What To Do: Fall Events 2016

What To Do: Fall Events: A mixed bag of fall events from harvest festivals and crafts fairs to family events in the great outdoors, hiking and biking and road races, local benefits, foodie events and whatever. Including The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, John Jay’s Barn Dance, the Chappaqua Gift & Craft Fair and even a Bacon Festival! Who doesn’t like bacon?   That’s the way we roll at What To Do.  Bookmark this page and load up your Outlook calendars.

Where To Go: Country Fairs and Fall Festivals

Apple Picking: Apple picking season is here. Check out our Fall Survival Checklist to find out where to pick apples and when. Fall Survival Checklist: Apple Picking.

Yorktown Grange Fair – Thurs-Sun, 9/8-11: Westchester’s only true country fair has showcased home grown and home made vegetables, flowers, baked goods, livestock, poultry, needlework, and photography since 1923. Expect antique tractor and animal parades, livestock exhibits, horse competitions, hay rides, magic shows, watermelon, pie eating, balloon blowing, nail driving and rubber chicken throwing competitions, (the stuff memories are made of) carnival rides, and funnel cakes. A Taste of NY tent offers free tastings and sale items from local food and beverage vendors. Musical entertainment includes Chain of Fools (Motown), Unfunded Mandate (classic rock), Strawberry Fields (Beatles tribute), and Lori and Mike Barr (folk). Thurs, 9/8: 5-10pm, Fri, 9/9: 4-11pm, Sat, 9/10: 10-am-11pm & Sun, 9/11: 10am-7pm. (Yorktown Grange Fair Grounds, 99 Moseman Avenue, Yorktown Heights; www.yorktowngrangefair.org)

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard Festival Weekends – 9/10-10/30: They’re picking apples and rocking’ in September and October at Harvest Moon in North Salem. In addition to pick your own apples and pumpkins there are hayrides, pony rides, face-painting, farm animals, bounce house, and great live music. Food too: apple cider donuts, brick oven pizza, bbq, and their smoked turkey legs, and farm store. Other vendors include dog treats, kettle corn, lemonade, funnel cakes, pumpkin cheesecakes, Italian cheeses and sausages, local French cakes and more! (130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem; www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard) See our Apple Picking Westchester Guide for more apple info.

Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival – Sat-Sun, 9/10-11: 11am-8pm: Arts & Crafts show, harbor tour cruises, vessel tours, a Ferris wheel, a New England Seaport Village, environmental demonstrations, and a Kids Cove with circus and puppet shows, music, and arts & crafts (for the kids), an International Food Court with craft beer (for the adults), celebrity oyster slurping contests and … OYSTERS, OYSTERS, OYSTERS. With musical entertainment and Family Day specials on Sunday. (Norwalk Veterans Park, 42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk: www.seaport.org)

Local! John Jay Barn Dance, John Jay Homestead – Sat, 9/17: 5-10pm: Local celeb alert! It’s the event of the season in Bedford. The annual John Jay Barn Dance serves up a country BBQ, a pizza truck, a campfire and a dog and pony show – literally. The highlight of the evening is the music by local bands including Bedford’s School of Rock House Band. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival, Duchess County Fairgrounds, Sat-Sun, 9/10-11: Sample and purchase wines from 49 Hudson Valley wineries, 14 craft beer brewers, 5 hard cider producers and 12 spirits distillers. There’s wine seminars and cooking demonstrations from Chef Kevin Des Chenes who was featured on Food Networks Beat Bobby Flay and live music. Fill up your pantry with 40 of Hudson Valley’s finest  gourmet food vendors and your ‘tum’ with 14 food trucks serving crepe suzette, lobster rolls, poutine and crab cakes to Cactus Jack’s old fashioned soda. (6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck; www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com)

Blues, Brews & Botany, New York Botanical Garden – Sat-Sun, 9/17-18: 12-5pm: Discover the connections between beer and botany during a weekend of live blues and bluegrass, craft beer tastings, and talks by expert brewers and Garden scientists. Grab a souvenir Tasting Tumbler included with your ticket to enjoy a flight of flavorful brews from New York State and beyond. Music from Moonshine Flats and The Paul Josephs Blues Band on the Conservatory Lawn. Plus lawn games like bean-bag, lawn darts and ladder toss. Ladder toss? www.nybg.org

