WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – March 18, 2026 – As the Hudson Valley awakens for spring, Westchester County is preparing for a season shaped by major milestones—from Revolutionary War history tied to America’s 250th anniversary to outdoor adventures just outside New York City.
Located just north of NYC and easily accessible by Metro-North Railroad, Amtrak and major highways, Westchester County is flanked by the Long Island Sound and Hudson River. Visitors will find charming river towns, historic estates, more than 18,000 acres of parkland for outdoor recreation and a growing arts and dining scene.
Spring 2026 Storylines in Westchester
Spring in Bloom: Westchester’s gardens, historic estates and parks burst into color for spring. Visitors can experience seasonal favorites like Lyndhurst in Bloom in Tarrytown, stroll through the formal gardens at Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers or discover the spectacular wildflowers of Teatown’s Wildflower Island in Ossining.
Arts & Culture Season: From theater productions at the White Plains Performing Arts Center to gallery walks and live performances across the county, spring marks the return of Westchester’s thriving arts and cultural calendar such as Yonkers Arts Weekend in May.
Outdoor Adventures Just Outside NYC: Westchester’s parks and waterways offer ample ways to enjoy the outdoors. Bicycle Sundays returns to the Bronx River Parkway, kayakers paddle along the Hudson River and hikers explore miles of scenic trails throughout the County. The season also marks the reopening of Playland Park in Rye, a classic waterfront destination featuring amusement rides, a beach, boardwalk and family-friendly attractions.
Revolutionary History Takes the Spotlight: As the nation prepares to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, Westchester’s Revolutionary War landmarks and the American Revolutionary Trail invite visitors to explore the places where key moments of American history unfolded – including White Plains, where the Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on July 11, 1776. This fall, history comes to life at REV FEST 250 (October 25–26) with a large-scale reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, set against the scenic backdrop of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. For additional events and programming, visit Rooted in Westchester.
Looking Ahead – World Cup Energy Comes to the Region: With the FIFA World Cup arriving in the New York/New Jersey region this summer, Westchester offers an ideal home base for fans traveling to matches at nearby MetLife Stadium while exploring the Hudson Valley. Locally, fans can also gather for a free community viewing event of the World Cup Final on July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza as part of New York State’s statewide celebration. Soccer fans can also catch live action this spring with the Westchester Soccer Club’s season at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, including a special Accessibility Inclusive Night on April 4.
Signature Spring Attractions & Events
· Lyndhurst welcomes visitors throughout the spring season with a lineup of special events and tours set against its stunning Hudson River-based estate. For one weekend only, Flower House & Market (April 18–19, 2026) transforms the historic mansion with three floors of botanical displays. The popular Spring Craft Show by Artrider returns May 1–3, featuring more than 200 modern American makers, artists and designers from across the country. Visitors can also explore the estate through Upstairs-Downstairs mansion tours offered throughout the season or enjoy seasonal experiences like Spring Tea & Tour and the Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale on May 9–10. Grounds passes are available for those who want to stroll Lyndhurst’s scenic 67-acre property overlooking the Hudson River.
· Cross County Center in Yonkers celebrates Earth Day on April 18 with a family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment, environmental activities and interactive experiences focused on sustainability.
· Beginning May 8, visitors can experience Victorian Springtime at the Armour‑Stiner Octagon House in Irvington, where guided tours showcase the historic eight‑sided home adorned with seasonal floral arrangements.
· The White Plains Performing Arts Center presents its spring theater lineup, including productions such as Catch Me If You Can, running April 10 through May 3.
· The Wolf Conservation Center in North Salem hosts its popular Egg Hunt with Wolves on March 28, offering families a chance to learn about North American wolves while participating in a unique seasonal egg hunt.
· The Katonah Art Walk returns April 18 and May 16, inviting visitors to explore galleries, local shops and artist pop‑ups throughout downtown.
· Green Ossining’s Earth Day Festival returns to Louis B. Engel Waterfront Park April 25, featuring eco‑friendly vendors, live music, artisan goods and hands‑on activities along the Hudson River.
