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- šØāš§āš¦ What the Knicks Parade Taught Us About Being a Dad
šØāš§āš¦ What the Knicks Parade Taught Us About Being a Dad
Toddler Techno comes to The Cap, Juneteenth & Father's Day celebrations take hold
Hello, Westchester!
Itās Becā¦ With the weekend thatās in it, I wanted to tell you a couple of things about the man who quietly puts a lot of this newsletter together.
There are things about Wes most of you donāt know.
Heās never the loudest voice in the room and doesnāt do anything for show. His sense of humor sneaks up on you and if thereās hijinks, heās often the one who had the idea in the first place (although never the one caught in the act).
And if youāre lucky enough to be his friend, he will go further than most people would.
Sometimes literally.
He went a very long way to find me and stay close despite thousands of miles between us in the beginning. (That story is for another day.)
What many of you probably donāt know is that one of these editions was even pulled together from a hospital earlier this year during a pretty scary health situation. Thereās no stopping this guy when it comes to showing up for his people.
I was reminded of that yesterday as we went back and forth about whether heading into the city for the Knicks parade was a great idea or a terrible one. Would it be too chaotic? Too risky with the kids? Would we even see anything? But Wes kept coming back to one thingā¦
Our nine-year-old son, Kai.
You see, when Wes was around Kaiās age, his dad took him into the city for the Rangers parade. And decades later, he still remembers it.
Not every memory needs to be big or perfect eitherā¦ Sometimes itās a tiny glimpse of a parade. A great slice of pizza when your parents pulled you out of school. A ferry from Dumbo surrounded by anticipation. Or a rogue toilet roll bonking off someoneās head and swirling around your baby sister while you wait for the floats to pass.
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We only caught a small glimpse yesterday. It didnāt matter. The joy, the noise, the buzz, the feeling that everyone was part of something specialā¦ that part felt huge.
It got me thinking about the men who help make moments like that happen. The dads who read this newsletter and use it to plan adventures with their minis. The partners who understand family life works best when the load is shared.
The dads doing it solo.
The fathers-to-be dreaming of days like these.
The grandads.
The uncles.
The father figures.
The people helping create core memories, often without asking for much in return.
This weekend is also a long one, beginning today with Juneteenth. A day of remembrance, reflection, freedom and progress. Three days to squeeze out a few more memories.
After the Knicks.
After the parade.
After New York came alive.
I find myself hoping we can keep this feeling of unity going just a little longer.
Tomorrow, the U.S. takes on Australia in the World Cup.
Maybe we get another momentā¦ Another reason to gatherā¦ Another excuse to believe.
Iād like that.
In the meantime, weāve rounded up plenty for the days ahead, whether youāre looking for family fun, something for Dad, a great date night, or simply a reason to get out and enjoy Westchester.
And yes, that includes Lenny Pearce bringing his Baby Rave to The Capitol Theatre.
Which means somewhere in Westchester soon, thereās a decent chance Wes will be breaking out a very committed Hop Little Bunnies routine. Youāve been warned.
Happy Fatherās Day. Letās go make some memories.
Bec+Wes
In todayās edition:
Featured eventsā¦ a toddler rave comes to The Cap
Family funā¦ skipped the city parade? Celebrate the champs at Westchester Childrenās Museum
Grown ups & date nightsā¦ a Woodstock throwback takes the Peekskill stage for an immersive multimedia experience
Live music beatā¦ Trey Anastasio comes to The Cap for two gigs next week
Community spotlightā¦ over 70 designers come to Cold Spring for one of Hops on Hudsonās canāt miss makers markets
Worth a drive from Ardsley Car Washā¦ treat yourself to sake, Wagyu and lobster rolls in Dutchess County
Where the heart isā¦ a classic Colonial in the center of it all in Mamaroneck
Plus, a message from our partners, WingWoman by QueenBHive, giving you, your business, or brand the visibility and support it needs, and QueenBPoker, hosting your epic game night.
Now letās get to it!
š The Pulse
Loving Westchesterās Featured Events!
š Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration at the Yonkers Riverfront Summer Kickoff Festival
Sat., Jun. 20 | Habirshaw Park, Yonkers | 11a | Free
Four artist-designed fish-themed boats, led by a giant Atlantic sturgeon, set off from Yonkers and sail north tracing the real migration route of Hudson River fish returning from the ocean. The flotilla passes neighboring Rivertowns between 12:55-2p, before continuing upriver. The Yonkers launch festival includes a parade, live music, and family programming.
Giant artist-designed fish boats sailing north on the Hudson. Yes, really. And it's free ā
š Stand Up Comedy Showcase: Silver Jubilee Edition
Sat., Jun. 20 | Dobbs Ferry Library, Dobbs Ferry | 7:30p | Free (21+)
The library's 25th comedy showcase brings headliner Linette Palladino, a US Army major by day, alongside seven more comics and a musical guest, plus complimentary Captain Lawrence beer to mark the milestone.
