Patch Picks: Things to do for Memorial Day Weekend

Each week we choose five Patch Picks for great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.

You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything—from date night destinations, florists, parks, the best places for  and more. Want to suggest a list? Submit your ideas in the comment box.

This week’s Patch Picks: Where to spend your Memorial Day Weekend

1.) At the Beach

What better way to pretend you’re away on an exotic Caribbean vacation than by spending the day at the beach? Grab a book, a picnic basket and some friends and head to Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park. The beach is open to sunbathers-lathered in SPF 75 and covered by floppy hats of course-all weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

You can also check out Rye Playland Beach all weekend from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Walk along the Boardwalk, grab some food, and admire the beautiful view of the Long Island Sound. Adults get in for $4, children ages 5 to 11 and senior citizens get in for $3. Click here for more information.

2.) Barbeque

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of barbecue season, so dust off your grill and get those burgers and dogs ready.

If you’re a Westchester County resident and want to BBQ with 26 or more of your closest friends, make sure to reserve your spot at Saxon Woods Park. Call the Westchester Parks Permit Office at 914.864.7075 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. before Saturday to ensure an area. There are also free public zones at the park with picnic tables, playgrounds and volleyball courts. Both areas have grills, but make sure to bring your own barbecue bricks and water.

Delfino Park on Lake Street is also a beautiful place to cook and lounge. It has picnic tables and grills, which are available on a first-come first-served basis, playgrounds and softball fields. If you have a permit, you can use the tennis courts from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3.) Events/Ceremonies

The annual is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Monday at the  on 100 Martine Ave. The march will end at the White Plains Rural Cemetery on North Broadway. 

There will be a ceremony at the cemetery at approximately 11 a.m. following the parade to honor the veterans, complete with the singing of the national anthem, a recital, a reading of deceased veterans, a city proclamation from the mayor, and a memorial address from the Grand Marshal.

Rye Playland is hosting a  from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. There will be a veterans picnic at 12:15 p.m. and a performance by the West Point Band shortly after. The U.S. Marine Corps will then put on a helicopter demonstration at 2 p.m., weather permitting. The day ends with a musical performance by the Jump Start Big Band at 3 p.m.

The Veterans Service Agency is offering free parking passes at a dozen convenient locations throughout the county. To get your parking pass in advance, call the agency at 914.995.2146. Veterans with ID cards get one free parking pass, one free wristband, and ride discounts for themselves and their immediate family members.

4.) Nightlife 

Check out the downtown White Plains bar scene this weekend with your buddies. The Black Bear Saloon on Mamaroneck Ave. is hosting a "Backyard BBQ Weekend", starting with an old school themed keg party on the floor and $2 dollar drafts at 9 p.m. Friday until it closes at 4 a.m. On Saturday night, the bar is holding a UFC Fight Night from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. with $15 bud family buckets. All day Sunday and Monday, the saloon is providing a 'build your own BBQ' menu. You can choose from hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken or steak and create your own plate with sides, salads and refreshing $3 Coors Light Drafts.

5.) Shopping

 There are plenty of sales going on in White Plains this Memorial Day Weekend. Head to The Westchester to get 30 percent off on select styles at Armani Exchange or 30 percent off your entire purchase at American Eagle Outfitters. If you're feeling preppy, Sperry Top-Sider is giving away a free paddleboard set with any purchase of $100 dollars or more, and Tommy Hilfiger is offering 20 percent off purchases over $150 dollars or 15 percent off your entire purchase. The mall is open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday.

The Galleria this weekend. Buy one candle and get 50 percent off Red, White or Blue candles at Yankee Candle, and if you show a valid military ID, you can get 10 percent discount off your total purchase. The Galleria is open from noon  to 9:30 p.m. Monday. 

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What are you doing for Memorial Day Weekend? Know of any special events or restaurant deals? What should Patch Pick next week?