Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone! Join us on Sunday, October 25 from 11am - 3pm. New this year in honor of the Montgolfier Brothers invention of the hot-air balloon in 1783 - you guessed it - learn all about the thermodynamics of these beautiful aircrafts from Liberty Balloon Company. Enjoy outdoor activities and old-fashioned entertainment as we commemorate America 250 with a very special chance to see authentic centuries-old artifacts of the Revolutionary War at the historic first home of patriot and peacemaker John Jay. Watch a video from last year's festival here.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

* Silhouette artist Varin Acevado will create heirloom portraits.
* Stilt walkers & jugglers ensure super photo ops for the whole family!
* Professional facepainters from James Daniel Entertainment will create butterflies and dragons with deft dabs of paint and glitter!
* Join the Rye Boy Scouts Troop 2 for boat racing in the reflecting pool
* Create your own take-home origami animals with talented volunteers from our Japanese community partners in Harrison.
* Try your hand at special geocaching activities in honor of America at 250 highlighting John Jay's role as spymaster during the Revolutionary War.
* Make a self-portrait with artist Jing (Ellen) Xu and ColorWorld.
* Learn about robotics and STEAM with MakeInspires.
* Don't miss the rocket show with Mad Science!
* Pony rides and the petting zoo are family favorites!

ALL AGES

* Self-guided tours of Revisit the Revolution Exhibit at the Jay Mansion.
* Self-guided tours of the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens (2022 NYS Nonprofit Excellence, 2023 ICAA Landscape Design, 2026 GCA Historic Preservation).
* Nibble on savories from food trucks and local favorites like Cousins Lobster Roll, Jimmy's Soft Serve, Crazy Taco Mex, Food Truck Refinery, Westchester Burger and Mangones Market.
* LIVE Music from Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective.
* Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Pelham Bit Carriages.
* Shop for the holidays early or for any occasion - explore gorgeous jewelry, sweaters, fine art photographs, handcrafted Japanese pottery from NS Lifestyles, Beehive, Crichlow Fine Art, Hiroko's Ceramics and many more bespoke offerings from our vendors
* Learn about 10,000 years of archaeology beneath our feet with Dr. Eugene Boesch.

More activities being added every day! Admission is $50 per family and $20 individual.

Thank you to our Jay Day Co-Chairs Lindsay Bello Martin, Claire Weschler, Jennifer Soliman and Julia Thalhammer and 2026 RCDS Community Engagement Fellow Ellora Shah.

More volunteers welcome! Contact us at jayheritagecenter@gmail.com to sign up for a shift.

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is a dynamic nonprofit which manages the Jay Estate in Rye, New York. The 23-acre park that they have preserved and interpreted since 1992 is an award-winning culture hub and wildlife refuge on Long Island Sound. Located in the heart of Westchester’s only National Historic Landmark District, the site welcomes visitors April through November to learn about our nation’s flawed yet precious democracy through indoor and outdoor public programs. Offerings about American History feature prominent writers and educators. Free horticulture and birding workshops teach guests about native plants and wildlife. Family-friendly concerts draw hundreds for old-fashioned fun and unplugged enjoyment. The site is a member of NY State's Path Through History and Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. Sign up to volunteer or access all they offer at www.jayheritagecenter.org

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