ArtsFest for Kids

ArtsFest 2026 kicks off Thursday, October 15 and runs through Sunday, October 18 with more than 40 venues representing the work of more than 250 artists (visual artists, performers, artisans). Family friendly activities abound, with some special events just for kids. Get a sneak peek here -- then visit the NRCA website (www.newrochellearts.org ) for the for the complete ArtsFest calendar. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

ALL WEEKEND

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Several self-guided tours around downtown New Rochelle give families a chance to discover art at their own pace.

Walk or drive on a Self Guided Tour of the NRNY Murals (to download a map CLICK HERE). The 20 large-scale, high impact #NRNY Murals were created by a group of world class street artists curated by Street Art for Mankind and sponsored by the NRCA and the City of New Rochelle's IDA. If you prefer, take a ride on the free old-timey Culture Trolley on Sunday between 11 am and 4 pm: Meet at the Hotel NoMa parking lot (1 Radisson Pl., NR) for a ride around the streets of New Rochelle with NRCA docents providing the backstory behind some of the city's most loved public art. There will be four tours – the trolley will depart at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm and 3:30 pm -- and seats are available on first-come, first-served basis.

Take a stroll around Ruby Dee Park to enjoy a Self Guided Tour of the New Rochelle Walk of Fame (Adjacent to the New Rochelle Public Library bounded by Lawton Street, Memorial Highway and Huguenot Street). Installed in 2011 as a tribute to some of New Rochelle's most notable residents throughout the city's 325-year history, these signs, located along the park's outer pathway, present a micro history of America with figures representing the arts, business, politics, education, the media, entertainment and sports.

In the North End of town step back in time with a Self Guided Tour of Doctorow's New Rochelle : Click HERE to download NRCA's brochure and visit author E.L. Doctorow's New Rochelle, starting at his statue in Huguenot Park (Huguenot Park, North Ave. between Eastchester Rd. and Forest Ave.) The statue was cast using actual items of clothing worn by Mr. Doctorow and installed in 2023: It echoes the bronze statue of Huguenot settler Jacob Leisler that has stood at the base of Broadview Avenue since 1913 and appears in Doctorow's book Ragtime. Learn more about how New Rochelle inspired one of its most famous citizens!

At Davenport Park on the shore of Long Island Sound visit The Plants of Shakespeare (Davenport Park, 300 Davenport Ave., NR; www.gardenclubofnewrochelle.org ): New Rochelle's Shakespeare Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Designed and planted by the Avon Bard Society in 1937, then transferred to the Garden Club of New Rochelle in 1982, The Shakespeare Garden was restored in 2004.

Throughout ArtsFest weekend the JCC of Mid-Westchester (999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale; JCCMW.org ) invites adults and teens to drop in and observe their ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hp and tap class dances. For a complete calendar go to https://jccmw.org/adult-dance/

And look for pop-up musical performances by Songcatchers, the nonprofit organization that provides affordable access to high quality music education and enrichment for children and families. They are planning "Community Music Pop Ups" throughout New Rochelle all weekend, with Songcatchers musicians of various levels playing at outdoor locations.

THURSDAY

Thursday and Friday are school days -- but also a perfect time to introduce children to some of the art spaces around town! For example, check out the art on view at the Lumen Winter Gallery in the lobby of the New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, NR, 914-632-7878, www.nrpl.org ) : The New Rochelle Art Association is showing its 110th annual juried show, with paintings in acrylic, oil and watercolor as well as sculpture, photography graphics/pastels, digital art and mixed media. (Open 9 am to 8 pm on Thursday.).

And at City Hall the NRCA Rotunda Gallery ( 515 North Ave., NR, www.newrochellearts.org) has its fall exhibit, Sight Line, on view Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. A sight line is defined as "The imaginary straight pathways of vision that lead from a person's eyes to a target object, focal point, or view" – but when we look at a work of art are we merely seeing what the artist saw, or is there more to discover? and this exhibit explores that question in an exciting group exhibit of mixed media works by 11 artists. Parking and entry are located behind City Hall on Beaufort Place.

On Thursday you can also help your kids discover a classic movie musical: Enjoy a free screening of The Music Man, followed by a post-screening discussion with NRPL librarian and film historian Chris Poggiali. Filled with memorable songs, lively choreography and plenty of small-town charm, The Music Man is a beloved musical about community, second chances and the unexpected power of believing in one another. From 1 pm to 4 pm at JCC Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale (www.JCCMW.org ).

