šŸŽ† Where to Catch Fireworks Across Westchester This Week

Pleasantville Music Festival is right around the corner - we've got tickets, a new Bronxville gelateria worth lining up for, and White Plains is World Cup central

June 30, 2026

Hello, Westchester!
 

Over the past few weeks, weā€™ve been hinting at upcoming summer giveaways with our partner Ardsley Car Wash. Well, weā€™ve rounded up some more generous friends around the county and added them to the mix for a full summer refresh and refuel. The fun kicks off todayā€¦
 
One member of the Loving Westchester community will be taking home:

  • A three-month Ultimate Membership at Ardsley Car Wash

  • Two tickets to Pleasantville Music Festival

  • A $75 gift card to The Good Witch Coffee Bar in Hastings

  • & two class passes to Rivertowns SUP & Yoga in Tarrytown

The details and entry mechanics are over on our Instagram account, so head there later this morning to enter.
 
Nowā€¦ back to our regularly scheduled programming. How was the first day with the kids home? Are they bored already? Everyone keeping their sanity? Weā€™re not jumping right into camps in our house, so itā€™s going to take some discipline to keep the iPad at bay, the bodies moving and the brains functioning. The good news is that there are plenty of reasons to get outside, especially this week, with a handful of fireworks displays and 4th of July celebrations around the county:

  • July 1st | 250th Anniversary of Independence Day | Reis Park, Somers | From 5p

  • July 2nd | RiverJam | Louis Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining | From 5p

  • July 3rd | Music Fest and Fireworks | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | From 5p

  • July 4th | Pierson Park, Tarrytown | From 1p

  • July 4th | Pound Ridge Town Park | From 4:30p

  • July 4th | Port Chester High School | From 6p

  • July 4th | Hudson Park, New Rochelle | From 6:30p

  • July 4th | Playland Park, Rye | 9p

If youā€™re staying local for the holiday weekend, enjoy it and hope to cross paths!
 

 
šŸ“ Around Our County

 
World Cup dreams continue for the US Men's National team. After finishing top of their group, they face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 this Wednesday at 8p - heavily favored, rested, and looking strong. The harder road comes after: Belgium, Spain, France, and Argentina are lurking on the US path to the final. Some of the greatest to ever play. Would be some party if they won, huh?
 
You know who knows how to party? Colombia fans. We had the chance to spend the day at White Plains Soccer Fest last weekend for its full three-match block party and the vibes were amazing. Mamaroneck Avenue between East Post Road and Maple Avenue was shut down to traffic for the celebrations which had a jumbo screen set up on both ends for the enthusiastic crowd. Once the rain subsided, fans poured in for games and pre-match festivities, and the avenue soon blossomed into a sea of yellow jerseys for the Colombia/Portugal match.

White Plains Soccer Fest hosts another block party on July 11th and will be showing the two quarterfinal matches that night alongside games and competitions from Westchester Club and participation from many of the surrounding bars and restaurants. Itā€™ll be a great atmosphere again and, if Colombia reaches the quarterfinals, you might want to get there early for a chair!
 

 
In todayā€™s edition:

And 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 letā€™s get to it!

šŸ’“ The Pulse

Loving Westchesterā€™s Featured Events!

šŸŽ” 78th Annual Firemen's Carnival
Now through Sun., Jul. 5 | Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck | Rides 6p, Vendors 7p nightly | Free admission, $35 ride wristbands
 
Summer nights filled with carnival rides, food vendors, and games on the Mamaroneck waterfront, capped by a Firemen's Parade on July 1 and fireworks on July 4. One of Westchester's most reliably fun summer traditions.
Carnival rides, Independence Day fireworks, and Westchester's most beloved summer tradition. Mamaroneck's waterfront, all weekend long ā†’

šŸŽ† Music Fest and Fireworks at Kensico Dam
Fri., Jul. 3 | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | Pre-show 5p, Naked Soul Band 7p, Fireworks 9p | Free
 
An unbeatable free summer night in Westchester. DJ entertainment from 5p, live music from Naked Soul Band at 7p, fireworks kick off around 9p. Refreshments available for purchase on site and great playgrounds for the kids.
Bring the family, the picnic blanket, and the cooler. Free music and free fireworks at the dam to kick off July 4th weekend ā†’