Greenwich Audubon Fall Festival and Hawk Watch – Sat-Sun, 9/17-18: 11am-5pm: Live raptor shows, rehabilitated hawk releases, petting zoo with a bearded dragon, kangaroo, goats and baby animals, rock climbing wall, hayrides, guided hikes, games & crafts, local exhibitors and food. The Greenwich Audubon has some of the best hiking trails in the area. If you’re a hiker pick up a copy of Walking Trails in Greenwich and the Surrounding Area in their gift shop. (613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich; www.greenwich.audubon.org)

Local! Armonk Cider and Donut Festival & Byram Hills Pre-School Ass’n Fall Carnival – with Jamie’s 5k Run for Love – Sun, 9/18: 10am-2pm: This Armonk Chamber of Commerce celebration features live music, carnival rides, a bounce house, face painting, pizza, ice cream … and plenty of cider and donuts. Love the donut bobbing (pictured here) and pie eating contests. The event is held in conjunction with Jamie’s 5K “Run for Love”. Races from 10am-12pm. (Wampus Park, Maple Ave., Armonk;  www.armonkchamberofcommerce.org)

The Edible Academy Family Garden Picnic – New York Botanical Garden, Sun 9/25: 12:30-4:30pm: Chef Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s The Chew hosts a day of culinary workshops and a delicious picnic featuring her Southern Kitchen chicken and gourmet fixin’s! Activities for kids include kitchen crafts and games, organic vegetable gardening, live music and tree climbing! Proceeds benefit NYBG’s Edible Academy, hub of the children’s organic vegetable gardening program. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Hot Ticket Alert! Annual Stone Barns Harvest Fest – Sat, 10/1: 10am-3pm: Their 13th annual celebration and fundraiser is a hot ticket so order early. THIS EVENT ALWAYS SELLS OUT! Live music, hands-on farming activities, food crafting, a seasonal food and farmer’s market, hayrides and a turkey parade. (630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills; www.stonebarnscenter.org)

Hudson Valley Bacon Bash – Sat, 10/8: 2-6pm: It’s the ultimate day for bacon lovers! This one day family friendly event is set on a 40 acre estate overlooking a lake minutes from Rt. 84 and 87 in Walden, NY. The event features bacon themed food and craft vendors, a bacon competition where you can be the judge, live bands and bacon themed games. Sounds like a total pig-out to us. And we mean that in a good way. (Orange County Farmer’s Museum, 9 Union St., Montgomery, NY; www.baconbashny.com)

Columbus Day Pumpkin Picking at Muscoot Farm – Sun-Mon, 10/9-10: 12-3pm: Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch or walk to the vegetable garden to pick your pumpkin. Visit the farmer’s market, farm animals, (check out the pygmy goats and miniature donkeys) 12 historic buildings, (love the ice house and blacksmith shop) and 7 miles of hiking trails from easy to moderately strenuous. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org

Local! Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association Oktoberfest – Fri, 10/14: 6:30-10:30pm: The menu is set and DJ Kyle is booked for this 10th Anniversary Celebration of BHNA at the Bedford Hills Train Station. www.bhna.org

CANCELLED! The Pound Ridge Harvest Festival ROCKS, Pound Ridge Town Park – Sat, 10/15: 1-6pm: At this time of year the featured musical act is always a mystery. But when we say the PRHF ROCKS we mean it. They promise Grammy Award winning acts and have delivered The Smithereens, The Spin Doctors, Soul Asylum and Toad the Wet Sprocket in recent years: Plus contests, games and activities for kids and families. There’s a craft beer garden for adults from Magic Hat Brewery, a root beer garden for kids, and BBQ for all. New location this year in Pound Ridge Town Park. (179 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; www.poundridgeharvestfestival.com)

Harvest Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Sat-Sun, 10/15-16: 11am-3pm: Enjoy apple-cider and pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a scarecrow-making contest and hayrides. Wear a costume for the daily costume parade. Learn about colonial life from the 5th Connecticut Regiment through their recreation of camp life, military drills, crafts, uniforms, and weapons of the period. Other activities include an apple slingshot, farm animal demonstrations, live music with Jay and Ray, face-painting, storytelling and children’s crafts. (39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)

Autumn Celebration at Muscoot Farm – Sun, 10/16: 12-3pm.: Celebrate the fall with an afternoon of music, games, hayrides, crafts, a Model A Ford show, blacksmithing demonstrations and a Farmers Market. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

