10 Fall Festivals in Westchester 2024
No more sitting inside during these brisk months. This fall, residents and visitors of Westchester can grab their pumpkin spice lattes on their way to enjoy some seasonal fun. With Labor Day comes an onset of fall arts festivals that feature local artists, live music, family activities and views of the Hudson River. Here are 10 fall festivals in Westchester this September and October.
September 1
Hudson River Arts & Crafts Festival
Presented by Croton Council on the Arts
Croton Council on the Arts kicks off the season of fall festivals in Westchester. This Labor Day weekend, dozens of artists will display their works along the waterfront in Senasqua Park in Croton-on-Hudson for this annual arts and crafts festival. All vendors will sell handmade items sold directly by the artist. A rain date is scheduled for the following day, Sept.2.
September 11-15
JazzFest White Plains
Presented by ArtsWestchester, City of White Plains and White Plains BID
Now in its 13th year, JazzFest White presents five days of live jazz in downtown White Plains. Musicians range from emerging talent to world-renowned artists, including four Grammy Award-winners and nominees. The lineup includes 18 live performances taking place in various locations like Downtown Music at Grace, White Plains Farmers Market, White Plains Public Library and ArtsWestchester’s intimate performance space. The festival culminates in an all-day outdoor jazz festival on Court Street (between Martine Avenue and Main Street) on September 15.
September 13-15
Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst
Presented by Artrider
This month, Artrider presents its annual family-friendly fall craft fair at Lyndhurst Mansion. Visitors can browse a variety of artisanal goods ranging from jewelry to furniture and décor to sculpture. They can also experience family-friendly arts activities like interactive puppet theater and face painting, sample tastings from local distilleries, and more. When it comes to fall festivals in Westchester, this is one of the most picturesque. The event takes place on the 67-acre Lyndhurst grounds, which include scenic views of the Hudson River, a carriage house, a rose garden and more. Various times.
September 14
Yonkers RiverFest
Presented by Yonkers Downtown BID
This annual festival sees thousands of attendees for a pre-autumn celebration of community. The streets are lined with live music, performances, food, shops and arts activities. A focus on family friendly offerings bring arts and crafts, rides, face painting and more to downtown Yonkers for the day.
September 28
Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
Presented by Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
At the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, more than 150 children’s book authors and illustrators come together to encourage literacy. During the festival, guests can hear in storytime and author talks, watch drawing demonstrations and participate in family activities.
September 28
Larchmont Arts Festival
Presented by Larchmont Arts Festival
On this fall Saturday, Constitution Park will be enlivened by the arts when artists display and sell paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography and more. The event will also include family-friendly art activities and live music throughout the day. A rain date will be offered the following date, September 29.
September 28-29
Armonk Outdoor Art Show
Presented by Armonk Outdoor Art Show
At 62 years, this fall arts show is a staple of the fall season, showcasing the works of 140 juried artists in a variety of disciplines, from painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, wearable art and more. A family activities tent offers kids the opportunity to get hands-on with art through collage and clay projects, a scavenger hunt and storytime. All net proceeds from the show will benefit the Friends of the North Castle Public Library and its educational and entertainment programs, including the Armonk Players theater group.
October 5
ARToberFest
Presented by Bethany Arts Community
Now in its 5th year, Bethany Arts Community’s ARToberFest will bring in the autumn spirit with visual artists, live music and interactive demonstrations. Activities include poetry, tie dye, fairy house making, a collaborative fiber and textile sculpture with artist-in-resident Baylee Schmitt, lawn games and more. Families can also pay an additional charge to participate in pumpkin carving.
October 17-20
New Rochelle ArtsFest
Presented by New Rochelle Council on the Arts
The annual ArtsFest is a weekend filled with arts opportunities throughout the City of New Rochelle and its surrounding areas, including art exhibitions, live performances, an array of participating cultural venues and more. One highlight is a Makers Market on the grounds of the historic Thomas Paine Cottage on October 19.
October 26 & 27
Gothic Market Weekend
Presented by Lyndhurst Mansion
As Halloween approaches, Lyndhurst Mansion has the spooky side of fall festivals in Westchester all teed up with this new event. Vendors, all based in the Hudson Valley, will offer “an eclectic mix of spooky oddities, curated antiques, gothic jewelry and witchy wares.” Also featured will be tarot readings, a vampire and seasonal foods. Guests can also explore the seasonally decorated rooms of the historic Gilded Age estate.
Photos from top to bottom: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (photo courtesy of the festival); Vijay Iyer Trio will perform during JazzFest White Plains (photo courtesy of the artist); Artwork by George Gabriel, whose work will be displayed at Crafts at Lyndhurst (photo courtesy of Artrider); Armonk Outdoor Art Show (photo courtesy of Armonk Outdoor Art Show); a guest at ARToberFest (photo courtesy of Bethany Arts Community)
About Mary Alice Franklin
Mary Alice Franklin is ArtsWestchester’s Communications Manager and Editor of ArtsNews. She has a Bachelors in English and Masters in Publishing, and has been published in Paste Magazine, HuffPost, Art Zealous, Art Times, and more.
