Westchester County has a lot to offer this season, and we’re not just talking about apple and pumpkin picking. While local tours and cidery happenings can get pricey, we’ve rounded up a list of free events happening in the county this fall.
Bicycle Sundays
Bronx River Parkway
September 29 & October 6, 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
One of Westchester’s longest-running recreation programs celebrates 50 years this season. Bicycle Sundays is a program that covers 6.5 miles of the historic Bronx River Parkway for bicyclists, skaters, joggers, and walkers to enjoy on Sundays. The program is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by Westchester Parks Foundation. This is a great way to get your family out and about this fall and appreciate the fall foliage.
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Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
Chappaqua Train Station
September 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival offers free admission and dozens of authors, illustrators, and live story times for you and your kids. Whether your child is a bookworm or you’re looking to add a few new titles to their bookshelf, be sure to stop by the festival for ample stories. Laura Numeroff will kick things off at 10:15 a.m. with a reading of her book, If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, and will be followed by six more readings throughout the day. Additionally, there will be a family fun zone.
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Peekskill Rotary’s Fall Festival
Peekskill Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill
October 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled day in Peekskill with stunning views of the Hudson River. The Peekskill Rotary Club will host its free fall festival, during which families can listen to live music, savor bites from food trucks, purchase goods from arts and crafts vendors, and partake in raffles, children’s activities like pumpkin painting, and a kid’s maze and inflatables. This year, a chili cookoff and a craft beer and wine garden will be added into the mix. Try seasonal sips from Dylan’s Wine Cellar and craft beers chosen by River Outpost.
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Food Truck Festival
Memorial Park, Larchmont
October 5, 12-4 p.m.
If you’re a foodie looking to try local bites, head to Mamaroneck’s food truck festival this October. Food will be available from Longford’s Mobile, Westchester Burger Co, Anthony’s Hot Dogs, Cousins Maine Lobster, and more. There will also be craft vendors available offering Crocs charms, glassware, skincare essentials, and sweets. Larchmont Nurseries will sponsor a pumpkin patch at the festival to help families get into the fall spirit.
Harvest Mess and Music Fest
Atria Field, Briarcliff Manor
October 5, 12-4 p.m.
The inaugural Harvest Mess and Music Fest is planned with families in mind. There will be sensory-sensitive hours from 11 a.m. to noon, and general admission runs from noon to 4 p.m. Although admission is free, families are encouraged to bring a new and unwrapped toy for local toy drives this holiday season. Families can expect a day full of live music, purposeful play and mindful movement, over 20 play experiences, face painting, food trucks, goats and bunnies from Ridge Farm, and more. The Briarcliff Recreation Department offers admission to a family scarecrow-making session at 10:30 a.m. to start the day off right.
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Sleepy Hollow Street Fair
Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow
October 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sleepy Hollow has plenty to offer its visitors this spooky season with cemetery and historic tours alongside riverwalks and delicious grub. Head over to Beekman Avenue on October 5 for a sea of Halloween and holiday items. Over 175 vendors, arts and crafts, food, and entertainment will shut down Beekman Avenue, making it an ideal day for the whole family.
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Craft Spooky Spiders
Bedford Free Library, Bedford
October 10, 3:15-4 p.m.
Kids in grades K-2 can craft spooky spiders this fall at the Bedford Free Library. Join other families in creating sparkly little creatures from recycled items.
ArtsFest 2024
New Rochelle & Pelham
October 17-20
ArtsFest brings dozens of exhibitions, activities, and concerts across New Rochelle and Pelham. The event is organized by New Rochelle’s Council on the Arts and has a few free events and activities worth checking out this fall. There are live music and dance concerts, art exhibitions, and film screenings. Here’s the full list of events.
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Tarrytown Halloween Parade
Patriots Park to Main Street, Tarrytown
October 26, 5 p.m.
The beloved 22nd annual Village of Tarrytown Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday October 26 at 5 p.m. Dress to impress and line the streets to witness standout costumes and floats from local businesses, neighborhoods, and groups. The 2024 Grand Marshall is Dr. Sara Mascia, a Tarrytown historian. After the parade, indulge in post-parade entertainment and keep the party going with DJ Chris Vernia, live music by Andrea & The Armenian Rug Riders, and drinks at local bars.
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Halloween Horror
Chappaqua Library
October 28, 4-5 p.m.
This scary story time is presented by the Chappaqua Library and ideal for children in kindergarten and up. One registration is needed per family for this free fall activity.
