September Arts Festivals in Westchester

As the weather shifts to an autumn breeze, it is the perfect time to "fall into the arts." Arts festivals arise from all corners of the county as Westchester residents and visitors enjoy one-of-a-kind works of art, family activities and craft demonstrations. The following mid-to-late-September festivals start the season off right.

September 17 | Croton-on-Hudson Fall Arts Festival

Guests attending the Croton-on-Hudson Fall Arts Festival at Senasqua Park will enjoy views of the Hudson River and live music as they discover works of sculpture, crafters, photographers and more by local artists. The festival is co-presented by the village of Croton-on-Hudson and the Croton Council on the Arts. crotonarts.org

September 18 | The White Plains Hispanic Festival

For more than 15 years, the White Plains Hispanic Day Parade and Festival has presented an energetic celebration of Hispanic culture in White Plains. This year’s festival brings live music, ethnic foods, performers and artists that represent Spanish and Portugese-speaking countries to the grounds of Eastview Middle School. whiteplainshispanicdayparade.com

September 24 & 25 | Armonk Outdoor Art Show

For the 55th year, the Armonk Outdoor Art Show will display top offerings in fine art and design. The array of diverse artwork by more than 185 juried local and global artists features varied media, from painting and photography to sculpture and printmaking. The show, which benefits the North Castle Public Library and its Whippoorwill Hall Theater, also provides guided artist tours, a food court and kid-friendly activities. The Show takes place at 205 Business Park Drive. armonkoutdoorartshow.org

September 16-18 | Crafts at Lyndhurst

For the past 30+ years, on the historic grounds of the Lyndhurst mansion, artists and designers have come together to celebrate all things handmade. With 300+ modern American craftspeople, both emerging and experienced, display their one-of-a-kind creations in genres ranging from sculpture, paintings, wearable art, furniture and more. Guests dance to live music, watch demonstrations and participate in arts workshops such as pottery and wood-turning. Children’s activities make the day appropriate for the whole family with face painting, storytelling and stilt walkers. Guests can make the most of their day by wandering the grounds and taking a tour of the mansion. lyndhurst.org

September 20-25 | White Plains Jazz Fest

This festival, presented by ArtsWestchester, The City of White Plains and the White Plains Business Improvement District, is a six-day celebration of jazz in multiple locations in downtown White Plains. Fifteen free and affordable jazz-inspired events explore rhythms from Brazil, Africa, New Orleans. The week culminates in a full-day outdoor Jazz & Food Festival along Mamaroneck Avenue on Sunday, September 25th. For more information and a full schedule, see page A15. artsw.org/jazzfest

September 24 | Harbor Island International Beer Fest

The 3rd annual Harbor Island International Beer Fest, hosted by Half Time Beverage, features 200 domestic and international breweries that will present hundreds of craft beers, ciders and sodas, from KY Bourbon Ale (from Alltech) to Honey Blueberry Ale (from Bull and Barrell). Artists will provide guests with the opportunity to “sip and paint” during the festivities. Guests will also enjoy live music and artisanal foods while they sample the top brews. The event, which is part of ArtsWestchester’s Arts & Craft Beer Fest, takes place at Hudson Island Park, with a view of the Long Island Sound and Hudson River. harborislandbeerfestival.com

September 23-25 | New Rochelle ArtsFest 2016

Organized by New Rochelle Council on the Arts, ArtsFest offers exhibitions and family-friendly arts activities that, with more than 34 participating venues, showcases the rich cultural diversity throughout New Rochelle and Pelham. A new collaboration with YoFiFest kicks off the weekend on September 23 with a free drive-in movie in Hudson Park. The weekend continues with a wide variety of activities, from a classic car show and LEGO® Day, but the arts are front and center as artists open their studios and exhibitions pop up at various locations, including Rotunda Gallery, Iona College, Jolo’s, New Rochelle Public Library. Former Alvin Ailey Dance Theater principal dancer Donna Wood Sanders presents a “DanceFest” performance on Saturday afternoon. Pelham Art Center offers interactive activities all weekend, like glass-blowing demonstration, still-life painting and mixed-media projects. The Lincoln Avenue Arts & Culture Fest offers demos, food and live music. To provide visitors with the convenient access to the activities offered, a free “New Rochelle Culture Trolley” provides hop-on,-hop-off access to various participating institutions. newrochellearts.org

A version of this article initially ran in the September issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester's monthly print publication. For a digital copy, visit: artsw.org/artsnews.