercise, and other research has tied regular sauna sessions to increased longevity and improved brain function.
However, saunas aren’t suitable for everyone. Culture of Bathing advises those who are pregnant, have heart or respiratory issues, or other medical conditions to consult a doctor before attending.
Beyond physical health, Hammond pointed out an essential aspect that has grown vital post-lockdown: connection.
Surveys show that over half of New Yorkers report feelings of loneliness, which can have severe health consequences.
“Saunas create a space for socializing when you’re feeling low; yet you walk away feeling rejuvenated,” he explained. “You won’t feel hungover or unwell.”
Honestly? He definitely has a point.
After spending three hours at Culture of Bathing, I’ve actually been sleeping better than I have in months. Even my coworkers noticed a glow in my skin when I returned to the office the next day.
