Issue 04: October Belongs to Westchester

THE EDITOR'S LETTER

THE CALENDAR

Don your best flannel and get out there.

Death Valley Beauty Pageant: A Murder Mystery Dinner
Tarrytown House Estate, Tarrytown, Doors Open at 6:30PM
Interactive murder mystery dinner where guests solve a crime while enjoying a multi-course meal.

Out There Film Series: Drunken Noodles
Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville, 7PM
Independent film screening as part of the theater's Out There series. The story follows Adnan, a young art student, who arrives in New York City to apartment-sit for the summer. He begins interning at a gallery where an unconventional older artist he once encountered is being exhibited. Lives and loves converge in this beautiful and poignant story.

The Masquerade of the Red Death
Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown
An immersive Halloween experience inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, complete with costumed performers, music, cocktails, and elaborate décor. Ages 21+.

Fall Fête
Katonah Museum of Art, 5PM
Annual fundraiser celebrating the museum with exhibitions, cocktails, and special programming.

Twilight Village
Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow
A nighttime village featuring storytellers, performers, artisan vendors, seasonal food, and family-friendly Halloween experiences. Runs Fridays through Sundays in October.

The Headless Horseman Files
Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow
This 45-minute guided experience is an interactive mystery where visitors investigate Ichabod Crane's disappearance.

Irving's Legend
Washington Irving's Sunnyside, Irvington
Master storyteller and Westchester historian Jonathan Kruk brings The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to life in an outdoor performance.

Sleepy Hollow Music Festival
Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow
Eleven bands across two stages, plus food trucks, craft vendors, beer gardens, children's activities, and Halloween-themed entertainment. Scroll down for our in-depth interview and everything you need to know about the festival.

Westchester Soccer Club Home Match vs AV Alta
Memorial Field, Mount Vernon, Doors open at 5:30PM, Kickoff is 7PM
Right on the heels of a hard fought game in Knoxville, WSC is back home with a renewed fire. Come see for yourself.

Hocus Pocus at Muscoot Farm
Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm, Katonah, 7PM
Larry Bagby, who played Ernie “Ice,” introduces the film. Bring a blanket or chairs, and come in costume. Movie tickets are $10. The $60 VIP experience starts at 5PM with a photo, an autograph and a small-group Q&A.

SUP Witches of Sleepy Hollow
Kingsland Point Park, Sleepy Hollow
Hundreds of paddleboarders dressed as witches paddle along the Hudson River while spectators enjoy vendors, music, and seasonal festivities.

Westchester Soccer Club Home Match vs Forward Madison FC
Memorial Field, Mount Vernon, Doors open at 5:30PM, Kickoff is 7PM
Cheer on WSC as they take on one of the fiercest competitors in the league in one of their last home games of the year.

ArtsFest
Downtown New Rochelle
This multi-day celebration in the Queen City on the Sound features public art, live music, exhibitions, performances, and family activities.

Lantern-Lit Cemetery Tour
St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, Mount Vernon
Did you know that one of the nation’s oldest cemeteries was in Mount Vernon? This walking tour features Revolutionary War stories and period music as part of the Revolutionary Westchester 250 commemoration.

Ossining Downtown Haunt & Night Market
Downtown Ossining
Take a break from the usual haunts with this Halloween-themed night market with live music, oddities vendors, food, and an after-dark look at the Aqueduct Trail.

Tony Dabas
Westchester County Center, White Plains, 7PM
The New York comic behind the viral character sketches, with more than a billion views online. $60 gets you dinner at 7 and the show at 8. Parking is free.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

Autumn Glow Festival

Mystic Moon

Legendary Tours

Myths & Mysteries of the Octagon House

Fall Classic Mansion Tours

We’re giving away free pairs to these shows. Want one? Email [email protected] and tell us which show. First come, first served.