A US Army major moonlighting as a comedian headlines the library's 25th show. Free beer included ā
šµ Hudson River Music Festival
Sun., Jun. 21 | Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson | All day | $140+, kids 12 and under free
The Hudson River Music Festival returns to Croton Point Park this weekend, bringing together folk, Americana, jam-band, and songwriting in the legacy of Pete and Toshi Seeger's Clearwater Festival. Lineup includes Warren Haynes with Grahame Lesh and Daniel Donato, Margo Price, Cimafunk, Jesse Welles, and more, alongside a marketplace, craft beer, and local food vendors.
Warren Haynes, Margo Price, and Cimafunk at Croton Point Park. Kids 12 and under get in free ā
š§ Lenny Pearce: Toddler Rave World Tour
Thu., Oct. 1 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | 6p | Ticket prices vary
The Australian DJ behind viral "toddler techno" remixes brings his sold-out-everywhere tour to Port Chester this fall, turning kids' music into a genuine dance party for the whole family.
Tickets become available Friday, June 19. This is the rave you can bring a stroller to ā
Hey, everybody. This is Bec. Before Loving Westchester, I spent 20 years helping businesses, brands, and community organizations build visibility and find their audience. If you're a local business owner who knows you should be showing up more online but can't find the time between running the business and everything else, that's exactly what WingWoman is for. Business and communications strategy, social content, partnerships, launches. Just the right person in your corner connecting the dots and helping you get things done.
Let's talk ā
š Whatās Happening?
Family Fun!
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ā½ Westchester Soccer Club vs. Portland Hearts of Pine
Fri., Jun. 19 | The Stadium at Memorial Field, Mount Vernon | Kickoff 7p | $12.45
Excitement is brewing in Mount Vernonā¦ after Conor McGlynnās bicycle kick stunner last week and a 4-0 win Sunday night, Westchester SC looks to keep the home momentum going this Friday night when they host Portlandās Hearts of Pine.
š Championship Celebration at WCM
Sat., Jun. 20 | Westchester Children's Museum, Rye | 9:30a-5:30p | Included with admission
A full day honoring the Knicks championship run, with a fan parade through the museum, Knicks-colored crafts in the MakerSpace, a DJ dance party, and a photo station with championship props. Team jerseys encouraged.
š Yonkers Juneteenth Community Festival
Sat., Jun. 20 | JFK Marina, Yonkers | 10a until dusk | Free
A day of freedom, unity, and celebration featuring live music and DJs, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and family activities. Open to the entire community.
š¦ Butterflies and Moths: Winged Wonders
Sat., Jun. 20 | Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Pleasantville | 10:30a-12p | $4/child, adults free
Kids learn how caterpillars become butterflies, why pollinators matter, and how to tell a butterfly from a moth, with a field walk and a craft to finish. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
š¶ Music of Grateful Dead + More for Kids
Sat., Jun. 20 | Garcia's at The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | 12p | $17.50+
The Rock and Roll Playhouse turns Grateful Dead songs into a kid-friendly Father's Day weekend bash, billed as Grateful Dads. Movement, stories, and games for kids 10 and under.
š” Rye Brook's 44th Birthday Celebration
Sat., Jun. 20 | Rye Brook Athletic Field, Rye Brook | 12p-4p | Free
A field full of free carnival rides and games including a giant swing, zip line, bumper cars, and water slide. Free watermelon, cotton candy, ice cream, and birthday cake.
šØ Family Art Workshop: Pastel Aurora
Sat.-Sun. in Jun. | Hudson River Museum, Yonkers | 12p-4p | Free with admission
Drop-in pastel session where kids create their own aurora borealis-inspired artwork at the Greene Education Center. Recommended for ages 4 and up, no registration required.
š¬ Screenings Under the Stars: Dog Man
Sat., Jun. 20 | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | Pre-show fun at 5p, film at dusk | Free
The 2025 PG animated film Dog Man screens at one of the most iconic outdoor settings in the county. Bring blankets, folding chairs, and a picnic.
š¬ Outdoor Movie Night: Zootopia 2
Sat., Jun. 20 | Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck | Dusk | Free
The sequel to the 2016 original screens under the stars on the waterfront at Harbor Island with food trucks on site. Bring chairs and a blanket.
Grown Ups & Date Nights
š„ Father's Day Whiskey Showcase
Sat., Jun. 20 | Westchester Wine Warehouse, White Plains | 1-5p | $25
A walk-around tasting of 100+ whiskies from around the world, from American bourbon and rye to Scotch, Irish, and Japanese expressions. Complimentary hot dogs off the grill in the parking lot.