Then from 5 pm to 9 pm families are invited to participate in a hands-on activity at Town House Kitchen + Drink (559 Main Street, NR; www.townhousekd.com) Help create a collaborative community mural on the third floor: Each participant will be assigned a space on the wall in Town House's Skylight Studio and provided with a blank canvas and necessary painting supplies to create their own unique house. Together, these individual artworks will form a vibrant mural of houses reflecting the spirit of community, creativity, and belonging, guided by the philosophy: Our House is Your House. Appropriate for all ages. This activity is free but you must reserve a time in advance by emailing thomas@townhousekd.com

FRIDAY

During the day there are more art exhibits to explore: Visit "Beneath the Visible" at the Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham; (914) 738-2525; pelhamartcenter.org) , featuring six artists whose practices engage with the natural world, or let children explore the open studio at Highbrook Studios (222 Highbrook Ave North, Pelham; 914-843-8808; @highbrookstudiosny ) , a multi-level studio where you'll meet multiple artists who will be showing and selling their work. (There will also be home-made pastries for sale. ) Kids might also get a kick out of seeing art in unexpected places, like The Gentleman's Lab, a modern take on the classic barbershop with two locations (584 A North Ave., 914-384-8662and 1291 North Ave.; 914-309-8600; https://www.thegentlemanslab.com) : Visit both to view "Ordinary Magic," by photographer and author/illustrator Marc Deliz and "Fragments of Light" by glass artist Gina Kingsley.

Poetry slams and spoken word competitions are getting older preteens and teens to grab the mic: On Friday night The MOTH Story Hour will return for ArtsFest, bringing one of its popular Story SLAMS to New Rochelle. (Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 311 Huguenot Street, NR) Anyone can sign up to compete in this live, open mic storytelling competition: Simply come prepared to share a five-minute story on the night's theme, AMERICAN DREAMS. Ten lucky audience members, picked at random, will vie for the chance to be crowned the night's StorySLAM champion. Doors Open: 6:30 PM;Show Starts: 7:30 PM.Admission is not guaranteed for late arrivals. Tickets cost $15 at https://events.blackthorn.io/en/5fAWdcJ7/g/z7pwPV3556/new-rochelle-storyslam-american-dreams-2026-4a26QmfsPR/overview

And if that's not enough there is more spoken word action at Jolo's (49 Lawton St, NR; 914-548-6640 ; www.Joloskitchen.com ) at 7:30 pm where Da Mic is Open. All ages are encouraged to come to the mic to freely express and display any art form. Participants get 5 minutes for the1st Round, 3 minutes for 2nd Round (If time permits).

Friday night Introduce your kids to one of the jazz masters at a free concert: From 7 to 9 pm trumpeter Wayne Tucker will celebrate 100 Years of Miles Davis at the Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library( Library Plaza, NR; 914-632-7878, www.nrpl.org ). Take a musical journey from Bebop to Funk as you experience the evolution of one of jazz's most influential artists through the sounds and styles he helped shape. (Note that this is an after-hours event at the NRPL: Enter/exit via the entrance on Memorial Highway.)

On the south end of town, families with older kids and teens will thrill to the return of The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion (44 Wildcliff Drive, NR; www.hpcgreenhouse.org), a spine-chilling immersive Halloween experience from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday night. Embark on a journey through a bone-chilling outdoor walk-through attraction set on the eerie grounds of the historic Wildcliff Estate, navigating shadowy pathways and experiencing intense sensory effects. Guests under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult; no babies or strollers will be allowed. Buy timed tickets starting at $25 per person at www.hauntatwildcliff.com

SATURDAY

Saturday is jampacked with your choice of other kid-focused activities, starting with a chance to step aboard the Tall Ship Lynx moored at New Rochelle Marina this weekend (Hudson Park, 1 Hudson Park Road). Public tours will be offered from 10 am to 4 pm, guided by members of the crew of the Lynx -- a replica historic privateer schooner. Nearby costumed living history interpreters, including the group Drama from Past, will welcome guests; families can try their hand at period games provided by Philips Manor Hall State Historic Site and enjoy food trucks and live music while learning more about local revolutionary war history. Tickets for timed tours will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on site at the New Rochelle 250 table.

