New Rochelle’s ArtsFest 2025: A Whirlwind of Creativity Awaits

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (October 13, 2025) — ArtsFest 2025, the annual city-wide celebration of visual and performing arts, kicks off Thursday, Oct. 16, in New Rochelle, drawing more than 250 artists to 42 venues across the city and nearby areas like Pelham and Larchmont.

The full brochure is available for download at newrochellearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-ArtsFest-Brochure-web.pdf.

Organized by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, a nonprofit founded in 1975 to promote local artists, public art and community access to the arts, the festival has been held every fall since 2009. This year’s edition spans Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 16-19, with most events free unless noted. Funding comes from ArtsWestchester via Westchester County government.

The lineup features art exhibits, open artist studios, live music and dance performances, spoken word events, a Makers Market, a classic car show, film screenings, theater and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the ArtsFest Dance Festival with 14 companies over two days, the two-day Film Festival with panels and awards, the Youth Makers Market, self-guided tours of murals and historic sites, and ticketed experiences like The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion and food tours.

All-weekend events offer flexible participation, including the Self-Guided Tour of the Walk of Fame, a tribute to notable New Rochelle residents in Ruby Dee Park adjacent to the New Rochelle Public Library; Songcatchers Community Music Pop-Ups with live music at outdoor spots (schedule at songcatchers.my.canva.site); Self-Guided Tour of NRNY Murals, a map of 20 street art murals (newrochellearts.org/nrny-murals); Open Artist Studios for public access to local creators’ workspaces (artsfestopenstudios.org); and Self-Guided Tour of Doctorow’s New Rochelle, a literary history tour starting at E.L. Doctorow’s statue in Huguenot Park (brochure download at newrochellearts.org). All are free.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, the festival opens with the Annual Student Exhibition at Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Ave., Pelham) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., showcasing student artworks in various media; “Still / Life” at NRCA Rotunda Gallery (515 North Ave., New Rochelle) and New Rochelle High School Museum of Arts & Culture from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., an exhibit by 11 artists running through Oct. 24; and New Rochelle Art Association 109th Open Juried Show at NRPL Lumen Winter Gallery (1 Library Pl., New Rochelle) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring juried works in nine categories. Other daytime events include a Decorative Paper Pumpkins Workshop for adults at New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) from 10 a.m. to noon; “All Star Art Awards Show” at MAG Gallery (1987 Palmer Ave., Larchmont) from noon to 5 p.m.; “The Space Between: Photography and Painting” at Palmer Art (1947 Palmer Ave., Larchmont) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and “Eye and Screen” at Vanda Gallery (379 Huguenot St., New Rochelle) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evening highlights on Thursday include R Cafe & Tea Boutique (302 Huguenot St., New Rochelle) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. with coffee, teas, pastries and local art display; “Undead: A Dracula Story,” a Red Monkey Theater adaptation, at NRPL Ossie Davis Theater (1 Library Pl., New Rochelle) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; “A Mural of Houses” collaborative painting drop-in at Town House Kitchen + Drinks (559 Main St., New Rochelle) from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Songcatchers Open House at Songcatchers (74 Petersville Rd., New Rochelle) from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Art by Alvin Clayton at Alvin & Friends (14 Memorial Hwy., New Rochelle) from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with oil works and prix fixe menu; an invitation-only ArtsFest Kick Off at The Dining Lab (434 Main St., New Rochelle) from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with food photography and student chef apps; “A LuvNote 4-Art” & Conversations at Aleathia’s Original Artworks (50 East Sanford Blvd., Mt. Vernon) from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and The Quill Collective writing session with editors at NRCA Office (New Rochelle Train Station, second floor, New Rochelle) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All are free unless noted.

