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  • 💗 Duck Derby Returns + '80s Dance Party Rocks Westchester This Week

💗 Duck Derby Returns + '80s Dance Party Rocks Westchester This Week

Plus, all the comic relief, concerts and minor league baseball excitement you could ask for!

Author

Wes+Bec Willetts
August 05, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes

Hi friends!

 

We’re always amazed at how much Westchester has going on, and grateful there’s also so much to offer in various directions outside of it. We love hearing what you got up to so please keep telling us!

 

We took advantage of the last Free First Friday Storm King had to offer for the season. They had a puppet show and a little art hunt for the kids to do in their own time, which really engaged our eight-year-old as we drifted our way around the beautiful landscape. We highly recommend you go if you haven’t been. It’s such a wonderful and peaceful place, and feels different as the seasons change.

 

Saturday was spent at Camp Kiwi in Mahopac for the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation’s annual Mess Fest as part of The Muddy Puddles Project. This is one we will strive to give you advance warning about next year as it is an absolutely amazing day out for an incredible cause. Think firefighters spraying you from their truck as you try to get around a pond in a pedalo, or running and skidding down a sudsy, watery hill, and jumping in squidgy, muddy puddles. And we’re not just talking about the kids here! There are also pools, trampolines, playgrounds, art stations, food fights, pie-in the face, dunk tanks, a slobstacle course (you heard me) … and even Peppa Pig!

 

We were extremely moved to see each station named after a child who had lost their battle to cancer, and to enjoy a day in honor of Ty’s love of muddy puddles, a five-year-old’s simple pleasure. We left the day feeling extremely grateful for everything we have and vowing to bring even more support to the foundation’s work of helping to raise funds towards minimizing the side effects and improving long-term survival rates for children diagnosed with the deadliest cancers.

 

Please do let us know if there are events like this you feel strongly about that we can get behind and try to make a difference in our own little way.

 

Wes+Bec

 

 

In today’s edition…

  • Tiny trees, magic, mystery comedians, and moonlit hikes

  • Big family nights out, SO many concerts, and all sorts of baseball fun

  • Did we just find the best slice window in the county?

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

 

Let’s go!

💓 The Pulse

Loving Westchester’s Featured Events!

Image from Westchester Parks Foundation

Thu., Aug 7 | Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers | 5.30-7.30p

 

After the July 31st washout, the 2nd Annual Duck Derby hosted by the Westchester Parks Foundation has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 7th. Race entry prices start at $25 and include a meal voucher. Kids enter and eat free! Click the image or link above for more race & event details.

 

Wed., Aug 6 | Lanza Field, Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck | 7p | FREE

 

Bust out the leg warmers and Michael Jackson glove on Wednesday for Emelin Theater’s annual Concerts in the Park; the musical guest Rubix Cube is billed as “The Galaxy’s Most Excellent ’80s Tribute Band.” No tickets or reservations required. Food and adult beverage vendors will be on site.

Partnered With QueenBHive

For business owners who feel like social media and communications is a full-time job on top of everything else!

 

PR and communications agency, QueenBHive supports local businesses with all the things they don’t have time for - content planning, social media, design, outreach, branding, promotions, and media and influencer engagement. Whatever it is, QueenBHive has done it all for some of the biggest brands around the world and, based right here in Westchester, is passionate about supporting local.

 

With packages made for all sizes of business, QueenBHive takes the stress away from creating and executing growth plans and offers expert support without the sky-high price tag!

 

Visit QueenBHive.com and send them an email here if you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start! Their friendly and helpful approach will help you navigate what you need to reach your goals.

 

Based in Westchester. Proud to be part of this community.

 

📆 What’s Happening?

 

Kid-friendly Fun!

Video Vault presents The Goonies

Philipse Manor Hall Summer Games

Tue., Aug 5 | Mamaroneck Cinemas | Fun starts at 7.30p, Movie 8p | Tickets $15-18

 

The LMC Media Center and the Video Vault Series present a special screening of The Goonies at Mamaroneck Cinemas on Tuesday night. Come dressed as your favorite character with contests, prizes and musical entertainment scheduled. Very limited tickets remain!

 

🚒 National Night Out Take Over

Tue., Aug 5 | Ossining High School, New Rochelle Police Dept on North Ave, & Rye Rec | Times as Below | Free and open to the public

 

Westchester towns are joining in the nationwide celebration, National Night Out, which promotes strong police-community partnerships. We’ve gathered those we have the details for but keep an eye out for this fun, summer night out near you.

