The Best Fall Events 2017

The Best Fall Events 2017: This is the big one! Over 70 of the best fall events 2017 and more to come!

All Fall Long

Chihuly Nights, New York Botanical Garden, Thurs-Sat, through October: 6:30-10:30pm: NYBG’s current installation of 20 large scale sculptures from renowned artist Dale Chihuly take on are spectacularly illuminated amid the garden’s sweeping vistas at these evening events. Stroll the grounds and enjoy performance artists, musicians, food and an Avion Tequila cocktail while you are there. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

11 Road & Trail Races: The local road & trail race season restarts on Labor Day weekend with the Church Tavern Biathlon in South Salem. There’s more running (and walking for a cause) to do in Armonk, Bedford, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville and North Salem on our Road and Trail Race Guide which you can find here!

Apple Picking – 9/9-10/29: Apple picking season is here. Check out our Fall Survival Checklist to find out where to pick apples and when. Apple Picking.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard Festival Weekends – Sat-Sun, 9/9-10/29: They’re picking apples (and pumpkins) and rocking’ at Harvest Moon in North Salem. There are hayrides, pony rides, face painting, farm animals, bounce house, and great live music. Plus the best apple cider donuts, lemonade, funnel cakes and smoked turkey legs. Other vendors include dog treats, kettle corn, gourmet pizza, pumpkin cheesecakes, Italian cheeses and sausages, local French cakes and more! (130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem; www.harvestmoonfarmandorchard)

Pride of the Hudson River Cruise, Newburg –Through 10/29: 1 & 4pm: See the majestic beauty of the Hudson River on this 2-hour narrated river adventure from Newburgh to West Point taking in the sights of Washington’s Headquarters, World’s End, Mt. Beacon, Bannerman Island, Constitution Island, Breakneck Mountain, and the town of Cold Spring. (Blu Pointe Landing, 100 Front St., Newburgh; www.prideofthehudson.com)

What To Do Bucket List! PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens Reopen – Sat-Sun: 10am-4pm through 10/31: The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens at PepsiCo’s World Headquarters in Purchase is open to the public from April 1 through October 31. The Gardens features 45 large-scale outdoor pieces from the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. Including Henry Moore and Alexander Calder. Plus 6,000 trees from 38 species, a Koi pond, fountains, formal gardens with topiary, hedges and thousands of flowering bulbs. Read more about this WTD Bucket List-er!

Hilltop Hanover Farm Stand & U-Pick – Fri-Sun through 11/19: Offers fresh, farm-grown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs and cut flowers.  Each week’s vegetables available for purchase are listed on their website. See our Farmer’s Market Guide for more information. (1271 Hanover Street
, Yorktown Heights, 914.962.2368; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)

What To Do Bucket List! Kykuit Tours, Thurs-Sun, 8/31-9/30, Wed-Mon, 10/2-31 & Thurs-Sun, 11/2-12: This hilltop paradise, now a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. Read our review of the guided tours of the six-story stone house; the terraced gardens with Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller’s collection of 20th-century sculptures; the underground art galleries featuring a collection of Picasso tapestries; and the Coach Barn’s classic automobiles and horse-drawn carriages. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow: www.hudsonvalley.org)

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride, Weekends 9/1-10/22: Take a 2 ½ hour narrated train and riverboat ride through what the Nature Conservancy calls “one of the last great places on earth,” the Connecticut River Valley. The train passes farms, waterfalls, and wetland habitats with blue heron and egrets. The riverboat cruise on the Connecticut River passes the historic Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House and Haddam Swing Bridge. Check out their special Dinner Train, Riverboat Lunch and Sunset Excursions. (1 Railroad Ave., Essex, CT; www.essexsteamtrain.com)

What To Do Bucket List! Rockefeller State Park Preserve: Our favorite hiking in the area is the 25 miles of carriage paths on 1400 acres of Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Pleasantville. These low-impact, impeccably maintained trails offer a range of hikes from flat walks and moderate grades to a steep climb. The deep forest, river and lakeside trails never feel too manicured. And it doesn’t take long to get that “back to nature” feeling. Read more about this WTD Bucket List-er!

