Bill Volz's Westchester

Jun 21, 2023

The summer months in Westchester present the perfect opportunity for you to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. You’ll find highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, with lows that only dip into the upper 50s and 60s. With such an idyllic environment, it’s nearly impossible to stay put at home. We’ve rounded up some outstanding local events for you to check out this summer so you can fill your calendar with fun.

Whether you’re interested in live music, teatime, or LEGO challenges, we have something for you. Check out this wildly diverse list of summer events for you and your family in Westchester County, New York.

17th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival

Also known as New York’s backyard jam, the annual Pleasantville Music Festival will take place on July 8. The doors open at 11 a.m., and music runs from noon to 9:30 p.m. You can enjoy 18 bands across three stages, where you can rock the day away. The lineup includes:

17th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival

  • Ursula Hansberry.
  • Hunter Road.
  • Summer Fling.
  • Dave Casale with Petey Hop.
  • Social Creatures.
  • Sundub.
  • The Moonrise Cartel.
  • Moonunitt.
  • Brandi and the Alexanders.
  • Strange Neighbors.
  • Smooch with Matt Crossett.
  • Pete Francis.
  • Blac Rabbit.
  • The Criticals.
  • Allison Ponthier.
  • Sophie B. Hawkins.
  • The Allman Betts Band.
  • They Might Be Giants.

You’ll find ample food and drink on hand that you can enjoy throughout the afternoon. The Pleasantville Music Festival has set a goal of creating zero waste with this event. To help support this goal, you’re encouraged to bring a refillable cup or bottle, bring all food from home in reusable containers, and sort your waste into the proper recyclables.

Location: 44-98 Marble Ave., Pleasantville.

Westchester Cultural Heritage Celebrations

The annual Westchester Cultural Heritage Celebrations feature a full lineup of festivals to honor the many cultures that have come to call this area home. You can experience the full variety of this melting pot throughout the summer months. These festivals include food, drink, and activities to honor the chosen culture and educate others on its traditions.

Events at Kensico Dam Plaza include:

  • Hispanic Festival, July 9.
  • Italian Festival, July 23.
  • India Festival, August 6.
  • Jewish Festival, August 20.
  • Muslim Heritage Festival, August 27.

Attendees can bring blankets and chairs for convenient seating, but outside coolers are not allowed. Admission and parking for these events are free.

Location: 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla.

The Original Knickerbocker Tour

Through the month of September, you can reserve a spot on this chilling tour at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. The hour-long tour explores the life of Washington Irving and the monumental impact he had on American literature when he penned the famous tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Known as the Original Knickerbocker, this intriguing character comes to life again for this event.

The tour involves climbing a steep hill and stairs. It also includes grassy paths and gravel roads, so you should make sure you’re up to the trek. These tours take place rain or shine. You can catch the event on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Location: 430 North Broadway, Sleep Hollow.

Afternoon Tea at Caramoor

On select dates, you can participate in a traditional English afternoon tea at Caramoor. The venue’s founder Lucie Rosen grew up in England in the 1910s and treasured this time-honored ritual. You can settle in for a soothing afternoon in the Music Room, dining beneath a charming portrait of Lucie.

The full tea service includes scones with creme fraiche and preserves for the ultimate English experience. You’ll also find a wide selection of tea sandwiches, including curried chicken salad, cured salmon and chive cream cheese, cucumber and mint cream cheese, and roast beef, cheddar, and onion jam. Finish up with desserts such as lemon bars and chocolate-dipped strawberries. You also have a full selection of teas to choose from, including black teas and iced tea.

After you’ve enjoyed your afternoon tea, you can browse the displays of European and Chinese arts in the Rosen House rooms. The Caramoor Estate serves as a vibrant center for music and arts. You can also enjoy other special events on-site or book tours of the estate before or after your teatime visit. Book a spot for tea on select dates throughout the summer.

Location: 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah.

Pleasantville Farmers Market

The Pleasantville Farmers Market is the largest of its kind in all of Westchester. Westchester Magazine voted this the Best of Westchester for nine consecutive years up to 2022. You can browse 60 diverse vendors throughout the market with wares that include produce, meats, dairy, honey, seafood, flowers, plants, baked goods, and wines. You’ll find dozens of staple vendors as well as a few rotating stands that feature new purveyors each week.

The farmers market takes place every Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. from April 1 through November 18. The Pleasantville Farmers Market Music Series kicks off in May for added entertainment through the summer season. Make this a part of your weekly routine, and keep your home stocked with mouthwatering goods throughout the season.

Location: 10 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville.

Adult Night at LEGOLAND

If you need a grown-up escape from the rigors of summer vacation, snag a spot at Adult Night at LEGOLAND. The fun lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes a variety of activities designed for older participants. You can let your inner child come out to play in a series of challenges and competitions. There are numerous prizes on the line, so you may just go home with something special. Adult Night is scheduled for July 20th.

Location: Ridge Hill Mall, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers.

Enjoy Your Summer in Westchester County

Do you know of any other great events happening in Westchester this summer? Contact our team at Bill Volz Westchester in Cortlandt, New York, to let us know. We want to have all the best recommendations for our customers. If you need a new vehicle for your summer adventures, stop in and check out our lot today.

Photo Credit: person performing heart hand gesture by Anthony DELANOIX is licensed with Unsplash License