 

Expect burgers, hot dogs, games, face painting, and touch-a-truck fun in Ossining (6-10p), or head to New Rochelle for equipment demos, bubble bus, yummy food and an aviation flyover (5-8p). In Rye, you’ll find food trucks, live music, prizes, a kids vs. cops tug-of-war, and a water balloon fight (5.30–7.30p).

 

Wed., Aug 6 | Philipse Manor Hall, Yonkers | 12-2p | FREE

 

Try your luck at some of your colonial ancestors’ favorite games like hoop & stick, graces, battledore & shuttlecock, shut the box, mancala and Jacob’s ladder. Open to everyone and free!

 

Wed., Aug 6 - Sat., Aug 9 | Fire Department, South Salem | Daily open times vary | Unlimited daily ride wristbands $35

 

South Salem FD’s annual carnival kicks off on Wednesday this week with rides, games and food for attendees to enjoy. The parade runs on Wednesday at 7p along Rte. 35. Click the link above for daily open hours.

 

🏃‍♀️ Have A Field Day!

Thu., Aug 7 | Old Croton Aqueduct Keeper’s House, Dobbs Ferry | 3-4p | FREE, register at the above link

 

Outdoor water play, games and obstacle courses are on the schedule at the Dobbs Ferry Library field day! Let the games begin on Thursday at 3p on the Old Croton Aqueduct Keeper’s House grounds.

 

Thu., Aug 7 | White Plains Library | 6.30-7.30p | FREE

 

Enjoy a free magic show appropriate for all ages at the White Plains Library Auditorium. Prepare to be astonished! For Free! That’s a pretty good deal.

 

Grown Ups & Date Nights

Image from Paramount Hudson Valley Theater

🎨 Paint & Sip

Tue., Aug 5 | Cross County Center, Yonkers | 6.15-8p | Tickets $35, must be 21+, pre-registration required

 

A DJ, a blank canvas and some wine. Sounds like a little slice of heaven? Well, it could be the last chance to give it a try with the Cross County Center’s final Paint & Sip night of the summer. Yonkers’ We Art One Team will be on hand to give guidance, as well as art supplies, and enough wine to make you think perhaps you missed your calling.

 

🌳 Bonsai & Brews

Thu., Aug 7 | Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Elmsford | 6.30p | Tickets $85 - and very limited!

 

Sip a beer and shape a tiny tree at Bonsai Bar’s beginner workshop at Captain Lawrence. Learn how to pot, prune, and care for your very own bonsai while enjoying drinks with friends. No experience needed — just show up early, grab a drink, and pick your favorite tree and pot.

 

Fri., Aug 8 | Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | 8p | Tickets $30

 

Head to Peekskill Friday night for a double-billing of comedy pros as Patty Rosborough and Joe DeVito take the stage. With late night and Comedy Central appearances under their respective belts, it’s sure to be an entertaining one.

 

Fri., Aug 8 | Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville | 8-10p | Tickets $4

 

Explore the Preserve after dark for a 4-mile hike through carriage trails illuminated by August’s full “sturgeon moon,” which is believed to symbolize strength and endurance. Check the link above for details on timing and recommended attire.

 

🤫 Secret Standup?

Fri., Aug 8 | ???, Port Chester | Doors 7.30p / Show 8p | Tickets $27

 

For comedy fans who don’t mind last minute planning, Don’t Tell Comedy brings a unique standup set to Port Chester. At the time of purchase, ticket holders only know a few details about the venue with its exact location a total mystery up until the morning of the show.

 

Live Music Scene

 Tuesday, August 5th

  • The Chris Conte Duo | Uncle Lefty’s, Hastings-on-Hudson | 7-9p | FREE

  • Billy & The Showmen | Rye Town Park, Under the Pavilion, Rye | 7.30p | FREE

Wednesday, August 6th

  • Mount Kisco Summer Concerts: The Bryce & Reilly Show | Fountain Park, Mount Kisco | 6.30-8.30p | FREE

  • Stella Blue’s Band | Garcia’s, Port Chester | Doors 7p / Show 8p | Advance tickets $20, Day of $25

  • Peekskill Summer Concert Series: Archives Band | Riverfront, Peekskill | 7-9p | FREE

  • Mount Pleasant Summer Concert Series: Elephant Rock | Carroll Park, Thornwood | 7-9p | FREE

  • New Castle Summer Concerts: Tramps Like Us | 198 South Greeley Ave., Chappaqua | 7p | FREE

  • New Rochelle Summer Sounds: Esteem Allstars Band | Hudson Park, New Rochelle | 7.30p | FREE