September

Wall to Wall: Carpets by Artists, Katonah Museum of Art – Tues-Sun through 10/1: This exhibit presents the work of seventeen artists from across the globe demonstrating the practices of contemporary artists in this ancient medium. The featured carpets embody a wide range of formal interests, from material, to color, to spatial composition and reveal diverse approaches to collaboration between artist, weaver and commerce. (134 Jay St. Katonah; www.katonahmuseum.org)

Public Sails on the Schooner Soundwaters – Fri-Sun, 9/1-10/1: check times: Board the 80’ Tall Schooner Soundwaters, the ship that Pete Seeger made famous, for a two-hour afternoon journey on the Long Island Sound. The Schooner Soundwaters seats 40 and also offers Sunset sails on Fridays and Saturdays and Fireworks Sails on 6/30 & 7/1. (Boccuzzi Park at Southfield, 166 Southfield Ave., Stamford, CT; www.soundwaters.org)

Sheffield Island Lighthouse Cruises, Norwalk Harbor – weekends through 9/25: 2 & 3:30pm: Board the 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran for a cruise to Sheffield Island on the Long Island Sound for a lighthouse tour, a hike through Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and a picnic and beach front activities. Sails run on weekends & holidays in June and September and daily in July & August. (Norwalk Seaport Association Dock, 4 North Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.seaport.org)

Lyndhurst Mansion Tours, Tarrytown – Thurs-Mon, through 9/24: 10am-4pm: Take a guided tour of the historic Lyndhurst mansion overlooking the Hudson River. The Gothic Revival mansion has been used as a movie set for six major motion pictures including House of Dark Shadows (1970), Reversal of Fortune (1990), Cradle Will Rock (1999) and Winter’s Tale (2013). It was built in 1938 by William Paulding, a former NYC Mayor, and purchased by Union Pacific Railroad tycoon Jay Gould in 1880. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown;  www.lyndhurst.org)

Muscoot Hike, Sat, 9/2: 9am: Meet at the reception center for a hike through the back roads of the farm. Recommended for ages 8 & up. (51 Rt. 100, Katonah)

Spirit of the Sound Lighthouse Cruise West – Sat, 9/2: 9am-4pm: The Norwalk Aquarium’s Spirit of the Sound catamaran’s 6 hour Western Long Island Lighthouse Cruise makes passes at Greens Ledge, Sheffield Island, Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, Execution Rocks, Stepping Stones, Sands Point and Eaton Neck. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Lime Rock Park Historic Festival, Lakeville, CT – Fri-Mon: 9/1-4: check times: The east coast’s premier vintage racing and concours event presents three days of on-track racing. With over 250 cars and drivers, parading and racing everything from pre-WWI racers to the best competition machines from the 1920s to the 1970s. (60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville, CT: www.limerock.com)

CORNucopia at Philipsburg Manor – Sat-Mon, 9/2-4: 10am-5pm: This novel corn festival offers an inspired bounty of corn-centric delicacies (corn bread, salsa, chips, chili, ice cream and popcorn) demonstrations (corn grinding & cooking) games and crafts (Konk-a-Crow, Ring-a Cob) corn-shucking races and a mini maize-maze. Plus house tours, bluegrass and folk music and English country dancing in the barn. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Pride of the Hudson, West Point Fireworks Cruise, Sun, 9/3: 7:30pm: Cruise the Hudson and watch the West Point Fireworks display on this 2 hour narrated cruise aboard the indoor/outdoor river cruiser, Pride of the Hudson. (Blu Pointe Landing, 100 Front St., Newburgh; www.prideofthehudson.com)

Sheffield Island Lighthouse Clambakes – Thurs, 9/7: 6pm:  Ferry over to Sheffield Island, tour the lighthouse and dine in the tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn. Advanced registration required. (Sheffield Island Dock, 4 N. Water Streets, South Norwalk, Ct.; www.seaport.org)

Yorktown Grange Fair – Fri-Sun, 9/8-10: Westchester’s only true country fair showcasing home grown vegetables, flowers, baked goods, livestock, poultry, needlework and photography since 1923. There’s an antique tractor parade, livestock exhibits, horse competitions, hay rides, jugglers, magic shows, pie eating, balloon blowing, nail driving and rubber chicken throwing competitions – the stuff memories are made of. Plus carnival rides, food and music. (Yorktown Grange Fair Grounds, 99 Moseman Avenue, Yorktown Heights;  www.yorktowngrangefair.org)

Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival, Fri-Sun: 9/8-10: Three days of entertainment, carnival rides and games and OYSTERS, OYSTERS, OYSTERS. Featuring a 65 foot Ferris Wheel, an Arts & Crafts Show with 100 vendors, New England Seaport Village, Kids’ Cove with games, rides & activities under a circus tent, International Food Court, headline musical acts, harbor tour cruises, vessel tours and a Celebrity Oyster Slurp-off. (Norwalk Veterans Park, 42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk; www.seaport.org)

The Art of Making Sushi, Hammond Museum & Japanese Sculpture Garden – Sat, 9/9: 11am: Yoshimi Arai, the principal of Magokoro New York teaches the fine art of making Sushi rolls. Prepare your own Japanese lunch with fresh sushi rolls. RSVP by 9/6. (28 Deveau Rd., North Salem; http://www.hammondmuseum.org)

Local! 60^th Anniversary Fall Fundraiser, Westmoreland Sanctuary – Sat, 9/9: 6-9pm: Bend an elbow to support the Westmoreland Sanctuary at this wine, gourmet tacos and Margaritas party at Westmoreland’s 200-year old church that serves as their nature museum. 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. (260, Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsantuary.org)

Local! Community Family Camp Out, Katonah Memorial Park – Sat-Sun, 9/9-10: 3pm-10: 30am: Bedford Recreation provides tent set-up assistance, campfire, grills for cooking, picnic tables, S’mores, hot chocolate, coffee and tea, ghost stories, breakfast bagels, donuts, and beverages, clean rest rooms, supervision, and a Sunday morning swim at the Katonah pool. Campsite registration begins 5/1. Contact the recreation office at 666.7004)

Boscobel Big Band Concert & Sunset Picnic – Sun, 9/10: 6-8pm: Celebrate the end of summer on Boscobel’s great lawn overlooking the Hudson. Enjoy a picnic supper and dance to the swinging sounds of Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington from the 20-piece Big Band Sound orchestra. Swing dance and jitterbug demonstrations by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.  (1601 Route 9D, Bear Mountain Highway, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)

Romare Bearden: Abstraction, Neuberger Museum Wed-Sun: 9/10-12/22: 12-5pm: Recognized as one of America’s great 20^th century artists, Romare Bearden is best known for his  textured collages, evoking the history, and culture of the African-American experience. This exhibition focuses on a largely unknown body of abstract watercolors, oil paintings, and mixed media collages he produced in the 1950s & 60s. (Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.neuberger.org)

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Sat-Sun, 9/9-10: Sample wine and food from over 100 Hudson Valley vendors, wineries, draft beer brewers and spirits distillers . Plus Gourmet Food Truck Corral. (Including our good friends from Three Little Pigs BBQ!) There’s wine seminars, cooking demos, music and 5o crafts vendors. Take home some Hudson Valley gourmet specialty foods from goat cheese to cheesecake, maple syrup to olive oil and beef jerky too!  (6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck; www.hudsonvalleywinefest.com)

Local! Bedford Riding Lanes Association Fall Pace & Luncheon, John Jay Homestead– Sun, 9/10: 7am-2pm: The first of 5 stops in the Associated Bridle Trails Fall Pace Series will occur at John Jay Homestead.  Teams cover a five-to-seven-mile course with 40 jumps (and companion go-arounds). Ribbon winners can compete for end-of-season awards. Includes a delicious luncheon.  Non-riders welcome for lunch and as spectators. (400 Route 22, Katonah; www.bedfordridinglanes.com)

Bicycle Sundays – Sun, 9/10, 17 & 24: 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! YOGA Sundays at KMA – Sun, 9/10, 24 & 10/1: 10:30am: Taking their inspiration from Mark di Suvero’s kinetic Yoga (1991) on the KMA’s lawn, professional instructors from O2living lead one-hour vinyasa yoga sessions for participants. Classes are free and appropriate for all levels. Please bring your own mat. Limited capacity. First-come, first-served. Call 914-232-9555 to reserve by phone. (134 Jay St, Katonah; Click here to register online)

Local! John Jay Founders Lecture, The Making of the South African Constitution – Tues, 9/12: 6pm: South African human rights activist Albie Sachs and Yale Professor Akhil Reed Amar discuss the making of the South African Constitution. (400 Route 22, Katonah; www.bedfordridinglanes.com)

