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💗 Deception! Mystery! Stunt Dogs?
Stories, sweet treats, and summer surprises to fill your weekend with joy

Happy Friday, Westchester!
We made it!
Last night we had the absolute pleasure of attending the annual Shoulder Check Showcase, a #HT40 initiative inspiring people to check in on each other and connect. The event was born from the spirit of Hayden Thorsen, a young man who adored hockey, his family and friends, and left us far too soon. We spoke about this event in the last few editions as when an event combines one of our favorite sports with heart-felt roots and a purposeful mission, we can’t help but support.

Making contact at the 2025 Shoulder Check Showcase
It was a sell-out, and we experienced every emotion possible throughout as strangers sang ‘Lean on Me’ in solitude with John Brancy, followed by glorious shenanigans-on-ice from some of the biggest names in hockey - all donning Hayden’s jersey number. Our son even came away with a Rempe autograph, sealing the night to memory forever more.
So, in the spirit of Hayden and the night itself, this is us checking in on you and sending good vibes.
We’ve some great stuff in here for you to enjoy with those you love (or just by yourself, because that’s ok too!)
Wes+Bec
In today’s edition…
Big machines, bigger magic, and one tiny mystery bean
Boardwalk parties, stunt dogs, and cabaret-style truth bombs
A jazzy takeover, a white party & dump trucks?
This edition is brought to you by QueenBHive and Fallscapers.
Let’s go!
💓 The Pulse
Loving Westchester’s Featured Event!

Image from Caramoor.com
Sat., Jul 26 | Caramoor, Katonah | 12.30-9p | Adult full festival tickets from $63
The annual installment of the Caramoor Jazz Festival returns this Saturday in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. A dozen musical acts sprawl across the stunning Caramoor grounds and its four venues during the daytime session starting at 12.30p. Headliner and 8x Grammy winner Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra conclude the evening at 7.30p in the Venetian Theater.
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📆 What’s Happening?
Kid-friendly Fun!

Image from Paramount Hudson Valley
Sat., Jul 26 | Irvington Theater, Irvington | Shows at 3p & 6p | Tickets $15 + $2 Fee per show
Irvington Theater is giving magic fans a double dose of enchantment with its family friendly festival. At 3p, kids aged 4–10 will love The Sword Fighting Tea Party, where Princess Peigh leads a hilarious, swashbuckling adventure. Then The Deviant Deceptionist Zach Alexander hits the stage at 6p blending sleight of hand, psychology, and dry wit, leaving you wondering what’s real.
Fridays from 2-6p, Saturdays & Sundays from 10-6p | Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem | Tickets $35 Ages 10+
When we mentioned this previously it was very popular, so we clearly have fans of escape rooms in the house! Blending immersive theater with interactive gaming and plenty of hoots, the Miracle Bean and The Chocolate Machine is a new outdoor adventure that drops you into a chocolate-fueled mystery where you’ll follow maps, solve clues, and uncover a long-lost cacao bean hidden deep within the Harvest Moon farm.
Sat., Jul 26 | Outhouse Orchards, North Salem | Gates 5p | Tickets $11.29, Children 2 and under enter free
Climb aboard real dump trucks, loaders, and tractors, as the orchard transforms its parking lot into heavy machinery heaven. Kids can bounce, dig, play bucket golf, and ride hayrides while grown-ups can enjoy smash burgers, wood-fired pizza, and local cider. There’s even a mini construction helmet filled with ice cream included for kiddos! We had a blast when we visited previously!
Sat., Jul 26 | Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown Heights | 10a & 1p | Tickets: $20 per workshop
Harvest, cook, and taste the freshest flavors the farm has to offer in hands-on outdoor workshops, perfect for kids (8+) and adults alike. For sweet tooths, pick your ingredients straight from the farm, then turn them into a delicious dessert. Or choose savory and learn sustainable harvesting techniques and kitchen skills as you create a fresh, farm-inspired dish from scratch. Then sit down and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor together.
Sat., Jul 26 | Hudson River Museum, Yonkers | Various Times | Tickets start from $8
Celebrate summer with a full day of hands-on art and science workshops, outdoor games, and live animal encounters — all included with museum admission! Enjoy making kites, summer scenes, and a pet thundercloud with your little ones from 12-4p and meet fascinating reptiles and amphibians with Greenburgh Nature Center’s Live Animal Show. Planetarium shows and history Glenview Home tours run throughout.
Sun., Jul 27 | Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill | 3p | Tickets $36 + Fees
As seen on America’s Got Talent, Puppy Pals Live brings its stunt paw-forming rescue pups to Westchester for a high-energy, comedy show that’s been stealing hearts across the country. You’d be barking mad to miss these four-legged stars leap, flip, and roll their way through laugh-out-loud routines and daredevil feats. It's a fetching mix of canine comedy and bone-afide talent, with plenty of chances for kids (and grown-ups) to join in the fun.
💌 Even more family-friendly activities that deserve look:
Playland Park Fireworks | Fri., Jul 25 | Playland Park, Rye | 9p | FREE
Outdoor Movie: Remember the Titans | Fri., Jul 25 | Pugsley Park, Peekskill | 8p | FREE
Outdoor Movie: Frozen 2 | Fri., Jul 25 | Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park (Keeper’s House east lawn), Dobbs Ferry | 8.30p | FREE
Lighted Boat Parade | Sat., Jul 26 | New Rochelle Harbor | Beginning at dusk | FREE
Outdoor Movie: Inside Out 2 | Sat., Jul 26 | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | Starts at sundown | FREE
Outdoor Movie: Interstellar | Sat., Jul 26 | Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck | Starts at dusk | FREE