Thursday, August 7th

  • Walter’s Dog Days of Summer Concert Series: School of Rock / Filo Fox | Walter’s Picnic Area, 937 Palmer Ave., Mamaroneck | 5.30p | FREE

  • Larchmont Summer Concert in the Park: Tasca / Larchmont Music Academy | Constitution Park, Larchmont | 6-10p | FREE

  • Sunset Jazz at Lyndhurst Concert Series: Gabrielle Stravelli | Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown | Grounds 4p / Show 6.30p | Tickets: $10 / Children Under 10 FREE

  • Harrison Summer Concert Series: Patrick Perone and the 7 Blue Suede Rockers (Elvis Tribute) | Village Green, West Harrison | 7p | FREE

  • Ava Gallo Jazz Trio | Jazz on Main, Mount Kisco | 7p | Advance: $25, Door: $30, $25 food & drink minimum per person

  • Tarrytown Summer Concert Series: Funk & Disorderly | Pierson Park, Tarrytown | 7-9p | FREE

  • Ominous Seapods | Garcia’s, Port Chester | Doors 7p / Show 8p | Advance tickets $20, Day of $25

Friday, August 8th

  • Concert Series at Ridge Hill: Showtime Dance Band | Town Square, Yonkers | 6-8p | FREE

  • Yonkers Waterfront Live: John Smith and the Jazz Funk Mosaic | Waterfront Amphitheater, Yonkers | 6.30-8p | FREE

  • Jack West | Barley Beach House, Rye | 7-9p | FREE

  • Ossining Riverjam: Mike Risko Band | Louis Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining | 7p | FREE

  • West Point Band Presents, "Transformations" | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | 7-8.30p | FREE

  • New Rochelle Summer Sounds: Party Train | Hudson Park, New Rochelle | 7.30p | FREE

  • The Avett Brothers | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6.30p / Show 8p | Tickets $99.50-179.50

🚗 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…

Head north to Dutchess County and catch the New York Yankees’ affiliate Hudson Valley Renegades take on the Brooklyn Cyclones this week in one of their final homestands of the 2025 season:

  • Tues., Aug 5 | 6.35p | Strikeout Cancer Night & Baseball Bingo… fill your card up for some awesome prizes.

  • Wed., Aug 6 | 6.35p | Renegades musical! See a Renegades-specific musical written by a local playwright performed between innings.

  • Thu., Aug 7 | 6.35p | Caribbean Night. The Renegades take the field as FenĂłmenos Enmascarados del Valle de Hudson with a replica jersey for the first 1,000 fans through the gates (Renegades alternate identity in the image above).

  • Fri., Aug 8 | 7.05p | Post-game fireworks & Make-A-Wish Night with the Little Renegades.

  • The homestand runs through August 17th, check back for weekend promos in our upcoming Friday edition.

 

Thu., Aug 7 - Sat., Aug 9 | Levity Live, West Nyack | Multiple showtimes | Tickets $49.22

 

One of the world’s highest earning comedians and feature on the first-ever Netflix comedy special, Russell Peters, hammers out five sets between Thursday and Sunday at Levity Live in West Nyack. Limited tickets still available.

Thanks to our partner, Fallscapers!

 

Let Fallscapers transform your porch into an autumn wonderland

With summer in full flow, we know 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.

 

 

🍕 Eats-chester

 

I swear we eat more than just pizza…

 

That said, we found ourselves in an area of northern Westchester that we haven’t really been before during a drive back from the amazingly fun and touching Mess Fest event in Mahopac. We’d also been seeing the name Trio Pizza thrown around a ton lately in the conversation with some others we know are among the best in the county and wondered if we were in the general neighborhood. Well… we were… and it quickly turned into a “it would be rude if we didn’t” sorta situation.

Half a cheese pie pictured as someone couldn’t wait …it was me.

The Trio-Roni

What I can safely say… Trio has the best slice window that we’ve seen in the county. I was worried it would be cleaned out given when we got there around 7p on a Saturday, but it was fully loaded with all of their fresh specialty pies. The Rosey (sliced Idaho potato, burrata, rosemary, caramelized onion & honey whipped ricotta) ate like a meal all its own and was a standout, though everything we tried was top notch and we’ll be making excuses to explore north county again in no time.

 

Thanks for reading Loving Westchester!

 

We’re really enjoying putting this together twice a week, and hope you enjoy reading it. Please feel free to drop us a line about your favorite spot, an upcoming event, or just to say Hi - we love to hear from you! You can reach us at [email protected].

 

Check us out 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 weekend?”

 

Until next time,