Taconic Opera Gala, White Plains – Wed, 9/13: 7pm: Dine on the C.V. Rich Mansion’s sumptuous cuisine while being treated to a variety of dramatic and amusing moments from the company’s past seasons. Several of their audiences’ favorite singers from the last 19 years will return to reprise memorable arias, duets and ensembles – from some of the world’s most beloved operas. Proceeds support the Opera’s 2017-18 season. (C.V. Rich Mansion, 305 Ridgeway, White Plains; www.taconicopera.org)

ArtsWestchester Jazz Fest –Wed-Sun, 9/13-17: 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 on Sun, 9/17: 12-5:30pm in downtown White Plains. Tues-Sat there is free jazz in multiple venues including the amazing Paquito D’Rivera Quintet (Grammy-winner & former Artist-in-Residence at Caramoor) at the White Plains Performing Arts Center on Saturday night. Check for details here: www.artswestchester.org)

Local! American Gold Cup, Old Salem Farm – Wed-Sun, 9/13-17: 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 spectacular Old Salem Farm in North Salem. Main jumping events on Sat & Sun features pony rides, face painting, entertainment, food & drink and shopping on Boutique Row day afternoon. (190 June Rd., North Salem; www.theamericagoldcup.com)

Local! Harlem Wizards AT BHHS for the Byram Hills Education Foundation – Fri, 9/15: 7pm: Professional trick hoops and alley oops team takes on the Bobcat Bruisers (BHHS faculty.) Since 1994 the BHEF has raised over $4 million in grants for state of the art programs and technologies at all of the district’s schools. Last year they awarded six grants totaling over $381,000! (Byram Hills H. S., 12 Tripp Lane, Armonk; www.byramhillsfoundation.org)

Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst – Fri-Sun, 9/15-17: New York’s largest craft show, on the grounds of the Lyndhurst estate showcases 275 artists, designers and crafts people in this celebration of all things hand-made. Including 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 demos, gourmet foods, kids activities and Hudson River views. (635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown: www.lyndhurst.org)

Local! The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days – Sat, 9/16: 11am-4pm: The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program offers admission (for just $7) to the Dick Button Ice Pond Farm in North Salem that is featured in The Garden Conservancy’s Outstanding American Gardens. It features a valley with an Ice Pond, a stonewall that thinks it’s a roller coaster, an outhouse with a view, a vegetable garden, a smattering of stone, iron and other minor oddities. (115 June Rd., N. Salem; www.gardenconservancy.org)

Local! Feed Me Fresh: An Edible Evening for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center – Sat, 9/16: 5:30pm. MKCCC’s 13th Feed Me Fresh fundraiser at Ivanna Farms offers tastings from Café of Love, Crabtree’s, Lalibela, Village Social, Little Drunken Chef and La Tulipe Desserts, music & craft beer. The event honors MKCCC supporters Eric Hadar, Fran Osborne and The Amy Crabtree Foundation. MKCCC cares for 160 children ages 3 mos. to 12 years.  (241 Wood Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.mkccc.org)

Spirit of the Sound Lighthouse Cruise Central – 9/16: 9am-4pm: The Norwalk Aquarium’s Spirit of the Sound catamaran’s 4 ½ hour Central Long Island Sound cruise visits five century old beacons. Including Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island lighthouses in Norwalk, Penfield Reef Lighthouse in Fairfield and Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light in New Haven. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT: www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Local! Greenwich Audubon Fall Festival and Hawk Watch – Sat-Sun, 9/16-17: 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! Mt. Kisco Sidewalk Sales Days, Sat-Sun – 9/16-17: 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 merchants. www.mt.kiscochamber.com)

Local! Puttin’ on the Dog Adoptions and Pet Festival – Sun, 9/17: 10am-4:30pm: This annual event showcases 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, Arch St., Greenwich, CT; www.adoptadog.org)

Local! John Jay Barn Dance, John Jay Homestead – Sat, 9/16: 4:30-9:30pm: 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 PIG RACING IS BACK! 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)

Local! Armonk Cider and Donut Festival & Byram Hills Pre-School Assn. Fall Carnival – with Jamie’s 5k Run for Love – Sun, 9/17: 9am-2 pm: This Armonk Chamber of Commerce celebration featuring Jamie’s 5K Run for Love and in conjunction with the Byram Hills Preschool Assn., offers live music, carnival rides, a pie eating contest, kids activities. Love the donut bobbing (pictured here) and pie eating contests. Races start at 9:15am (kids) and 9:45am (5K). (Wampus Park, Maple Ave., Armonk; www.armonkchamberofcommerce.org)

