Attending a festival spotlighting cuisines from around the world while enjoying games and music is the perfect plan for any summer day. While mingling with friends and celebrating the various cultures of Westchester residents, you can try culinary specialties and carefully crafted ciders at these upcoming summer food festivals.
Asian American Heritage Day
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
May 31, 12-6 p.m.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage with foods from China, Korea, Japan, and India, among other countries. This end-of-May to-do also features cultural exhibits, dancing, and children’s games.
Albanian Heritage Day
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
June 1, 12-6 p.m.
This cultural festival will include Albanian cuisine, beverages, dancing, and a variety of sports.
Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival
Locations throughout Westchester
June 3-8
Our Wine & Food Festival is back and better than ever this June, with a handful of new events set to accompany annual favorites. From wine and food parings with vino connoisseur Kevin Zraly and a tasting village with chef demos to the annual Burger & Beer Blast, and more, there are so many happenings during this week-long food festival that you won’t want to miss. Prices and times vary depending on the event, so head to the festival’s website to learn more and purchase tickets.
- Perfect Pairings of Wine & Food with Kevin Zraly
The Briarcliff Manor, Briarcliff Manor – June 3, 6-9 p.m. - ZWILLING Knife Skills Class Zwilling, Pleasantville – June 3, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Party on the Pier
Playland, Rye – June 4, 6-9 p.m. - Burger & Beer Blast
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla – June 5, 6-9:30 p.m. - Wine Collectors’ Dinner
Kanopi, White Plains – June 6, 6:30-10 p.m. - Grand Tasting Village
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla – June 7, 12-4 p.m. - Boozy Brunch & Beats
Hudson Prime Steakhouse, Irvington – June 8, 12-3 p.m.
Historical Society Strawberry Festival
The Historical Society of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, Tarrytown
June 8, 12-3 p.m.
Cruise to historic Sleepy Hollow to enjoy the 57th annual Strawberry Festival. Delicious treats such as strawberry shortcake, ice cream, iced tea, and lemonade will be served on the main lawn with live music. Tickets are $10.
Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival
St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yonkers
June 13-15: Friday, 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12-7 p.m.
The Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival is one of the largest Ukrainian festivals in America. The festival showcases leading artists and traditional Ukrainian folk dance performances and serves traditional Ukrainian cuisine, including over 30,000 handmade varenyky (potato dumplings). In addition to serving incredible food, the festival offers rides, arcade games, a large selection of Ukrainian traditional and modern clothing, jewelry, and art from various vendors.
Hispanic Heritage Day
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
July 13, 12-6 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic culture with food, dancing, arts and crafts, and activities for children.
Italian American Heritage Day
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
July 20, 12-6 p.m.
Celebrate Italian culture with food, arts and crafts, children’s games, dancing, music, and fun for the entire family.
African American Heritage Day
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
June 22, 12-6 p.m.
The 39th annual African American Heritage Day will feature traditional African dances, songs, and delicious foods from many regions and cultures across the continent.
Irish Heritage Day
Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale
July 13, 12-6 p.m.
Admission: $5 adults; free for ages 14 and under
Celebrate Irish heritage from noon until 6 p.m. at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale. The event will host vendors and feature Irish goods, food, music, and dancing.
Putnam County Wine & Music Fest
Veterans Memorial Park, Carmel
August 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; August 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Venture north for the 14th annual Putnam County Wine & Music Fest. Bring blankets and chairs for a day of live music while enjoying wines, spirits, and gourmet food. The summer food festival will feature cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and exhibits. Early-bird tickets are $20 and include a tasting glass and all wine/cider/spirit samplings. Designated drive/no-alcohol tickets are $5 apiece. Admission is free for children 16 and younger.
Jewish Heritage Festival
Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
August 17, 12-6 p.m.
Celebrate Jewish culture at the annual Jewish Heritage Festival filled with Israeli dancing, activities, and food. This summer food festival is part of a series hosted by Westchester County Government.
JazzFest White Plains
Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains
September 10-14, 12:30-7:30 p.m.
JazzFest White Plains is back for its 14th season. This five-day festival in downtown White Plains presents 18 live performances featuring the Kenny Barron Trio, Laura Anglade, Jazz & Poetry Choir Collective, and Bertha Hope, among others. Many of the shows take place at local restaurants or include dining experiences, which makes this fest the perfect opportunity to enjoy dinner and a show in Westchester.
Westchester Wine Walk & Craft Festival
The Barley Beach House, Rye
September 20, 2-6 p.m.
Fall may be creeping up, but the Westchester Wine Walk & Craft Festival is the perfect way to end summer with a bang. The fest takes place in Rye Town Park and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music, a wide variety of wines, and shopping vendors.
