5 Awesome August Events to Check out in Westchester

Check out these August events. Photo by Andy Ryan / Amazon, courtesy of The Capitol Theatre

Taste foods of Tanzania, enjoy hilarious anecdotes from comedians, enjoy a community art day, and more in Westchester this August.

By Paul Adler and Katie Cristiano

For more August events, check out our event calendar.

Aug 5

On Tanzanian Time

Experience Africa during this unique event overtaking ArtsWestchester’s White Plains headquarters. Presented by Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center, the Taste of Tanzania Gala features foods and beverages of Tanzania as well as opportunities to experience the country’s rich culture through traditional music, drumming, and dance. Jewelry, handmade Tanzanian artifacts, and garments will be sold through Luangisa African Gallery, with all funds raised going towards the development of the Luangisa African Museum and Cultural Arts Center.

Aug 12

Cracking Wise

Enjoy a night of animated, innovative comedy as critically acclaimed comedian Eli Castro takes the stage at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. Originally from Puerto Rico and raised in White Plains, Castro offers hilarious anecdotes and compelling stories interlaced with lighthearted humor. A former criminal defense attorney-turned-standup comedian, Castro has already seen success with his show, Made in Puerto Rico, selling out for seven consecutive weeks off-Broadway, and taking home the title of Best Standup at New York City’s United Solo Festival.

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Eli Castro
Photos courtesy of Eli Castro

Aug 17

Comedic Powerhouse

A comedic powerhouse known for her irreverent stint on hit sitcom Broad City, Ilana Glazer has transformed into a standup star over the succeeding years. Hitting the stage on August 17 at Port Chester’s Capitol Theatre, Glazer has recently turned heads and drawn plenty of laughs for her debut standup special on Amazon Prime, The Planet Is Burning, as well as for co-writing and starring in a film produced by A24 titled False Positive. Now starring in Apple TV+’s Afterparty, it’s easy to see why Glazer is worth a watch for anyone with a soft spot for comedy.

Ilana Glazer
Photo by Andy Ryan / Amazon, courtesy of The Capitol Theatre

Aug 20

So It Prose

Whether zooming in from the couch or rolling up in person, take part in An Afternoon of Prose with Richard Mirabella & Ben Purkert at the Hudson Valley Writers Center as these renowned writers introduce their respective debut novels. Mirabella’s 2023 novel, Brother & Sister Enter the Forest, was named a “Most Anticipated Book of the Year” by Vulture, Chicago Review of Books, and Electric Literature. Purkert’s work includes For the Love of Endings, which was named one of Adroit’s “Best Poetry Books of the Year,” and appears in The New Yorker, Kenyon Review, and other publications.

Richard Mirabella
Richard Mirabella. By Danielle Stevens.
Ben Purkert, august events
Ben Purkert. Photo by Beowulf.

Aug 26

Diplomatic Community

Looking for a way to engage with the community while spending some family quality time? Round up the little ones and head to the Pelham Art Center for Community Art Day. Have a ball during this outdoor afternoon event packed with dance, musical performances, arts and crafts activities, and a last-chance look at the Center’s student exhibition on display in the gallery. Hang around to try your luck at the raffle and savor the end of summer alongside locals.

Related: These Are the Best Things to Do in Westchester This Week