šŸŽµ 20th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival
Sat., Jul. 11 | Parkway Field, Pleasantville | Gates 11:30a, Music from 12:30p | $45+, children under 12 free with a ticket-carrying adult
 
Twenty years in, Pleasantville Music Festival has earned its place on the calendar. OK Go headlines alongside Old 97's, The Fixx, Yola, The Vindys, Dream Street, and nine more acts across multiple stages. Bring a blanket, find your spot, and stay all day.
OK Go, The Fixx, Old 97's, Yola, and 13 more acts on one Saturday. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult 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†’

šŸ“† Whatā€™s Happening?

Family Fun!

šŸ Canada Day at WCM
Wed., Jul. 1 | Westchester Children's Museum, Rye | 9:30a-5:30p | Included with admission
 
Hands-on crafts, games, and activities exploring Canadian culture. Kids are invited to come dressed in red and white for the celebration.
 
šŸ¦ Sundaes in the Park
Wed., Jul. 1 | Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla | 4:30p-7:30p | $5
 
Live music from Jack Ryan starting at 5p, $5 cones, shakes, and sundaes near the children's playground. Bring blankets or chairs. Continues every Wednesday through August.
 
šŸŽ¬ Summer Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Thu., Jul. 2 | Larchmont Public Library, Larchmont | 2:30-4:30p | Free
 
Take shelter from the summer heat on Thursday and keep the kids entertained at a Larchmont Public Library showing of the 2023 animated hit, The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
 
šŸŽŗ RiverJam Summer Concert and Fireworks
Thu., Jul. 2 | Louis Engel Waterfront Park, Ossining | 5p-10p | Free
 
Demolition Brass Band and the Mike Risko Band play the waterfront from 5p, with fireworks over the Hudson to close the night.
 
šŸŽ‡ Independence Day Celebration at WCM
Fri., Jul. 3 | Westchester Children's Museum, Rye | 10:30a-4p | Included with admission
 
Patriotic wand making, stars-and-stripes collages, and a museum-wide parade with instruments and red, white, and blue spirit. Crafts run 10:30a-12:30p and 2p-4p.
 
šŸŽ† July 4th BBQ and Fireworks at Echo Bay Yacht Club
Sat., Jul. 4 | Echo Bay Yacht Club, New Rochelle | 2p-10p | $50 (open bar $70; kids from $10)
 
Waterfront BBQ with ribs, chicken, burgers, and all the sides from 5p, with front-row views of the New Rochelle fireworks at 9p from the club's private grounds on the Sound.
 
āš½ Westchester SC vs. Athletic Club Boise
Sun., Jul. 5 | Memorial Field, Mount Vernon | 7p | $12+
 
Westchester SC returns home to host AC Boise in a USL League One matchup. Westchester has earned seven points in its last four games as it marches towards the playoff cut line with Boise (6th place) sitting ahead of them in the standings.

 

 

Grown Ups & Date Nights

 šŸ¦ Wild Africa with Martin J. Rosen
Opens Wed., Jul. 1 | Bedford Playhouse, Bedford | Gallery hours | Free to view
 
A Blue Ribbon National Geographic contest winner presents his fifth solo exhibition, a collection of large-format photographs shot across Tanzania and Kenya. Displayed in the Playhouse CafƩ.
 
šŸŽø Metallica: Some Kind of Monster + Q&A with Director Joe Berlinger
Thu., Jul. 2 | Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville | 7p | $30+
 
This landmark rockumentary follows Metallica's fractured recording of St. Anger with a group therapist in the room. Academy Award and eight-time Emmy nominated filmmaker Joe Berlinger leads a live Q&A after the screening.
 
šŸ˜‚ Comedy Loft and Speakeasy at Locals 10538
Thu., Jul. 2 | Locals 10538, Larchmont | Seating 6:30p, Show 7:30p | $25
 
Stand-Up Westchester Comedy Club returns to Larchmont, featuring Jay Nog, Andrew Steiner, Francesca Maglione, and host Ben Asher. Chef Peter Sherman's kitchen is open with a $20 food and drink minimum per person.
 