š Tom Gold Dance at Untermyer Gardens
Sat., Jun. 20 | Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Yonkers | 6p | $37.90
Tom Gold Dance returns to the Untermyer amphitheater for their sixth year running with Mad About the Boy, a show set in a 1930s English supper club inspired by Gosford Park, with songs by Noel Coward and Ivor Novello.
š„ County Clash II
Sat., Jun. 20 | Westchester County Center, White Plains | 6-10p | $65.25
Westchester firefighters and police officers step into the ring to face off for charity. A rowdy, for-a-good-cause night out.
š Westchester Comedy Club at Tre Angelina
Sat., Jun. 20 | Tre Angelina, White Plains | 8p | $25
Five NYC-area comics featured on one bill: Tom Van Horn (Last Comic Standing), Naveed Mahbub (Comedy Central), Adam Thomas (CBS), Rebecca Reingold (NY Comedy Festival), and Ben Rosenfeld (The Nick Cannon Show).
šø The Woodstock Experience: Back to the Garden 1969
Sat., Jun. 20 | Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill | 8p | $34+
A full multimedia tribute recreating the sound and spirit of Woodstock, covering Hendrix, Janis Joplin, CSNY, and more with period costuming and vintage staging.
š Daniel Tosh: My First Farewell Tour
Mon., Jun. 22 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6p, Show 7:30p | $65+
The creator and host of Tosh.0 brings his first major stand-up tour in years to Port Chester. If you know Tosh's comedy, you already know whether you're going. If you don't, it is not PG-13.
š Dolly All The Time with Annabel Monaghan
Tue., Jun. 23 | Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | 7p | $25
The New York Times bestselling author behind It's a Love Story discusses her newest beach read, a love story set in a fictional Rhode Island seaside town. Books available for sale and signing.
The Beatā¦ Westchesterās Live Music Scene
šø An Acoustic Evening with Trey Anastasio
Tue., Jun. 23 & Wed., Jun. 24 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | Doors 6p, Show 7:30p | Sold out, check for resale
The Phish frontman and one of Rolling Stone's 250 greatest guitarists of all time strips it down for a pair of acoustic nights at the Cap, joined by Jeff Tanski. These shows sold out fast, which tells you everything about the demand for a Trey night in an intimate room.
Check Ticketmaster here for resale tickets 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
š Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival
Sat., Jun. 20 | Barton Orchards, Poughquag | 11a-5p | $15+
Cousins Maine Lobster, Hudson Valley Falafel, Fire and Ice Jamaican Jerked Chicken, Pizza a Legna, and a dozen more trucks spread across a working orchard with a beer garden, petting zoo, live music, and lawn games.
š Chasing Daylight 5K
Sat., Jun. 20 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie | Lineup 7p, Start 7:15p | $43.40
A sunset run across the Walkway Over the Hudson benefiting Hudson Valley nonprofits, with 25% of each entry fee going to the runner's chosen organization. Includes a medal, t-shirt, and an afterparty with a DJ and food trucks.
š¶ Father's Day at Dassai Blue: Wagyu and Lobster Rolls
Sun., Jun. 21 | Dassai Blue Sake Brewery, Hyde Park | 12-4p | Free
Michelin-starred chef Tasuku Murakami serves Izakaya bar food while a Wagyu specialist grills A5 Takamori steak dogs at this Father's Day celebration. Cousins Maine Lobster food truck and live music from The Vague Assurances round out the afternoon.
š· Father's Day Pig Roast
Sun., Jun. 21 | Hudson's Mill Tavern, West Haverstraw | 2-5p | $35+
A whole roasted pig with live carving station, BBQ, signature cocktails, cigar and bourbon pairings, and live music on the patio at Round Table Brewery. Free parking, kids 5-12 are $35, under 5 free.
š¦ Community Spotlight
Local events, announcements, and opportunities submitted by your Westchester neighbors
Hops on the Hudson Modern Makers Market brings 70-plus designers, artisans, and artists to the grounds of a stone church in Cold Spring over two days. Free admission, free parking, pet friendly, live music, and food from Hudson Valley Falafel on site. Sat., Jun. 27 and Sun., Jun. 28, 11a-5p. hopsonthehudson.com
š” Where the Heart Is
Incredible homes are listed in Westchester every week. Hereās one that caught our eye
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The Key Details: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,580 square feet on 0.43 acres ($503 / square foot)
What We Love About It: 616 Munro sits right in the center of it all in Mamaroneckā¦ less than a 15 minute walk to Salās on Mamaroneck Ave., to Mamaroneck High School, and to Harbor Island Park, which the home has views out to. The home has a ton of curb appeal and sits on nearly half an acre. Needed interior renovations will provide the new owner with an opportunity to put their own stamp on a classic Mamaroneck home.
"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
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, even a small contribution helps us keep it going and growing.
We love to hear from you ā 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 Tuesday,
