Summer Events 2017
Summer Events 2017: The only Summer Events Guide you will ever need. 101 What To Do’s for townies, foodies, culture-vultures and road warriors!
June
From the Streets: An Exhibition of Urban Art, ArtsWestchester – Tues-Sat, 4/11-7/15: Anchored by large-scale mural commissions by some of the best-known American urban artists, From the Streets follows graffiti’s stylistic evolution from its genesis as a 1980s youth subculture in the Bronx to its rising prominence in the global art scene. Mixed-media installations, murals and works on canvas highlight the mastery and diverse practices of today’s street artists. (31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains; www.artswestchester.org)
Picturing Love, Katonah Museum of Art, Tues-Sun, 3/19: 6/25: This new photography exhibition features fifty works from a range of periods and genres depicting romantic love, friendship and parental love for their child. The photographs take a look back at the history of this subject from early days to contemporary art. (134 Jay St., Rt. 22, Katonah; www.katonahmuseum.org)
Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway, Sun, 5/28-6/25: 10am-2pm: Westchester Parks Foundation closes off a six and a half mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, scooters and strollers. Park your car at the County Center lot and bike to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. Round trip 13.1 miles.
Greenwich International Film Festival – Thurs-Sun, 6/1-4: 54 features & shorts at the Bow Tie Theatre & other venues. The Centerpiece films are: Changed: The Eduardo Garcia Story about a celebrity chef jolted with 2400 volts of electricity while fishing in Montana, and The Light of the Moon, about a sexual assault survivor. Plus, a screening of the long-awaited animated film Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. Flo Rida headlines the Opening Party. Renee Zellweger & Christy Turlington are honored at the fest’s Changemaker Gala. www.greenwichfilm.org)
80th Food & Wine Celebration, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Fri, 6/2: 7pm: This benefit for SM&NC features food wine and dancing in the Bendel Mansion. With food and wine from Savory Gourmet, Some Things Fishy, Susan Kane Catering, Planet Barbecue, Sweet Creations and more. (39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, CT; www.stamfordmuseum.org)
Giving Back! Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester’s Humanitarian Award Dinner – Fri, 6/2: 6pm: Food, cocktails, dancing and a silent auction. This year’s event will honor Annica and Daniel van Starrenburg, CEO’s of SavATree, and Barbara Cutri, Director of Operations at BGCNW. (Birdstone Farm, 20 Boutonville Rd., Cross River; www.bgcnw.com)
Local! Our Town, The Armonk Players, Whippoorwill Hall at NCPL – Fri-Sat, 6/2-3, Thurs-Sat, 6/8-10: 8pm & Sun, 6/4: 4pm: To celebrate it’s 20th anniversary, The Armonk Players present Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about everyday people in the fictional small town Grover’s Corners. The play is famous for it’s “meta theatrical” devices. It is set on a bare stage with a narrator and the actors work without props. Tickets are just $20. (Whippoorwill Hall Theatre, Kent Place, Armonk; www.armonkplayers.org)
Local! Friday Night Movies with Professor Valerie Franco at NCPL – Fri, 6/2, 9, 16 & 23: 7pm: Journey to Greenland: 2 Parisians travel to remote Greenland in this 2016 road trip/buddy movie. (6/2) Barney’s Version: Are Barney Panofsky’s (Paul Giamatti) travails with women and work, marriages and murder fact or fiction? (6/9) The African Doctor: Soccer saves the new town doctor from the wrath of French villagers in this comedy. (6/16) The Whole Shebang: Stanley Tucci’s family is in the fireworks business (literally and figuratively) in this comedy with Bridget Fonda and Giancarlo Giannini. (6/23) (19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk, )
Local! Church of St. Mary The Virgin’s Strawberry Festival – Sat, 6/3: 11am-4pm. 80th annual Strawberry Fest offers games & crafts for kids & teens, live music, BBQ and strawberries, strawberries, strawberries. Plus, craft vendors and treasures from the attic. (Church of St, Mary the Virgin, 191 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; churchofstmary’s)
NYBG’s Rose Garden Weekend – Sat- Sun, 6/3-4: 11am-4pm: It’s peak rose season in the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden. A sea of red, white, yellow, and pink flowers from nearly 700 rose cultivars provide the backdrop for this weekend celebration that features live acoustic music, garden tours, rose care demonstrations, refreshments and the great rose plant giveaway. (New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)
