Top Kids' Events in Westchester County this October

By Ellen Pocost September 17, 2012

Our roundup of fun and low-cost kids' events in Westchester County, NY, in October includes Halloween activities, Sesame Street Live in White Plains, a Harvest Fest in Pocantico Hills, and pumpkin-themed events in the nearby Bronx.

Harvest Fest

Stone Barns Center, Pocantico Hills

Oct. 6

Stone Barns Center’s ninth annual Harvest Fest is a community celebration on the farm. Highlights include a farmers’ market, hayrides, demonstrations and workshops on food and farming, live music by Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, theatrical performances by Story Pirates, a Farm Olympics, a raffle, and a wide selection of seasonal food and beverages including Stone Barns Center’s famous Berkshire pig roast. Proceeds support education programs for students and beginning farmers.

Meet the Artists Fundraiser

Westchester County Center, White Plains

Oct. 12

A very special Meet the Artists Fundraiser benefitting the Creative Arts Therapy Program at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital will take place during a preview of the Westchester Fine Craft Show. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the artists and see their work before the general public. The event sponsors are the Kurth and Santangelo families. In 1996, while still a middle schooler, Rachel Kurth was hit by a car. She was transported by medi-vac helicopter to Westchester Medical Center where she eventually emerged from a coma, underwent surgery, and spent two weeks recovering from her injuries. Now a healthy 28-year-old attorney, Rachel married David Santangelo last summer, and the couple is co-sponsoring this event along with Rachel’s parents. Refreshments will be available, and those attending will be eligible for fun giveaways and door prizes.

A Breathtaking Tradition

Academic Arts Theatre, Valhalla

Oct. 20

The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats bring their award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, and magnificent costumes to the Academic Arts Theatre at Westchester Community College for one show. The Beijing troupe represents an honored tradition, the longest-running folk art form in history. Mixing ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques, the show ripples with breathtaking skill and aesthetic beauty.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck

Oct. 21

Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat, Sergeant Murphy, and their friends come to life on stage in “Busytown Busy,” based on Richard Scarry’s bestselling children’s books.

Sweepin’ the Clouds Away

Westchester County Center, White Plains

Oct. 25-28

When Elmo gets his furry fingers on Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, all-singing, all-dancing musical montage! Grover and Baby Bear sing their highs and lows, Cookie Monster sings fast and slow, Bert and Ernie converse in song, and Murray makes mouth music for all to sing along in Sesame Street Live! Can’t Stop Singing. This conga line of fun is 90 minutes of singing, dancing, and audience participation.

Frightful Fun for All Ages

We’re big believers in Halloween starting early and lasting all month. If you’re with us, check out these cool and creepy events and head to nymetroparents.com/halloween for costume ideas, fun recipes, our annual photo contest, and giveaways galore!

Head to the Bronx for…

Giant Jacks

New York Botanical Garden, Bronx

Oct. 20-21

For two days during the New York Botanical Garden’s Giant Pumpkin Carving Weekend, master carver Ray Villafane of Food Network fame will transform giant pumpkins into zombies and other unearthly creatures. An American sculptor known for his 3-D-style carvings, Villafane also sculpts sand and snow and was a recent finalist on Halloween Wars. Carvers Alfred Paredes and Andy Bergholtz will also be on hand to create amazing sculpted 3-D and glowing works of art.

This special weekend is part of The Haunted Pumpkin Garden, which runs from Oct. 6-31 in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.