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  • ⭐ David Duchovny, Melissa Etheridge, and Damon Wayans Headline a Starry Start to September

⭐ David Duchovny, Melissa Etheridge, and Damon Wayans Headline a Starry Start to September

White squirrels?! We tracked down a rare furry friend that we had to see to believe.

September 01, 2026

Hello, Westchester!
 

Did you know there are white squirrels?
 
We didn’t… but a southern road trip that spanned about 2,000 miles and nearly all of August took us through the town of Brevard, North Carolina, where white squirrels are celebrated through festivals and shop names. We caught a pic of this guy roaming the grounds of Brevard College. Think he caught us, too…

Another white-haired legend who calls Brevard home, at least part time, is Steve Martin, who returns to the western North Carolina mountain town to rehearse with the Steep Canyon Rangers who live in the area. Not so much a “Know Your County” that we’ve featured recently - and again below - but a “Know Your Country” we suppose. If you’re ever in the Greenville, SC / Asheville, NC area, it’s really worth the short drive to check out Brevard. We loved it and will definitely be back.
 
Turning the page from August to September, you hardly need a road trip to see stars. In just these first two weeks of the month, you could catch Grammy and Academy Award winner Melissa Etheridge, Golden Globe winner David Duchovny, and Emmy nominee and legendary comedian Damon Wayans. That, plus all the farm fun, sunflower festivals, and hot air balloons you could ask for.
 
Not bad for a post-summer party. See you out there!
 

 
📍 Know Your County
 

Last Tuesday, we asked:
 
According to the US Department of Agriculture, which of the following crops covers the highest number of acres in Westchester County each year?
 
The answer was… apples!
 
The most recent Census of Agriculture from the USDA tallied 270 acres of apples across Westchester County farms, so throw those boots on, hit the orchards, and fill up bags to bring home… where you may or may not actually make that pie you’d planned on. Well done to the 64% of you who had that question squared up to close out August.
 
Contest 1 is in the books! We’ll tally up the correct answers from our August questions, including photos and bonuses, and reach out to the winner. Thanks to everyone who played and let’s keep it going with Contest 2 below!
 
Here’s the first question…
 
The Capitol Theatre recently celebrated its 100th birthday. One legendary artist synonymous with The Cap said “there are only two theaters, man, there are only two places that are set up groovy for music and for smooth stage changes, good lighting, and all that… the Fillmore East and The Capitol Theatre.”

Who was the artist?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Good luck!
 

 
In today’s edition:

And a message from our partners, QueenBHive, giving you, your business, or brand the visibility and support it needs, and QueenBPoker, hosting your epic game night.

 

Now let’s get to it!

💓 The Pulse

Loving Westchester’s Featured Events!

🎈 Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Fri.-Sun., Sep. 4-6 | Tymor Park, Lagrangeville (Dutchess) | Evenings and mornings, check link for scheduling | $13.95+
 
Five mass balloon ascensions across the weekend, over 120 flights in all, plus nightly balloon illumination moon glows and fireworks. Take a tethered or full-flight ride, catch live music at the beer and wine tent, and let the kids visit the animal exhibit, drone obstacle course, and bubble zone. Advance tickets only, none at the gate.
More than 120 balloons, glowing after dark over the Hudson Valley →
 
🎤 Melissa Etheridge: RISE
Tue., Sep. 8 | Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown | 8p | $98.50+
 
The two-time Grammy winner and Oscar recipient behind "Come to My Window" and "I'm the Only One" brings her raspy, confessional rock to Tarrytown. Nearly four decades in, Etheridge remains one of the most tenacious voices in American music, and the Music Hall is a rare room to hear those anthems up close. Two dollars from each ticket benefits her Etheridge Foundation.
Every word to "Come to My Window," in a room this size →
 
🎬 An Afternoon with David Duchovny: Reverse the Curse
Sun., Sep. 13 | Irvington Theater, Irvington | 3p | $25+
 
A screening of Reverse the Curse, the film Duchovny wrote, directed, and stars in, adapted from his novel Bucky F*ing Dent, about a son orchestrating a Red Sox winning streak to reconcile with his dying father. The X-Files and Californication star then sits for a Q&A moderated by The New York Times' Alex Barron, followed by a book signing with copies from Transom Bookshop.
Mulder himself, in Irvington, talking baseball and fathers and sons →

 
Have an event you want to feature in Loving Westchester?

