6 Westchester Arts Festivals to Check Out This Month
September 1-3: CORNucopia
Step into the 1750s during this celebration of corn and discover its tradition within the Hudson Valley. This Labor Day weekend, Historic Hudson Valley will introduce corn to its Philipse Manor audiences in a unique way, from sweet corn ice cream to live bluegrass and folk music. CORNucopia guests can learn English country-dance, view live cooking demonstrations, challenge themselves in a corn maze and play family-friendly games. They can also tour the Manor, where artifacts bring the history of the Philipse family to life. hudsonvalley.org
September 12-16: JazzFest White Plains
This five-day celebration of jazz includes 20+ sets by emerging and established musicians that take place at 10+ locations throughout downtown White Plains, including White Plains Public Library, ArtsWestchester, the Court Street Farmers’ Market and more. Presented by ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains and White Plains BID, the festival culminates on its final day with the White Plains Jazz & Food Festival, a free all-day outdoor festival on Mamaroneck Avenue at Main Street. artsw.org/jazzfest
September 14-16: Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst
Shop the work of 300 emerging and established artists, designers and craftspeople on Lyndhurst Mansion’s expansive grounds. For its 57th year, Artrider presents a weekend of all-things-handmade, from one-of-a-kind designs like necklaces made from meteorites to functional items like wearable fiber art. Guests can make a full day of their visit by watching and participating in live demonstrations like wheel-thrown pottery and canoe-making, as well as touring Lyndhurst Mansion and exploring views of the Hudson River. Family-friendly activities include face painters, stilt walkers, storytelling and an interactive puppet theater. artrider.com
September 15: Yonkers Riverfest
This community celebration brings thousands of people to downtown Yonkers each year. The 26th festival, held along the Hudson River, offers an outdoor artist gallery as well as children’s activities that include inflatable rides and carnival games. Live music throughout the day offers original Caribbean and reggae influences from the Latin trio 3D Ritmo de Vita, the funk and R&B beats of Bruno Mars by cover band Uptown Funk and sets from saxophonist Joey Berkley and Westchester Center for Jazz and Contemporary Music. yonkersdowntown.com
September 29: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
More than 95 children’s book authors and illustrators will be present at the 6th annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival at Robert E. Bell Middle School. The festival, which aims to promote literacy, will include author readings, demonstrations by illustrators, book signings, books for sale and more. The all-volunteer-run event typically draws thousands of guests, allowing children and their families to meet the authors and artists who have worked on their favorite books. Participants include Jerry Pinkney, Rosemary Wells, Ron Barrett and more. A portion of book sales will benefit literacy programs in Westchester schools. ccbfestival.org
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show
This display of fine art by 185 juried artists comprises a broad range of media, from photography and wearable art to printmaking and sculpture. The show was recently named the “#2 Best Fine Art and Design Show in the Nation” from Sunshine Artist, a prestigious guide to nationwide juried art festivals. A Family Activities Tent will offer interactive and hands-on projects by groups such as the Harvey School and First Five for children who are one through 12 years old, as well as artists who will work with visitors to create collaborative pieces. Proceeds benefit the North Castle Public Library and its Whippoorwill Hall Theater, from which Hudson Stage Company operates. armonkoutdoorartshow.org
A version of this article first appeared in the September issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