If your kids enjoy vintage cars don't miss the free Classic Car Show at the Hamilton Avenue Parking Lot (across the street from AJ's Burgers at 542 North Ave., NR) from 10 am to 5 pm. The show focuses on automotive design with classic auto beauties spanning the 1920s to the 1970s (on exhibit by invitation only) and this year they will be joined by a driverless "car of the future": Representatives from WAYMO will be on hand to demonstrate how the LIDAR (the autonomous driving technology) works to help these all-electric vehicles carefully navigate roads and stay ahead of the curve. Coming to New York in the near future, WAYMO is already delivering riders safely to their destinations in cities across the nation. The Classic Car Show will also feature rollicking live music by the Bear Mountain Brass Band from 12 to 2 pm. (Rain date: Sunday, October 18th.)

From 11 am to 3 pm enjoy live music and fun activities focused on "The Art of Games" inside 55 Clinton Place, the retail space at One Clinton Park ( www.clintonpark.com). View an art exhibit inspired by gameboards and enjoy games like cornhole and oversized versions of chess Jenga. MAHJONG PARLOR 203 will be leading Open Play Mahjong, complete with all the equipment, and providing instruction and tips on how to improve your play. And hear live from Donnie Bosco's Common Circles: An Artist & Community Story featuring Ayanna Williams backed by Syncro, bringing a warm blend of soul, R&B, jazz, and familiar music through vocals, keys, guitar, and horn.

Littles will want to stop by the Huguenot Children's Library (794 North Avenue at Eastchester Road; 914-632-8954; www.nrpl.org ) from 11 to 11:45 am for Halloween fun with favorite performer Armelle Gloaguen, joined by musician and rhythm master Matthew Bauer. Creative costume s welcome but not required!After the concert, browse the HCL's seasonal books and pick up a Grab & Go "Make a Monster" bag to take home, while supplies last.

Elementary school aged children will want to see New Rochelle High School's TheatreWorks presentation Once Upon a Grapevine, a fast-paced fairy-tale comedy about how rumors and gossip can grow wildly out of control. As the story of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf travels through the forest, familiar characters including Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, and the Seven Dwarfs each add their own twist to the tale. This reader's theatre presentation from 11 am to 12 noon is a staged reading, allowing audiences to enjoy the characters, humor and storytelling in a simple theatrical format. (Linda E. Kelly Theater at New Rochelle High School, North Ave. at Braemar)

From 11 am to 5 pm visit the 7th Annual ArtsFest Makers Market (on the grounds of Thomas Paine Cottage, 20 Sicard Avenue, NR) for a day filled with art, music, food, crafts activities and more. (Rain Date: Sunday, October 18th.) The outdoor market -- across from the NRHS tennis courts --will feature 30 vendors, food trucks and live music by Mudsole Dixieland Trio from 11 am to 1 pm.

The adjacent Youth Makers Market from 11 am to 3 pm is a family-friendly event to help educate and promote future business leaders aged 7 to 17, who will be at tables selling their own items. Special kid-friendly events on site include a Little Builders Workshop (11 am to 3 pm) led by Fuller Center of NY (tools will be provided, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). You can also meet Children's Book Author and educator Marisa Boan and design your own soccer jersey: Copies of her book, A Place on the Team, will be available free while supplies last! From 12:30 to 1 pm say hello to Adam J. Castiglia and Artie the Kind Seal (you can even pose for your picture with Artie!) Young people's music group Songcatchers will perform from 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm, then at 1:30 join children's book author Andrea Lambiasi for a read-aloud of Quann the Swan Learns A Valuable Lesson, followed by a hands-on craft. Finally, sing along with Shake, Rattle & Roll Music from 2 to 2:45 pm: Bring your baby, toddler or preschooler for an interactive musical journey around the world!

Downtown from 12 noon to 5 pm the Empty Hand Zen Center (45 Lawton Street -- across from the NR Public Library, behind Backstreet Gallery-- 914-636-1450; emptyhandzen.org) is offering a chance to engage body and breath with an afternoon of Enso (Zen Circle) Painting, short periods of Zazen (silent sitting meditation) with instruction, hearing temple instruments or simply coloring in stillness (mindfulness coloring sheets for ages 4 years through Adult). Visitors can also tour the space, which occupies the former New Rochelle Trolley Turnaround building.

