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- š Dave Portnoy Names a New Go-To Westchester Pizza Spot
š Dave Portnoy Names a New Go-To Westchester Pizza Spot
Kevin Nealon brings decades of comedy to Tarrytown, The Grand turns one, and a Scarsdale fixer-upper hits the market
Hello, Westchester!
Last Saturday we made our first Halloween season trip to the Hudson for the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival and, letās just say, Westchester was showing offā¦
And plenty of people were there to catch the beauty of it all as Kingsland Point Park was jam-packed. A record 8,000+ were in attendance (more than double the previous record) and besides some long food truck lines, it didnāt feel crowded or chaoticā¦ something weāre always conscious of with our 2-year-old. Alternating stages at opposite ends of the park kept music lovers consistently entertained. The main draws of Fastball and Everclear sounded great from where we sat but we have to mention Rachel Ana Dobken, whose massive set closed out the second stage on a high, leading perfectly into Everclearās headline spot. It was our first time at the festival and wonāt be our last.
Kingsland Point Park stays busy again this weekend with the SUP Witches Festival on Saturday, a party on the Hudson that sees dozens of witches and warlocks paddle out on the river while land lovers enjoy live music, food, and drinks from the park. Spirits should once again be high in Sleepy Hollow!
Constantly people come up to us, whether itās at a restaurant, on the street, or even a red light, and ask āhey, Wes & Bec, whatās the foliage report looking like this week?ā. All right, thatās never happened but here it is anyway, courtesy of ILoveNY.comā¦
Those nice oranges and reds have crept closer! Might be the perfect time for a drive over the long weekend. Barton Orchards Harvest Festival and Oktoberfest at Round Table Brewery look particularly appealing, both can be found in our Worth A Drive section below.
Thereās so much to do and, for many, a three day weekend to try to do it. Enjoy it and see you out there!
š Around Our County
Love him or hate him, Dave Portnoy has become a highly influential name in the pizza world. His āOne Biteā platform of video reviews has affixed 0-10 scores to hundreds of pizzerias around the country and can range from virally damning lows, usually including an in-person run-in with the owner, to demand-surging highs, where itās tricky to get an order placed afterwards.
If unfamiliar with the platform, āone biteā is never just one bite and high scores are hard to come by. In fact, of all the pizzerias heās visited in Westchester, only four had ever put up a score over 8 (considered excellent). Those four were Johnnyās (Mount Vernon, 9.1), Polpettina (Eastchester, 8.2), Dunwoodie (Yonkers, 8.2), and Joeās Fleetwood (Mount Vernon, 8.1). Earlier this week, a new Westchester entrant joined their ranksā¦ Pizzeria Baci in Montrose, which picked up an 8.1.
Weāve talked up pizzaiolo Chris Weisman and Baci before, most recently his long-awaited Baci in the Square location in Ardsley, so the score was no surprise to us or anyone else who knows Baci and the man behind it. That said, it was clearly an emotional moment for Chris, whoās battled personal health issues and loss that heās openly shared on Instagram.
Hereās the review below if youād like to check it out. We donāt think weāve seen one before where Portnoy gives the owner and their backstory as much airtime, which was also well deserved. Congrats to Chris and good luck to anyone whoās been meaning to try Baciā¦ we think Chrisā army, and wait times, might have gotten a little larger this week!
In todayās edition:
Featured eventsā¦ doing the bull dance, feeling the flow in Tarrytown
Family funā¦ Hocus Pocus with āIceā and Westchester SC kicks off at home
Grown ups & date nightsā¦ The Grand turns one and The Legend told at its famous cemetery
Worth a drive from Ardsley Car Washā¦ three-day harvest festival at Barton Orchards
Where the heart isā¦ a true fixer-upper in Scarsdale listed for $550k
Plus, a message from QueenBHive, giving you, your business, or brand the visibility and support it needs, and QueenBPoker, bringing live poker excitement right into your home or office.
Now letās get to it!
š The Pulse
Loving Westchesterās Featured Events!
š Fall Friday Nights at Outhouse Orchards
Fri., Oct. 9 | Outhouse Orchards, North Salem | 6p-9p | $15.95
The second Friday night Halloween party, with the Bubble Bus Neon Glow Party, a flashlight nighttime corn maze, barnyard fun under the lights, pizza, tacos, and a food truck.
A neon glow party and flashlight corn maze on the farm, after dark ā
š§ SUP Witches Festival
Sat., Oct. 10 | Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow | 12p-5p | $8 advance, $10 day-of
Once a year, dozens of costumed witches and warlocks paddle the Hudson on stand-up boards off Kingsland Point, brooms raised. On shore, "Witches Hollow" fills the park with live music, food, local brews, and vendors. Written up by the New York Times and Smithsonian, it's a festival first and a paddle second.