· Westchester’s live entertainment scene heats up this spring with a lineup of big-name performers across the county’s premier venues. Catch Jason Mraz and comedian Anthony Rodia at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, Micky Dolenz at Tarrytown Music Hall and Audra McDonald at The Paramount in Peekskill, with performances scheduled throughout the season.
· Historic Hudson Valley sites including Philipsburg Manor, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside and Union Church of Pocantico Hills reopen for the season beginning on May 8, with special programming throughout the spring including Pinkster Festival and seasonal tours.
· ArtsWestchester presents several spring exhibitions, including The Arts Exchange and Kiyoshi Otsuka: Heart Music. Opening in May, Art in a Season of Revolution explores themes tied to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with artists reflecting on America’s past and present.
· Boundless Adventures in Purchase brings back its Glow in the Park night climbing series with themed evenings including Star Wars, Y2K Throwback and Disney on select spring dates.
· Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts hosts concerts and special programming including seasonal performances, Rosen Hosen tours and its annual Juneteenth celebration.
· Playland Park in Rye kicks off another season with a preseason opening May 16–17 and the official Grand Opening on May 23. With its historic amusement park rides, beachfront, pool, boardwalk and family attractions like the Children’s Museum, Playland remains a classic Westchester destination for fun.
· Westchester Pride, hosted by The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, returns to White Plains on June 7, with live entertainment, local vendors and a Pride march celebrating the region’s LGBTQ+ community.
America’s 250: Revolutionary Westchester
Westchester County played a pivotal role during the American Revolution and contains one of the highest concentrations of Revolutionary War sites in the country. As the United States commemorates America’s 250th anniversary this year, visitors can explore these historic locations along Westchester County’s American Revolutionary Trail.
Key sites include:
· Philipsburg Manor – This historic trading site in Sleepy Hollow offers immersive programs exploring colonial life and the complex history of the enslaved community that lived there.
· Washington Irving’s Sunnyside – The charming riverside home of the famed author provides insight into early American literary history and the area’s cultural legacy.
· Thomas Paine Cottage – Located in New Rochelle, this home last owned by Revolutionary pamphleteer and Founding Father Thomas Paine, is now preserved as a historic house museum featuring artifacts associated with Paine, including items connected to Benjamin Franklin.
· St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site – One of the nation’s oldest surviving churches and the site of a Revolutionary War battlefield in Mount Vernon.
· John Jay Homestead – The home of Founding Father and first Chief Justice John Jay, offering insight into the early history of the nation and the Jay family’s role in the antislavery movement.
Throughout the year, historic sites across Westchester will host exhibits, tours and special programming highlighting the region’s Revolutionary War heritage as part of the America 250 commemoration. Visitors can explore a full calendar of events through Rooted in Westchester and save the date for REV FEST 250 at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation from October 24-25, featuring a large-scale reenactment of the Battle of White Plains. Highlights include themed tours at the Armour-Stiner Octagon House, new programming at Philipse Manor Hall including a Black History Walk in June, and a special summer exhibition at the Katonah Museum of Art.
Spring Outdoors
· Bicycle Sundays is one of Westchester’s most beloved outdoor traditions, transforming the Bronx River Parkway into a car-free recreational corridor starting May 3 where cyclists, runners and walkers can experience the parkway’s scenic landscapes at their own pace.
· Untermyer Gardens is known for its Persian-inspired garden design and dramatic temple architecture, offering one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Hudson Valley.
· Teatown Lake Reservation features more than 15 miles of hiking trails and guided tours of Wildflower Island, home to over 230 species of native wildflowers.
· Lasdon Park & Arboretum in Katonah showcases beautifully landscaped gardens including the Chinese Friendship Garden, Fairy Trail and the unique Dinosaur Trail.
· Hudson River Recreation offers kayaking and paddleboard rentals and guided tours on the Hudson River, Croton River and Long Island Sound.
