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- š§ Harry Potterās Forbidden Forest Returns to Westchester This Week
š§ Harry Potterās Forbidden Forest Returns to Westchester This Week
We found your perfect Fall Festival, plus a bit of Hocus Pocus at The Ark and a Victorian gem hits the market in Irvington
Hello, Westchester!
As leaf peeping season is upon us and less patient viewers (like us) are headed to the mountains for some unforgettable scenes, weāve been sharing the ILoveNY.com Fall Foliage report in recent editions so you know exactly where to go.
Now, we try to vet everything we recommend as best we possibly can, from venues, to restaurants, to events themselves, but when it comes to the breadth of New York State and leaf color as you venture out, at some point we have to take someone elseās word for it, right?
Well, color us surprised when we headed into the heart of yellowy-orange country in Kerhonkson out near the āGunks to find itā¦ very green! Still a long way for those leaves to go and not a whole lot of color out thereā¦ yet.
We took a Columbus Day drive to Kelderās Farm for their Fall Festival there and highly recommend itā¦ and this one we have thoroughly vetted. We filled our whole day there and the attractions are endless. Theyāve got, in order of the pictures below and amongst so much more, kids jumping pads, a petting zoo, a corn āsandboxā, a candy cannon, and one of the sassiest pumpkin pickers weāve ever seen.
Ok, that last one came home with us but stillā¦ there really is an amazing day to be had at Kelderās, with kids or without. If you make the trek north and stop by, weād love to hear about it! And the good news is that thereās a lot of leaf-changing still to come and that Fall Festival runs until November 1st, so thereās plenty of time to get there.
As always, thereās so much to do closer to home as well. The three featured events on our radar this week are a preview Q&A screening of Wicker with directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson at Jacob Burns, a Hocus Pocus family screening at The Ark, and the return of the Harry Potter Experience in Yorktown.
Enjoy the week. See you out there!
š Know Your Countyā¦ with The Capitol Theatre!
Last week we askedā¦ on October 14, 1997, the Rolling Stones were billed to play The Capitol Theatre as part of MTVās Live From the 10 Spot series but were forced to cancel when Mick Jagger developed laryngitis. Which legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer filled in for The Stones that night?
The answer isā¦ David Bowie!
āStarmanā covered for The Stones with a dozen songs that night, including a few from his then-new Earthling album. Not a bad backup option! The Rolling Stones went on to play The Cap later that month. Well done to the 50% of you who got this one correct, better luck next time to the 50% who canāt get no satisfaction.
As a reminder, weāve partnered with The Capitol Theatre and this monthās winner will win two tickets to a select show at The Cap later this year.
Hereās your next questionā¦
Washington Irving made Sleepy Hollow famous and is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. A Gilded Age titan who gave away most of his fortune building public libraries is also buried there, just a short walk awayā¦
Who is it? |
Good luck!
In todayās edition:
Featured eventsā¦ a bit of Hocus Pocus at The Ark and Harry Potter returns to Yorktown
Family funā¦ support Westchester SC in their final home game of the 2026 season
Grown ups & date nightsā¦ a busy week at The Grand as they host comedian Todd Barry and a concert benefit in support of Feeding Westchester
Worth a drive from Ardsley Car Washā¦ Kelderās Fall Festival continues this week in Kerhonkson and Anthony Rodia takes the stage in Stamford
Where the heart isā¦ a beautiful Victorian tucked away just off of Irvingtonās Main Street hits the market
Plus, a message from The Ark, filling your Spooky Season calendar, and QueenBHive, giving you, your business, or brand the visibility and support it needs.
Now letās get to it!
š The Pulse
Loving Westchesterās Featured Events!
š¬ Wicker: Preview Q&A with the Filmmakers
Thu., Oct. 15 | Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville | 5:30p | $20 members, $25 nonmembers
A preview screening of the new comedic fable starring Olivia Colman as an ostracized fisherwoman who commissions a wicker husband (Alexander SkarsgƄrd) from the local basketmaker (Peter Dinklage), followed by a Q&A with directors Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. Rated R, 105 minutes. Opens in general release Oct. 23.
