Rock the Block Ends, But Jazzfest Begins!
The End of The Rock the Block 2025 Season
As temperatures drop and nights grow shorter, Wednesday’s final Rock the Block Concert was a heartfelt farewell to summer.
We thank everyone who joined us on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to see all the pups, families, and couples enjoying the evening.
The event kicked off with hit classics from Sly and the Family Stone, performed by Everyday People, which energized the crowd. Next up was Ada Dyer, who captivated us all with her powerhouse vocals.
Children ran around with painted faces, clutching cotton candy, balloon flowers, crowns and swords. Meanwhile, the dogs wore smiles as they enjoyed their pup cups. Outdoor dining tables were filled with laughter and conversation, while kids and adults alike enjoyed the mini-golf and the golf simulator. Meanwhile, our local vendors showcased their businesses and connected with the community.
We are thrilled to have completed another successful season of Rock the Block, and we can’t wait to see what next year’s series will bring!
Special thanks to our participating restaurants for offering incredible al fresco dining: Brazen Fox, Cantina, Delicias Peruvian Kitchen, Freebird, Hudson Grille, Lazy Boy Saloon, Lilly’s, Ron Blacks, and Sundance Kitchen.
Thanks to our presenting sponsor White Plains Hospital, and our additional supporters, Argent Ventures, Westchester County, Bruni & Campisi, SRG2 Partners LLC., Cappelli Organization, Saw Mill Stone & Masonry Supplies, LANline Communications and Partyline, and our community partner New York Power Authority (NYPA). Their collective support plays a crucial role in making this event a reality and enhancing the local cultural landscape.
We are also grateful to our mini-golf sponsors for the second half of the Rock the Block season, including Club Champion, Apple Cinemas, Purple Owl, Minuteman Press, Evie’s Cleaners, RXR, Peroni Building Company, Leafology, and Game On Golf Center.
Want more music in Downtown White Plains? We have another music festival right around the corner: Jazz Fest White Plains, with the culminating JazzFest Al Fresco event occurring on the same street as Rock the Block! That means more outdoor dining and free live music to come! See the next article for more!
Outdoor Dining and World Class Jazz On The Ave
You asked for more Rock the Block concerts, and while this isn’t part of that series, it brings the same energy with outdoor dining and live music in Downtown White Plains. The culminating JazzFest event, Sunday Jazz Al Fresco, will take place on Sunday, September 14th. Like Rock the Block, Mamaroneck Avenue between Maple and East Post Road will be closed to traffic, creating space for live jazz to fill the streets as local restaurants serve their best dishes outdoors.
But with, there’s more! This is a multi-day event. Before the culminating event, join us for free and affordable world-class jazz from Wednesday, September 10th to Sunday, September 14th.
JazzFest features 18 live performances showcasing both emerging talent and GRAMMY Award winners across Downtown White Plains.
Highlights include Dinner Under the Stars on Wednesday, September 10th, at White Plains Plaza featuring The Wycliffe Gordon Quintet with a buffet style dinner by Via Garibaldi. On Thursday, September 11th, the Jazz Stroll will take place at three downtown locations (Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant, ArtsWestchester) , showcasing performances by The Juliet Set, Pablo Mayor Trio, and the Jazz & Poetry Choir Collective. On Saturday, September 13th, don’t miss Bertha Hope performing at Freebird Kitchen and Bar. For more details on these highlighted events, please refer to the Downtown Events section of the newsletter.
JazzFest is a partnership between the City of White Plains, the Downtown White Plains Business Improvement District, and ArtsWestchester.
Jazz Fest is presented by Montefiore Einstein. We are grateful to the Capelli Organization, Argent Ventures, Cambria Hotel White Plains, and The Purple Owl for sponsoring the events specifically coordinated by our Business Improvement District (BID). For the full list of sponsors of this tremendous event, please visit the Jazz Fest page at the link below.
Downtown White Plains Businesses in Best of Business 2025 List
Downtown White Plains BID businesses along with our frequent sponsors were recently recognized on the 914Inc. Best of Business list. Red Horse by David Burke was awarded Best After Work Happy Hour, SRG2 Partners was named Best Woman-Owned Business, and the Cappelli Organization was recognized as Best Commercial Real Estate Developer. We are proud to see our local businesses and partners continue to shine, setting the standard for innovation, leadership, and community impact right here in Downtown White Plains.
You can read more about it here.
Now Leasing: Eight Chester
We recently toured Eight Chester, a new residential building at 8 Chester Avenue in downtown White Plains that offers studios and two-bedroom apartments.
Each unit features modern finishes, stainless steel appliances, and large windows that fill the space with natural light. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, lounge and business center, bike storage, a laundry room, and covered parking, all within walking distance of shops, dining, and transit.
This is just a sneak peek, with more to come as the residences are fully furnished!
Oktoberfest Vendors Wanted
Save the date! Our annual Oktoberfest celebration returns on Sunday, October 12th.
This year, the event is bigger than ever! In addition to closing Mamaroneck Avenue from Maple Avenue to East Post Road, the festival will expand down to Quarropas Street, where the Alpine Village will feature German-inspired, family-friendly activities and vendors.
To bring this expansion to life, we are looking for vendors offering German cookies, arts and crafts, and more. We are also seeking additional sponsorship. If you are interested, please reach out to us.