Grown Ups & Date Nights
Sat., Jul 26 | The Idea Kitchen, Larchmont | Seating 7p, Show 8p | Tickets $25 in advance, $30 on the day.
This edition of Comedy From Scratch features top-tier talent including Talia Reese (SiriusXM, NY Post’s “Hot Ticket”), Rick Younger (Broadway’s Mean Girls, HBO), and host Ben Asher (NY Comedy Festival, Comedy Central). Bring your own food and drink if you like!
Fri., Jul 25 - Sun., Jul 27 | Westchester Collaborative Theater, Ossining | Various times | Tickets from $23.18
What happens when women take the mic and read their own words, unfiltered and face-to-face? That’s (Not) All She Wrote IV invites you into a bold, intimate space where women’s stories come alive. Set in a transformed coffeehouse with immersive, cabaret-style seating, this powerful showcase amplifies voices too often sidelined. Funny, fierce, raw, and redemptive, expect sharp dialogue, gut-punching moments, roaring laughter, and reflections you won’t shake off.
Created by and starring members of Westchester Collaborative Theater and featuring new works by Adela Armand, Jessica W. Bonds, Tina D’Amato, MC De la Cruz, Joni Fritz, Carol Mark, Gretchen Metzloff, and Bette Siler.
🌺 Leaf & Loom Pop-Up in Scarsdale
Fri., Jul 25 & Sat., Jul 26 | Boniface Circle, Scarsdale | 10 AM – 6 PM
Rare plants meet small-batch design at this curated pop-up for collectors, decorators, and lovers of quiet beauty. Browse limited-edition indoor greenery, artisan porcelain, and handcrafted home decor.
Fri., Jul 25 | Tiki Beach, Playland Boardwalk | From 7p | Free Admission
If you’re feeling like breaking out your brightest whites and dancing until your feet are sore, then Tiki Beach has you covered. There will be music (hello DJ Serg Entertainment), drinks (you know, the kinda ones that usually have umbrellas), and happy beach vibes, all wrapped up with a special firework display overlooking the beach.
Live Music Scene