What To Do: Antiques, Arts & Craft Fairs

Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst – Fri-Sun, 9/16-18: New York’s largest craft show, on the grounds of the historic Lyndhurst estate showcases 300 artists and crafts people offering one-of-a-kind jewelry, fashion & accessories, furniture & home decor, and functional and sculptural work in ceramics, glass, metal, painting, photography, wood and mixed media. Plus craft demonstrations, gourmet specialty foods and a stilt walker, face painting and storytelling for kids. And, of course, those views of the Hudson River and the fabulous mansion of the late, great railroad developer and financier in the age of the Robber Baron, Jay Gould. Pretty spesh. Fri-Sun, 9/18-20: 10am-5pm. (Lyndhurst Estate, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown;  www.lyndhurst.org)

Armonk Outdoor Art Show Weekend – Sat-Sun: 9/24-25: 10am-5pm: Consistently ranked one of the country’s top art shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the 55th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show features over 185 juried artists in a broad spectrum of media including painting, photography, sculpture, pastels, printmaking, drawing, mixed media and wearable art. There’s a children’s activity booth, personal shoppers and a food court. The art show, sponsored by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, has become a weekend long series of events with a free movie and a free music concert at the library. (Pictured left a watercolor by Scott Wilson. Pictured right mixed media by Ummarid Eitharong) Free movie at NCPL– Fri, 9/23: 7pm: LIU Professor Valerie Franco screens Beltracchi, the German documentary about Wolfgang Beltracchi, the art forger who is rumored to have his works in over 40 museums around the world. Free Concert at NCPL – Sat, 9/24: 8pm: Jazz legend  Charlie Lagond & Friends  perform adaptations of hits by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Jobim, Ed Sheehan, Imagine Dragons, Sting, Toots Thieleman and more at Whippoorwill Hall. (205 Business Park Dr., Armonk; www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org)

CraftWestport – Sat-Sun, 11/5-6: Produced by ArtRider, the producers of Crafts at Lyndhurst, and the Rhinebeck Arts Festival. In it’s 41st year, CraftWesport is the longest running indoor crafts festival in CT. It features 175 vendors displaying a variety of media: clay, glass, painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, furniture, metal jewelry, wearable art and specialty foods. With a pop up marketplace, gourmet specialty foods and a create your own handprinted silk Shibumi scarf booth. (70 North Ave., Westport; www.artrider.com)

Chappaqua Craft & Gift Fair – Sat, 11/19: 10am-4pm: 32nd annual craft fair featuring over 85 vendors presenting handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing, handbags and accessories, original artwork, tableware and furniture, bath and beauty products, children’s gifts, floral designs, gourmet foods and more. Plus raffles, kids creations and donation alley. This event produced by the Bell Middle School PTA benefits the Bell Middle School. (Robert E. Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St., Chappaqua; www.chappaquacraftfair.com)

What To Do: The Great Outdoors

Schooner Soundwaters – Thurs-Sun, 9/1-25: The Schooner SoundWaters sails through September from Stamford’s Harbor Park Marina. The Schooner’s 2-hour family sails offer a hands-on educational experience for kids 5 & up. (Sat-Sun: 9/3-25: check times) Or pack dinner and your favorite quaff and watch the sun set on the horizon on a sunset sail. Thurs-Sun, 9/1-4: 5:30-7:30pm & Sat-Sun, 9/10-25: 5-7pm. (Stamford Harbor Park Marina, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford; www.soundwaters.org)

6th Annual Church Tavern Biathlon – Mon, 9/5: 9:30am: This 7 mile bike and 4 mile run on hilly secondary roads, circles Truesdale Lake and offers a scenic vista of Lewisboro from Mount Church Tavern. Be prepared for a 602-foot ascent on the bike course and a 414-foot ascent on the run. There is also a run or walk only race. The race ends with a free BBQ, music from Quadrasaurus, a water slide for kids and medals for all. St. John’s Episcopal Church sponsors the race to benefit the Community Center of Northern Westchester and Puppies Behind Bars. PBB trains inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and law enforcement. (82 Spring St., S. Salem; more here.)

