Long Island, a vibrant and diverse region just east of New York City, is a treasure trove of special events throughout the year. From cultural festivals to music concerts, there is always something happening to delight residents and visitors alike. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top events you can’t afford to miss when visiting Long Island.
1. Long Island Fall Festival
When: October
Where: Heckscher Park, Huntington
The Long Island Fall Festival is one of the largest and most anticipated events on Long Island. Held annually in October, this festival offers a perfect mix of fun, food, and entertainment for all ages. Located in the picturesque Heckscher Park in Huntington, the festival features live music performances, a carnival, craft vendors, and a wide array of delicious food options. The beautiful fall foliage adds a touch of magic to the event, making it a must-visit.
Highlights:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by local bands and musicians.
- Artisan Market: Browse unique handcrafted items and local artwork.
- Family Fun: Carnival rides, games, and a children’s area ensure fun for the whole family.
- Food Trucks: Savor a variety of culinary delights from gourmet food trucks and local eateries.
2. Long Island Wine & Food Festival
When: September
Where: Various Vineyards across Long Island
Long Island’s wine country is renowned for its vineyards and wineries, and the Long Island Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of this rich tradition. Held in September, the festival takes place across multiple vineyards in the region, offering wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and educational wine tours.
Highlights:
- Wine Tastings: Sample a wide range of wines from local vineyards.
- Food Pairings: Enjoy delicious dishes crafted by top chefs to complement the wines.
- Wine Tours: Learn about the winemaking process with guided tours of the vineyards.
- Live Entertainment: Experience live music and entertainment in a picturesque vineyard setting.
3. Oyster Festival
When: October
Where: Theodore Roosevelt Park, Oyster Bay
The Oyster Festival in Oyster Bay is a beloved annual event that attracts thousands of visitors. Celebrating the town’s maritime heritage and the bountiful oyster harvest, the festival offers a weekend of family-friendly fun, delicious seafood, and cultural experiences.
Highlights:
- Seafood Delights: Feast on fresh oysters, clams, and other seafood specialties.
- Tall Ships: Explore historic tall ships and learn about maritime history.
- Craft Fair: Discover unique crafts and artwork from local artisans.
- Entertainment: Enjoy live music, pirate shows, and interactive exhibits.
4. Long Island International Film Expo
When: July
Where: Bellmore Movies, Bellmore
For film enthusiasts, the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) is a must-attend event. Held in July at the Bellmore Movies, LIIFE showcases independent films from around the world, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to present their work. The festival includes screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Highlights:
- Film Screenings: Watch a diverse selection of independent films, from shorts to feature-length.
- Q&A Sessions: Engage with filmmakers during post-screening Q&A sessions.
- Workshops: Participate in workshops and panels covering various aspects of filmmaking.
- Awards Ceremony: Celebrate the best in independent film at the awards ceremony.
5. Jones Beach Air Show
When: Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh
The Jones Beach Air Show is an exhilarating event that marks the unofficial start of summer on Long Island. Held over Memorial Day weekend, this air show features breathtaking aerial performances by military and civilian aircraft, including the renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Highlights:
- Aerial Stunts: Witness thrilling aerobatic maneuvers and formation flying.
- Static Displays: Get up close to aircraft on display and meet pilots.
- Patriotic Tribute: Celebrate Memorial Day with patriotic performances and ceremonies.
- Beach Fun: Enjoy a day at the beach with family-friendly activities and food vendors.
6. Long Island Garlic Festival
When: September
Where: Garden of Eve Organic Farm, Riverhead
The Long Island Garlic Festival is a unique and flavorful event celebrating all things garlic. Held at the Garden of Eve Organic Farm in Riverhead, this festival offers a weekend of garlicky goodness with cooking demonstrations, garlic-themed foods, and family activities.
Highlights:
- Garlic Tastings: Sample a variety of garlic-infused dishes and products.
- Cooking Demos: Learn new recipes and cooking techniques from local chefs.
- Garlic Growing: Attend workshops on growing and harvesting garlic.
- Family Fun: Enjoy live music, hayrides, and a petting zoo for kids.
7. Hamptons International Film Festival
When: October
Where: Various Locations in the Hamptons
The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) is a prestigious event that attracts film lovers and industry professionals from around the globe. Held in October, HIFF screens a carefully curated selection of films, including premieres, documentaries, and short films, across multiple venues in the Hamptons.
Highlights:
- Film Premieres: Be among the first to see new films and potential award-winners.
- Celebrity Guests: Spot celebrities and attend red carpet events.
- Panels and Talks: Gain insights from filmmakers and actors during panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
- Special Screenings: Experience unique film programs, including outdoor screenings and retrospectives.
8. Alive After Five
When: Summer Thursdays
Where: Main Street, Patchogue
Alive After Five is a lively street fair held on select Thursdays during the summer in downtown Patchogue. This event transforms Main Street into a bustling pedestrian zone filled with live music, food vendors, and local businesses showcasing their products.
Highlights:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by local bands on multiple stages.
- Food and Drink: Savor delicious street food, craft beers, and cocktails.
- Art and Crafts: Browse booths featuring handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork.
- Community Spirit: Experience the vibrant community atmosphere of Patchogue.
9. Sag Harbor American Music Festival
When: September
Where: Various Venues in Sag Harbor
The Sag Harbor American Music Festival celebrates American music in all its forms, from jazz and blues to folk and rock. Held in late September, this festival features free and ticketed performances at various venues throughout Sag Harbor, including outdoor stages, restaurants, and historic sites.
Highlights:
- Live Performances: Enjoy a diverse lineup of musical acts across different genres.
- Outdoor Stages: Experience live music in scenic outdoor settings.
- Historic Venues: Attend concerts in unique and historic locations.
- Community Engagement: Participate in music workshops and activities for all ages.
10. East End Maritime Festival
When: September
Where: Greenport Village
The East End Maritime Festival in Greenport Village is a celebration of the area’s rich maritime history. This festival offers a weekend of nautical-themed activities, including boat tours, seafood tastings, and maritime demonstrations.
Highlights:
- Tall Ships: Tour historic tall ships and learn about their history.
- Seafood Tastings: Sample fresh seafood from local vendors.
- Maritime Demonstrations: Watch traditional boat-building and knot-tying demonstrations.
- Family Activities: Enjoy pirate shows, treasure hunts, and children’s crafts.
11. Long Island Pride Parade and Festival
When: June
Where: Various Locations in Long Island
The Long Island Pride Parade and Festival is a vibrant and inclusive event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Held in June, this event includes a colorful parade, live entertainment, and a festival with food, vendors, and activities for all ages.
Highlights:
- Pride Parade: Join the festive parade featuring floats, performers, and community groups.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by musicians, drag artists, and dancers.
- Pride Festival: Explore vendor booths, food trucks, and interactive exhibits.
- Family Zone: Participate in family-friendly activities and games.
12. Montauk Music Festival
When: May
Where: Various Venues in Montauk
The Montauk Music Festival is a four-day event held in May that showcases emerging artists and bands across multiple genres. Performances take place at various venues in Montauk, including bars, restaurants, and outdoor stages.
Highlights:
- Live Music: Discover new talent with performances by over 100 artists.
- Diverse Genres: Enjoy music ranging from rock and folk to reggae and blues.
- Scenic Venues: Experience live music in Montauk’s beautiful coastal setting.
- Community Vibe: Engage with local musicians and music lovers.