WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Summer means celebrating what makes Westchester unique.
Westchester County's 29th Annual Asian-American Heritage Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, from noon to 6 p.m., at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The event will highlight Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Indonesian cultures through live songs, dances, musical performances, ethnic foods, Asian arts and cultural exhibits, along with Chinese paper cutting and origami.
The festival will also include children's entertainment, balloon sculptures, games and face painting, according to the announcement. It will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal, and attendees are asked to bring blankets or folding chairs for lawn seating. Coolers are not allowed. Admission and parking are free.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said the festival has become a long-running opportunity for residents and visitors to connect with different traditions across Westchester.
"For nearly three decades, the Asian-American Heritage Festival has offered residents and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about the rich traditions, diverse cultures and lasting contributions that have helped shape our communities," Jenkins said "Our Heritage Festivals bring people together in a spirit of unity and appreciation, honoring the many cultures and customs that make our County stronger, more inclusive and more dynamic."
The Asian-American Heritage Festival is part of Westchester County's Heritage Festivals series, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. The 2026 schedule listed by the county includes the Albanian festival on Sunday, June 7, at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla; Irish on Saturday, June 27, at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale; African-American on Sunday, June 28, at Kensico Dam Plaza; Hispanic on Sunday, July 12, at Kensico Dam Plaza; Italian on Sunday, July 26, at Kensico Dam Plaza; Heritage of India on Sunday, Aug. 2, at Kensico Dam Plaza; Jewish on Sunday, Aug. 16, at Kensico Dam Plaza; Muslim Heritage on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Kensico Dam Plaza; and Arab-American on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale.
Kathy O'Connor, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, said the event draws a broad audience because it combines celebration with learning.
"People of all backgrounds are drawn to this event because it seamlessly blends festivity, community and cultural education," O'Connor said. "Through lively performances, traditional arts and crafts, authentic cuisine and interactive experiences, our parks become gathering places where neighbors can connect, learn from one another and celebrate shared values. It is especially meaningful to host these cultural celebrations in our public spaces, where everyone is welcome to come together and experience the richness and diversity that define Westchester County."
Kensico Dam Plaza is at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla. Ridge Road Park is at 287 Ridge Road in Hartsdale.
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