Summer Fun: Free Westchester Events

Westchester County, north of New York City, is known for its well-heeled suburbs. But it also has a wealth of free family friendly summer activities.

Cultural Heritage Festivals, held at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, are day-long affairs highlighting different ethnic groups. The festivals, held rain or shine, also offer free parking. Bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn.

The upcoming Heritage Festivals:

•    Italian, July 7, 11am to 7pm
•    Irish, July 14, noon to 7pm
•    Polish, July14, noon to 6pm
•    Hispanic, July 21, noon to 7pm
•    Jewish, July 28, noon – 6pm
•    Indian, August 4, 12:30pm to 6:30pm

All festivals are sponsored by Westchester County Parks and Friends of Westchester County Parks. Kensico Dam Plaza is at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway, in Valhalla.

Summerfest at the Cross County Shopping Center

Concerts:

Every Wednesday for free, family-friendly summer concerts at Cross County Shopping Center. Concerts begin at 7pm and at The Green in the center of the mall. Bring beach blankets and chairs.

Upcoming groups include The Amish Outlets, The Nerds and the B Street Band, Shotgun Wedding, NYC Swing and BritishMania.

Fireworks Festival: 

In celebration of Independence Day, Cross County will have a free fireworks show on July 3. Throughout the day enjoy free concerts from 1 – 10pm. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm.

Movies:

Select Thursdays throughout the summer, enjoy free outdoor movies. Family classics include Grease and A League of Their Own. All movie nights begin at 8pm with an opening performance at 7:30pm. Bring beach blankets and chairs.

Arts & Entertainment: 

Bring the kids for arts and crafts activities on Friday July 19, August 2 and 16. The activities, designed for kids ages 5-12, go from 9am to 11am.

The Cross County Shopping Center is in Yonkers, at the junction of the Cross County Parkway and New York State Thruway.