Hilltop Hanover Farm’s Farm Fest – Sat, 6/3: 10am-4pm: Celebrate farming in Westchester with a plant sale, farm stand, vendors, tractor rides, kids events, tours, hiking and food! (1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)
Beautiful Trail! Rockwood 10K Ramble, Rockefeller State Park, Sleepy Hollow – Sat, 6/3: 9am: This beautiful and challenging 10K course on carriage trails through Rockefeller State Park Preserve begins at Rockwood Hall overlooking the Hudson River. All proceeds benefit the park’s trail maintenance. This race features an accurate, wheel-measured course with results posted immediately after the race. (1 Rockwood Rd., Sleepy Hollow; www.rockysraces.org)
Lyndhurst Rose Day – Sun, 6/4: 12-3pm: Lyndhurst’s spectacular rose garden is in full bloom when the Garden Club of Irvington hosts its annual rose day in the garden. With classical music performers, refreshments and rose care demonstrations. Bring a camera as the display is not to be believed. (Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)
Local! Kensico Burger & Beer Blast – Thurs, 6/8: 6-10pm: Over 30 Westchester chefs serve up their take on the all-American burger and compete for the Burger Award at this ultimate block party at Kensico Dam Plaza. Including Chappaqua Tavern, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, X2O Xavier’s and Briarcliff’s 105-Ten Bar Grill. (Kenco Dam Plaza, Valhalla; www.westchestermagazine.com)
Local! Food Wine Art Love, Katonah Museum of Art Gala – Fri, 6/9: 6:30pm: KMA’s spring gala will honor John Crabtree, a long-time supporter of the museum. The evening features cocktails in the sculpture garden, a food and wine menu inspired by John’s commitment to farm-to-table dining, dancing and, of course, a peek at the current exhibit Picturing Love. (134 Jay Street, Rt. 22, Katonah; www.katonahmuseum.org)
Local! Bedford Village Sidewalk Sale – Fri-Sat, 6/9-10: Stroll through one of the most beautiful downtowns in America, past the historic sites and shop till you drop. Local merchants offer discounts, samples and genteel conversation. Hosted by the Bedford Village Business Association. (Bedford Village, Main St., Bedford Village; www.bedfordvillagebusiness.com)
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Boscobel – Sat, 6/10-Mon, 9/4: With its breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Boscobel provides a world-class setting for summer Shakespeare. From Artistic Director Davis McCallum to HVSF’s troupe of actors, the dramatic theatre on the hill and the best picnicking we’ve every found – HVSF belongs on your Bucket List. Here’s this year’s program. (Boscobel, 1601 Rt. 9D, Garrison; www.hvsf.org)
Local! John Jay Homestead Farm Market Opens Sat, 6/10 – 10/28: 9am-4pm: See our Farmers Market Guide for more information. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)
Pig Roast Alert! On the Farm Dinner, John Jay Homestead – Sat, 6/10: Join the Friends of John Jay Homestead at this outdoor farm-to-table dinner and fundraiser to celebrate John Jay Homestead’s agrarian history. Pig roast, oyster bar and farm fresh dishes provided by Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish. Hello! We’re there! (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)
21st Annual Bounty of the Hudson, New Paltz – Sat-Sun, 6/10-11: 12-5pm: This two day wine and food festival celebrates the wine and food of the Hudson Valley. Enjoy side-by-side tastings from 20 local wineries, Hudson Valley cheese, baked goods, produce, prepared foods from local vendors and music. Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd., New Paltz: www.shawangunkwinetrail.com)
Local! Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting Village, Kensico Dam Plaza – Sat, 6/10: 12-5pm: The festival’s signature event features tastings from 50+ local restaurants and 200 wines & spirits. Including locals Winston & Zero Otto Nove. Plus cooking demos from Chef’s Peter Kelly of X2O & Christian Petroni of Fortina. (1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla: www.westchestermagazine.com)
Spirit of the Sound Lighthouse Cruise West – Sat, 6/10, 7/1, 8/5 & 9/2: 9am-4pm: The Norwalk Aquarium’s Spirit of the Sound catamaran’s 6 hour Western Long Island Lighthouse Cruise makes passes at Greens Ledge, Sheffield Island, Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, Execution Rocks, Stepping Stones, Sands Point and Eaton Neck. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Local! Chili Cook-off, Armonk Chamber’s Third Thursdays – Thurs, 6/15: 5 – 9pm: The Armonk Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Celebrations continues when Fortina’s Christian Petroni and other top Armonk chef’s compete in this Chili Cook-off in Armonk Square. Check in for the cook-off between 5:30 & 7:30. There will be music from 6:30- 8:30 and town-wide promotions from retailers from 5-9pm. These Chamber celebrations continue each month through August and include an antique car show and a festival of street performers. (www.armonkchamberofcommerce.com)
