šŸ’— Our Favorite Event of the Summer Returns This Weekend

Wine, seafood, and 80s hits at the orchards, plus a Dobbs Ferry home with Ardsley schools under $1m

July 31, 2026

Hello, Westchester!
 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the first Know Your County trivia question we ran earlier this week. The competition is off to a great start and many of you took the time to write to us to answer the bonus point question, as well. If you missed the first week, no worriesā€¦ weā€™ll run this first competition through August with the next question, and the answer to Question 1, coming next Tuesday. Still loads of time to catch up so keep answering!
 
Looking ahead to the weekend, weā€™re counting down the hours until the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest at Kiwi Country Day Camp in Carmel. Our youngest, Beckett, was a little too young to really participate last year but sheā€™s fresh off a 2nd birthday and hits life head on, so itā€™s doubtful a 100+ foot slip and slide will slow her down (you can see our son, Kai, flying down it last year on Instagram).
 
We couldnā€™t recommend this one any more than we do. Itā€™s truly a great family fun event for a heartfelt cause. If youā€™d like to read more about the foundation, you can find that here. To grab tickets for Saturdayā€™s event, click here. Let us know if youā€™re coming and watch out at the bottom of the slip and slide, Kaiā€™s coming through!
 
Closer to home, there are fun events all over the county including two up at the orchards in North Salem. Enjoy the weekend and see you out there!
 

 
šŸ“ Around Our County
 
Local businesses worth knowing
 

If there's a die-hard sports fan in your house who's had one player, one moment, one team for as long as you can remember, take a look at this. You know the sports memorabilia plaques you've seen in stores, at local markets, and on Fanatics? Well, we discovered recently that they are actually made right here in Westchester. All the sports magic happens across from Elmsfordā€™s Captain Lawrence Brewery by FreshDCards, and their county roots run deep as they are on a 30-year run.
 
FreshDCards plaques are the pride and memory-keeper of many bedrooms, home offices, and fan caves all over the US. They have for decades been the traditional way to show off a favorite player or unforgettable moment (OG tip-in or Tyree helmet catch, anyone?). Real, licensed trading cards fixed to solid wood, engraved with the player's name, ready to hang. And it all begins right here on our doorstep.

With NFL training camps opening this week, Giants and Jets fans have the optimism only the start of the season can bring, before the leaves fall and when the seasonā€™s possibilities are endless. FreshDCards has the fresh faces everyone's watchingā€¦ Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and a familiar face in Odell Beckham Jr. on the Giants side, Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson on the Jetsā€¦ plus the greats. Giants Hall of Famers. Joe Namath for the old-school Jets fans in your life.
 
And if you donā€™t see the player who is constantly being talked about by your loved one? They'll tailor a plaque to your wishes. Who knew Elmsford had its own sporty, North Pole-like operation?!
 
The catalog runs deep across the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and soccer, which means there's a plaque for pretty much any fan in your life. Fast shipping, easy ordering, and a genuine Westchester company behind every piece.
 
FreshDCards is sharing the love with Loving Westchester readers, giving 15% off with code LW15.
Browse the catalog here.
 

 
In todayā€™s edition:

And a message from our partners, QueenBHive, giving you, your business, or brand the visibility and support it needs, and QueenBPoker, hosting your epic game night.

 

Now letā€™s get to it!

šŸ’“ The Pulse

Loving Westchesterā€™s Featured Events!

šŸŽø Bubbles and Bandanas with The M80s
Sat., Aug. 1 | Outhouse Orchards, North Salem | Gates 5p | $11.29 (3 and under free)
 
The M80s play the biggest hits of the decade under the stars, while the Bubble Bus fills the orchard with bubbles and every kid gets a bandana. Add the barnyard fun space, a family hayride, the taproom, wood-fired pizza, and smash burgers.
Big hair, big bubbles, and every 80s hit you forgot you knew ā†’
 
šŸ· Wine and Seafood Festival
Sat., Aug. 1 | Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, North Salem | 5p-9p | $15, or $20 with wine tasting (3 and under free)
 
Wine tastings from New York wineries, a seafood vendor and other food, and live bossa nova from CafƩ de Paris across the orchard. Local craft beer, hard cider, and cocktails round it out, with a kids harvest train and farm soft serve for the little ones. Wine tasting is 21+ and includes a keepsake glass.
RosĆ©, raw bar, and bossa nova as the sun goes down over the orchard ā†’
 
šŸŗ A-Sides Beach Ball
Sat.-Sun., Aug. 1-2 | Yonkers Brewing Company, Yonkers | 6p | $20/day, $35 weekend
 
Two nights of beach vibes and live music right on Main Street. Saturday is headlined by Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe, with Rachel Ana Dobken, Eager Sails, and Summer Project. Sunday brings Labiahead, the all-female Radiohead tribute featuring Lena Hall of Your Friends and Neighbors.
Beach vibes in Yonkers, with Lena Hall and the Verve Pipe vocalist to soundtrack it ā†’

 
Have an event you want to feature in Loving Westchester?

