A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
August is the perfect time to explore Downtown New Rochelle. This month’s lineup reflects the incredible diversity of our community—from fitness and wellness activities to free live music, authentic Japanese street food, and an evening of comedy.
Whether you’re attending our Fitness & Wellness Festival, enjoying the Summer Sizzle Concert Series (and exploring our new Dining & Drinks Guide), experiencing JAPAN Fes, or laughing the night away at Teacher Appreciation Comedy Night, I hope you’ll discover something new while supporting our local businesses.
Thank you for being part of our downtown community. I look forward to seeing you downtown this August!
All the Best,
Anne Gold
Executive Director
New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District
5 Reasons You Won’t Want to Miss the Fitness & Wellness Festival
Looking for a fun, healthy, and relaxing way to spend your Saturday?
Join us for the Fitness & Wellness Festival, presented by RXR, Casaroma Café, and the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District, for a free afternoon of fitness, creativity, wellness, and community in the heart of Downtown New Rochelle.
Whether you’re looking to try yoga for the first time, enjoy family-friendly activities, learn about local health resources, or discover Downtown’s wellness destinations, there’s something for everyone!
📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 The Plaza at Clinton Park
Division Street between One & Two Clinton Place
1. Try Outdoor Yoga with The Self Studio
Have you always wanted to try yoga?
Join The Self Studio for two FREE outdoor yoga sessions at 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Designed for all experience levels—from first-timers to experienced practitioners—these welcoming classes are the perfect opportunity to stretch, relax, and experience yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting.
2. Kids Can Get Moving, Too!
At 2:00 PM, children can join Joy-Joy’s Musical Moves for a fun-filled Kids Yoga & Musical Movement session.
Through music, movement, imagination, and playful activities, children will stretch, dance, laugh, and discover that staying active can be lots of fun.
3. Create Your Own Beautiful Bouquet
Take home more than memories!
Throughout the festival, Rae of Florals will host a FREE bouquet-making activity where participants can create their own fresh floral arrangement to take home.
Available while supplies last.
4. Meet Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital
We’re pleased to welcome Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital as the featured medical partner for this year’s festival.
Stop by the Montefiore table to meet members of their team, learn about healthcare services available in our community, and explore wellness resources for individuals and families.
Did you know? Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital’s Emergency Department now operates under an all-physician model, meaning patients are seen and treated by a physician immediately upon arrival.
Hospital representatives will be available to answer questions about this enhanced approach to emergency care and share information about services available to our community.
5. Discover Downtown’s Healthy Side
Be among the first to pick up the NEW Downtown Health & Fitness Walking Map at the NRBID table.
The guide highlights Downtown New Rochelle’s:
- Fitness studios
- Wellness businesses
- Healthy lifestyle destinations
Whether you’re looking for a new workout, a yoga class, or wellness services close to home, this free guide makes it easy to discover the many ways to stay active and healthy in Downtown New Rochelle.
While you’re visiting the NRBID table, be sure to learn more about Downtown initiatives, upcoming events, and other resources available throughout the district.
Join Us!
Admission is FREE, and registration is not required.
Register in advance to receive event updates and help us plan for attendance:
Make It a Summer Sizzle Night in Downtown New Rochelle
The music doesn’t have to be the only highlight of your evening!
Join us every Saturday at 6:30 PM at Ruby Dee Park for the Summer Sizzle Concert Series—then make it a complete Downtown experience by enjoying dinner before the show or drinks and dessert afterward.
Whether you’re craving handcrafted pizza, fresh sushi, tacos, Mediterranean cuisine, burgers, fine dining, cocktails, coffee, or something sweet, Downtown New Rochelle offers something for every taste—all just a short walk from the park.
🍽️ Summer Sizzle Tip
Arrive early for dinner…or keep the evening going after the music!
Many Downtown restaurants, cafés, bars, breweries, and dessert shops are just minutes from Ruby Dee Park, making it easy to enjoy a full night out while supporting local businesses.
📍 Download the Summer Sizzle Dining & Drinks Map
Planning your night is easy! Our Summer Sizzle Dining & Drinks Guide highlights restaurants, cafés, bars, breweries, and sweet treats within walking distance of Ruby Dee Park.
🎶 Still to Come: Summer Sizzle Concert Series
All concerts begin at 6:30 PM at Ruby Dee Park and are FREE to attend!
Saturday, August 8
Always Jovi
A high-energy Bon Jovi tribute featuring rock legend Steve Brown.
Opening Act: Platinum Moon
Saturday, August 15
Jovin Webb
The American Idol finalist brings his signature blend of Louisiana blues, soul, and gospel.
Opening Act: Lauren Mian
Saturday, August 22
Chambers DesLauriers
Award-winning soul, blues, and rock duo Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers.
Opening Act: Twist of Fate
Saturday, August 29
Tito Puente Jr.
The fan favorite returns for his fourth Summer Sizzle appearance, bringing an unforgettable night of Latin jazz and dance music.
Opening Act: To Be Announced
Bring your lawn chair, invite your friends, and make Downtown New Rochelle your Saturday night destination all summer long!
🇯🇵 JAPAN Fes Returns to Downtown New Rochelle – August 15!
One of Downtown New Rochelle’s most popular events is back!
JAPAN Fes returns to Anderson Plaza on Saturday, August 15, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, bringing an incredible lineup of authentic Japanese street food, desserts, drinks, and cultural vendors to the heart of downtown.
With dozens of food vendors, unique merchandise, and a lively festival atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer Saturday with family and friends.
Come hungry and explore everything from fresh takoyaki, ramen, yakitori, and sushi to Japanese sweets, refreshing beverages, and more. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Japanese cuisine or looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
📍 Anderson Plaza (20 Anderson Street)
🗓️ Saturday, August 15
🕐 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
While you’re downtown, make a day of it by shopping our local businesses or enjoying dinner and drinks at one of New Rochelle’s many restaurants before or after the festival!
😂 Teacher Appreciation Comedy Night – August 28
Get ready to laugh out loud at Teacher Appreciation Comedy Night, hosted by Sleepy Floyd & Comedian Friends at Alvin & Friends in Downtown New Rochelle.
Enjoy an evening of live comedy, music, delicious food, drinks, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a teacher or simply looking for a fun night out, everyone is welcome!
📍 Alvin & Friends
14 Memorial Highway
🗓️ Friday, August 28
🕕 6:00 PM
Scan the QR code on the event flyer to RSVP. It promises to be a night filled with laughter, great entertainment, and good company.
🎃 Community Spotlight
Help Make Halloween Special for Everyone
The New Rochelle Police Department is currently collecting costumes for its upcoming Halloween Costume Swap events. These community events help ensure that local children and families have the opportunity to celebrate Halloween, regardless of financial circumstances.
Now is the perfect time to clean out your closets! If your family has new or gently used Halloween costumes that are no longer needed, consider donating them to help stock costume swap events taking place throughout the fall.
Donations are now being accepted at:
📍 475 North Avenue
They’re looking for:
- 🎭 New or gently used costumes
- 👻 All sizes welcome
- ✨ Clean, ready-to-wear costumes
Whether it’s a toddler costume, an adult costume, or anything in between, your donation can help someone enjoy Halloween this season.
Take a look through your closets and donate today. Together, we can help make Halloween fun, affordable, and memorable for families and individuals throughout our community.