Got 99 ideas, but can’t execute 1?

 
Hey, everybody. This is Bec.
 
I’ve spent 20 years helping businesses, brands and community organizations grow through better strategy, communications and partnerships. If you’re a local business owner with 100 ideas but never enough time to move them forward, that’s exactly why I created QueenBHive. Think of me as the person in your corner. Helping you decide what matters most, connecting the right dots, creating momentum, and making sure the good ideas actually happen. Whether that’s your visibility, social content, a launch, a partnership or simply having someone strategic to think alongside.
 
Send me a message and let me be your WingWoman.

📆 What’s Happening?

Family Fun!

⚽ Penny Lick Scoop and Social with Westchester SC
Tue., Sep. 1 | 1212 W Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck | 5:30p-7:30p
 
Grab a scoop and meet two players from Westchester Soccer Club, with autographs and photos, at the Mamaroneck ice cream shop.
 
⚽ Westchester Soccer Club vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Wed., Sep. 2 | The Stadium at Memorial Field, Mount Vernon | 7p | $12.45
 
Westchester’s-own pro soccer club hosts the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in USL League One action. Doors at 5:30p, kick off at 7p, free parking, all ages.
 
🍎 Fall Festival at Outhouse Orchards
Runs through Nov. 1 | Outhouse Orchards, North Salem | Daily times and ticket prices vary, check the link for details
 
The annual fall festival at Outhouse Orchards returns with apple picking, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, hayrides through the farm, and the stand stocked with produce, homemade treats, and hard cider.
 
🌳 Family Tree Bingo
Sat., Sep. 5 | Merestead, Mount Kisco | 10a-11:30a | Free
 
A tree-identification bingo stroll through Merestead, on the hunt for tulip, red oak, katsura, and white pine. Good for ages 5 and up.
 
🍵 Tea with the Animals
Sat., Sep. 5 | Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights | 10a-11:30a | $15
 
A mid-morning tea where you meet the farm animals and harvest and make treats for both people and animals to share. Adults and children 6 and up. Pre-registration required.
 
🐤 One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Saturdays and Sundays in Sep. | Hudson River Museum Planetarium, Yonkers | 12:30p | Ticket prices vary
 
A planetarium show that follows Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend Hu Hu Zhu from Sesame Street to the Moon, introducing the Big Dipper, North Star, sun, and moon. Recommended for ages 4-7.
 
🎸 Bedford Music Festival
Sun., Sep. 6 | Caramoor, Katonah | 2p | $64 advance, $70 day of (free for 12 and under)
 
A day of roots, folk, and rock across Caramoor's grounds, headlined by funk band The Motet with the Jamie McLean Band, Summer Fling, and a Rock and Roll Playhouse Taylor Swift set for kids. Local food vendors, lawn games, an instrument petting zoo, and family activities.

 

 

Grown Ups & Date Nights

🧙 Wicked Trivia Night
Wed., Sep. 2 | Yonkers Brewing Co., Yonkers | 7:30p-10p | Free (RSVP)
 
Trivia built entirely around Wicked, from the witches to the songs to the story behind the Broadway hit turned movie. Free to play; reserve a table to save your spot.
 
📰 When News Breaks with Carol Lin
Thu., Sep. 3 | Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | 7p | $25
 
The CNN anchor who was the first network journalist to break news of the 9/11 attacks discusses her memoir, followed by a moderated Q&A with Betsy Ronel.
 