Westchester Soccer Club
Memorial Field · October 3 & 10

Hocus Pocus VIP Experience with Larry Bagby
Muscoot Farm · October 9

Tom Papa
The Capitol Theatre · October 9

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
The Capitol Theatre · October 17

Tony Dabas VIP
Westchester County Center · October 30

THE MUSIC COLUMN

Remember that scene in Step Brothers where John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell become best friends after the former’s character calls his sibling’s vocal stylings a combination of Fergie and Jesus? Well, forgive me, but that’s what I think of when I hear the harmonies of the NYC trio BAILEN when they sing in unison. Their harmonies are unmatched. When Julia and her twin-brothers David and Daniel played an A-Sides show in Rye last summer, you could hear a pin drop. That’s saying something— especially considering there were no pins and a lot of beer glasses. Anyway, they’re sort of Fleetwood Mac with a touch of HAIM, but I hate people who compare musicians just to give you a frame of reference but, you know, here we are.

I say all of this as a long-winded build up to say the siblings have released their new album SWIM!!!, and it’s a masterwork of ten tracks that marks their first fully independent album. A bit of rock, some folk and a bunch of pop — this record is dope. I spoke with Daniel and Julia recently about it, and had Julia take the Pop Quiz! Take a gander.

10/3 - Denver, CO - Globe Hall
10/17 - Marlboro, NY - The Falcon
11/11 - Brooklyn, NY - National Sawdust
11/13 - Boston, MA - Cafe 939
11/14 - Amherst, MA - The Drake
11/17 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
11/18 - Washington, DC - The Atlantis
11/20 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
11/21 - Nashville, TN - The Basement

What’s the process like creatively between the three of you? Does one of you write lyrics or music and then take it to the other?
We usually start songs on our own and then bring them to the group in varying stages of completeness. We’ll often write different sections of someone else’s song. In swim!!! I had written a bunch of verses and Daniel came into the studio one day with the chorus and then we finished it all in the room.

How intense will your tour schedule be in the spring?
Spring touring is still TBD but excited to get back out there!

What’s a self-high five moment you guys have had? In other words a pinch-me moment.
Touring with Hozier, collaborating with Amos Lee, playing Austin City Limits!

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
There’s this camcorder video from 1999 where we are at a family reunion and the three of us are singing “It’s Gonna Be Me” by *NSYNC for the whole family. We’re so, so young but it’s exactly the same dynamic as today.

What album is the soundtrack to your life?
The Band (eponymous)

If people came with taglines what would yours be?
Let’s just keep it the way we changed it.

THE HAUNT GUIDE

For some frights and fun, check out these haunted houses in the county. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Where: Playland Park, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye
When: Fridays through Sundays beginning October 9, plus October 29–31
Scare Level: 4 out of 5 Bloodcurdling Screams

One of Westchester's longest-running Halloween traditions is celebrating its 25th season by returning to Playland. Scared by the Sound takes visitors through more than 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor haunted environments, combining professional makeup and costumes with elaborate sets, lighting and sound effects. This year's experience includes new areas like Wolves Den, His Masters Quarters, and Cell Block C-D alongside returning favorites including The Asylum, Clown Alley, and the Tunnels of Doom.

Unlike some of Westchester's more theatrical Halloween attractions, this one is built around scares. Live actors and creatures lurk throughout the experience, and organizers don't recommend the regular nighttime haunt for children under 12.

For families who want the atmosphere without quite as much screaming, Scared by the Sound will hold kid-friendly daytime matinees October 24 and 25 from noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets range from $29 to $40, with timed admission recommended because slots can sell out in advance.

Where: 44 Wildcliff Road, New Rochelle
When: October 9–November 1
Scare Level: 3 out of 5 Bloodcurdling Screams

A historic mansion overlooking Echo Bay already sounds like the beginning of a horror movie. The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion transforms the property at Hudson Park into a large-scale, story-driven Halloween attraction. The experience combines scenic design, live performances and atmospheric storytelling with the naturally eerie backdrop of the historic property. The haunt's fictional mythology centers on a doctor driven to experiments involving the dead after losing his wife—a story designed around the ruins of Wildcliff Mansion and its grounds.

The attraction is primarily outdoors and includes uneven terrain, so closed-toe shoes are a smart choice. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Where: Cedar Lane Park, 269 Cedar Lane, Ossining
When: Beginning October 3
Scare Level: 3.5 out of 5 Bloodcurdling Screams

There's a new reason to be afraid of the woods in Ossining.