šŸŽø Stars and Stripes at Harvest Moon Farm
Sat., Jul. 4 | Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, North Salem | 5p-9p | $15 (under 3 free)
 
The B Street Band, the nation's premier Bruce Springsteen tribute, plays an outdoor July 4th show on the farm with food trucks, wood-fired pizza, craft beer, kids train rides, and soft serve. Ticket includes one token for a train ride or a pint.
 
šŸŽ† July 4th Beach Party at The Barley Beach House
Sat., Jul. 4 | The Barley Beach House, Rye | 6p-10p | $75+
 
All-inclusive evening on the beach along the Long Island Sound with a DJ, live samba dancing, food, open bar, and fireworks visible over the water. BYO beach blanket or chair.

 

 

The Beatā€¦ Westchesterā€™s Live Music Scene
 

šŸŽø Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute with 8TRACK Band
Fri., Jul. 3 | The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester | 8p | $27.50+
 
For over a decade Rumours ATL has been the most faithful live recreation of Fleetwood Mac's golden era. "Go Your Own Way," "Rhiannon," "Songbird", every one of them, played the way they were meant to sound. Opener 8TRACK brings the full horn-driven 70s big band sound.
Dreams, Rhiannon, Go Your Own Way. The Fleetwood Mac tribute that gets every note right, with horn-driven 70s opener 8TRACK warming up The Cap 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‰ Nyack Celebrates USA 250 Years
Thu., Jul. 2 - Fri., Jul. 3 | Downtown Nyack and Memorial Park, Nyack | Various times | Free
 
Two days in Rockland County celebrating America's 250th: a classic car cruise, DJ show, and outdoor screening of Cars on July 2, followed by family activities, the Declaration of Independence read aloud, a Swingtime Big Band performance, and fireworks on July 3.
 
šŸŽ† July 4th Fireworks Spectacular on the Walkway Over the Hudson
Fri., Jul. 3 | Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie | Gates 6p, Fireworks 9p-9:30p | $20+, children under 12 free
 
Have you ever seen a fireworks show at eye level? Catch Poughkeepsieā€™s display perched 212 feet above the Hudson from the Walkway Over the Hudsonā€™s viewing points. Check the link for tickets as this unique vantage point tends to sell out!
 
šŸŽ† Pops, Patriots, and Fireworks at Caramoor
Sat., Jul. 4 | Caramoor, Katonah | 8p | $55+
 
The Westchester Symphonic Winds perform the 1812 Overture, Stars and Stripes Forever, and Over the Rainbow on the Venetian Theater stage, followed by a fireworks display over the Caramoor grounds. Spread a blanket on the lawn and pre-order your picnic box.

šŸØ Eats-chester

Bronxville's New Summer Hotspot

 

That new little line forming in the heart of Bronxville? You're going to want to join it.
 
We were invited to the soft launch of Gelateria Sorella last week and safe to say, this isn't just another gelato shop. This is the dream of husband-and-wife duo Misha and Priscilla Mariani, who have brought decades of experience from some of New York's top restaurants into a space that feels both elevated and incredibly welcoming.
 
Inspired by Mediterranean summers and easy Italian living, they've created something really special in the heart of Bronxville. Classy without being stuffy. Polished but still warm, relaxed, and family-friendly. The kind of place you find yourself exhaling as soon as you walk through the door.
 
And the gelato? Exceptional.

Unlike your typical gelato shop, everything is made from scratch using premium ingredients and dairy from local farm Battenkill Valley Creamery, resulting in gelato that feels rich, creamy, and full of depth without ever being overly sweet. Our standouts included Pistachio, CafƩ Bianco, Crazy Coconut, Chocolate Cherry Stracciatella, and Vanilla Super Scoop, which has added protein and was delicious.
 
And as parents, we have to mention Beni's Batch, their cotton candy flavor named after their daughter. Our son is a huge cotton candy fan and for once this tasted creamy and delicious rather than overwhelmingly sweet.
 
On our radar for the next visit? Their Fronnoli, a frozen gelato cannoli.
 
Officially open now and well worth the trip to Bronxville. Check out the video from our visit!
 
šŸ“ 5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
šŸ•’ Tuesā€“Sat: 12p-10p | Sun: 12p-9p | Closed Mondays
 

"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 Friday,