Even though Halloween lands on a Monday this year, forcing all our bosses to prepare to deal with a very hung-over workforce come Tuesday, there’s no reason to miss out on a good time this weekend, too. With a host of Halloween-related parties and gatherings, plus a few other lively events sprinkled in for good measure, the next three days are bound to be a blast here in Westchester.
For The Hungry
Cooktoberfest, Elmsford
In an epic team up of the brew masters of Captain Lawrence and neo-nostalgic Italian eatery The Cookery, the 5th annual Cooktoberfest will no doubt be a party and a feast all in one. The piping hot DoughNation pizza truck will be slinging pies all day, and the endless supply of beer should speak for itself. The Cookery’s owner and head chef Dave DiBari admits himself that the event “is just another excuse for me and The Cookery to host a diabolical event filled with beer, pig, and fun.” With a menu boasting pork belly pastrami, bangers and mash, and something called a “Slop Station,” why not benefit from their revelry?
For A Haunted Experience
Scared by the Sound, Rye
In its 17th year, Rye Playland’s Scared by the Sound Haunted House has garnered quite the reputation for scaring the bejesus out of its attendees. One look at their (quite dramatic) trailer and it’s clear their actors like to get up close and personal, probably to smell your fear. Plus, you get the opportunity to see what Playland is like at night, with terrifying characters lurking around every corner. You might want to bring some wipes just in case it isn’t your fear that they smell.
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For The Charitable
Make-A-Wish Annual 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser, Yorktown Heights
Don’t be so selfish now, October isn’t all about dressing up and drinking beer. Every October for the past 11 years, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley has hosted their 5K-walk/run fundraiser to bring the community together in support of a heartwarming cause. The goal for this Sunday is to raise $100,000 to be able to grant the wishes of more than 160 local kids battling terminal diseases. Plus, this year was the Hudson Valley chapter’s 30th anniversary, so helping them reach their goal would be a fantastic way to recognize their efforts. Whether you’re a runner, donator, or just want to meet Mike Bennett of WHUD’s Mike and Kacey in the Morning, this fundraiser is a great way to spend the coming Sunday.
For A Rockin’ Party
Halloween Rock Party and Costume Contest, Peeksill
If you’re the type to put hard work into your festive get-up, as opposed to resorting to one of the many meme costumes bound to surface this year, you might as well show it off and win a prize, too. In that case, we recommend heading over to Peekskill’s 12 Grapes on Saturday for their Halloween Rock Party and Costume Contest. The owners, Rich and Jeannie Credidio, handpicked the lineup for this year’s Jazz and Blues Festival, so throwing a good party is kind of their thing. The night will feature Electric Beef, a group of guys that like to rock the house with “choice cuts and cool originals” from greats like Pink Floyd, the Police, and Pearl Jam. This one is perfect for getting down on the dance floor.
For Some Classic Country
The Mavericks, Tarrytown
Last year, the country/cow-punk outfit The Mavericks blew out Tarrytown Music Hall with three sold-out shows. It’s easy to see why they earned their way back for another three-night run starting tonight and extending into Saturday. These guys have a knack for getting a crowd moving to the groove with their unparalleled fusion of punk, rock, country, and even a splash of Latin machismo. Boasting a Grammy for their 1995 single Here Comes the Rain, The Mavericks give you no reason to have a bad night.