Watch a coven take to the Hudson, from the best seat on shore ā
š Kevin Nealon
Sat., Oct. 10 | Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown | 8p | $46.50+
Nine years on Saturday Night Live, the voice of "Weekend Update," and a scene-stealer in Weeds, Happy Gilmore, and Hiking with Kevin, Kevin Nealon is one of the most familiar faces in comedy. Now he brings his dry, deadpan wit to Tarrytown.
The SNL and Weeds legend, live and up close in Tarrytown ā
Have an event you want to feature in Loving Westchester?
Got 99 ideas, but canāt execute 1?
Hey, everybody. This is Bec.
Iāve spent 20 years helping businesses, brands and community organizations grow through better strategy, communications and partnerships. If youāre a local business owner with 100 ideas but never enough time to move them forward, thatās 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 thatās your visibility, social content, a launch, a partnership or simply having someone strategic to think alongside.
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š Whatās Happening?
Family Fun!
š Hocus Pocus at Muscoot Farm
Fri., Oct. 9 | Muscoot Farm, Katonah | 7p-9:30p | $10 ($60 VIP)
An outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus, introduced by actor Larry Bagby, who played Ernie "Ice." The $60 VIP experience adds a photo, autograph, and small-group Q&A with Bagby starting at 5p. Bring blankets or chairs; costumes encouraged.
š Katonah Fire Department Open House
Sat., Oct. 10 | Katonah Firehouse, Katonah | 11a-2p | Free
A Fire Prevention Week open house with live demonstrations, hands-on activities, fire truck rides, donuts and cider, and fire safety tips.
šŗ Hops on the Hudson Festival of Makers
Sat., Oct. 10 | Cortlandt Waterfront Park, Verplanck | 11a-5p | Free admission
The 2nd annual makers festival on the Hudson, with designers, food trucks, and live music, five minutes south of Peekskill. Dog friendly, free admission and parking.
š Trick-or-Treating at Hilltop Hanover Farm
Sat., Oct. 10 | Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights | 12p-3p | Free
Visit the animals and historic sites while trick-or-treating at the barn doors. Treats while supplies last, costumes encouraged.
ā½ Westchester Soccer Club vs. Forward Madison
Sat., Oct. 10 | The Stadium at Memorial Field, Mount Vernon | 7p | $10+
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage and Mental Health Awareness night as Westchesterās own professional soccer club returns home to host Forward Madison behind the leagueās leading goal scorer, captain Conor McGlynn. Doors at 5:30p, free parking, all ages.
šŗ Downtown White Plains Oktoberfest
Sun., Oct. 11 | Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains | 1p-6p | Wristband $12 advance, $16 day-of
Beers, seasonal Bavarian food, games, and live music from Oompah band Melina and the Oompahs on Mamaroneck Avenue. A new family Alpine Village runs 1p-5p with free kids' crafts, mini golf, and an all-ages DJ. 21+; wear your lederhosen.
š® Autumn Glow Festival
Select evenings | Glen Island Park, New Rochelle | 6:30p-10p | $18.99+
A nighttime walk through hundreds of hand-crafted Chinese lanterns lit by LED, each telling a story, with local food, drink, and photo ops throughout. All ages, children 3 and under free. Arrive after sunset for the best light-trail experience.
šļø Hastings Flea
Sun., Oct. 11 | Southside Avenue MTA Commuter Lot, Hastings-on-Hudson | 10a-4p | Free admission
A flea market of Hastings and Hudson Valley artists and vendors selling handmade, vintage, and upcycled clothing, accessories, records, games, home decor, and self-care goods, plus a coffee and food truck.
š²š½ Hispanic Heritage Festival
Sun., Oct. 11 | Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | 12p-6p | Free
The Peekskill Hispanic Community Group's 7th annual festival celebrating the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through music, dance, folkloric traditions, and food. Free, but email the box office to reserve a spot.
š„ I Heart Pickles Story Time with Suzy Ultman
Mon., Oct. 12 | HudCo, Dobbs Ferry | 10a-11a | $5, ticket includes $5 store credit
Author-illustrator Suzy Ultman reads her new board book I Heart Pickles at Picture Book inside HudCo, with a pickle-themed coloring activity for kids. Books available to buy and sign; Eyes Closed Coffee open at the bar.
š„£ Farm-to-Table Cooking Class: Butternut Squash Soup
Mon., Oct. 12 | Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights | 1p-2p | Ticket prices vary
A hands-on, farm-to-table class making butternut squash soup from scratch. Pre-registration required, free parking, all ages.