DOWNTOWN EVENTS
Discover all the excitement of downtown White Plains! Whether you’re seeking a fun family adventure, a captivating romantic date, or simply a refreshing escape, this vibrant hub has it all. Check out the many events and programs that will leave you craving more.
Shows and Events
Friday September 5th | 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Coliseum White Plains | 15 South Broadway
A showcase of pole artistry presented by Pole Position Dance Studio. This one-of-a-kind performance highlights strength, grace, and creativity, bringing together top talent for a night of movement and expression.
For more info and tickets, click HERE.
Wednesday, September 10th | 6:30 pm
White Plains Plaza
Enjoy a live performance by he Wycliffe Gordon Quintet, a buffet-style dinner, and a beautiful evening under the open sky at the White Plains Plaza.
For more info and tickets, click HERE.
Music at the White Plains Plaza
September 16th and 30th | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
White Plains Plaza
Our friends at White Plains Plaza have put together a lovely concert series. Swing by for some al fresco tunes, this month through September!
Dine, Play, Perform:
Unleash the Fun at Our Restaurants!
Thursday, September 11th | 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Multiple Locations
Stroll around Downtown and follow the jazz sounds of The Juliet Set, Pablo Mayor Trio, and the Jazz & Poetry Choir Collective at three downtown locations (Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar, Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant, ArtsWestchester).
For more info, click HERE.
Friday, September 13th | 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Freebird Kitchen and Bar | 161 Mamaroneck Ave
Enjoy an evening of live music Bertha Hope, one of jazz’s living legends, accompanied by guest vocalist and local, Joe Boykin.
For more info, click HERE.
STEALS AND DEALS
Discover unbeatable deals on food, shopping, and beyond right in the heart of downtown! Your wallet will thank you for the bargains that await.
Fridays and Saturdays | 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
Hudson Grille | 165 Mamaroneck Ave
Fridays and Saturdays are made for $10 Espresso Martinis and frozen cocktails that hit just right. Plus, $5 canned drinks all night.
For more info, call 914-997-2000
Wednesday to Friday | 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Catrina Taqueria | 106 Mamaroneck Ave
Every Wednesday through Friday, mix and match two happy hour drinks for $12. Choose from margaritas, sangrias or beer.
For more info, click HERE.
COMMUNITY NEWS
City of White Plains Truck Day
Saturday, September 6th | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
87 Gedney Way
Explore a variety of White Plains City vehicles, including emergency vehicles and utility trucks. Children and families will have the chance to climb aboard, honk the horns, and learn about the trucks that keep the city moving.
For more info, click HERE.
Labor Day Weekend | All Day
Catch a free Circuit shuttle around town this weekend, with stops at the White Plains Metro-North Station, Main Street, The Westchester, and more. Just download the Circuit app, book your ride, and you’re on your way.
Ready to ride? Download the app HERE.
Burke Adaptive Sports & Recreation Expo
Saturday, September 13th | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Burke Rehabilitation | 785 Mamaroneck Ave
This community event showcases a wide range of adaptive sports, with opportunities to test cutting-edge equipment and explore supportive services for living, transportation, and financial needs. Guests can connect with Burke experts, enjoy food trucks, entertainment, raffle prizes, and more.
For more info, click HERE.
BUSINESS HUB
Discover innovative ways to elevate your business with
business-related happenings and resources.
Businesses: More Learning Opportunities!
We have another roundup of interesting sessions that may be perfect for your business:
- ConExpo on 9/10 brings together small business owners, Chambers of Commerce, MWBEs (Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises), SDVOBs (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses), DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises), and business resource providers from across the region.
- The Small Business Administration has free sessions on Managing Your Business, Meeting the Lenders, and Selling to Government.
- SUNY Westchester is hosting a Grow and Launch Your Business Summit on 9/25
Subscribe to the Westchester County Economic Development’s newsletter, The Catalyst, to receive notifications of more courses like this, in your inbox regularly! Sign up here.
Dreamers and Drivers Conference
Founded by Downtown White Plains’ own Lauren Morris, owner of Loola Doola Boutique on Martine Avenue, the Dreamers & Drivers Conference returns on Friday, September 12th at B Social in Port Chester. With the theme “Expanded Vision | Elevated Value,” the event will feature a Millennial Trailblazers Panel, breakthrough discussions, surprise awards, and more. It brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and community supporters.
More information and registration are available here.
Downtown White Plains eGift Card
Our Downtown Business Improvement District is launching a new “Shop Downtown” gift card that can be used at any registered BID business in our downtown.
This is a great way to get new customers into your door, keep spending local and support our downtown community.
It’s FREE for businesses within our service area to join and customers can purchase a gift card in any amount and use it at any participating local businesses.
Many cities already run successful downtown gift card programs: including Stamford, Hastings on Hudson and Scarsdale. Let’s make sure the downtown White Plains business community gets our share too!
Join the growing list of participating businesses, including Broadway MMA, Hudson Grille, Hastings Tea & Coffee, Lilly’s, LeVino, Loola Doola Boutique, Westchester Road Runner, Salon Maffei and more!
To sign up, click here or scan the QR code below.
To learn more, click here or scan the QR code at the bottom of the image.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Office Coordinator at maya@wpbid.com.