Bird Walk at Muscoot Farm – Mon, 9/5: 7:30am: Not up for the Church Tavern biathlon? You can take a more leisurely early morning bird walk with Anne Swaim, the Executive Director of the Saw Mill River Audubon Society, at Muscoot Farm. Visit the Farmers Market after the trek. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Local! Katonah Village Improvement Society 5K, Katonah – Sat, 9/10: 8am.: The KVIS 5K is staged to begin and end at the junction of Edgemont and The Parkway in the heart of Katonah Village. This event will also feature a 1 mile challenge for kids. For more info email katonahvis@gmail.com or check online: www.katonahvis.com)

Bicycle Sundays – Sun, 9/11, 18 & 25: 10am-2pm.: Bicycle Sundays return for three Sundays in September. Westchester County closes off a 6.5 mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, scooters and strollers. Park at the County Center and take a 13.1-mile round trip bike road to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.  www.westchestergov.com.

Local! Mt. Kisco 5K & Kids Mad Dash – Sun, 9/18: 8:30am: The 3rd annual Kisco 5K starts and finishes at Kirby Plaza at the Mt. Kisco Train Station. The Kids Mad Dash begins after the 5K finishes. Prizes for top 3 female and male runners and age group winners. (Kirby Plaza, Mt. Kisco; www.kiscorun.com)

Local! Jamie’s 5K Run for Love, Armonk – Sun, 9/18: 10am-12pm. This memorial run for Jamie Love who was a member of the Byram Hills cross country and track teams is part of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce’s Armonk Fall Festival. Events include: Petite Picassos 100 yd. dash for ages 2-8, the Monet Mile and Jamie’s 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds benefit children’s programs at the library. (Wampus Brook Park, 28 Maple Ave., Armonk;  www.armonkchamber.org) 

Local! The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days – Sun, 9/18: The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program offers three local gardens for public visits on one day. Including the Dick Button Ice Pond Farm at 115 June Rd., In North Salem that is featured in The Garden Conservancy’s new book Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration – 25 Years of The Garden Conservancy. It features a valley with an Ice Pond, a stone wall that thinks it’s a roller coaster, an outhouse with a view, a vegetable garden, a smattering of stone, iron and other minor oddities (10am-3pm); The Garden of Bernard Marquez and Tim Fish at 74 Hemlock Rd., South Salem: Bernard and Tim, recently featured in Garden Design, present  a talk on Digging Deeper: Making Visual Sense of your Outdoor Space as you tour their grounds that feature multi-level gardens of uncommon boxwoods, conifer cultivars, annuals, perennials and artifacts. There are water elements, stonework and a view of the Pound Ridge Reservation. (1:30 & 3:30pm) The White Garden at 199 Elmwood Rd., Lewisboro (also featured in Outstanding American Gardens) showcases a native oak-hickory forest, a modern Greek Revival-style house, a classically inspired nymphaeum, a pergola garden, theater court, hidden annual and perennial gardens, a conservatory “jungle” garden, and an Asian-inspired moss garden. There are several water features, many sculptures, a Temple of Apollo on an island in the main pond, woodland walking paths, a brook and several glasshouses. (10am-3pm).  www.gardenconsvancy.org

Sarah Bishop Run 10K – Sun, 9/25: This challenging 10K trail race in North Salem’s Mountain Lakes Park traverses 1,000 acres of scenic woodlands, streams and lakes and offers beautiful vistas. The course features 1,000 feet of total elevation gain taking runners over Bailey Mountain – Westchester’s highest point. There is also a 2-mile walk/run called Sarah’s Scramble for kids, hikers and walkers. This event benefits Northern Westchester Hospital’s School Health and Wellness Programs. Arrive by 8:20am for a 9:00am, start. The scramble starts at 8:20am. (Mountain Lakes Park, 201 Hawley Rd., N. Salem; www.sarahbishop.org)

Local! Westmoreland Sanctuary Orienteering Challenge – Sat, 10/1: 10am-1pm: The ultimate in Treasure Hunts that’s perfect for families or groups. Westmoreland Sanctuary and Hudson Valley Orienteering all-levels orienteering challenge offers three courses for kids and adults from beginner through intermediate as well as advanced courses for experienced orienteers. All the courses run through Westmoreland’s scenic woodlands. Maps, instruction, training and refreshments are provided. Compass rentals available. Start times begin at 10am and the last start time is 1pm. The courses usually run from 1 to 1 1/2 hours to complete. (Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org)

AHA Heart Walk with Support Connection at Kensico Dam – Sun, 10/2: 10am. : Dogs and strollers are welcome at this American Heart Association walk at Kensico Dam in Valhalla. Register onsite beginning at 9am.(1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; heartwalk.kintera.org)

Armonk, Bedford, Chappaqua Schools Color Run, Fox Lane HS – Sun, 10/16: 8:30am. The Family Reach Clubs of Byram Hills, Fox lane, Greeley and John Jay High Schools color run is a 5K race (where you run through a mist of non-toxic paint). The event raises funds for The Family Reach Foundation (FRF) – a non-profit that assists families struggling with cancer. They have raised over $200,000 for FRF over the past four years. The event is followed by a block party with lots of food trucks. Register onsite. Read more.

