💗 Dawes, Dumplings + Dancing Across Westchester This Week!

A week packed with flavor, fun, and free events

Author

Wes+Bec Willetts
July 08, 2025 ‱ Estimated Reading Time: 15 minutes

Hello, Westchester!

 

We hope you had a great long weekend! We’re lucky as Playland is quite close to us and they have amazing fireworks shows every year. We’d love to hear where you spent your 4th of July!

 

We also spent a perfect little afternoon in and around Ossining. Brothers Fish & Chips is in our opinion one of the best fish restaurants in Westchester, and they have both sit-in and to-go options. This time we took it with us to explore Louis Engel Waterfront Park. The park has everything - a splash park, two playgrounds (one for the littles), picnic tables, and a small inlet for swimming, all backing on to the Hudson overlooking the Palisades. Our son found the splash park a little cold (and slightly wild), but everything else fit the bill nicely.

 

Of course, we grabbed some Blue Pig ice cream on the way home.

 

We also checked out some new Westchester openings over the weekend that we will be sharing!

 

Summer feels like it’s in full swing, we wish it would slow down a little and let us catch up.

 

We hope you’re enjoying it so far!

 

Wes+Bec

 

 

In today’s edition


  • Dawes headline Pleasantville Music Festival in a line up to make the whole family happy

  • It’s non-stop live music leading up to the festival with summer concerts and legends amidst spectacular settings

  • Plus, plenty of kid-friendly activities and date night options if you manage to escape

Today’s edition was brought to you by QueenBHive and Fallscapers.

 

Let’s go!

💓 The Pulse

Loving Westchester’s Featured Events!

 

Image from Pleasantville Music Festival

Sat., Jul 12 | Parkway Field, Pleasantville | 1–9p (Gates 12.30p) | Tickets: $60-$80 / Same day: $85 / Kids under 10: free

 

Headliner Dawes will be bringing their genre-defying sound to the main stage while Robert Randolph & Friends joins forces with country-pop star Jessica Lynn for a powerhouse crossover set. Add in some Grateful Dead all-female brilliance, emerging artists, and local legends, and you have a day of unmissable music, good vibes, and summertime magic in the heart of Westchester.

 

Feel free to bring the littles as the expanded family programming sees The Rock and Roll Playhouse bring parents and kids together for shared musical experiences, kicking off with a Taylor Swift–themed set just for families.

 

Thu., Jul 10 | Glen Island Park, New Rochelle | 5–8p | FREE, parking fees apply

 

Whether you're a total beginner or already have the moves, all are welcome at Westchester County Parks’ summer salsa nights. Enjoy a free salsa lesson from 5–6p led by pros from Arthur Murray Dance Studios, then dance the night away from 6–8p to live Latin beats.

 

đŸ„â€â™‚ïž 8th Annual Tiki Party

Fri., Jul 11 | Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck | 6p | FREE

 

A tropical night of fire dancers, food trucks, an outdoor movie under the stars (Moana 2) and live music from New Yacht City, who make their Westchester debut.

 

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📆 What’s Happening?

 

Kid-friendly Fun!

 

Tue., Jul 8 onward | Select parks county-wide | 11–11.45a (Fri. 11.30a–12.15p)

 

This free, bilingual, read-aloud series for children kicks off this week at four beautiful, outdoor locations, and runs weekly through mid-August. Kiddos will be entertained in natural (while parents can totally zone out, I mean, gaze on lovingly). Led by dynamic storytellers and hosted in partnership with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, it’s a playful, enriching summer program designed to inspire early readers ages 3–6. Pre-registration encouraged.

 

Here’s the location run down
 Tuesdays - Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers; Wednesdays - Saxon Woods Park, White Plains; Thursdays - Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla; Fridays - Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye

 

Wed., Jul 9 | Westchester Children’s Museum, Rye | 10.30a |

 

Kids will enjoy an engaging read-aloud with The Arc Westchester followed by a themed hands-on craft in the Makerspace — a fun, creative way to spark imagination and a love of reading. Included with museum admission.

