Weekend Planner: "The Smurfs" Under the Stars, Peekskill Celebration

“The Smurfs" Movie Shown Under the Stars

When/Where:  Friday, August 3, 8 p.m. at in Valhalla

Why Go: Gather the family and pack some blankets and chairs for a picnic on the lawn – the Lippolis Electric Movie under the Stars showing of the animated family film The Smurfs (PG, 2011) will take place rain or shine. The movie, which will be shown in standard format (not 3-D), tells the story of the tiny blue Smurfs who get chased out of their magical world and into New York City by the evil wizard Gargamel.

Price: Admission and parking are free.

Al Fresco Sunday: Gospel According to Caramoor

When/Where: Sunday, August 5, 4:30 p.m. at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Why Go: What better way to close out the 2012 Festival than with joyous music by the Harlem Gospel Choir and The Lee Boys. This celebrated choir draws its members from the black churches in the NYC area and has been delighting diverse audiences around the globe for over 25 years. They bring their message of love, hope and unity to every inspired performance. The Lee Boys are three brothers (joined by three nephews) who hail from Florida where they grew up in the church where both their father and grandfather was the pastor. They are one of the finest African-American sacred steel ensembles – a unique form of Gospel music noted for its hard-driving, blues-base beat featuring guitar, bass, drums and pedal steel guitar, the central instrument of sacred steel music.

Price:  $25, $35. Concert Al Fresco tickets $10.

Village People Concert

When/Where:  Sunday, August 5, 5 p.m. at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway

Why Go:  The disco and dance legends, now in their 35th year were the costumed party band of the 1970s and is still going strong. Hear original members Felipe (Indian), Alex (soldier) and David (construction worker) sing those chart toppers “Macho Man,” “In the Navy” and of course “YMCA” along with newer members Ray, Jeff and Eric.

Price: Tickets are $25-$75

Home Run Derby to Benefit People Affected by Cancer

When/Where: Saturday, August 4, 4 p.m. at the Peekskill Stadium, located on Louisa Street in Peekskill.

Why Go: The event will raise money for Support Connection, the not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer.

Calling all baseball fans for the third annual "Home Run Derby for a Cause," where participants can enter the derby for a $25 donation. Each player will receive 10 hits and the person with the most home runs wins. There will be prizes for first and second place, plus tee-shirts for all participants. Enjoy music, mascots, and a concession stand. Also after the derby, check out the Fireworks Extravaganza Show, courtesy of Peekskill Celebration. There will be shuttle buses available during the afternoon and evening

Price:  Spectators are welcome to attend for a $10 donation, kids under 12 are free. Call Support Connection at 914-962-6402 to register to enter the derby.

Peekskill Celebration Festival

When/Where: Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4 at Riverfront Green Park and other venues, click here for full schedule. Free shuttle bus service from downtown. Shuttle begins at 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m.

Why Go:  The weekend-long festival features corporate and not-for-profit sponsored dragon boat races, live music and entertainment and more than 100 vendor booths including crafts and food.  This is a family focused event with lots of activities for kids, fireworks and a cancer-awareness race and rose ceremony. 

Price:  Free admission

Teatown: Gone Batty

When/Where: Saturday, August 4, 7:30 p.m. at in Ossining

Why Go:  Bats are amazing little mammals that help keep insect populations in check. Sadly New York’s bat populations are in peril.  Come learn about bats and the white-nose syndrome. Head outside at dusk to listen for bats with a bat-detector device.

Price:  $5, please note this program is for families with children over 6-years-old. Call 914-762-2912 x110 to make a reservation.

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