Albanian Heritage Day June 7 Kicks off Westchester Cultural Heritage Celebrations this Summer

Enjoy sports, live performances, food and more!

Albanian Heritage Day will take place on Sunday, June 7, from noon to 6 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

This festival will feature Albanian cuisine, beverages, dancing and a variety of sports including soccer. The event will also include live performances by Vjollca Luka, Gjovani Gjonaj, Alfred Popaj, DJ Geni Hotaj, Rozafati Group, Albanian School of Our Lady of Shkodra Parish,Albanian American Cultural Center Struga and Albanian Roots will perform traditional

Albanian music and dances from all regions.  

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Immersing yourself in Westchester’s rich cultural diversity fosters broader perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the many traditions, lifestyles and viewpoints that shape our County. Cultural festivals serve as powerful bridges between communities, cultivating empathy, understanding and mutual respect. They remind us that while our customs may differ, the values of family, heritage and shared human experience connect us all.”

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “Experiencing the traditions and stories of different cultures expands our understanding of the many ways our County’s residents live, celebrate and express their heritage. Kensico Dam Plaza provides a stunning and welcoming setting for these cultural celebrations, offering the perfect backdrop for the vibrant performances, artistic expressions and diverse perspectives that make this event so meaningful for our entire community.”

The festival will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. Coolers aren’t allowed. Admission and parking are free.*

The Heritage Festivals are from noon to 6 p.m.; the 2026 schedule is as follows:

  • Irish, Saturday, June 27, Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale
    *Admission: $5 adults; free for ages 14 and under
  • African-American, Sunday, June 28, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
  • Hispanic, Sunday, July 12, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
  • Italian, Sunday, July 26, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
  • Heritage of India, Sunday, Aug. 2, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
  • Jewish, Sunday, Aug. 16, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
  • Muslim Heritage, Sunday, Aug. 23, Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla
  • Arab-American, Sunday, Sept. 13, Ridge Road Park, Hartsdale

Please be advised that on June 7, the Bronx River Parkway will be closed for Bicycle Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. between Scarsdale Road in Yonkers and the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The park can be accessed via Route 22, from the north or south.

Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway, in Valhalla. Ridge Road Park is located at 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale.  

Albanian Heritage Day is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and Our Lady of Shkodra Church in Hartsdale. For more information, call (914) 231-4500.