Mostly Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with Westchester Kids: Parades, Festivals, Village Celebrations & More, Oct. 12-14

10/9/13 - By Jill Muller

It seems like this Columbus Day Weekend in Westchester it’s all about the “towns”...and it’s almost all FREE! On Saturday, you can celebrate Harvest in the Village in Briarcliff Manor and learn about living “green” in Tarrytown at the Eco Fair. The South Salem Fire Department is celebrating its 75th Anniversary by hosting an Open House throughout the village. On Sunday head up to Yorktown for the Fall Festival and Street Fair where you can enjoy a Kidville Concert.

Harrison and Eastchester have events throughout the entire weekend. Harrison residents love their town so much they are celebrating over the entire weekend with "It’s Great to Live in Harrison." The Eastchester Columbus Day Carnival and Parade will bring with it over 10,000 visitors and hosts a magnificent Grucci Fireworks show on Sunday evening. There is also a meatball contest and I’m wondering if that’s a “who makes the best meatballs contest” or a “who can eat the most meatballs contest” – I believe I could be in the running for either!

And, of course, don’t forget about all the fun Halloween events in Westchester and beyond that are going on throughout the entire month of October. I think this weekend we’re going to check out the Scarecrow Invasion at Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown and head up to Katonah to get our pumpkins at Muscoot Farm’s Pumpkin Picking Weekend. If I have any energy left, or my sanity, we may take a ride up for Boscobel’s Family Bonfire Night in Garrison and roast some marshmallows.

Read on for top weekend picks. If you see something interesting, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check out our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

Eastchester Columbus Day Carnival and Parade – Eastchester
The carnival runs Saturday through Monday. Parade marches north on Route 22 from Immaculate Conception Church to Lake Isle Country Club where it ends at the carnival. Fireworks show by Grucci. FREE admission; wristbands for carnival rides are $25.

“It’s Great To Live in Harrison” – Harrison
Check out the Westchester Idols concert, PBA car show and police headquarters open house. Other festivities include a parade, food, rides, activities and entertainment for all ages including a designated teen area. FREE

SATURDAY

Harvest in the Village – Briarcliff Manor
Enjoy food and beverages, face painting, martial arts demos, balloon animals, stilt walking, juggler, bouncy castle, clown, pony rides, barnyard petting zoo and arts and crafts. FREE

South Salem Fire Department Open House - South Salem
Kids will love the fire apparatus tours and live demonstrations, plus they can let loose in a fire truck bounce house! Other workshops and events include car seat installations, blood pressure screenings, fire safety trailer, arson K-9 team, food and refreshments. FREE

Tarrytown Eco Fair - Tarrytown
Learn how to go green with children’s crafts and games while enjoying music, food, farmer’s market, artisan and green products, free bike check-ups, green home ideas and demos on composting, yoga, and acupuncture. As if that's not enough fun, there will also be scarecrow making! FREE

SUNDAY

Yorktown Fall Festival and Street Fair – Yorktown
This year the Kids Zone has the new addition of the “Kidz Korner” where each vendor will offer a free activity. It also features fun rides and activities, street performers such as stilt walkers, jugglers and clowns making balloon animals. The Kidz Korner will also host Kidville’s Rockin’ Railroad Concert. FREE

Family Bonfire Night – Garrison
Boscobel is warming up the place and inviting everyone to gather around a bonfire for some old-fashioned, “kindled” fun. FREE for children 10 and under.

MONDAY

Brick-or-Treat at Legoland - Yonkers
This weekend Legoland kicks off its Halloween themed "Brick-or-Treat" where donning your costume gets you $3 off admission during October. Search for hidden monsters in Miniland and check out all the other Halloween themed surprises. $22 adult; $18 children.

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

If you're heading into NYC this weekend, the 11th Annual Open House NY is happening all weekend, opening its doors to hundreds of sites talks, tours, performances and family activities in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs, all for FREE. 

Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more fun happening throughout Westchester!