Image from The Capitol Theatre
Friday, July 25th
Robison Summer Concert Series: Love Story A Tribute to Taylor Swift | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | 7p | FREE
New Rochelle Summer Sounds: De Lonna Jones & Friends | Hudson Park, New Rochelle | 7.30p | FREE
8TRACK BAND | Garcia’s, Port Chester | Doors 7p / Show 8p | Advance Tickets: $20, Day Of: $25
The High Kings | Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown | 8p | Tickets $44-64
Yonkers Waterfront Live: Dave Cox and the Legendary Band | Waterfront Amphitheater, Yonkers | 6.30-8p | FREE
Rashaan Cruse Jr. & Friends | Jazz on Main, Mount Kisco | 7p | Advance: $25, Door: $30, $25 food & drink minimum per person
Mamaroneck Summer Concert Series: The Saints | Florence Park, Mamaroneck | 7p | FREE
Summer Live Music: Sara Smiles | Barley Beach House, Rye | 7-9p | FREE
Ossining RiverJam: Sancocho | Louis Engel Park, Ossining | 7p | FREE
Super 70’s Rock Show featuring Super Trans Am | Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | 8p | Tickets from $39
Pompeii Floyd - Live at Pompeii | Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck | 8p | Tickets: $41-53
Takács Quartet | Caramoor, Katonah | 7.30p | Adult tickets from $51
Saturday, July 26th
The Breakers (Tom Petty Tribute) | Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown | 8p | Tickets: $37.50-51.50
Quintin Harris Trio | Jazz on Main, Mount Kisco | 7p | Advance: $30, Door: $35, $25 food & drink minimum per person
Mike Risko Band | The Boathouse, Ossining | 7-9p
Downtown Summer Sizzle: Roots Foundation | Ruby Dee Park, New Rochelle | 6.30-9p | FREE
Sunday, July 27th
Sunday Brunch with Jon Cobert | Jazz on Main, Mount Kisco | 12p | No cover, $25 food & drink minimum per person
Bang on a Can Festival Ensemble | Caramoor, Katonah | 4p | Reserve free tickets through Caramoor
Eléanor Biezunski & Friends | Untermyer Gardens Amphitheater, Yonkers | 5p | Tickets: $30
🚗 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…

Image from MiLB.com
Fri., Jul 25 - Sun., Jul 27 | Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls (Dutchess County) | Tickets start at $11.50 for all three games
Friday | 7.05p | ‘Christmas in July’ toy drive where one donated unopened gift gets you one general admission ticket; stay for postgame fireworks!
Saturday | 5.05p | The Renegades take the field as the Hudson Valley Big Apples to mark New York State’s 237th birthday; Big Apples bucket hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans through the gates. Pregame concert from Vincent Rodriguez.
Sunday | 2.05p | Princess Day, Sunday Family Funday (kids entertainment), Bark in the Park (furry friends are welcome) all in one! Kids, princesses & dogs are invited to run the bases postgame!
Sat., Jul 26 | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ | 4p | Tickets from $85.60
The English Premier League kicks off its Summer Series US Tour at MetLife Stadium. Ticket holders get access to two games, Everton vs Bournemouth at 4p, followed by West Ham United facing storied Manchester United at 7p.
Fri., Jul 25 - Sun., Jul 27 | Mill River Park, Stamford, CT | Fri. 5-9p, Sat. & Sun 12-9p | Tickets free w/ registration on festival site
The 8th annual Hey Stamford! Food Festival kicks off this week just over the border and it’s jammed with local food favorites, fun family activities, musical entertainment and even an appearance from MTV reality star, Johnny Bananas! Tickets are free with registration.
Now through Jul 27 | Orange County Fairgrounds, Middletown, NY | 4-11p | Ticket prices vary, check link for daily prices & deals
The 185th Orange County Fair continues this weekend, running through Sunday, July 27th. In addition to your normal fair rides and games, expect tons of concerts, circus acts, petting zoos, fireworks and a demolition derby… check the above link for daily scheduling.
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.
🏡 Where the Heart Is…
Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Here’s one that caught our eye…
615 Guion Drive | Mamaroneck, NY | $1,395,000
Listed by Compass Greater NY, LLC
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Calling all water lovers! 615 Guion Drive in Mamaroneck has hit the market, offering direct access to the Long Island Sound from its own private dock with a wide open backyard and deck to catch summer fireworks from Harbor Island Park just across the basin. Per the realtor’s notes: “Whether you’re planning to renovate, expand, or refresh, the setting and neighborhood make this a truly worthwhile investment.”
Homes rarely become available in this private waterfront community and, with neighboring home values ranging anywhere from $2-2.8m, it’s unlikely to stick around long.
Thanks for reading Loving Westchester!
We’re really enjoying putting this together twice a week and hope you enjoy reading it. Like we said earlier, we love to hear from you! You can reach us at [email protected].
Check us out on Instagram for additional highlights 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 weekend?”
Until next time,