At 1 pm stop by Cafetero (111 Centre St., NR) for a delightful pop-up performance Venti on the Veranda featuring students from New Rochelle High School's TheatreWorks presenting a lively collection of songs, scenes, and monologues, including special sneak peeks from the upcoming 2026 school play, Puffs. Free event but donations are welcome to support student performers and future productions.

Afterwards pop into the New Rochelle Public Library at 2:30 pm for Flower Making for Kids
(1 Library Plaza, NR,914-632-7878, www.nrpl.org ) This workshop, presented in English and Spanish, is a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with children ages 4 to 12 (and their caregivers) learning to make festive paper flowers!

At 3 pm the NRPL will present a classical concert in the Ossie Davis Theater: Celebrate Italian Heritage Month with accomplished pianist Brenda Quattrini, who will take listeners on a journey through Italian music, from Scarlatti and beloved opera composers Verdi and Puccini to Italian cinema and contemporary music.

This year the ArtsFest Dance Festival returns to New Rochelle High School's beautifully renovated Whitney Young Auditorium (265 Clove Road, NR): From 3 to 5 pm take in a free showcase of astonishing dance performances by professional companies and local schools. This year's companies include The Coleman School of Dance; Steffi Nossen Dance Company; MorDance; Windriven Arts (formerly stringdance+media ; Hudson Ballet Theatre; Carole Alexis Dance Theatre /Ballet des Amériques; Ajkun Ballet Theatre and Scarsdale Ballet Studio. (Students from NRHS dance classes enjoyed special workshops this week with members of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre and will join the company onstage!) This event is especially great for families looking to learn more about the local dance schools and what they offer.

Finish this action packed Saturday with a Colonial Tavern Experience from 4:30 to 8 pm at 18th Ward Brewing Taproom (40 Division St., NR; 315-291-5276; 18thwardbrewing.com). Enjoy live music with the Tutti Bravi Singers, join the sing-along, and play tavern games. This event is designed primarily for adults (21+) but minors are welcome when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Presented in association with New Rochelle (America) 250 in collaboration with the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, and the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum (Huguenot & New Rochelle Historical Association),

SUNDAY

Early risers can watch the Tall Ship Lynx sail from New Rochelle Marina at 8:30 am as it heads to Orchard Beach for an historic re-enactment (Pelham Bay Park at Orchard Beach, Park Dr., Bronx, NY-- the most southern section of the beach -- with plenty of free parking). The Lynx will fire her cannon at 10 am to mark the official start of the event, with British sailors facing Patriots forces in authentic historic uniforms for a fully narrated reenactment of the Battle of Pell's Point/Pelham. Fife & drums, military drills and maneuvers. Pre-positioning viewing starts at 8:30 am. For more information go to RW250.org

At 10 am enjoy a movie morning at the JCC Mid-Westchester ( 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale; JCCMW.org ) with a free screening of Kung Fu Panda. Families are invited to enjoy a sensory-friendly experience with adjusted lighting and sound, plus a welcoming environment so families can enjoy the magic of the movie together. Register in advance at https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=4072&pid=40740&sid=1099494

From 10 am to 1 pm Friends of Glenwood Lake Park invites artists of all ages to capture the west side shoreline in its autumnal splendor. (Glenwood Lake at the intersection of Calhoun Ave. and Bergholz Dr.) Whether you are a photographer, a painter, or other visual artist you are invited to join the effort to immortalize this very special tree line before it is permanently altered by necessary earthen dam improvements that are set to take place in the coming year. Some materials will be available but artists are encouraged to bring their own.

And from 10 to 6 pm visit the Open Studio of Acupuncture Unlimited/Amelia E. Jones, L.Ac. (38 Lakeside Dr., NR; 914-356-2327; Acupuncture.Ultd@gmail.com ) for a family-friendly event featuring an artist market, open mic, literary pavilion and more!