 

📖 Farm-to-Fable

Thu., Jul 10 | Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights | 10a

 

Get some fresh air for the littles with story time and story-related farm activities at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights every Thursday at 10a. Pre-registration is required, pay what you’d like.

 

Thu., Jul 10 | SUNY Purchase | 10a | Free

 

The Westchester Walking Clubℱ is all about community, connection, and making the most of our beautiful local spaces. Started by Ali Krawitz as a new Mama looking to build a community (we see you, Ali!) each week, walkers of all kinds — solo strollers, parents, furry friends — gather for a 3.1-mile loop at SUNY Purchase.

 

Message @westchesterwalkingclub on Instagram for further details!

 

Thu., Jul 10 | The Pamplemousse Project, White Plains | 8-10a

 

Grab your morning brew and connect with officers from the White Plains Police Department in this relaxed meet-and-greet setting. Hosted at The Pamplemousse Project, a nonprofit café that donates 100% of profits to local charities, the event is a great excuse to check out one of the most community-minded spots in town.

 

Shoutout to Loving Westchester reader, Edward, for tipping us off to both the café and this feel-good event!

 

đŸŽ¶ Larchmont Summer Concerts: Percussion Picnic and Flint & the Wild Life

Thu., Jul 10 | Constitution Park, Larchmont | 6–10p

 

Bang out a good time for all the family in Larchmont on Thursday, starting with a Percussion Picnic from 6–7p, hosted by Larchmont Music Academy (kids can join a family drum circle!). Stay for Flint & the Wild Life, playing from 7.30–10p.

 

Pack a picnic, bring your own instruments, and get ready to march to the beat of your own drum!

 

Grown Ups & Date Nights

 

đŸ» Bingo Night

Thu., Jul 10 | Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea, Harrison | 7p

 

When we think Laughing Horse and BINGO, we’re typically picking up a morning brew to wake ourselves out of a baby sleep-deprived Ms. Rachel daze. Our friends Mike & Ali are flipping the script on Thursday with their first BINGO night over in Harrison. With those two running the show, you’re guaranteed to be entertained. Let ‘em know you’re coming on their Instagram (and follow, while you’re at it!).

 

Thu., Jul 10 | Caramoor, Katonah | 5p

 

Learn the perfect beer & cheese pairings with Pleasantville-staples Soul Brewing Company and Second Mouse Cheese Shop. Tickets $65. Come for the tasting, stay for the gig (see Concerts below).

 

Thu., Jul 10 | ArtsWestchester, White Plains | 7-9p

 

Unwind this Thursday with a couple of drinks and a lot of paint! ArtsWestchester is hosting its creatively-focused happy hour with an expert guiding you through classic painting techniques. Tickets cost $50 and include all painting supplies and two beverages.

 

đŸŽ” Live Music Scene

 

Image from The Capitol Theatre

 Wednesday, July 9th

  • Willie Villegas Y Entre Amigos (Salsa) | The Green, Cross County Center, Yonkers | 6:30p | FREE

  • Peekskill Summer Concert Series: First Class Dance Band | Peekskill Riverfront, Peekskill | 7p | FREE

  • Harrison Summer Concert Series: Back to the Garden 1969 (Woodstock Tribute) | Harrison Meadows, Harrison | 7p | FREE

  • New Castle Summer Concerts: FDR Drive | Rec Field, 200 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua | 7p | FREE

  • NY Opera Conservatory Summer Concert Series | Croton Free Library, Croton-on-Hudson | 7p | FREE

  • Chase Elodia | Jazz on Main, Mt. Kisco | No cover, $25 food & drink minimum per person

  • New Rochelle Summer Sounds: Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band | Hudson Park, New Rochelle | 7.30p | FREE

  • Dave Matthews Tribute Band | Garcia’s, Port Chester | Doors 7p / Show 8p | Tickets: $25 Advance / $30 Day of Show

Thursday, July 10th

  • Color TV & Friends w/ Tasca | Garcia’s, Port Chester | Doors 7p / Show 8p | Tickets: $20 Advance / $25 Day of Show

  • Caroline Shaw & Sƍ Percussion ft. Ringdown | Caramoor, Katonah | 7p | Tickets from $20