Spirit of the Sound Lighthouse Cruise Central – Sat, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19 & 9/16: 9am-4pm: The Norwalk Aquarium’s Spirit of the Sound catamaran’s 4 ½ hour Central Long Island Sound cruise visits five century old beacons. Including Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island lighthouses in Norwalk, Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield and Stratford Shoal Light in New Haven. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Local! Caramoor Summer Festival, Katonah – Sat, 6/17-Sun, 7/30: Twenty-nine nights of classical, jazz, Broadway, American roots and opera under the stars in the Spanish Courtyard, the Sunken Garden or under the big tent in the Venetian Theatre! The party starts hours before the show on their picnic & Sauvignon Blanc friendly, Friends Field. Click here for the full schedule. (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)
Local! Divas on the Green, Armonk’s Hudson Stage Company Gala – Sat, 6/17: 7pm: Four Broadway divas (Drama Desk-nominees all) perform at a private home overlooking the 13th hole of the Whippoorwill Country Club at Hudson Stage Company’s Annual Gala. Including: Liz Callaway (Miss Saigon, Cats); Christine Pedi (Chicago, Forbidden Broadway); Capathia Jenkins (Newsies, Martin Short’s Fame Becomes Me) and Lindsay Mendez, (Wicked, Dogfight) a recent winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for her role in Significant Other . www.hudsonstage.com)
Hot Ticket Alert! Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival, Sat-Sun, 6/17-18: 11am-9pm. This world-class outdoor music & environmental festival lives on after the death of its founder Pete Seeger. There’s a host of activities for families, including sloop and schooner rides, food, art, crafts, jugglers & clowns. Plus 57 musical acts including Richard Thompson, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Osborne, Los Lobos, Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell, Dar Williams and Alejandro Escoveda. 12 & unders go free! (Croton Point Park, 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson; www.clearwaterfestival.org)
Grand Opening Weekend, Lasdon Park Conservatory – Sat-Sun, 6/17-18: 10am-4pm: Lasdon Park celebrates the opening of the new Lasdon Conservatory with it’s first exhibit The Rainforest Tropical Treasures. Opening weekend festivities will include music, food, face painting and presentations. (2610 Amawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)
ArtsWeschester’s 2017 Golf Outing – Mon, 6/19: 10am-9pm: Tee up for the arts to support ArtsWestchester, a not for profit organization that supports hundreds of arts organizations throughout Westchester County. The event includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, greens fees, carts, fore caddies and prizes. (Wykagyl Country Club, New Rochelle; www.artswestchester.org)
Ask Your Mom, Backyard Concerts, Katonah Museum of Art – Wed, 6/21: 7pm: Hump night in the KMA sculpture garden with local garage bands and complimentary beer and wine. Garden seating or pack a blanket for Ask Your covers of classic rock and alt-rock songs. (134 Jay St. (Rt. 22) Katonah; www.kma.org)
Public Sails on the Schooner Soundwaters – Thurs-Sun, 6/22-8/6 & Fri-Sun, 9/1-10/1: check times: Board the 80’ Tall Schooner Soundwaters, the ship that Pete Seeger made famous, for a two-hour afternoon journey on the Long Island Sound. The Schooner Soundwaters, seats 40 and sails from Boccuzzi Park in Stamford. Sunset sails are offered on Friday and Saturday nights and Fireworks Sails on 6/30 & 7/1. (Bocuzzi Park at Southfield, 166 Southfield Ave., Stamford CT; www.soundwaters.org)
Local! Bijoux Music Group, Bedford Hills Memorial Park – Fri, 6/23: 7pm: Three rockin’ moms play music spanning 8 decades from Motown and American Standards to techno-pop. (60 Haines Rd., Bedford Hills)
Local! Academy Award Non-Winners: Lion, Chappaqua Library – Fri, 6/23: 7pm: Film buff Carol Durst’s (of Menus in the Movies fame) new film series brings you the best of the Oscar also-rans with a focus on films showcasing the changing definition of family. This uplifting 2016 Oscar hopeful, about a boy separated from his mother in rural India and adopted by an Australian couple, stars Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman.