If your children are too young for the scary Haunt at Hudson Park, the Pumpkin Patch for Little Haunters offers a just-right mix of Halloween fun. From 11 am to 2 pm the child-friendly "Pumpkin Patch" (designed for children 1 to 10 years old) is a crafts event where children can buy and paint pumpkins and enjoy other Halloween-related activities. "Little Haunters" is a no-scare walk through of "The Haunt", with spooky lighting and décor but limited actors. Costumes are welcome (no full-face masks allowed). Tickets for Pumpkin Patch cost $12at http://www.hpcgreenhouse.org There will also be crafts activities from the ArtsWestchester ArtsMobilea colorful van that brings free, hands-on arts programming led by professional teaching artists to children and audiences of all ages outside the traditional classroom or studio setting.

Artists Barry Mason and Emlyn Tavares both have studio space at an industrial building in Mt. Vernon (Extra Space Storage Building, 320 Washington Street, Mt. Vernon). All ages are welcome to visit their open studios on Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm: Barry Mason creates his abstract paintings on canvases that he shapes, stretches and sculpts so that the final piece appears to float in the air as opposed to being positioned on the wall. And Emlyn Tavares creates work in response to the environment, culture, and social climate. Meet the artists, tour their studios and learn about their process.

Starting at 1 pm you can take a quick ferry ride across the Sound to Echo Bay for unique views of the Tall Ship Lynx and New Rochelle's shoreline from the historic Echo Bay Yacht Club. (Echo Bay Yacht Club, 22 Pelham Road, NR; www.echobayyachtclub.com). Once on the island watch local artists painting "en plein air" and, inside the ECBY's 19th century stone Solarium, enjoy an exhibit of works by Noreen Dean Dresser. There will be live music by Evermuze, a cello and guitar duo, from 1 to 3 pm, with refreshments available for sale (cash and Zelle only). At 2 pm, professional photographer Jim Frank will demonstrate how to take great photos with your phone (note that sunset will take place at 6:18 pm ) And at 3 pm, City Historian Barbara Davis (Director of the Westchester County Historical Society) will talk about the history of Echo Bay, from the days when the Munsee-speaking Lenape encamped along the shore's edge to the American Revolution and The Gilded Age when New Rochelle rightfully earned the title of "Queen City of the Sound." The covered ferry to EBYC will run every half hour from1 pm, departing from Dock A at New Rochelle Municipal Marina (park at 2 Pelham Road, near Kenny's on the Water.) The roundtrip ferry costs $5 for adults, children under 12 are free: Last boat to EBYC will be at 5:30 pm; event ends at 7 pm. For tickets go to https://www.echobayyachtclub.com/event-details-registration/arts-fest-echo-bay-yacht-club

At2 pm young people will take the stage at the Ossie Davis Theater at the New Rochelle Public Libraryfor An Afternoon of Piano and Cello with Yong Musicians of Westchester (Ossie Davis Theater, 1 Library Plaza, NR; 914-632-7878, www.nrpl.org ). Experience exceptional classical music (works by Bach, Brahms, Ravel and Chopin) performed by pianists Brielle Perez and Adam Jackson and cellist Ruth Stokes. Presented in partnership with Young Musicians of Westchester.

Finally, from 3 to 5 pm visit the NRCA Office at the New Rochelle train station (2nd floor; enter through door on platform) to hop aboard the Art Express: Join award-winning children' s book author Marisa Boan for a creative journey at the historic New Rochelle train station! This 90-minute workshop includes literacy, travel, and visual arts. Young artists explore the life of an inspiring artist while creating their own original works of art. Free for children ages 6 -12 years old (with an adult guardian). Space is limited: Please reserve in advance.

Now in its 18th year, ArtsFest is organized by the non-profit New Rochelle Council on the Arts (NRCA) to spotlight the diversity of arts and artists in our community, with more than 40 venues representing the work of some 250 visual and performing artists. For the complete ArtsFest calendar go to www.newrochellearts.org

Sponsors for this year's ArtsFest include an Anonymous Donor, ArtsWestchester, Cappelli Organization, RXR Clinton Park, Waymo, The Gwendolyn Appleyard Trust Fund for New Rochelle Charities, M & T Bank,Town House Kitchen + Drinks, Alvin & Friends Restaurant plus in-kind donorsAJ's Burgers, the New Rochelle Public Library, Hotel NoMa and the New Rochelle Downtown BID.

The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding made possible by Westchester County government with the support of County Executive Ken Jenkins.