Run the Farm, Muscoot Farm Sun, 10/23: 8-9am: 7th annual run the farm races include a tough (but scenic) 5 mile course through the woods; a 1.1 mile race for kids (7-12), and a .6 mile race for kids under 6. Runners receive farm bucks to use at the Farmer’s Market. Races start at 8:30, 8:45 & 9:30am. Please arrive 30 minutes before race start time. (Rt. 100, Somers;  www.muscootfarm.org)

Bedford Turkey Trot – Sat, 11/26: Billed as “the hardest 5K in New York”, the Turkey Trot raises funds for Bedford Community Table/Pantry. The course begins on Court Road at the Bedford Village Elementary School. The halfway point is at the top of Indian Hill Road – not for the faint of heart – and finishes at Bedford Village Memorial Park. Pre-registration required. 7am for sign-in. Walkers start at 8am, runners at 8:20 am. (Bedford Village Elementary School, Court St., Bedford; www.bedfordturkeytrot.org)

How To Give Back: Benefits & Galas

Local! Golf Tournament for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester – Wed, 9/21: 10:30am. : BGCNW’s annual golf tournament raises funds to support the club’s recreational, educational, social and cultural programs. The event features a brunch buffet at 11am, 18 holes of golf at 12:30pm, cocktails, cigars, dinner, awards and silent auction at 5pm. (Glen Arbor Golf Club, 234 Bedford Center Rd., Bedford Hills; www.bgcnw.com)

A Night in the Woods Benefit for Teatown Lake Reservation – Sun, 9/25: 5:30pm: Plant a seed for the environmental leaders of tomorrow with cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction. Teatown has been a regional leader in environmental education and land conservation for over 50 years. (Sleepy Hollow Country Club, 777 Albany Post Rd., Scarborough; www.teatown,org)

Journey of the Heart Bike Tour for the Friends of Karen – Fri-Sun, 9/23-25.: The three-day tour covers 150 miles of back roads in Litchfield county and includes farm to table meals at area restaurants, accommodations at the Heritage Inn in Southbury, CT, New England’s fall foliage and more. Friends of Karen supports children with life-threatening illnesses.  (Friends of Karen, 118 Titicus Rd., N. Salem; 914-277-4547; www.friendsofkaren.org)

Local! Harlem Wizards AT BHHS for the Byram Hills Education Foundation –  Fri, 9/23: 7pm: Professional trick hoops and alley oops team takes on the Bobcat Bruisers (BHHS faculty.) Since 1994 the BHEF has raised over $3.5 million in grants for state of the art programs and technologies at all of the district’s schools. They recently announced ten new grants totaling $154,000. (Byram Hills H. S.,12 Tripp Lane, Armonk; www.byramhillsfoundation.org)

Local! Community Center of Northern Westchester Annual Benefit – Sat, 9/24: 6pm: The Center’s Cocktail Party and Auction raises funds to provide food, clothing, and other programs to families in need in Northern Westchester. Last year’s auction items included Broadway tickets to The Book of Mormon and Kinky Boots; a golf outing with a former Rangers player, a private tour of The Frick Collection, great local restaurant experiences, and more. (St. Matthew’s Fellowship Room, 382 Cantitoe Street, Bedford; www.communitycenternw.org)

Local! Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center – Sat, 9/24: 6-10pm: MKCCC’s 11th Feed Me Fresh fundraiser at Ivanna Farms in Bedford Corners offers tastings from top area eateries, an open bar, live music, a wine grab (?) and auctions. This year’s event will honor Linda Mahon and The Junior League of Westchester. Feed Me Fresh is named for their garden-to-table nutrition program. MKCCC cares for 160 children ages 3 mos. to 12 years.  (241 Wood Rd., Mt. Kisco;www.mkccc.org)