Local! Golf Tournament for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester –Tues, 9/19: 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 and dinner and silent auction at 5pm. (Glen Arbor Golf Club, 234 Bedford Center Rd., Bedford Hills; www.bgcnw.com)

Giant Tag Sale to benefit Hudson Chorale, Pleasantville – Fri-Sat, 9/22-23: 9am-4pm: Not your typical tag sale! Shop for 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. (107 Bedford Road, Pleasantville (corner of Manville Rd/Route 117; http://www.hudsonchorale.org)

Blues, Brews & Botany, New York Botanical Garden – Sat-Sun, 9/23-34: 12-4pm: Discover the connections between beer and botany and chill out to the blues sounds of The Paul Josephs Blues Project. With tastings and talks from Garden scientists. Check out the 20 sculptures from renowned artist Dale Chihuly, now on exhibit throughout the grounds. (2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Duo Yumeno, Hammond Museum & Sculpture Garden, Sat, 9/23: 7pm: The award-winning duo of Cellist Hikaru Tamaki and koto/shamisen player and singer Yoko Reikano Kimura perform a range of compositions that explore the dialogue between classical Japanese and Western music. The New York Times called them “gripping”, “gorgeous”, and even “unexpectedly groovy.” (28 Deveau Rd., North Salem; http://www.hammondmuseum.org)

Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop, Hammond Museum & Japanese Sculpture Garden – Sat, 9/23, Mon, 10/16 & Sat, 11/4: 1-3pm: Learn the basic principles of the Japanese tea ceremony, an art form honoring harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. (28 Deveau Rd., North Salem; http://www.hammondmuseum.org)

Journey of the Heart Bike Tour for the Friends of Karen – Sat-Sun, 9/23-24: The two-day tour covers the picturesque back roads of CT’s Litchfield county and includes gourmet meals, snack bags and a spa massage at The Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT. Friends of Karen supports children with life-threatening illnesses.  (Friends of Karen, 118 Titicus Rd., N. Salem; 914-277-4547; www.friendsofkaren.org

Photo by Andrew Sovjani

Local! Armonk Outdoor Art Show – Sat-Sun: 9/23-24: 10am-5pm: Ranked one of the country’s top art shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the 56th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show features 185 juried artists in painting, photography, sculpture, pastels, printmaking, drawing, mixed media and wearable art. There’s a kid’s activity tent, food, beer and wine from Luke’s Lobster, Captain Lawrence and Market North. Sponsored by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, the show’s proceeds support the town’s libraries. (205 Business Park Dr., Armonk;  www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org)

A Night in the Woods Benefit Gala for Teatown Lake Reservation – Sun, 9/24: 5:30pm: Plant a seed for tomorrow’s environmental leaders 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; Briarcliff; www.teatown.org)

Local! Herb Fair at John Jay Homestead – Thurs, 9/28: 11am-2pm: The New York Unit of the Herb Society of America presents the 69^th Annual Herb Fair. Admission is free; lunch is available, as well as the traditional lovage soup. Specialties include gourmet foods and baked goods, herbs and other plants, books and gift items. Plus a Silent Auction featuring original paintings by five Unit members. For more information email herbsocietyny@gmail.com. (400 Jay St., Rt. 22, Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org,)

October

Once Upon a Time Fall Fest & Halloween Train Show, Lasdon Park – Sat- Sun: 9/30-10/29: 11am-4pm: This Fall Fest cum Halloween Train Show features an elaborate storybook themed Lionel Train Show in the Main House, storybook character meet and greets, an enchanted hay maze, an Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole Walk, food from the Fork in the Road food truck and craft, garden, clothing and seasonal foods vendors. (2810 Amawalk Rd., Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

Local! Westmoreland Sanctuary Orienteering Challenge – DATE: TBD: Usually held the first Saturday in October, this is the ultimate in Treasure Hunts. Westmoreland and Hudson Valley Orienteering offers three courses for kids and adults from beginner through advanced orienteers. All run through Westmoreland’s scenic woodlands. Maps, instruction, training and refreshments are provided. Compass rentals available. (Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt.Kisco; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org)

Oktoberfest, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Fri, 10/6: 7-10pm: This one’s for adults only. Sample seasonal brews, enjoy authentic German  fare and check out the S’mores Bar. Live DJ. (39 Scofiledtown Rd, Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)