  • Walter’s Dog Days of Summer Concert Series: Jack West | Walter’s Picnic Area, Mamaroneck | 6.30p | FREE

  • Downtown Eats, Rivertown Beats: The Grateful BRO | Pierson Park, Tarrytown | 7p | FREE

  • Harrison Summer Concert Series: Bangos (Bangles & Go-Go’s Tribute) | Village Green, West Harrison | 7p | FREE

  • Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst: Roella Oloro Quartet | Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown | 6.30p | $10 access fee for Lyndhurst grounds

Friday, July 11th

  • Graham Nash | Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6.30p / Show 8p | Tickets $35-$99.50

  • NY Opera Conservatory Summer Concert Series | Croton Free Library, Croton-on-Hudson | 7p | FREE

 

 

🚹 Ticket Alert 🚹

 

Image from The Capitol Theatre

Urgent! The Capitol Theatre announced that 80s icons and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Foreigner will play Port Chester on Wednesday, December 3rd and Thursday, December 4th. Tickets are on sale this Friday, July 11th at 10am through Ticketmaster.

 

🚗 Worth a Drive

We’re spoiled for choice in Westchester, but here are our top picks if you find yourself outside county lines this week


 

Wed., Jul 9 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 3p

 

Those Mbappe jerseys live to see another week in the FIFA Club World Cup as Kylian’s bicycle kick goal in the 94th minute was enough to get Real Madrid past Dortmund. Up next, his old team and current Champions League winners, PSG, in the semifinals. As of writing, tickets start at $276.

 

đŸŽ€ Dionne Warwick

Thu., Jul 10 & Fri., Jul 11 | Ridgefield Playhouse, CT | 8p

 

Six-time Grammy winner and R&B royalty, Dionne Warwick, visits Fairfield County this week for two shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse. Remaining tickets are extremely limited, so we’ll say a little prayer for you that they’re still available when you go to scoop them up!

Thanks to our partner, Fallscapers!

 

Let Fallscapers transform your doorstep into an autumn wonderland!

We know
 summer is just starting and the last thing on your mind is setting up pumpkins to glow up your porch this fall. All the more reason to allow Fallscapers to start thinking about it for you! Fallscapers is offering limited availability for the autumn 2025 season and taking early interest now, no commitment necessary.

 

 

đŸ„Ÿ Eats-chester

 

There has been a ton of new restaurant openings lately - one of which is Nana’s in Scarsdale. This is Nana’s first East Coast location, and they’re marking the moment today with a ribbon cutting at 5p and a live lion dance from 6p!

 

Dim Sum is one of the few non pizza and cheeseburger related foods our eight-year-old, Kai actually loves. There’s a lot of lovely options including the ‘living wild on a Monday night’ Dumpling Roulette. The big winners for everyone were the Pan-Fried Thumplings and the Chicken Fried Rice, and for us, the Szechuan Chicken and the Soup Dumplings made the cut too (we had the truffle version, but the others’ days are numbered). It was Beckett’s birthday, so she got a sweet candle in some free mochi ice cream. Some of the best we’ve had.

 

Speaking of cheeseburgers though, we tried Fat Stu’s new Port Chester location and for a casual, family bite, we would definitely back it. The burgers are great, as are the prices, and as for the loaded tots, they went so fast I’m not quite sure we got them. The experience prompted our son to ponder the merits of hot dog vs cheeseburger, which can only mean good things.

 

One last thing for today, we’ve said before we love Blue Pig in Croton-on-Hudson, but we also like you guys! So, we left a scoop for a Loving Westchester follower to enjoy at the store. Make sure to check the board at the cash register and grab it if it’s still there!

Thanks for reading Loving Westchester!

 

We really enjoy putting this together twice a week and hope you enjoy reading it. If you’d like to drop a line and let us know your favorite spots across the county, hidden gems, must-know events or to just say ‘hi’, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach us directly at [email protected].

 

Follow us on Instagram for additional event details outside of our normal Tuesday & Friday e-mails and, as always, please send this along to a friend who’s always asking “what’s going on this week?”

 

Until next time,