Local! American Roots Festival, Caramoor – Sat, 6/24: all day: A full day of folk, country, bluegrass, gospel, blues, string band, and old time music at multiple venues on the Caramoor grounds during the day. At the evening performance at the Venetian Theatre the award winning banjo and fiddle player Rhiannon Giddens headlines with Sarah Jarosz, a 2017 Grammy Award-winner for Best Folk Album and Best American Roots Performance, and her new trio. (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)
Local! Summer Solstice White Party, Timberline – Sat, 6/24: 6:30pm: It’s not officially summer until the Bedford Historical Society hosts its annual Solstice party! Join them for a magical evening at this private estate, nestled in the treetops with forever views. Expect lavish hors d’oeuvres, creative cocktails, music under the stars and Bedford’s most hail and well met couples. PS not everybody wears white. Proceeds benefit BHS’s property Preservation Fund. But a lot do! Double PS – buy your tickets here and they’ll give you the address in Bedford Hills.
Local! Open Days Garden Conservancy, Bedford, Bedford Hills, N. Salem – Sun, 6/25: 10am-4pm: Spend the day visiting four private gardens including the Garden Phyllis Warden in Bedford Hills (pictured here) that features a formal croquet court. Other gardens feature flower-scapes, wildflower meadow paths, woodlands, conifers, bridges and creeks, and natural stone garden paths. www.gardenconservancy.org)
Local! River of Dreams Summer Concert, Bedford Village Memorial Park – Fri, 6/30: 6:30pm: Tribute band plays Billy Joel hits. (Greenwich Rd., Bedford)
Local! Gerard Carelli Jazz Orchestra, Lasdon Park – Fri, 6/30: 7pm: Gates open for picnics at 6pm. Bring a blanket, or lawn chair for this “all-American” concert to kick off Independence Day weekend. (2610 Amawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)
June Music: Donovan, Dylan, Miley Cyrus, Jason Aldean, The B 52s, Steve Miller Band, John Mayall, Ramsey Lewis, Jason Derulo, Florida Georgia Line, Diana Krall, the Caramoor Summer Festival and more. Plus, Hot Ticket Alerts for July.
Fireworks Sail on the Schooner Soundwaters, Stamford – Fri-Sat, 6/30-7/1: 7pm: Pack a picnic dinner and a chilled summer quaff and watch the sun set and the Greenwich fireworks over the Long Island Sound on this special sail on from Boccuzzi Park in Stamford. Limited availability so order tickets now! (166 Southfield Ave., Stamford, CT; www.soundwaters.org)
July
Pound Ridge Independence Day 5K Road Race, Kids Race & Fireworks – Sat, 7/1: 9am: Run over rolling hills and through the streets of Pound Ridge to the Pound Ridge Town Park where there will be music and refreshments. Register online or on race day beginning at 7:30am. There will be picnicking, music and fireworks at the park from 6-10 pm. Open to non-resident. (Pound Ridge Elementary School, 7 Pound Ridge Rd., Pound Ridge; www.townofpoundridge.com)
Muscoot Farm Hike – Sat, 7/1: 10am-12pm: Join a guided intermediate hike through the Muscoot Farm outback. (Route 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)
Most Civilized Fireworks Alert! Pops, Patriots & Fireworks, Caramoor – Sat, 7/1: 8pm: Broadway star Ryan Silverman (Phantom, Chicago, Side Show) sings from South Pacific, Kiss Me Kate and Man of La Mancha – for the Pops. The Westchester Symphonic Winds, conducted by Kurt Ebersole, performs John Philip Sousa and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture – for the Patriots. And then there are the fireworks on Friends Field after the show. (Photo by Gabe Palacio) (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)
Fireworks! Kensico Music Fest & Fireworks: Mon, 7/3: 6-10pm: Pre-concert entertainment begins at 6 pm followed by a concert of “American favorites” at 8pm. A fireworks display in front of the dam follows at 9:15 pm. Admission and parking are free. Carpooling is suggested. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. (Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; www.westchestergov.com)
Fireworks! Playland Park – Mon-Tues, 7/3-4: 9:15pm: Fireworks displays, computer-fired and choreographed to a musical soundtrack, Plus fireworks every Friday evening 7/7-9/1: 9:15 p.m. (100 Playland Parkway, Rye; www.ryeplayland.org)
Fireworks! Walkway Over the Hudson – Tues, 7/4: 6:30-9:30pm: Grab a rail on the Walkway Over the Hudson, a 19th century railroad bridge transformed into the world’s longest linear park, for their Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular. Reserve a pre-fireworks table at Crave Restaurant & Lounge, Poughkeepsie’s finest or at one of the Culinary Institute of America’s eateries just five miles away. (61 Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie; www.walkway.org)