See it early, with the filmmakers in the room ā
š§ Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Opens Fri., Oct. 16, select evenings | FDR State Park, Yorktown Heights | Tickets vary, parking $15 advance
The acclaimed nighttime light trail returns to Westchester after four years, leading you through a dark forest to meet Hippogriffs, unicorns, and Nifflers, cast interactive spells, and try your hand at a Patronus. Brought to life by award-winning theatrical designers, it runs 60-90 minutes at your own pace, with food, drink, and a merch shop along the way.
Cast a Patronus and come face-to-face with a Hippogriff, right in Yorktown ā
š Hocus Pocus Family Screening with Shannon Carlin
Sun., Oct. 18 | Shames JCC on the Hudson, Tarrytown | 3p-5p | $8+, children 5 and under free
Gather the family for the Halloween classic, then stick around for a conversation with oral historian Shannon Carlin, author of Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disneyās Hocus Pocus. She shares behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts, moderated by Hocus Pocus superfan and collector Allison Dubrosky. Signed books for sale.
See the movie, then hear every secret from the set ā
š» Spooky Season Continues!
Paranormal investigators, serial killer psychology, and mediums reaching across the veilā¦ The Arkās Spooky Season has delivered on the promise, and theyāre not done yet. Hereās whatās still ahead on the October calendar, plus two bigger-than-Halloween names on The Arkās radar once the Horseman heads home: Billy Joelās acclaimed saxophonist Mark Rivera and Bravo favorite Andy Cohenā¦
š§¹ Sun., Oct. 18: A family Hocus Pocus screening + a Q&A with the film's oral historian
šø Fri., Oct. 30: Stevie's Blue Lamp, a Stevie Nicks tribute band closing it all out
š· Thu., Nov. 5: Mark Rivera: From Piano Man to the Fab Four
š¤ Mon., Nov. 9: Andy Cohen: Behind the Scenes of the Real Housewives
š Whatās Happening?
Family Fun!
š Family Fun at nest & nook: Halloween Music and Play
Sat., Oct. 17 | nest & nook, Thornwood | 10a and 11:30a | Ticket prices vary
Two Halloween classes with RockānāRascalz: Music, Movement and Play for ages 0-3 at 10a (30 minutes of music, 30 of open play), then a Freeze Dance Party for ages 4-9 at 11:30a, with pizza and treat bags. Costumes encouraged.
š¬ Disneyās Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Hotel Transylvania
Sat., Oct. 17 | The Lyceum, Tarrytown | 5p | $13+
A family double feature from Sleepy Hollow Cinemaās Home for Horror series: Disneyās 1949 animated Legend of Sleepy Hollow (narrated by Bing Crosby) followed by Hotel Transylvania (2012). Doors 4:30p. Rated PG.
ā½ Westchester Soccer Club vs. Union Omaha
Sat., Oct. 17 | The Stadium at Memorial Field, Mount Vernon | 7p | $10+
Westchester SCās final home game of the 2026 season sees them host Union Omaha, with Yonkers and Irish Heritage Night and a pre-match Halloween costume kickoff. Doors 5:30p, free parking, all ages.
šŗ Spooktacular Oktoberfest at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Sat.-Sun., Oct. 17-18 | Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Rye | 1p-5:30p | $25 (under 3 free)
Two days of fall and Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, hay rides, a haunted house, pumpkin painting, sāmores, and a bounce house, plus live music. Come in costume. Rain or shine.
šļø Wickers Creek Market
Sun., Oct. 18 | Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park | 10a-4p | Free
A vintage market with 50-plus vintage and antique vendors selling mid-century furniture, collectible dƩcor, and estate finds, plus food and live music. Dog-friendly, with free admission, free parking, and easy Metro-North access.
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.
š Mystic Moon at Harvest Moon
Select evenings through Nov. 1 | Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, North Salem | Evenings | $39+
An enchanting nighttime trail through the orchard woods, dramatically lit with mystical characters, interesting scenes, and fun photo ops. Kid friendlyā¦ whimsical rather than scary. Twilight Hour slots are softer-lit for young children.