Giant Tag Sale to benefit Hudson Chorale, Pleasantville – Fri-Sat, 10/7-8: 9am-4pm: The Hudson Chorale says their Turning Closets into Concerts event is not your typical tag sale. You will find used and antique furniture, collectibles, jewelry, appliances, housewares, CD’s, DVD’s, books, toys, sports equipment, good used clothing and accessories, bed & bath and decorative art. To donate tax-deductible items call (914) 714-3582. All proceeds benefit Hudson Chorale, the area’s largest not-for-profit community chorus. (107 Bedford Road, Pleasantville (corner of Manville Rd/Route 117; http://www.hudsonchorale.org)

Local! Tastes of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco Country Club – Thurs, 10/13: 6pm: The Mount Kisco Rotary Club invites you to an evening of fine food, wine and music to benefit Richmond Community Services Foundation. Sample the wares of the area’s finest restaurant and wine purveyors. Founded in 1938, the Richmond Foundation operates home-like residences in Westchester County to support the lifelong needs of children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities that require complex medical needs. (10 Taylor Rd., Chappaqua; Mt. Kisco Rotary Club

Making a Difference Benefit Dinner for Pace Women’s Justice Center – Wed, 10/19: 6pm: Join event co-chairs Chief Anne FitzSimmons and Lawrence McElroen, Esq. at this year’s event that will honor PWJC’s Visionaries: Michael Dowd, Vicki Lutz, Susan Pollet and Jane Toyama-Martin. The Pace Women’s Justice Center offers legal assistance and free legal clinics for victims of domestic violence and for seniors who are victims of abuse and financial exploitation. (Glen Island Harbour Club, New Rochelle; www.pace.edu)

An Evening in Good Taste To End Childhood Hunger for the Food Bank for Westchester – Thurs, 10/20: 6:30-9pm: Eat, drink and make a difference at the 26th annual benefit for the Food Bank of Westchester. The event features fine food and world class wines by top chefs and vintners from Saltaire, The Inn at Pound Ridge, Crabtree’s, Modern Barn, Equus, Restaurant North and more. New attractions include an outdoor beer garden and VIP vodka lounge. Last year the Food Bank raised over $200,000 to help fight hunger in Westchester. This event will benefit their Kids Café and Backpack programs. (1133 Westchester Ave., White Plains; www.foodbankforwestchester.org)

Speak Out Against Hunger Gala, Hillside Food Outreach – Sat, 10/29: 6pm.: NY Yankee legend and jazz musician Bernie Williams hosts this gala dinner and auction. Hillside Food Outreach delivers groceries to over 2,500 men women and children in need throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York and Fairfield County in CT. (Matrix Conference & Banquet Center, Danbury CT; www.hillsidefoodoutrech.org)

Local! Northern Westchester Hospital’s Annual Benefit – Centennial Gala – Sat, 11/5: 6:30pm: Benefit Co-chairs, Armonk’s Michaela and Skip Beitzel and Cynthia and Paul Mas invite you to NWH’s Centennial Benefit. Shimmer and shine for cocktails, dinner, dessert and dancing at this event under the Centennial Tent on the NWH campus. The event will honor community honorees Vicki Aranow Feiner & Fred Feiner MD, Babs & Charlie Johnson and Barbara & the late Phillips Lounsbery. The Physician Honoree is Alfred Ringer, MD, Chief Radiation Oncology and Vice-Chairman of the NWH Medical Board. (400 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco; www.nwhc.net)

Local! Wine & Trees, Westmoreland Sanctuary – 11/18: 6-9pm: Westmoreland’s fundraiser will be held in their historic 200-year old church that serves as their nature museum. It will be transformed by naturally derived décor to complement its permanent exhibits of native flora and fauna. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Westmoreland Sanctuary’s core conservation focus is restoring native plants to our community and forest. These habitat restoration efforts are used in their teachings to nearly 10,000 school children each year. You also can sponsor a tree in their forest . (260, Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsantuary.org)

Local! Bedford Village Chowder & Marching Club Fall Dinner Dance – Sat, 10/15: It’s the event of the season for BVC&M. Enjoy dinner, dancing and cocktails with the people who have raised over $750,000 since 1956 for local youth programs in arts and music, club and school sports, scouts, youth outreach, scholarships and community services. Venue: TBA. Check their website for updates. www.bedfordchowderandmarching.org)

What To Do: Mixed Bag

Local! Bedford Riding Lanes Association Fall Pace & Luncheon, Katonah – Sun, 9/11: 7am-2pm: Horseback riding pace and luncheon. Advance reservations required for participation; call 914-234-BRLA to register. Only want to watch or just do lunch? Admission to the John Jay Homestead grounds, Carriage Barn Education & Visitor Center, and four Discovery Centers is free. Luncheon tickets may be purchased onsite. Luncheon: 11:30am-1:30pm. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Route 22, Katonah; www.bedfordridinglanes.com)

