Free summer events return across Westchester County
YONKERS (WABC) -- A slate of free outdoor concerts, family activities and recreation opportunities is set to return across Westchester County this summer, offering residents lowcost ways to enjoy the season.
For the 14th straight year, the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers will host free Friday evening performances at its waterfront amphitheater. Museum admission will also be free for three hours on the first Friday of each month.
Saralinda Lichtblau of the Hudson River Museum said the concerts draw energetic crowds. "Dancing in the aisles, dancing on the apron. Sometimes dancing on the stage along with the performers. Not only do they discover wonderful performances, but they discover the Hudson River Museum," she said.
More free music arrives in June with the RiverArts Music Tour, an allday festival featuring dozens of artists performing at 25 locations in Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
For those seeking a naturefocused outing, Muscoot Farm in Katonah remains a popular destination with more than 100 farm animals. Westchester resident Valentino Kaja said the site offers strong appeal. "It's cool. Very well maintained for being free. We like it and apparently on the weekends there are a lot of events," he said.
Muscoot Farm, part of the county park system, spans 777 acres with miles of hiking trails. Activities range from a farmers market to a fivemile race scheduled for this weekend. Farm director Jonathon Benjamin said he enjoys seeing generations return. "I love to hear that a lot of people come here, and they came as children, and now they're bringing their children or maybe even grandchildren," he said.
Recreation options also extend to the county's 35mile trailway, a paved path built along a former railroad line. Westchester resident Robert Barbera said he uses it often. "I think it's phenomenal. I bike on it, walk on it, my son used to run on it. The state's done a great job extending it," he said.
On Sunday mornings from May through October, the Bronx River Parkway closes to cars, allowing cyclists to travel between Yonkers and White Plains. And in July and August, the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club will offer free kayaking on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings for participants ages 5 and up.
Together, the programs highlight a wide range of activities available throughout the county without added cost.
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