Hot Ticket Alert! Annual Stone Barns Harvest Fest – Sat, 10/7: 10am-3pm: Their 14th annual celebration and fundraiser will be a hot ticket so sign up early. THIS EVENT ALWAYS SELLS OUT! Live music, hands-on farming activities, food crafting, a seasonal food and farmer’s market, hayrides, sheep moving, turkey herding and live music around the farm. (630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills; www.stonebarnscenter.org)

Fall Foliage Hike, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation – Sat, 10/7: 1pm: Meet at the Trailside Museum for a hike to some of the best views at the Reservation.(6 Reservation Rd., Pound Ridge)

Fall Fest, Hilltop Hanover Farm – Sat-Mon, 10/7-9: 10am-5pm: A weekend of farm activities including hay rides, pumpkin picking, hikes on 3.5 miles of marked trails, farm animals, farm stand and u-pick veggies and more. (1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org) 

Hudson Valley Bacon Bash & 5K Run – Sat, 10/7: 2-6pm: Bacon 45 different ways and their first ever 5K run. This s@#t is crazy! The ultimate day for bacon lovers! This family friendly 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, 850 Rt. 17K, Montgomery, NY; www.baconbashny.com)

Pumpkin Picking Weekend at Muscoot Farm – Sat-Sun, 10/7-8: 11am-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. (Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Bonfire Night at Boscobel – Sun, 10/8: 6pm: BYOB & lawn chairs. Boscobel provides the bonfires, marshmallows and roasting sticks. 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! Community Center of Northern Westchester Annual Benefit – Sat, 10/14: 6pm: The Center’s Cocktail Party and Auction raises funds to provide food, clothing, and other programs to families in need in Northern Westchester Recent 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 and local restaurant experiences. (Bedford Historical Hall, 608 Old Post Rd., Bedford; www.communitycenternw.org)

Local! The Pound Ridge Harvest Festival ROCKS (with Rusted Root), Pound Ridge Town Park – Sat, 10/14: 1-6pm: Come on Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua, you’re not trying hard enough! The Pound Ridge Harvest Festival features activities for kids, a craft beer garden for adults, and a root beer garden for kids and BBQ for all. Plus their first annual Scarecrow Contest and music from Rusted Root New whose 1994 album When I Woke went platinum with it’s Top 40 hit “Send Me On My Way”. (Pound Ridge Town Park, 179 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; www.poundridgeharvestfestival.com)

Harvest Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Sat-Sun, 10/14-15: 11am-3pm: Enjoy apple-cider, a scarecrow-making contest, hay bale climb, costume parade, Colonial Militia re-enactors, an apple slingshot, farm animal demonstrations, live music with Jay and Ray, face-painting, storytelling, children’s crafts and food trucks.  Plus museum exhibit: Masterpieces of Science Fiction. (39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford: www.stamfordmuseum.org)

Local! Armonk, Bedford, Chappaqua Schools Color Run, Fox Lane HS – Sun, 10/15: 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. Www.familyreach.org/rainbow

Local! Bedford Hills Lions Club Car Show & Pancake Breakfast – Sun, 10/15 & 10/29: 10am-3pm:The 19th annual Bedford Hills Lions Club Car Show features Brass & Antique, Import, Post War, Classic, Muscle Cars, 60s-70s, Modern Corvette, Street Rods & more at the Katonah Commuter Parking lot 3. Their annual Pancake Spooky Pancake Breakfast supports Veterans organizations. Bring your costume and appetite to the Bedford Hills Community House at 74 Main St., Bedford Hills. www.befordhillslions.org

Object Out Loud, Arman and Nick Cave, Katonah Museum of Art, Tues-Sun, 10/15-1/7: 2018: Arman and Nick Cave are two of the late twentieth-century’s seminal artists whose work embodies the sculptural process of accumulation: the assembling of numerous found objects, often scavenged from everyday sources. Here, a surfeit of objects is the raw material for the artists’ sculptures, even as the objects’ rich associations become vehicles of social commentary or dissent. (134 Jay Street –Rt. 22, Katonah; www.katonahmseum.org)

Local! Tastes of Northern Westchester, Mt. Kisco Country Club – Thurs, 10/26: 6-8pm: 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 restaurants. 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; www.mountkiscorotary.org)

