Weekend Fun for Westchester Kids: Clearwater Festival, Shows, Workshops and More, June 21-22

6/19/14 - By Susan Miele

Celebrate the Summer Solstice this weekend with a wide array of fun events for families in and around Westchester. The big headliner of the weekend, and one of our top picks for June, is the annual Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival—the first since the death of beloved founder Pete Seeger and his wife Toshi. Other fairs and festivals this weekend include the Palisades Fair, the Holy Rosary Church Annual Bazaar and the African American Heritage Celebration.

Two performances this weekend allow optional audience participation: Bring your own brass to jam with Latin Meets Jazz Workshop and Jam Session, and teens can perform in an annual Teen Talent Show. Even if performing isn’t for you, both of these events are equally suitable for spectators.

More of our top picks are below. For more details, click through to the event listing. Also, don't forget to check out the other great weekend events we’ve captured-–plus tons of weekday events--on our Events Calendar. And if you haven't done so already, sign up for our weekly newsletter--it's FREE!

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Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival - Croton-on-Hudson
Inspired by Pete Seeger’s desire to clean up the Hudson River over forty years ago, Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival features two days of music, dance, storytelling and family-oriented programming on seven stages as well as crafts, the Green Living Expo, small boat exhibits and rides and more. Proceeds support efforts concerning environmental and social justice. Check out our in-depth coverage of this beloved annual festival. Prices start at $44; Kids 12 and under FREE with adult

Palisades Fair - West Nyack
The Palisades Center Mall is the setting for a large carnival with food, games and an impressive lineup of FREE live entertainment—circus acts, a hypnotist, magic acts and more. Prices vary. 

Holy Rosary Church Annual Bazaar - Hawthorne
This annual fundraiser, which continues Thursday through Sunday, features games, rides, food and more. Wristbands $25

SATURDAY

Kids Cook - Yorktown Heights
Instill an interest in farming and food preparation in your kids, as they learn to prepare their own food in this hands-on workshop. $15

Teen Talent Show - Yonkers
At this 12th annual event, teens have the opportunity to get on stage and strut their stuff! A limited number of tickets are available and distributed in advance. FREE

SUNDAY

African American Heritage Celebration - Valhalla
As part of the ongoing series of cultural celebrations at Kensico Dam Plaza, enjoy evocations of Africa in the form of food, music and more. FREE

Latin Meets Jazz Workshop and Jam Session - White Plains
Bring your own brass instrument along--or just watch--at this performance and interactive jam session! FREE

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

One of the best ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice in New York is the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. You’ll see floats, creative costumes, surprising twists on the theme (Mermaids from Outer Space, anyone?) and (ahem) the occasional lack of upper costume. Be forewarned that it can get quite hot and crowded, and bathroom access is limited.  

Another great way to celebrate the start of summer is at Make Music New York, a city-wide festival of free concerts in all five boroughs over a 12-hour span. The celebration is actually more global than that, with over 700 other cities around the world offering a similar event on the same day as well!

Adventures NYC is a great option for those who are looking to be more physically active. At this FREE outdoor event, adventurers can hike, bike, climb and paddle as they celebrate NYC Parks. Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, rock climbing and much more are all offered at this two-day event.

Don't forget--there are more ideas for fun family outings in our Events Calendar.