Fun, fun, fun!
A Diwali party, a presidential-history lecture, and a night of side-splitting laughs.
Happy Diwali! Visit the Scarsdale Public Library to learn all about one of India’s most widely observed holidays
FRI. NOV. 1
PARTY DOWN FOR DIWALI If you aren’t familiar with this holiday—a five-day celebration of light, goodness, and knowledge—head to the Scarsdale Public Library and get a feel for its festive spirit. Enjoy a screening of the acclaimed coming-of-age movie Last Film Show, in Gujarati with English subtitles. Prior to and during the film, nosh on delicious Indian food prepared by a local author and chef Rinku Bhattacharya. She’ll also deliver a brief talk about how Diwali is celebrated around the world. 2 p.m.-5 p.m.; Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd., Scarsdale; Admission is free, but registration is required—click here to sign up.
WHAT’S THE WORD? THUNDERBIRD! As part of its Free First Friday programs, the Hudson River Museum is hosting the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, one of the oldest Native American dance companies in the state. They’ll perform dances from different tribes and encourage audience participation, too. It’s a great way to kick off Native American Heritage Month. Performances at 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.; Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; Admission is free. (That’s why it’s called Free First Fridays, instead of You Have to Pay First Fridays.)
THE GREAT ESCAPE At Scarsdale’s Bendheim Performing Arts Center, a new musical hits the stage. "The Man That Got Away" features Jonathon Moon, recipient of an ArtsWestchester grant. The eclectic score, which includes everything from opera to country music, is the perfect accompaniment to the story of Jonathan’s escape from religious fundamentalism to embracing his true identity—watch along and find out what it is. 7:30-8:45 p.m.; The Bendheim Performing Arts Center, 999 Wilmot Rd., Scarsdale; $35, buy tickets here.
SAT. NOV. 2
TAKE A HIKE Lace up your boots and hit the trail at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. During a 6-mile morning hike, you’ll check out the last of the fall foliage and get gorgeous views of Swan Lake and the Hudson. On the return hike, you’ll also make a detour to the Pocantico River cascades, where you can revel in the soothing sounds of falling water. Leashed dogs are welcome; maximum 30 people. 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; Rockefeller State Park Preserve, 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville; registration required, get your free ticket here. Parking is $6 per vehicle.
TURKEY TIME Halloween only just ended, but it’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving. Get your kids excited by attending Family Art Workshop: Turkey Fans at the Hudson River Museum. During the event, they’ll create a festive fan turkey using popsicle sticks, markers, and paper—a perfect present decoration for the holiday, when, let’s face it, we are all turkey fans. Recommended for ages 4+. 12:00–4:00 p.m.; Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; free with general admission which ranges from no charge to $13; buy tickets here.
GIGGLES WITH THE GIRLS Ladies of Laughter is a platform that’s helped launch a number of famous female comediennes, including Amy Schumer. Tonight’s your big chance to see these funny gals in action at the Emelin Theater. Five women will take the stage, all of who were either finalists or runners-up in the organization’s past competitions. 8:00 p.m.; Emelin Theatre 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; $44-$58; buy tickets here.
SUN. NOV. 3
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS You don’t have to haul yourself to New York City for a first-rate musical performance: The Taconic Opera is performing George Bizet’s Carmen at Tarrytown Music Hall. It’s a story of a seductive young woman who lures a naive young man away from his faithful girlfriend and into a life of crime. Bursting with passion, it’s a masterwork you won’t want to miss. Performed in French with English supertitles. 1:00 p.m.; Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; $7-$81; tickets available through the box office or by phone, 914-233-3856.
HAIL TO THE CHIEFS With the upcoming presidential election on everyone’s mind, why not learn about some of our country’s all-time greatest leaders? Visit the Jay Heritage Center for “Making the Presidency: John Adams and The Presidents that Forged the Republic.” This lively discussion of our democracy’s earliest days will be led by presidential historian Lindsay M. Chervinsky and Joanne B. Freeman, a professor who specializes in early American politics and political culture. 3:00 p.m.; Jay Heritage Center, 210 Boston Post Rd., Rye; free-$15; buy tickets here.