ArtsWestchester Jazz Fest – Tues-Sun, 9/20-25: This six-day celebration of jazz in downtown White Plains culminates with the free, outdoor White Plains Jazz & Food Festival featuring five sets of jazz from New Orleans to Mt. Vernon to Mali on Sun, 9/25: 12-5:30pm in downtown White Plains. Tues-Sat there is free jazz from the likes of Gary Smulyan, Mark Morganelli and the Westchester Conservatory of Music Faculty Jazz Ensemble in multiple venues such as Gaucho Grill, Copper Face Jacks and Ron Blacks Beer Hall. Check for details here. www.artswestchester.org

Local! Square Dancing Fun Nights in Katonah – Wed, 9/21 & 28: 7:30pm: Singles, couples and families are welcome for two nights of free square dancing at the Katonah Methodist Church Parish Hall. Check your Bedford Recreation Fall Brochure. (44 Edgemont Rd., Katonah, 914.433.2919)

American Gold Cup, Old Salem Farm – Wed-Sun, 9/14-18: One of North America’s premier show jumping events and the North America Rider’s Groups’ highest ranked horse show, the American Gold Cup returns again to the scenic Old Salem Farm in North Salem. This prestigious show jumping classic is scheduled to run September. 14-18 with the main events on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Check for a complete schedule of events and ticket information. (Old Salem Farm, 190 June Rd., North Salem; www.theamericagoldcup.com)

Local! Herb Fair at John Jay Homestead – Thurs, 9/15: 11am-2pm: Sponsored by the New York Unit of the Herb Society of America. Plant and craft demonstrations, great food, and herb-related merchandise on the grounds of John Jay Homestead. Free admission; food and merchandise available for purchase. For info email herbsocietyny@gmail.com. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Rt. 22, Katonah;  www.johnjayhomestead.org,)

Local! Mt. Kisco Sidewalk Sales Days, Sat-Sun – 9/17-18 This Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce’s family friendly event offers live music, rides, contests, a food court, and samples and special sales from over 150 Mt. Kisco local merchants.  www.mt.kiscochamber.com)

Local! New Castle Community Day – Sat, 9/17: 10am: The Rotary Club of Chappaqua annual meet and greet features over 70 exhibitors presenting information about their organization including the Chappaqua Library, the New Castle Historical Society and The Chappaqua Orchestra. This event also features rides, food, entertainment, and family activities. Sat, 9/17: 10am-2pm. (Chappaqua Train Station)

Puttin’ on the Dog Adoptions and Pet Festival – Sun, 9/18: 10am-4:30pm: This annual event features a showcase of the dogs and cats that are available for adoption from Adopt-A-Dog Armonk. Plus competition classes for your dog, food, entertainment, vendors and a silent auction. CATS TOO!  (Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich, CT; www.adoptadog.org)

Bonfire Night at Boscobel – Sun, 10/9: 6pm: BYOB & lawn chairs. Boscobel provides the bonfires, marshmallows and roasting sticks. Bratwurst and burgers are available from Phil’s Grills food truck. Museum Educator Lisa DiMarzo offers stargazing assistance and Tenbrooks Molly provides the rockabilly sounds. Glow sticks on sale. (no school the next day.) (Boscobel, 1601 Rt. 9D, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)

Local! Bedford Hills Lions Club Car Show & Pancake Breakfast – Sun, 10/23 & 10/30: The 18th annual Bedford Hills Lions Club Car Show will be held on unt, 10/23: 10am-4pm in the Katonah Commuter Parking lot. Their annual Pancake Spooky Pancake Breakfast will be held on Sun, 10/30: 8am-1pm at the Bedford Hills Community House on the corner of Main & Church Streets. www.befordhillslions.org

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – Tues-Sun, 11/1-13: Foodies of the world unite! During HVRW you can lunch for just $20.95 or dinner for $29.95 at many local restaurants in & around Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua and beyond. This year HVRW will run from Tues, 11/1 to Sun, 11/13. Okay, that’s two weeks but who’s counting. Check back for updates when the participating restaurants are announced. We’ll give you all the locals, HVRW’s best menus and some carefully selected eateries that are worth the trip.  www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com

More stuff to do here.

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