· Weinberg Nature Center in Scarsdale features interactive wildlife exhibits, hiking trails and educational programs for families. This spring, families can attend Petting Zoo Day on April 11, featuring close encounters with animals including a kangaroo, pig, sheep, goat, tortoises, chickens and ducks.
· Hemlock Hill Farm in Cortland Manor provides guided farm tours where visitors can learn about sustainable farming practices and meet farm animals.
· Trails Without Limits offers adaptive hiking experiences using all‑terrain trackchairs so individuals of all abilities can explore Westchester’s park system.
Dining & Craft Beverages
· Westchester’s growing craft beverage scene spans breweries, cideries and distilleries. Through the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail free mobile passport, visitors can meet local makers and sample small-batch creations throughout the County.
· Westchester’s dining scene continues to evolve with several notable openings and reopenings in the past year, generating buzz across the County. Highlights include La Bastide by Andrea Calstier, a refined French restaurant in North Salem from Michelin-starred chef Andrea Calstier; the recently reopened Kittle House Inn in Chappaqua; Basso by PXK, an Italian restaurant from the team behind popular White Plains spot Pax Romana, also in Chappaqua; and Antique Garage in Rye, known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu and lively atmosphere.
· Outdoor dining returns to Westchester’s scenic patios and waterfront restaurants including Finn & Brew in Peekskill, The Boathouse in Ossining, bartaco in Port Chester, Red Hat on the River in Irvington and both The Sailhouse and Hudson Farmer & The Fish in Tarrytown.
· Farmers markets reopen throughout the County offering locally sourced produce, baked goods, artisanal foods and prepared meals from regional vendors.
· Mocktails are having a moment in Westchester County, with restaurants across the region expanding their zero-proof drink menus. Spots like The Blind Pig, Fortina, OKO, Posto 22 and The Pelican Room, are crafting inventive alcohol-free cocktails using fresh ingredients, botanical spirits and creative flavor combinations.
Where to Stay
· Tarrytown House Estate offers beautiful grounds to meander, an outdoor pool, historic architecture and is home to Goosefeather restaurant by Chef Dale Talde.
· The Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill provides luxury accommodations overlooking the Hudson River along with its Michelin Guide‑recommended Apropos restaurant.
· Hotel MTK in Mount Kisco offers a stylish boutique stay in northern Westchester with modern guestrooms, a vibrant lobby bar and easy access to the village’s restaurants and shops.
· Bedford Post Inn, part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, offers an intimate retreat with wellness programming and exceptional dining, including a newly renovated and reimagined restaurant debuting in early spring.
· Sonesta White Plains provides modern accommodations in the heart of downtown White Plains.
· Sleepy Hollow Hotel, now a Dolce by Wyndham property, is a convenient home base for exploring the historic river towns of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, with easy access to Lyndhurst Mansion, Philipsburg Manor and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside.
Easy to Reach
· Metro-North Railroad provides a fast 35-minute commute from Midtown Manhattan to White Plains, with three main lines (Hudson, Harlem and New Haven) serving the east side of the Hudson River in Westchester. Additionally, Amtrak offers service to Yonkers, New Rochelle and Croton-on-Hudson.
· Located just north of NYC, Westchester County offers easy access to three major airports, including Westchester County Airport in White Plains (HPN), which provides direct flights to key markets nationwide. Worth noting: HPN’s Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program ensures a positive travel experience for passengers.
Westchester County Tourism & Film is Westchester County’s official destination marketing organization. Its mission is to generate economic benefits by enhancing the image and promoting Westchester County as a premier business and leisure destination in the Hudson Valley region. Flanked by Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, Westchester is made up of big cities, small towns, villages, farms, and miles of natural beauty. The county is easily accessible by major interstate highways and parkways, its own regional airport, Amtrak and three commuter rail lines and is home to more than 40 hotels and conference centers. For information about visiting Westchester, visit www.visitwestchesterny.com, connect on Facebook (@westchestercountytourism), Instagram (@westchestercountytourismny) and Twitter (@westchestertour), or call 1-800-833-9282.