Friday, Oct. 17, continues with ongoing exhibits like the Annual Student Exhibition at Pelham Art Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; New Rochelle Art Association 109th Open Juried Show at NRPL Lumen Winter Gallery from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; “Still / Life” at NRCA Rotunda Gallery and New Rochelle High School from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; “Eye and Screen” at Vanda Gallery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; R Cafe & Tea Boutique from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and “A Mural of Houses” at Town House Kitchen + Drinks from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additional daytime events include “All Star Art Awards Show” at MAG Gallery from noon to 5 p.m. and “The Space Between: Photography and Painting” at Palmer Art from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A key evening event is the Open Studio Artists Reception at The Atelier (40 Westchester Pl., New Rochelle) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where visitors can meet ArtsFest studio artists and view works by participants in the ArtsFest Open Studios program, a gallery space in a new affordable housing development for local artists at 44 Westchester Avenue. The exhibit continues Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Music & Art at Alvin & Friends from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. features live music and happy hour; “A LuvNote 4-Art” & Conversations at Aleathia’s Original Artworks from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Brian Carter Quintet jazz album performance at NRPL Ossie Davis Theater from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Singer Songwriters on Tap at 18th Ward Brewing Taproom (40 Division St., New Rochelle), a 21+ showcase, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion at Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse (44 Wildcliff Dr., New Rochelle), an immersive Halloween haunt recommended for age 12+, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (tickets at hauntatwildcliff.com); The Moth StorySLAM at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall (311 Huguenot St., New Rochelle) from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the theme “TRAP,” an open-mic storytelling competition ($15 tickets at themoth.org); and Da Mic is Open at JOLOS (49 Lawton St., New Rochelle) from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for all art forms.

The Moth StorySLAM invites storytellers to share true, personal experiences involving literal or figurative traps, such as a speed trap, mouse trap or emotional trap. Examples include being held hostage at a coworker’s endless Tupperware party, getting caught in a Ponzi scheme, being clocked by radar on the highway, dancing a frustrating tango with a rodent in your pantry, or breaking free from a psychological ambush, blackmail or disastrous blind date. Stories must be exactly five minutes long, based strictly on the theme and drawn from the teller’s own life, with no fiction or exaggeration allowed. Anyone can sign up by putting their name in a hat before the show, prioritizing first-time Moth storytellers. Ten are selected at random to perform, judged by audience volunteers on narrative arc and engagement, with the top three advancing to The Moth’s GrandSLAM Championship. Prepare by crafting and rehearsing a five-minute story, timing it precisely with an onstage timer, and delivering without notes, focusing on vivid details and emotional honesty. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity St. Paul (311 Huguenot St.), following the nearby ArtsFest exhibit reception, with tickets available via themoth.org (sales began Sept. 17, 2025).

Saturday, Oct. 18, brings R Cafe & Tea Boutique from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; New Ro Runners Murals Run at Hotel NOMA (1 Radisson Pl., New Rochelle) from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., a guided run tour (sign up at runsignup.com); Annual Student Exhibition at Pelham Art Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; New Rochelle Art Association 109th Open Juried Show at NRPL Lumen Winter Gallery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Classic Car Show at City Hall Parking Lot (North Ave. at Hamilton, New Rochelle) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 30+ cars and live music (rain date Oct. 19); Acupuncture Unlimited/Amelia E. Jones at 38 Lakeside Dr., New Rochelle, an artist market and open mic, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Children Songcatchers Open House at Songcatchers from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Children’s Authors in the One Room Schoolhouse at Thomas Paine Cottage (20 Sicard Ave., New Rochelle) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with crafts alongside authors Andrea Lambiasi and Donna Sirabella; Fran Sisco’s Award-Winning Plays and Films at 30 Mill Rd., New Rochelle, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with films, performances and Q&A (21+); “Still / Life” at New Rochelle High School Museum of Arts & Culture from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with student works and spoken word at 12:30 p.m.; Highbrook Studios at 222 Highbrook Ave. North, Pelham, a multi-artist showcase, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Charles Fazzino Studio at 32 Relyea Pl., New Rochelle, a 3D art interactive, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sixth Annual ArtsFest Makers Market at Thomas Paine Cottage from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with art, music and food trucks (rain date Oct. 19); ArtsFest Youth Makers Market at Thomas Paine Cottage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kid entrepreneurs; “The Space Between: Photography and Painting” at Palmer Art from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; “ArtsFest Open Studios Artists” at The Atelier from noon to 5 p.m.; Ann Marie DeLuca/Creative Explorations at The Rockledge Building (1600 Harrison Ave., Mamaroneck) mandala workshop from noon to 5 p.m.; “All Star Art Awards Show” at MAG Gallery from noon to 5 p.m.; “Paint an Enso, Color in Stillness” at Empty Hand Zen Center (45 Lawton St., New Rochelle), a Zen art session for ages 4+, from noon to 5 p.m.; Family Art Workshop at Pelham Art Center from noon to 2 p.m. with teen-led crafts; “Eye and Screen” at Vanda Gallery from noon to 4 p.m.; ArtsWestchester’s ArtsMobile at Makers Market from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with hands-on workshops; “Commural” Community Creative at Huguenot Children’s Library (794 North Ave., New Rochelle) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for paper mural creation; “A Mural of Houses” at Town House Kitchen + Drinks from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; A Spooktacular Celebration at New Rochelle Public Library from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. with pumpkin decorating and music (costumes encouraged); ArtsFest Film Festival Day 1 at The Picture House (175 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham) from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with film blocks and “Working in TV” panel ($10/day or $15/both days at newrochellearts.org/artsfest-tickets); “A LuvNote 4-Art” Poetically at Aleathia’s Original Artworks with teen and adult poets from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. ($21.60 at square.link/u/X7j0hiUs); ArtsFest Dance Festival Day 1 at Albert Leonard Middle School (25 Gerada Ln., New Rochelle) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with seven companies including Ajkun Ballet Theatre; Tilted Axes “Guitarmy” procession at Makers Market from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Historic Guitar Memorabilia at Thomas Paine Memorial Building (983 North Ave., New Rochelle) from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with collection tour and demo; Music & Art at Alvin & Friends from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Singer Songwriters on Tap at 18th Ward Brewing Taproom from 4 p.m. to midnight (21+); The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (tickets required); and Saturday Night Music from the Faboratory at NRCA Office from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., a jam session with stairs access.

