When the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival returns for its third year in 2026, it will feel both very familiar and brand new. The riverfront setting at Kingsland Point Park, top-tier sound, and family-forward atmosphere are all returning. But this year marks a major transformation: The festival is shifting from a kickoff to summer to a kickoff to the Halloween season on October 3—an evolution rooted in local lore and guided by the vision of co-director and Cortlandt mom of five, Liz Goodyear.
Goodyear, a lifelong music lover, along with longtime collaborator Alain Begun (Begun is also the owner and publisher of River Journal), had dreamed of creating a festival long before it became a reality in 2024. They had imagined a community gathering built on great music, beautiful scenery, and a truly welcoming environment for families.
In 2023, the Village of Sleepy Hollow began exploring its own event, a search spearheaded by Village Administrator (and local rock musician) Anthony Giaccio. Serendipitously, the two efforts met and joined forces to create what has already become a much-anticipated joyful annual tradition.
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As a parent who has attended countless live shows with kids in tow, Goodyear knows the difference between an event that barely accommodates children and one that thoughtfully embraces them. Her priority has always been the latter. “We wanted to give everyone a super fun day out because they deserve it.”
It’s this commitment that truly distinguishes the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival. The Kids Zone —designed in partnership with Macaroni KID Northern Westchester — offers sensory play, inflatables, arts and crafts, games, and plenty of other free activities. The idea is simple: If kids are engaged and happy, parents can actually immerse themselves in the music. “It offers way more for kids and families than any other festival I’ve been to,” she explains.
And it’s the music that remains the heartbeat of the event. Great sound quality and high production value remain non-negotiables for Goodyear and her team, who take pride in delivering an elevated experience in a relaxed setting. Two stages will showcase internationally touring artists, regional bands, and a new storytelling performance that highlights the area’s folklore.
The year three shift to Saturday, Oct. 3, is more than a scheduling change. It’s an intentional amplification of Sleepy Hollow’s world-famous Halloween identity. With the legend of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman woven into local history, and month-long events spilling into the neighboring Village of Tarrytown, the new date will be an absolute game changer. “The Village of Sleepy Hollow is thrilled to be partnering with River Town Music Group to help bring the Sleepy Hollow Music Festival back for a third year,” said Village Administrator Anthony Giaccio. “This year we’ve decided to move the event to early-October so residents and the tens-of-thousands of visitors who come here during the Halloween season can have an additional full-day experience of outstanding music and Halloween-themed entertainment to kick-off the season. We are also excited to announce that River Town Music Group has secured an additional partner who will help to finance the event.”
Families can expect Halloween-inspired vendors, themed décor, costume contests, Instagrammable moments, and appearances from the Horseman himself—all set against stunning fall foliage and the majestic Hudson River.
The team continues refining the experience each year. After relocating the second stage to the main lawn and introducing a popular VIP section in 2025, next year will see a slightly expanded VIP section while keeping the overall crowd comfortably spaced — important for stroller navigation, nap walks, and free movement. In-and-out privileges will ensure families can come and go with ease.
As Goodyear looks toward sunset on Oct. 3, she sees more than a festival. She sees a growing tradition — one built on music, community, family, and the magic of Sleepy Hollow.
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