The Haunt at Rocky Ledge may have relocated, but the scares will hit all the same. Now called The Haunt at Cedar Park Woods, it continues to bring a walk-through horror experience, sending visitors into a twisted forest populated by live actors, creatures, darkened rooms and plenty of things waiting around corners. Walking through the dark woods, the scene is set before you've even encountered the first scare.

Tickets start at $29.99, and timed admission begins after dark.

THE FEATURED STORY

By AJ Chiarella

Before the festival, we sat down with Liz Goodyear at Hudson Piers, right on the Yonkers waterfront. She had a promise for Saturday.

“We have a lot of surprises,” she told me. She thinks people are “gonna be like, holy crap, that’s amazing.”

Liz is the founder of River Towns Music Group. Her company produces the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival. This is year three. It’s also the first year it lands in October.

That move is the whole idea. Sleepy Hollow is the most Halloween town in America, and this year the festival leans all the way in. There’s a costume parade. There are Halloween crafts and themed treats. The Headless Horseman rides past the stage between sets.

“We have these visions and these ideas of what we’re gonna do,” Liz said, “but this will be the first year for it.”

Liz didn’t set out to run a festival. She started by booking music in local spots during COVID, back when “you couldn’t even promote it.” She got to know the restaurant and venue owners. Then she planned an indie festival at the Paramount. COVID wrecked that one too, so it got pushed.

Then she met Alain Begun, who owns River Journal. “He was like, do you wanna do another music festival?” she said. They started planning. The Village of Sleepy Hollow heard about it and asked to team up.

“That’s how Sleepy Hollow Music Festival was born.”

Six acts play the Main Stage: Everclear, The Smithereens featuring Marshall Crenshaw, Sophie B. Hawkins, Fastball, SoulShine: An Allman Brothers Experience, and Anthony Giaccio & the Assortments.

The Regional Stage has Rachel Ana Dobken, Imposters, The Altogether, School of Rock Briarcliff Manor, and a DJ set of 90s favorites.

Liz already knows her moment. She’s a 90s kid. “Santa Monica, I just remember belting it out in my car,” she said, “which sounds so millennial of me.”

The two stages never overlap. You will never have to pick between two bands you came to see.

Liz’s best advice isn’t even about the festival. It’s about the river towns.

“Explore as much as you possibly can,” she said. Every town up and down the Hudson line, she said, has “their own personality.”

She also nailed who’s been showing up lately. “You get a lot of people from the city who move up and want some peace and quiet but still have a lot of creative energy and want to be part of really cool things.”

That landed right at home at Hudson Piers, where plenty of new neighbors made that exact move up from the city. Her advice for them, and for all of us: “Try to get involved in maybe even your local community, because you’ll meet a ton of really cool people.”

Saturday is a pretty good place to start.

Thanks to Hudson Piers for hosting our conversation with Liz. Tickets at sleepyhollowmusicfestival.com.

THE STARS

Our astral bestie Persephone has heard your thoughts, prayers, and pleas for an easier time (especially for us in the Libra gang). Luckily, the stars have some good news in store.

October has you moving at your usual full speed—but fall isn't meant to be rushed. Before filling every weekend on your calendar, leave room for a little spontaneity. A last-minute road trip, festival, or invitation could become the highlight of your month.

Signs to Look Out For: Red cardinals, repeating numbers, or an unexpected detour that turns into the best part of your day.
October Motto: Slow down enough to notice what's changing.

This month feels tailor-made for you. Cozy sweaters, comfort food, crisp mornings—you've found your season. Financially, things begin to stabilize, making it a great time to invest in experiences instead of more stuff. A quiet afternoon may spark an unexpected idea.

Signs to Look Out For: Acorns, perfectly shaped pumpkins, or hearing the same song twice in one day.
October Motto: Simple pleasures are still the best ones.

Your social life is busier than ever, but don't spread yourself too thin trying to attend every Oktoberfest, haunted house, and fall festival on the calendar. Quality beats quantity this month. One meaningful conversation changes your perspective more than a dozen casual ones.

Signs to Look Out For: A fox crossing your path, overhearing exactly the advice you needed, or a surprise text from someone you haven't thought about in a while.
October Motto: Choose connection over chaos.