Sunday, Oct. 19, wraps up with New Ro Runners Murals Run at Hotel NOMA from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Annual Student Exhibition at Pelham Art Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Acupuncture Unlimited/Amelia E. Jones from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Pumpkin Patch at Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fall activities and extra haunt tour ($10 at app.hauntpay.com/events/25802); Fall Fest Open House at JCC Mid-Westchester (999 Wilmot Rd., Scarsdale) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with crafts, music and fitness; Historic Trolley Tour of New Rochelle’s Murals at Hotel NOMA from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with four first-come tours; Glenwood Lake Park En Plein Air at Glenwood Lake Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for outdoor sketching; Charles Fazzino Studio from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Highbrook Studios from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Barry Mason Studio at The Life Storage Building (320 Washington St., Mt. Vernon) tour and talk from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Emlyn Tavares Studio at The Life Storage Building exhibit and discussion from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jazz Brunch at Alvin & Friends from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with menu available; “Eye and Screen” at Vanda Gallery from noon to 4 p.m.; “Open Studios Artists” at The Atelier from noon to 5 p.m.; “Queen Kitty City: Feline Fun by the Seaside” cat-themed art reception at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital (101 Glover Johnson Pl., New Rochelle) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; A Celebration of Chamber Music at NRPL Ossie Davis Theater from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with flute, violin and piano trio; SNAP! Downtown Architecture Photo Walk at Town House Kitchen + Drinks from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($15 at eventbrite.com/e/1657585686409); Open Studio: Michael Cammer at 9 Vaughn Ave., New Rochelle, new drawings, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; ArtsFest Film Festival Day 2 at The Picture House from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with films, panel and awards ($10/day); Artist Reception for New Rochelle Art Association 109th Open Juried Show at NRPL Lumen Winter Gallery from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tutti Bravi presents “Spirits & Souls” at Trinity St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (311 Huguenot St., New Rochelle) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with monologues and music; ArtsFest Dance Festival Day 2 at Albert Leonard Middle School from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with eight companies including Accent Dance NYC and New Rochelle High School PAVE; The Art of Food: Sol Food Walking Tour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with downtown bites and history ($125; email solfoodtoursnewro@gmail.com); “A Mural of Houses” at Town House Kitchen + Drinks from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; “A LuvNote 4-Art Visually” (adults only) painting workshop at Aleathia’s Original Artworks from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. ($48.50 at square.link/u/QIEdkgvo); Classical Guitar duo concert at The Oaks at The New Dawn Foundation (590 Davenport Ave., New Rochelle) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (park at Davenport Park); and R Cafe & Tea Boutique from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rain dates for the Makers Market and Classic Car Show are Oct. 19. For maps, tickets and updates, visit newrochellearts.org/artsfest-2025 or scan QR codes in the official brochure.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.