š The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Select evenings through Nov. 8 | Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson | Evenings | Ticket prices vary
Illuminated hand-carved jack o'lanterns across an 18th-century landscape, with themed displays, special effects, and an original soundtrack. New for 2026: an expanded Creature Feature Forest and a fairy-tale Little Literary Lane.
Grown Ups & Date Nights
š Mahjong: Lunch and Lesson
Wednesdays from Oct. 14 | Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | 1p | $55
Hands-on mahjong in the Playhouse CafƩ for beginners and intermediate players, with tables split by level. All materials provided, lunch included. 120 minutes.
šø Sip and Create: Custom Fragrances with Decota Naturals
Thu., Oct. 15 | ArtsWestchester Gallery, White Plains | 7p-9p | $50
A hands-on fragrance-blending workshop where you mix essential oils into a personalized scent to take home, part of ArtsWestchesterās monthly Gallery Night Out for adults. All materials provided, ages 18+.
š¬ No Country for Mothers
Thu., Oct. 15 | Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | 7p | $13+
A documentary on how American mothers have been divided by culture wars rather than supported by policy, followed by a panel discussion with local momsā organizers and a perinatal mental health therapist.
š Comedy at The Grand: Todd Barry
Thu., Oct. 15 | The Grand, Croton-on-Hudson | 8p-9p | $21.40+
The stand-up behind four hour-long specials, including Domestic Shorthair, and the voice of characters on Bobās Burgers and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, brings his act to Croton. Seen on Colbert, Letterman, and Conan.
šø The Rascals 60th Anniversary Tour
Fri., Oct. 16 | Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | 8p | $68.50
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliereās Rascals mark six decades of āblue-eyed soul,ā playing hits āGroovinā,ā āGood Lovinā,ā and āPeople Got To Be Free.ā
š¢ Wobble on the Hudson Sunset Cruise: Fall Foliage Edition
Sat., Oct. 17 | Fleischmann Pier Park, Peekskill | Boarding 3:30p, Cruise 4p-7p | $55
A three-hour line dance cruise with Steve āFun Bunchā Dillard spinning soul, R&B, and southern soul, with fall foliage and sunset views on the Hudson. Lite menu and cash bar on board. Rain or shine.
šø Rock n Roll Fest: Feeding Westchester Benefit
Sat., Oct. 17 | The Grand, Croton-on-Hudson | 7p | $30
A benefit for Feeding Westchester with live music from Jack Toad and No Guardrails, plus beer donated by Captain Lawrence Brewery. Every dollar raised provides two meals for kids, seniors, and families at risk, with a goal of 20,000 meals.
š» Scared by the Sound
Select evenings | Rye Playland, Rye | Evening slots available | $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.
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š Hudson Valley Fall Festival at Kelderās Farm
Through Nov. 1 | Kelderās Farm, Kerhonkson | 10a-6p (closed Wed.) | Ticket prices vary
Pumpkin picking, a corn maze, weekend hayrides, and 35-plus farmyard attractions with farm animals, plus food, drink, and a taproom with local beer, wine, and cider. The season closes with a Pumpkin Smash on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
š Anthony Rodia: Insanely Funny Tour
Fri., Oct. 16 | Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT | Doors 7p, Show 8p | $36+
The Westchester-born comedian behind the viral āRoad Rage Wednesdayā and his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters, with over 22 million YouTube views, brings his stand-up to Stamford.
š¶ The Blind Boys of Alabama: Songs in the Key of Life
Fri., Oct. 16 | Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT | 8p | $40+
The Grammy-winning gospel legends celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonderās Songs in the Key of Life, pairing his classics with selections from their own repertoire in a blend of gospel, soul, and Americana.
š” Where the Heart Is
Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Hereās one that caught our eye
 |  |
The Key Details: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2,012 square feet on a 2,696 square foot lot ($584 / square foot)
What We Love About It: A navy Victorian built in 1906, tucked onto a dead-end block that ends at Matthiessen Park. Tall old trees line the street, the neighbors are friendly, and Main Street and the river are an easy stroll. Inside, the original character has been preserved alongside modern updates, with a fireplace in the living room, a roomy porch, and a kitchen overlooking the garden, breakfast nook included. Four bedrooms sit upstairs, and the fenced backyard has a big shade tree for summer.
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!