Got 99 ideas, but canā€™t execute 1?

 
Hey, everybody. This is Bec.
 
Iā€™ve spent 20 years helping businesses, brands and community organizations grow through better strategy, communications and partnerships. If youā€™re a local business owner with 100 ideas but never enough time to move them forward, thatā€™s 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 thatā€™s your visibility, social content, a launch, a partnership or simply having someone strategic to think alongside.
 
Send me a message and let me be your WingWoman.

šŸ“† Whatā€™s Happening?

Family Fun!

šŸŽ­ Random Farms Kids' Theater presents Frozen Jr.
Fri., Jul. 31 | Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, Peekskill | 11:30a and 4p | Ticket prices vary
 
Local student performers tell the story of sisters Anna and Elsa in the stage adaptation, in two performances.
 
šŸŽ† Friday Fireworks at Playland
Every Friday through Sep. 4 | Playland Park (and surrounding viewing areas), Rye | 9p
 
Now that weā€™re a few weeks removed from the 4th of July and America is 250 years and about 1 month old, firework shows are over and done with, right? Nope. Playland Pier fires ā€˜em off every Friday through September 4th at 9p in a very good ~10 minute show.
 
šŸ’— Muddy Puddles Mess Fest
Sat., Aug. 1 | Kiwi Country Day Camp, Carmel (Putnam) | 11a-3p | $45+
 
Muddy Puddles Mess Fest returns to Kiwi Country Day Camp. The annual fundraiser for the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation for childhood cancer research includes swimming, ziplines, a slip-n-slide, pie tosses, splatter paint, bounce houses, and Peppa Pig.
 
šŸ›ļø Summer Saturdays: Wonderful Waterways
Sat., Aug. 1 | Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow | 11a-3p entry | $13+
 
Draw water from the colonial well, watch the water-powered gristmill run, then design and test your own waterwheel. Kids can also paint with watercolors inspired by the Pocantico River.
 
šŸ–ļø Family Fun Day and Sand Art Competition
Sat., Aug. 1 | Glen Island Beach, New Rochelle | 11a-4p | Free (admission and parking rules apply)
 
Swim and enter the annual sand art competition on the beach. Participation is free; registration required. Westchester County residency required.
 
šŸ‡ÆšŸ‡² Jamaican Emancipendence Festival
Sat., Aug. 1 | Court and Main Streets, White Plains | 3p-8p | Free
 
A free downtown street festival with live music, a DJ, food, local vendors, a Kid's Corner, and Caribbean culture. Registering for a ticket is encouraged.
 
šŸŽ¬ Flicks on the Field: The Sandlot
Sat., Aug. 1 | Clover Stadium, Pomona (Rockland) | Gates 7p, Film 8p | $12
 
The Sandlot on the stadium's giant video board, watched from a blanket on the outfield grass. Concessions open at 7p. Free parking, all ages.
 
šŸ“ Pony Rides in the Courtyard
Sun., Aug. 2 | Hudson River Museum, Yonkers | 12p-2p | $10 (in person only)
 
Ride Pumpkin or Splash, two ponies from Pony Express Entertainment, in the museum courtyard. All ages, 125-pound weight limit. Tickets sold at the front desk day-of, first come first served.
 
šŸ‡®šŸ‡³ Heritage of India Festival
Sun., Aug. 2 | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | 12p-6p | Free
 
More than 40 performers take the stage with traditional and contemporary Indian dance and music, alongside vendors selling Indian cuisine, clothing, jewelry, and crafts, plus free kids' activities.

 

 

Grown Ups & Date Nights

šŸ˜‚ Comedy Friday: Dinner and a Show
Fri., Jul. 31 | Red Horse by David Burke, White Plains | Doors 6:15p | $95
 
A three-course dinner and stand-up from Mike Keegan, runner-up for Funniest Comic on the East Coast at Mohegan Sun, with headliner Lana Siebel, whose Dry Bar special Age Appropriate is out now.
 
šŸ£ Tuna Cutting at Sushi by Bou
Fri., Jul. 31 | Sushi by Bou at Westchester Place, New Rochelle | 9p-11p | $108.55
 
Watch a team of sushi chefs break down a 200-plus-pound bluefin tuna right in front of you, with a welcome sake toast and passed nigiri all night. Part dinner, part live performance. 21 and over.
 
