It's that stretch of October when the air finally has some bite to it, and New Rochelle is leaning all the way into the season — lanterns, haunts, pumpkins and plenty of free indoor stuff when you need a break from the cold. Here's what's worth your time this Friday and Saturday, from early-morning storytimes to after-dark walks through a crumbling mansion. Almost everything on this list is free.
Autumn Glow Festival — Friday, October 23 at 6:30 PM at Glen Island Park (ticketed). Hundreds of hand-crafted illuminated lanterns light up a night walk along the water, inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals — easily the prettiest thing happening in New Rochelle right now.
The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion — Friday, October 23 at 7:00 PM at Wildcliff Mansion, from $25. A story-driven walk-through haunt set in the ruins of a historic mansion overlooking Echo Bay, complete with Dr. Wildcliff's forgotten laboratory. The setting does half the scaring for them.
The New Rochelle Public Library and its Huguenot Children's Library branch stack Fridays with free drop-ins, and they're genuinely good.
Baby & Me Together Time — Friday at 10:15 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free. A gentle storytime built for crawlers and pre-walkers, newborn to 18 months — low pressure, lots of songs.
Yoga Tots at HCL — Session One and Session Two — Friday at 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM, Huguenot Children's Library. Free. Budding Buddhas instructors lead ages 2–4 through stretching and calm-down breathing; two time slots means you can work around a nap.
Toddler Time — Friday at 11:00 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free. Stories, songs and movement for ages 18 months to 3 years.
Knitting Club — Friday at 11:00 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free. Drop in with Master Hand Knitter Stephanie Lieberman Paley — beginners welcome, no commitment required.
One-on-One Assistance — Friday at 10:00 AM (also at 2:00 PM), 2nd Floor Help & Learning Center. Free. Staff will sit down with you and help with forms, applications and the digital stuff that's hard to do alone.
Grades 6–12 get the run of the library starting at 3:00 PM, all free, no registration:
Giant Jenga Weekend — oversized blocks, high stakes, a lot of yelling.
Game & Watch — Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Xbox Series X in the Teen Room. Bring a friend.
VR Game Night — Oculus Quest 3 headsets, free to try.
HYROX HYBRID — Saturday at 7:00 AM at RB Fitness. First class free ($40 drop-in after). Functional strength plus HYROX-style conditioning for anyone who wants their weekend to start hard.
Sing Your Heart Out! Workshop for Adult Singers — Saturday at 9:30 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free. Robert Puleo returns to help adult singers build real confidence — shower-singers very much included.
Yoga Kids — Saturday at 10:00 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free, ages 3–8.
Computer Class: Buying on eBay — Saturday at 10:00 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free, registration required at (914) 813-3737. Learn to search, bid and buy without getting burned.
Once Upon A Craft at HCL — Saturday at 10:30 AM, Huguenot Children's Library. Free, ages 4–8. Stories plus a craft to carry home.
Citizenship/Civics Class — Saturday at 11:00 AM, New Rochelle Public Library. Free prep for the U.S. citizenship exam and interview — pass it along to a neighbor who needs it.
Want this in your inbox every week? Grab the free happs digest of New Rochelle events at happslocal.com.
Get the free New Rochelle weekly digest →