Local! Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce Summer Concerts – Wed, 7/5-8/2: 7pm: The CMCC presents 5 concerts at The Gazebo on Recreation Field. Including: Don Dupont Big Band (big band) 7/5; FDR Drive (Motown) 7/12; Country Fresh (modern country hoe-down) Wed, 7/19; Tramps Like Us (Springsteen) Wed, 7/26; Chappaqua Orchestra (Classical) Wed, 8/2. (Recreation Field, Chappaqua: 200 S. Greeley Ave. Chappaqua-millwoodchamber)
Local! Griffin Anthony Summer Concerts, Katonah Memorial Park –Fri, 7/7: 6:30pm: Local resident and BMI recording artist plays Heartland Funk. (North St., Katonah)
Local! Music in the Park, Lasdon Park – Fri, 7/7, 14, 21 & 28: 7-9pm: Gates open for picnicking at 6pm. Bring a blanket, lawn chair or grab a table around the patio for: Fri, 7/7: Westchester Philharmonic; Fri, 7/14: Westchester Philharmonic Brass Quintet; Fri, 7/21: The Big Takeover (Jamaican pop); Fri, 7/28: Back to the Garden 1969: (Woodstock tribute band) (Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)
Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival, Fri-Sun, 7/7-9: check times: Watch the flight of the hot-air balloons take off over Barton Orchards in Poughquag – just 50 minutes from downtown Armonk. Or take a tethered balloon (or helicopter) ride yourself. There’s music, games, hayrides, tube slides, a haunted house, a corn maze, good eats and pick your own grapes and berries, corn and stone fruit and fireworks on Friday & Saturday night. (Barton Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag; http://www.balloonfesthv.com)
Local! 3th Pleasantville Music Festival – Sat, 7/8: 11:30am-10pm: “New York’s backyard jam” returns with top folk and Americana festival acts including: headliners Blues Traveler, Suzanne Vega and Ripe. Plus 12 more bands bringing the rock, folk-rock, country-rock, pop rock, bluegrass and funk sounds. Including: Poussette Dart Band, Caleb Flood + The Culture, James Maddock, The Alpaca Gnomes, Sir Cadian Rhythm and the Shovel Ready String Band. Free parking and round-trip bus service from Pace University. (Parkway Field, Village Ln. Pleasantville; www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com)
Local! The Swingaroos, Summer Concerts at Wampus Brook Park – Sat, 7/8: 8pm.: The Small Town Theatre Company presents the NYC blues and swing group The Swingaroos performing 30s/40s inspired originals and forgotten goodies from Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw at the Wampus Brook Park Gazebo. (Maple Ave., Armonk: www.smalltowntheatre.com)
Local! Dogbone, Backyard Concerts, Katonah Museum of Art – Wed, 7/12: 7pm: Hump night in the KMA sculpture garden with local garage bands and complimentary beer and wine. Garden seating or pack a blanket for Dog Bone’s original tunes and acoustic rock covers. (134 Jay St. (Rt. 22) Katonah; www.kma.org)
Local! Jazz Festival with McCoy Tyner Trio, Caramoor – Sat, 7/15: all day: 16 acts at multiple venues on the Caramoor grounds. The McCoy Tyner Trio headlines the evening show. The daytime artists include the Cuban rhythms of the Pedritro Martinez Group, guitarist Mary Halvorson and a Thelonious Monk celebration . (149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah; www.caramoor.org)
A Taste of Westchester, Tredici North, Purchase – Tues, 7/18: 5:30-7:30pm: At this Westchester Community College of Continuing Education’s cooking class, Chef Fanelli, formerly of Rao’s, prepares Christmas in July. Featuring a seafood salad of lobster, shrimp, crab and calamari; spaghetti vongole with baby clams, and his signature grilled Portuguese octopus. To register call: 914.606.6830 x1. For more information: A Taste of Westchester. (576 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.tredicinorth.com)
Local! Sir Cadian Rhythm, Backyard Concerts, Katonah Museum of Art – Wed, 7/19: 7pm: Hump night in the KMA sculpture garden with local garage bands and complimentary beer and wine. Garden seating or pack a blanket for Sir Cadian Rhythm’s “progressive brew of original rock, soul and jazz. (134 Jay St. (Rt. 22) Katonah; www.kma.org)
A Taste of Westchester, Clock Tower Grill – Wed, 7/19: 6pm. Chef Rich Parente prepares a Southern BBQ with pulled pork and coleslaw, collard greens made in a traditional style and a watermelon salad. Your dessert will be a special treat from our chef utilizing summer strawberries for a classic biscuit and cream shortcake. (512 Clock Tower Drive, Brewster , 845-582-0574; www.clocktowergrill.com Register here.)