Home becomes your sanctuary this month. Whether you're decorating for fall, hosting friends, or finally organizing that one room you've been avoiding, creating comfort feels especially rewarding. Family news arrives that reminds you how quickly time moves—make the phone call.

Signs to Look Out For: White feathers, cozy porch lights, or the smell of fresh-baked bread when you least expect it.
October Motto: The little moments become the big memories.

You're still attracting attention without even trying. Professionally, someone notices work you've quietly been doing behind the scenes. Personally, don't underestimate the power of simply showing up. Sometimes confidence looks less like being the loudest person in the room and more like being the most genuine.

Signs to Look Out For: Golden leaves falling in front of you, compliments from strangers, or a flash of sunshine after a cloudy morning.
October Motto: Authenticity never goes out of style.

The momentum from your birthday season continues. Projects you've carefully nurtured begin paying off, but don't forget to celebrate the small wins along the way. If you've been putting off a hike because "the leaves aren't quite there yet," this is your sign to go.

Signs to Look Out For: Ladybugs, perfectly stacked stones, or finding something you thought you'd lost.
October Motto: You've earned this view.

Happy birthday, Libra! This month asks you to stop apologizing for taking up space. Your relationships feel lighter when you're honest about what you need. Someone may surprise you with an opportunity—or a compliment—you weren't expecting.

Signs to Look Out For: Butterflies on warm afternoons, heart-shaped leaves, or someone mentioning your name at just the right moment.
October Motto: Balance begins with honesty.

Happy birthday to you too, Scorpio. Your season begins with clarity you've been waiting months to find. Trust your instincts—they're especially sharp now. If something feels off, it probably is. If something feels right, don't overthink it.

Signs to Look Out For: Ravens, the full moon, or recurring dreams that leave you thinking long after you wake up.
October Motto: Your intuition already knows.

Cabin fever? Not a chance. You're itching to explore, even if it's only a town you've never stopped in before. October rewards curiosity. Skip the crowded destination everyone else is posting and discover somewhere unexpected instead.

Signs to Look Out For: Scenic back roads, unexpected invitations, or arrows pointing you somewhere you've never been.
October Motto: Adventure doesn't have to be far away.

Your hard work is beginning to pay dividends, but don't let your entire identity revolve around productivity. October reminds you that rest is productive too. Make time for a weekend that doesn't involve checking your email every fifteen minutes.

Signs to Look Out For: Deer at dusk, old clocks, or finding spare change exactly when you need a reminder that abundance comes in many forms.
October Motto: Success is also knowing when to unplug.

You're craving something different, and October delivers inspiration in unexpected places. Say yes to the event you'd normally skip or the conversation with someone outside your usual circle. Fresh ideas are hiding in unfamiliar places.

Signs to Look Out For: Shooting stars, colorful murals, or someone wearing your favorite color.
October Motto: Curiosity changes everything.

October feels deeply creative for you. Whether you're writing, cooking, photographing peak foliage, or simply journaling over a warm drink, make space for inspiration. Don't worry about making it perfect—just make it yours.

Signs to Look Out For: Ripples on the water, vivid sunsets, or a song lyric that feels written just for you.
October Motto: Create because it brings you joy.

THE BACK PAGE

31M, Yonkers lawyer who enjoys red wine and nice conversation is looking for a 27-37 y/o female to spend time with. Enjoys everything from nice dinners out to cozy nights in to scenic drives out to Long Island. Hope you can understand a hectic work schedule, but will always text you back…even if it’s when I’m leaving the office at 2AM.

New Sparks…

You were wearing a quarter-zip and holding an iced coffee even though it was 48 degrees and a monsoon. You held the door open for me while I was pretending I wasn’t annoyed that the line at the Starbucks in Rye was 17 people deep. I couldn’t get over how green your eyes were and barely mustered out a thank you. Maybe I can treat you to a coffee next? Promise I won’t be in rain boots next time.

Still Looking For Love…

You were at the Mariano Rivera event at Walter’s last week, in line with a short girl and other man. I couldn’t get over your cheery disposition and striking good looks. I wanted to say hi but was so intimidated. Milkshake date soon? Meet you by the picnic tables…

Have a missed connection? Email us at [email protected]

COMING SOON