šŸ· The Collective Grand Opening
Sat., Aug. 1 | 14 Main Street, Bedford Hills | 10a-5p
 
Saturday marks the grand opening of Westchesterā€™s newest antique and vintage hot spot with dealer and designer curated pieces all under one roof in Bedford Hills.
 
šŸ¶ Goosefeather's Pink Party and Barbecue
Sat., Aug. 1 | Goosefeather, Tarrytown | 6p-9p | $120
 
An all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet on the grounds of the Tarrytown House Estate, with smoked pork, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, BBQ tofu, mac and cheese, and hot honey cornbread, plus a resident DJ, lawn games, and rosƩ all day. Pink attire encouraged. 21 and over.
 
šŸ˜‚ An Evening with Goumba Johnny
Sat., Aug. 1 | Pelham Rails, Pelham | 7p-10p | Ticket prices vary
 
Comedy plus a three-course dinner with soda, tax, and tip included, from radio personality Goumba Johnny.
 
šŸ§˜ Mindfulness and Creativity
Sun., Aug. 2 | Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden, North Salem | 10a-11a | Free (donations appreciated)
 
Sitting meditation and slow-walking through the Japanese Stroll Garden, paired with a weekly look at Buddhist text, poetry, and imagery. Led by Zen priest and visual artist Kanshin Robyn Ellenbogen. Non-denominational, open to all.
 
šŸ“š Author Talk: Jacqueline Friedland
Mon., Aug. 3 | Bedford Books, Bedford | 6:30p-8p | Ticket includes $20 shopping credit
 
The USA Today bestselling author discusses her new novel Breathing Under Water in conversation with author Samantha Woodruff, the night before its publication day. Books for sale and signing, light refreshments.

 

 

The Beatā€¦ Westchesterā€™s Live Music Scene
 

šŸŽø Old Crow Medicine Show with Deadgrass
Sat., Aug. 1 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6:30p, Show 8p | $45+
 
The Grammy-winning string band behind "Wagon Wheel" plays the Cap on Jerry Garcia's birthday, touring their new album Union Made, a record that reckons with America at 250 through mountain music, bluegrass, and folk. Openers Deadgrass carry the Garcia theme, digging into his string-band roots. Two sets of old-time Americana in a room built for it.
The band that turned a Dylan scrap into "Wagon Wheel," live on Garcia's birthday ā†’

 

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, 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†’

šŸŽ¬ Friday Family Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch
Fri., Jul. 31 | The Warehouse at Hudson's Mill, Garnerville | Happy hour 6p, Film 8:30p | No cover
 
Lilo & Stitch under the lights at The Warehouse, with family games beforehand, free popcorn, and a full food and drink menu. Bring a camping chair for comfier seating.
 
āš¾ Hudson Valley Renegades vs. Jersey Shore BlueClaws: Fireworks Friday
Fri., Jul. 31 | Heritage Financial Park, Wappingers Falls | 7:05p | Ticket prices vary
 
The Yankees' High-A affiliate hosts the BlueClaws with a postgame fireworks show and kids running the bases. Competitive eater Joey Chestnut takes on a cider donut challenge, with a meet-and-greet package available.
 
šŸŽø Bernie Williams Jazz in the Vineyard
Sat., Aug. 1 | Millbrook Winery, Millbrook | 7p | $61
 
The former Yankees centerfielder and Latin Grammy nominee returns with his Band of Friends for a fifth year, debuting the new vintage of his Bernie's Blend red.

Loving Westchester is written by a real-life husband and wife team, completely free, and in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday. If it adds something to your week, contributions help us keep growing - including our first in-person Loving Westchester event we're working toward for the fall.
 
"Thank you for your emails highlighting the wonderful events happening throughout Westchester. They are such a great resource and reminder of how much Westchester has to offer." ā€” A Loving Westchester Reader

šŸ” Where the Heart Is

Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Hereā€™s one that caught our eye

 

The Key Details: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,844 square feet on 0.86 acres ($515 / square foot)
 
What We Love About It: Dobbs Ferry living with an Ardsley schools address, which is about as good as it gets on the school-district front. The home runs on a 100% fully owned solar system installed in 2023, pumping out roughly 10,000 kWh a year with zero lease payments to worry about. It's Rivertowns living at its most convenientā€¦ quaint downtowns in every direction, an easy Metro-North ride to the city, and the Saw Mill and I-87 both minutes away. It's also a very short drive to Baci in the Square, Chris Weismanā€™s new pizza spot everyone's talking about, and just up the road from our friends at Ardsley Car Wash.
 

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!