Local! The Mulligans Summer Concert, Bedford Hills Memorial Park – Fri, 7/21: 8:30pm: Classic rock hits from the Stones, Springsteen, U2, Talking Heads and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. (60 Haines Rd., Bedford Hills)
Local! Charlie Lagond, Summer Concerts at Wampus Brook Park – Sat, 7/22: 8pm. The Small Town Theatre Company presents jazz great Charlie Lagond who has performed with Chet Baker, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Chuck Mangione, The Temptations and Kid Creole & The Coconuts. (Maple Ave., Armonk: www.smalltowntheatre.com)
Local! A Taste of Westchester, DeCicco & Sons – Mon, 7/24: 5:30pm: At this Westchester Community College of Continuing Education class, you will step into DeCicco’s video enhanced demonstration kitchen to help Chef Steve prepare a cucumber gazpacho soup and grilled shrimp skewers over cilantro lime rice. Craft beer manager Brendon O’Brien pairs three types of beer with the meal. To register call: 914.606.6830 x1. For more information: A Taste of Westchester. (DeCicco & Sons, 17 Maple Way, Armonk )
A Taste of Westchester, Peter Pratt’s Inn – Tues, 7/25: 6pm: At this Westchester Community College of Continuing Education class, Chef Jon Pratt prepares a summer luau with craft beer pairings. Featuring Lomi-lomi, a salmon salad with tomato, Maui onions, cucumber, and raw salted salmon; Huli-huli chicken with pineapple, soy, ginger & garlic; crispy roasted pig, and coconut sorbet. To register call: 914.606.6830 x1. For more info: A Taste of Westchester. (673, Croton Heights Rd., Yorktown Heights; www.prattsinn.com)
Norm Hathaway Swing Band, Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden – Fri, 7/28: 8-11pm: Norm Hathaway plays it like it was at this annual dancing and music event at the Hammond Museum. His twelve-piece band plays all the favorite tunes from the 30s and 40s. Brush up on your waltz, lindy and rhumba. Dinner catered by celebrity chef Nisa Lee. (Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden, 28 Deveau Rd., N. Salem. www.hammondmuseum.org)
Local! Open Days Garden Conservancy, Pleasantville, Bedford Hills, Pound Ridge, S. Salem – Sun, 7/30: 10am-4pm: Visit 4 private gardens including the Garden of Bernard Marquez and Tim Fish in S. Salem (pictured here) that was featured in Garden Design. It has water features, Lake views and a koi pond. Other gardens feature wild flowers, fern gardens, rare trees, meadows, wetlands and a formal croquet court at Phillis Warden’s Garden in Bedford Hills. www.gardenconservancy.org)
August
Local! Muscoot Farm Hike – Sat, 8/5: 10am-12pm: Join a guided intermediate hike through the Muscoot Farm outback. (Route 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)
Local! Broadway Review, Summer Concerts at Wampus Brook Park – Sat, 8/5: 8pm. Musical theatre vets from Broadway, Off-Broadway and Regional Theatres sing your favorite show tunes in this Broadway Review from Armonk’s Small Town Theatre Company. (Maple Ave., Armonk: www.smalltowntheatre.com)
Hudson Valley Rib Fest, New Paltz –Fri-Sun, 8/18-20: check times: 60 rib masters compete for the NY State BBQ Championship while you sample ribs and sides and listen to the sounds of Indie rockers, boogie & blues, sassy country rockers, classic rock, singer/songwriters and the “ultimate hair band tribute” from Bedrock. (Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd., New Paltz: www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org)
Local! New Rochelle Opera, Summer Concerts at Wampus Brook Park – Sat, 8/19: 8pm. Armonk’s Small Town Theatre Company presents opera classics at the gazebo at Wampus Brook Park from the New Rochelle Opera. (28 Maple Ave., Armonk; www.smalltowntheatre.com)
September
Lime Rock Park Historic Festival, Lakeville, CT – Fri-Mon: 9/1-4: check times: The east coast’s premier vintage racing and concours event presents three days of on-track racing. With over 250 cars and drivers, parading and racing everything from pre-WWI racers to the best competition machines from the 1920s to the 1970s. (60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville CT: www.limerock.com)
Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival, Fri-Sun: 9/8-10: check times: Three days of entertainment, carnival rides and games and OYSTERS, OYSTERS, OYSTERS. Featuring a 65 foot Ferris Wheel, an Arts & Crafts Show with 100 vendors, New England Seaport Village, Kids’ Cove with games, rides & activities under a circus tent, International Food Court, headline musical acts, harbor tour cruises, vessel tours and a Celebrity Oyster Slurp-off. (Norwalk Veterans Park, 42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk; www.seaport.org)
Boscobel Big Band Concert & Sunset Picnic – Sun, 9/10: 6-8pm: Celebrate the last days of summer on Boscobel’s great lawn overlooking the Hudson River. Enjoy a picnic supper or purchase food on and dance to the swinging sounds of the 20-piece Big Band Sound orchestra as they take on Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and more. Swing dance and jitterbug demonstrations by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. (1601 Route 9D, Bear Mountain Highway, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)
All Summer Long
Pride of the Hudson River Cruise, Newburg – 5/17-10/29: 1 & 4pm: See the majestic beauty of the Hudson River on this 2-hour narrated river adventure from Newburgh to West Point taking in the sights of Washington’s Headquarters, World’s End, Mt. Beacon, Bannerman Island, Constitution Island, Breakneck Mountain, and the town of Cold Spring. (Blu Pointe Landing, 100 Front St., Newburgh; www.prideofthehudson.com)
Yoga at the Farm, Harvest Moon Orchard – Sat, 5/20-8/26: 9am: They’re doing outdoor Vinyasa Yoga among the apple trees every Saturday at North Salem’s Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard this summer. Just $15 on a drop in will get you a one-hour class an apple cider tasting on the patio in the orchard after class. Priceless! (130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem; sign up at www.hmorchard.com/yoga)
Sheffield Island Lighthouse Cruises, Norwalk Harbor – 5/27-9/25: 11am, 2 & 3:30pm: Board the 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran for a cruise to Sheffield Island on the Long Island Sound for a lighthouse tour, a hike through Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and a picnic and beach front activities. Sails run on weekends & holidays in June and September and daily in July & August. (Norwalk Seaport Association Dock, 4 North Water St., Norwalk, Ct.; www.seaport.org)
Hilltop Hanover Farm Stand & U-Pick – Fri-Sun 6/2 – 11/19: Offers fresh, farm-grown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Each week’s vegetables available for purchase are listed on their website. See our Farmer’s Market Guide for more information. (1271 Hanover Street , Yorktown Heights, 914.962.2368; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)
Yoga with Alexander Calder at Storm King Art Center –Sat, 6/3- 10/7: 10:15am: Relax outdoors with a Yoga class before you check out the sculptures of Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, Henry Moore, Mark Di Suvero, and many more at the 500 acre sculpture garden at Storm King. A top pick on WTD’s Bucket List you can read more about Day Tripping: Storm King Art Center here. (1 Museum Rd., New Windsor; www.stormking.org)
Yoga With a View at Boscobel – Mon, 6/5-9/4: 6pm: If you have an urge to do the downward facing dog overlooking the Hudson River than this one’s for you. Certified Yoga instructor, Ellen Forman’s class on the main lawn or west meadow at Boscobel is tailored for all levels, beginner through expert, and open to walk-ins. (1601 Route 9D, Bear Mountain Highway, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)
More Summer Shakespeare – Tues, 5/23- Sun, 7/16: We’ve got Shakespeare in the Park (Central Park), Shakespeare on the Green (Sterling Farms, Stamford) Shakespeare on the Sound (Rowayton, CT) The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (Boscobel) and more summer theatre on our Summer Theatre Guide.