An Evening in Good Taste To End Childhood Hunger for the Food Bank for Westchester – Thurs, 10/26: 6:30-9pm: Eat, drink and make a difference at the 27th annual benefit for the Food Bank of Westchester. The event features fine food and world class wines from 25 top chefs and vintners from Saltaire, Crabtree’s, The Castle, MP Taverna, Abigail Kirsch, Polpettina and L’Inzio. Last year the Food Bank raised over $200,000 to help fight hunger in Westchester. (1133 Westchester Ave., White Plains; www.foodbankforwestchester.org)

Northern Westchester Hospital’s Annual Breast Cancer Symposium, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center – Fri, 10/27: 10:45am: A multi-disciplinary group of seven clinicians who form Northern Westchester Hospital’s Simulated Breast Tumor Board lead this symposium on comprehensive treatment choices for breast cancer patients. No fee but registration is required. (480 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua; www.nwhconnect.org)

Crafts at Purchase, Sat-Sun, 10/28-29: 10am-5pm: Crafts at Purchase (from ArtRider) is back! This shop-fest benefits the Performing Arts Center and features one of a kind and limited edition Jewelry, clothing and accessories, home décor, sculptural works, painting, photography and mixed media works from 100 artists. New this year: a curated selection of gourmet specialties, yarn spinning and weaving demonstrations. (735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artrider.com)

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week – Mon-Sun, 10/30- 11/12: 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. 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 

November

Local! Bedford Village Chowder & Marching Club Fall Dinner Dance, Bedford Hills – Fri, 11/3: It’s the event of the season for BVC&M. Enjoy dinner, dancing and cocktails with the people who have raised over $800,000 since 1956 for local youth programs in arts and music, club and school sports, scouts, youth outreach, scholarships and community services. (Glen Arbor Golf Club, 234 Bedford Center Rd., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordchowderandmarching.org)

Hike to the Leatherman’s Cave. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation – Sat 11/4: 2pm: Hear the lore of the Old Leather Man as told by storyteller Jonathan Kruk on this annual 2.5-mile hike. Meet at the Michigan Road parking area. (6 Reservation Rd., Pound Ridge)

Fall Forest Weekend, New York Botanical Garden, Sat-Sun, 11/4-5 & 11-12: 11am-4pm: Explore the Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in New York City, and immerse yourself in the magnificent colors of fall foliage. See the Forest from a different perspective with a scenic canoe trip down the Bronx River and spot birds that call this woodland home. Live bird demonstrations, guided tours, and more make for an unforgettable autumn experience. (2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx www.nybg.org)

CraftWestport – Sat-Sun, 11/4-5: 10am-5pm: CraftWesport (from ArtRider, producers of Crafts at Lyndhurst) 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. (70 North Ave., Westport; www.artrider.com)

Chappaqua Craft and Gift Fair

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

Local! NCPL Benefit: Chefs are the New Rock Star Series with Melissa Clark, Moderne Barn – Mon 11/13: 11:30am: New York Times Food section columnist and author, Melissa Clark leads a discussion of her new book Dinner: Changing the Game at Armonk’s Moderne Barn to support the North Castle Public Library. Clark is a James Beard Foundation Award-winner and has appeared as a judge on Iron Chef America. Tix on sale 9/27: (430 Bedford Rd, Armonk; www.friendsncpl.org)

Imagine What’s Next, Northern Westchester Hospital Annual Benefit – Sat, 11/18: 6:30pm: Benefit Co-Chairs Doris and AL Chance and Harriet & Steve Libov invite you to enjoy cocktails, dinner & dancing at this annual fundraiser for NWH. This event will honor Community Honoree Nancy Karch and Physician Honoree David Miller. (Saw Mill club, 77 Kensico Dr., Mt. Kisco; www.nwhconnect.org)

Local! Ice Skating at The Harvey School – Fri, 11/24: 12:435-2:45pm: In cooperation with The Harvey School, Jim Whiting and his staff at Bedford Recreation offers two hours of public skating for all ages at The Harvey School ice rink on the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas. There will be a DJ spinning fave tunes and requests. Admission is just $5 and you must provide your own skates and no hockey playing. (The Harvey School, 260 Jay St., Katonah;www.bedfordny.gov)

December

Local! Chappaqua Cares Empty Bowls, Crabtree’s Kittle House – Sun, 12/3:  This event from Chappaqua Cares event is a benefit to help raise awareness and funds to combat hunger. This year they will auction off a hand-painted bowl from musician Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule. For more information, please read our previous post about this event here.

More stuff to do here.

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