Hello, Downtown Friends!
While summer is still sizzling, join us in Downtown New Rochelle on August 29 for a full day of community, shopping, music, and dancing—beginning with the Local Love Market and ending with the Summer Sizzle finale featuring the fabulous Tito Puente Jr.
Looking ahead, something special is on the horizon in New Rochelle. Beginning September 11, the Autumn Glow Festival will transform Glen Island Park into a magical nighttime experience filled with hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns. We are excited to share this colorful new addition to New Rochelle’s fall season.
You’ll also find details about the NRBID Annual Meeting and two meaningful ways to give back to our community.
Thank you for continuing to support our downtown businesses, organizations, and community partners. I hope to see you around Downtown!
All the best,
Anne Gold
Executive Director
New Rochelle Downtown BID
Autumn Glow Festival Lights Up New Rochelle
Beginning Friday, September 11, Glen Island Park will be transformed into a magical nighttime world filled with hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns. Stroll among towering dragons, glowing pandas, colorful flowers, and other dazzling creations brought to life by talented artisans.
This family-friendly fall experience also features interactive activities, illuminated play areas, and plenty of picture-perfect moments for visitors of all ages.
Opening night begins at 6:30 p.m., with additional dates and times available.
Glen Island Park
Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle
View available dates and purchase tickets.
This independently operated event is produced by Kaleido Entertainment in association with Fever.
Show Your Local Love!
Saturday, August 29 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
The Plaza at Clinton Park
Spend the afternoon supporting local makers, artisans, and small businesses at the Local Love Market! Enjoy shopping, music, family-friendly activities, and interactive experiences while connecting with the people and organizations that make our community special.
The event lineup is still being finalized, but expected participants and activities include:
- The Lincoln Park Conservancy — Grow! Eat Mobile Vegetable Market
- Lucky Duck — Puppet show at 1:30 p.m. and craft activity at 2:00 p.m.
- Imperfectly Perfect Candles — Candle giveaway
- Zach’s Cornbread — Homemade sweet potato cornbread
- Rebecca’s Café — Homemade fruit icees
- DJ Vibez — Music throughout the afternoon
Additional participants and activities will be announced as they are confirmed.
Shop local, enjoy the afternoon, and show some love for Downtown New Rochelle!
One More Summer Sizzle Night!
Join us for the Summer Sizzle Concert Series finale:
Saturday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Tito Puente Jr.
Ruby Dee Park — FREE
The fan favorite returns for his fourth Summer Sizzle appearance, bringing an unforgettable evening of Latin jazz and dance music!
Make it a complete Downtown night—enjoy dinner before the concert or drinks and dessert afterward. Use our Summer Sizzle Dining & Drinks Guide to explore restaurants, cafés, bars, breweries, and sweet treats within walking distance of the park.
Bring your lawn chair, invite your friends, and don’t forget your dancing shoes as we celebrate the final Summer Sizzle concert of the season in Downtown New Rochelle!
Pack 50,000 Meals for 9/11 Day
Honor the 25th anniversary of September 11 through service. On Friday, September 11, Volunteer New York!, in partnership with 9/11 Day and Monroe University, will bring volunteers together at the Monroe Athletic Complex to pack 50,000 meals for local families. The meals will be distributed throughout the community by Feeding Westchester.
Two volunteer shifts are available:
- 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Volunteers must be 18 or older, or ages 16–17 with an adult and a signed youth waiver. Parking is available at the New Roc City Parking Garage.
Register to volunteer or learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Join Us for the 2026 New Rochelle Business Improvement District Annual Meeting
NRBID members and the community are invited to hear highlights from the past year, learn about the programs and initiatives shaping Downtown New Rochelle, and connect with downtown property owners, business owners, residents, City representatives, and community partners.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Gaddy Hall, Monroe University
380 Main Street, New Rochelle
Light refreshments will be served.
To help us plan, please RSVP by emailing anne.gold@newrochelledowntown.com.
Please note: There will be no membership election of directors this year. The current elected directors’ terms continue through 2027.
🎃 Community Spotlight
Help Make Halloween Special for Everyone
The New Rochelle Police Department is 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 their 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 are looking for:
- 🎭 New or gently used costumes
- 👻 Costumes in all sizes
- ✨ Clean, ready-to-wear items
Whether it is 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 throughout our community.