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival – Sat, 6/10- Mon, 9/4: HVSF is on What To Do’s Bucket List for it’s spicy comedies, world class setting on a hill at historic Boscobel and it’s amazing picnic opps overlooking the Hudson River and West Point. Here’s the full summer program. (Boscobel, 1601 Rt. 9D, Garrison; www.hvshakespeare.org)
Spirit of the Sound Lighthouse Cruise West – Sat, 6/10, 7/1, 8/5 & 9/2: 9am-4pm: The Norwalk Aquarium’s Spirit of the Sound catamaran’s 6 hour Western Long Island Lighthouse Cruise makes passes at Greens Ledge, Sheffield Island, Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, Execution Rocks, Stepping Stones, Sands Point and Eaton Neck. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Local! Armonk’s Third Thursdays, Chili Cook-off, Antique Cars, Street Circus – Thurs, 6/15, 7/20 & 8/17: 5-9pm: The Armonk Chamber of Commerce presents music, activities and special promotions from retailers and restaurants in downtown Armonk the third Thursday in June, July and August. Upcoming street fests will feature a Chili Cook-off from local restaurants on June 15. Followed by an Antique Car Show on July 20 and a “Street Circus” with performers throughout town on August 17. www.armonkchamberofcommerce.com)
Spirit of the Sound Lighthouse Cruise Central – Sat, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19 & 9/16: 9am-4pm: The Norwalk Aquarium’s Spirit of the Sound catamaran’s 4 ½ hour Central Long Island Sound cruise visits five century old beacons. Including Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island lighthouses in Norwalk, Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield and Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light in New Haven. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride, Daily 6/17-8/27, Weekends 9/1-10/22: Take a 2 ½ hour narrated train and riverboat ride through what the Nature Conservancy calls “one of the last great places on earth,” the Connecticut River Valley. The train passes farms, waterfalls, and wetland habitats with blue heron and egrets. The riverboat cruise on the Connecticut River passes the historic Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House and Haddam Swing Bridge. Check out their special Dinner Train, Riverboat Lunch and Sunset Excursions. (1 Railroad Ave., Essex, CT; www.essexsteamtrain.com)
Public Sails on the Schooner Soundwaters – Thurs-Sun, 6/22-8/6 & Fri-Sun, 9/1-10/1: check times: Board the 80’ Tall Schooner Soundwaters, the ship that Pete Seeger made famous, for a two-hour afternoon journey on the Long Island Sound. The Schooner Soundwaters seats 40 and also offers Sunset sails on Fridays and Saturdays and Fireworks Sails on 6/30 & 7/1. (Boccuzzi Park at Southfield, 166 Southfield Ave., Stamford, CT; www.soundwaters.org)
Sheffield Island Lighthouse Clambakes – Thurs, 6/22-9/7: 6pm: Ferry over to Sheffield Island, tour the lighthouse and dine in the tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn. Advanced registration required. (Sheffield Island Dock, 4 N. Water Streets, South Norwalk, Ct.; www.seaport.org)
Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst, Thursday, 7/6-8/24: 6:30pm: Eight FREE picnic friendly concerts on the Lyndhurst bowling alley. The musical line-up cuts a broad swath of musical genres from contemporary jazz to swing and Latin jazz. 7/6: Rocky Middleton Sextet, 7/13: Darrian Douglas Unity Band, 7/20: Steve Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet, 7/27: DOMI Quartet, 8/3: Willie Martinez La Familia Sextet, 8/10: Veronica Swift Quartet, 8/17: Ayako Shirasaki Quartet, 8/24: Bill Warfield & Hell’s Kitchen Funk Orchestra.(Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; www.lyndhurst.org)
Summer Comedy: Paula Poundstone, Demetri Martin, Bill Burr, John Mulaney, Elliot Zimet and Judy Gold, Tom Papa, Tim Hawkins, Judd Apatow and Boomer Comedy Unlimited with Judy Tenuta, Carol Siskind, Ken Rogerson and Mark Schiff. Read more.
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