🍺 Unwind with Bonsai & Beer at Captain Lawrence
Thu., Sep. 3 | Captain Lawrence, 444 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford | 6:30p | $85
 
A beer in one hand, scissors in the other. Learn the technique and skills needed for the meditative practice of bonsai trimming with a class by Bonsai Bar hosted at Captain Lawrence.
 
📽 Video Vault Presents: Grease
Thu., Sep. 3 | Mamaroneck Cinemas, Mamaroneck | 7p | $16
 
August may be over but there’s still time for Summer Lovin’. The Video Vault series from A-Sides with Jon Chattman and LMC Media Center returns with a screening of Grease this Thursday.
 
🎸 LC Band x Summer Fling
Fri., Sep. 4 | Garcia's at The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 7p, Show 8p | $20 advance, $25 day of
 
LC Band plays pop-rock covers from The Killers to Pearl Jam, paired with Summer Fling, a seven-piece NYC band blending funk, soul, pop, and jazz behind a three-piece horn section. We’ve seen both… you’re in for a fun Friday night!
 
😂 Tristate Comedy Club: Dan St. Germain
Sat., Sep. 5 | 189 E Post Rd, White Plains | 8p-9:30p | Ticket prices vary
 
Headliner Dan St. Germain plays Westchester's newest stand-up room attached to Z Prime Italian Steakhouse, with a full dining menu available.

 

Game nights are having a moment in Westchester, and if you've ever wanted to host a poker or casino night without the stress of figuring out the rules or rounding up chips, QueenBPoker is the answer. They come to your home, venue, office, and handle everything you may need from teaching the table to running the night. Casual, corporate, charity. No experience needed, just people who want a good time.
 
Plan your game night →

😂 Damon Wayans
Thu.-Sun., Sep. 3-6 | Levity Live, West Nyack | Thu. 7:30p, Fri. 7p, Sat. 6:30p, Sun. 6p | $73.58+
 
The In Living Color and My Wife and Kids star, a New York Times bestselling author with three HBO stand-up specials, headlines a four-night run of shows.
 
🎤 Jesse McCartney: The Weightless Tour
Fri., Sep. 4 | Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT | 8p | $39.50+
 
The pop singer behind "Beautiful Soul" and "Leavin'" brings his Weightless Tour to Stamford, mixing fan-favorite classics with newer material including his single "Trip."
 
🌻 8th Annual Sunflower Festival at Barton Orchards
Aug. 28 - Sep. 7 | Barton Orchards, Poughquag | Times vary | $22.45+
 
A hayride out to a five-acre field of about 100,000 sunflowers you can cut yourself; each ticket includes two blooms. Live music, a carousel, petting zoo, and craft beverages.

Loving Westchester is written by a real-life husband and wife team, completely free, and in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday. If it adds something to your week, contributions help us keep growing - including our first in-person Loving Westchester event we're working toward for the fall.
 
"Thank you for your emails highlighting the wonderful events happening throughout Westchester. They are such a great resource and reminder of how much Westchester has to offer." — A Loving Westchester Reader

🏡 Where the Heart Is

Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Here’s one that caught our eye

 

The Key Details: 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 5,179 square feet on 1.02 acres ($377 / square foot)
 
What We Love About It: Turnkey and built for entertaining at scale, with an award-winning Harrison School District address to match. Two wood-burning fireplaces on the main floor, a chef's kitchen with a big island, and a dedicated home office with custom built-ins for anyone working from home. The finished lower level is where this one really separates itself: a media room outfitted for serious movie nights, a rec room/gym, a guest bedroom with full bath, and wine storage. Out back, a heated in-ground pool and outdoor fireplace turn the fenced yard into a private retreat. Six bedrooms and five bathrooms in all, on just over an acre in one of Westchester's top-rated school districts.
 

We love to hear from you! Give us a shout at [email protected] or find us on Instagram @lovingwestchester. And don't forget to forward this to a friend who's always asking "what's going on this week?"
 
See you out there!