Grown Ups & Date Nights
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is retold in The Old Dutch Church
š» Scared by the Sound
Select nights beginning Fri., Oct. 9 | Rye Playland, Rye | Evenings | $29+
Westchester's seaside haunted house returns for its 25th season with over 12,000 square feet of Hollywood-style sets, live actors, and waterfront horror along the Long Island Sound. Not recommended for under 12. Parking $10.
š¬ Trainspotting: Listen to the Movie
Fri., Oct. 9 | Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | 7p | $25
Danny Boyle's 1996 classic on the big screen, followed by a Q&A with local musician Rob Cavenagh exploring the film's legendary soundtrack. Rated R, 94 minutes.
šø Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour
Fri., Oct. 9 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | 8p | $35+
More than 20 years into one of the most reliable careers in comedy, the Netflix special star, regular Joe Rogan guest, and sourdough-baking author of You're Doing Great! brings his warm, everyman stand-up to The Cap.
šļø Coach Grand Opening at Cross County Center
Sat., Oct. 10 | Coach at Cross County Center, Yonkers | 1p-6p | Free
Celebrate the new Coach store with sweet treats, shopping, and an artist-customized gift with purchase by Sarah Goone of The Radiant Eye Studio.
šø The EE 2026 Fall Experience featuring The EE Ensemble
Sat., Oct. 10 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6p, Show 7:30p | $25+
A concert celebrating neurodiversity and connection, with the EE Ensemble joined by Oteil Burbridge, Jennifer Hartswick, and Karl Denson. Lands on World Mental Health Day and World Inclusion Day. All ages.
š Rye Arts Center Live Standup Comedy
Sat., Oct. 10 | The Rye Arts Center, Rye | 8p | Free (suggested donation $10)
A night of standup comedy in Rye featuring Drew Marrymore, Frankie Maglione, Jacob Brady, Andrew Alfredo, Henrick Urena, Murf, Peter Khoo, and Walter Deptuch. Presented by Tristate Standup with refreshments provided by Winfield Coffee.
š The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Sun., Oct. 11 | The Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow | 7p | $40
A candlelit dramatic retelling of Washington Irving's tale with live music in the historic 300-year-old church, in its third year. Proceeds support the church's roof restoration.
šø The Grand Anniversary
Sat., Oct. 10 | The Grand, Croton-on-Hudson | From 4:30p | $10
Crotonās The Grand celebrates its 1st anniversary this Saturday with a screening of Tim Burtonās The Nightmare Before Christmas at 4:30p followed by an anniversary party from 6:30p-9:30p, featuring live music from The Creatures, the band who kicked off The Grandās live music when they opened a year ago.
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, or 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 ā
šļø Fleanearme's Thrift Market at Chelsea Piers
Sat., Oct. 10 | Chelsea Piers, Stamford, CT | 11a-4p | Free (early bird $6-$10)
An indoor market with 30-plus curated vendors selling vintage, clothing, jewelry, art, and more. Early bird access 11a-1p is ticketed; general admission from 1p is free. First 50 get a free tote. Free parking, all ages.
š Barton Orchards Harvest Festival
Sat.-Mon., Oct. 10-12 | Barton Orchards, Poughquag | 12p-6p | $25+
Barton Orchards hosts a three-day holiday weekend harvest festival complete with apple picking, a pumpkin patch, cider donuts, live music, pig races, a haunted house, corn maze, and their kids fun park with mini golf, a playground and a megaslide.
š„ New York State Empanada Festival
Sat., Oct. 10 | People's Waterfront Park, Newburgh | 12p-5p | $14.59+
The 6th annual festival on the Newburgh waterfront, with 50 kinds of empanadas, food vendors, local artisans, lemonade, beer, sangria, and margaritas, plus live Latin music. Bring lawn chairs.
šŗ Oktoberfest at Round Table Brewery
Sun., Oct. 11 | Round Table Brewery, Garnerville | 11a-7p | $45, 3-hour open bar
A full day of beer, food, music, and games, with pretzel-bun chopped cheese sandwiches, warm pretzels, beer pong, and a stein-holding contest. Oktoberfest attire encouraged, kid- and dog-friendly.
š” Where the Heart Is
Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Hereās one that caught our eye
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The Key Details: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,601 square feet on a 4,976 square foot lot ($344 / square foot)
What We Love About It: This one is a call to builders, contractors, and anyone with a vision. A 1924 home on a tree-lined Scarsdale street is being sold as is and is ready for a gut renovation, so you get to reimagine it from the ground up. A detached two-car garage with room above adds flexibility, and a $550,000 price leaves room in the budget to build something custom in an established neighborhood and great schools.
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!
