By Veer Rikhy
One of Irvington’s most treasured annual events, Rocktoberfest, took place on Saturday September 17, 2025. Bands came to play and food trucks sold a variety of different cuisines to celebrate the turning of the seasons.
The bands that played feature David Whitehead, leading his band, five 1994 IHS graduates, who played to celebrate their 30 year high school reunion, as well as the Mighty Spectrum Band, a driving rock n’ roll group with hits from the ’50s and ’80s.
A kids’ zone at the festival featured a large inflatable bouncy castle as well as pumpkin painting, a perfect set of activities for children.
The food truck selection included choices such as pizza, cheesesteaks, sandwiches, lobster rolls, barbeque, tacos, empanadas, as well as food from Irvington’s own Dominican cafe, Don Carvajal Café.
The Irvington Arts & Culture Committee displayed the painted bulldogs shown all across Main Street. These bulldogs were sold at an auction, and people who created them were given awards.
The Irvington Green Team asked everyone who went to the event to participate in a “Zero-Waste” act. The food packaging that came when a meal was ordered was compostable, meaning that everything should go into the food scraps bin when thrown out.
“I thought that seeing people perform was really cool, especially as I watched kids dancing along to the bands playing. It’s great to see Irvington supporting local artists,” said IHS sophomore Jade Beasely. “The food trucks were really good, especially with the variety they provided…Overall, it was a really nice community-bonding experience.”
Matthiessen Park, where Rocktober Fest was held, is an especially great venue due to the view of the Hudson River and the Mario M, Cuomo Bridge. At night, everyone who attended the event was able to see the bridge lit up in different colors. The park also features a playground with swings, slides, sandboxes, a jungle gym, and many other amenities to keep kids entertained and occupied.
Rocktoberfest marks a new beginning for the school year, as well as autumn starting to set in. It’s one of the most treasured events of Irvington and, of course, will come back again next year for everyone to enjoy.
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