Oct 2, 2019

With centuries of being home to sociable residents, Long Island has always been associated with different seasonal festivities designed to honor productivity and foster camaraderie between its residents and curious tourists. If you’re fascinated by (and you should be) how Long Island entertains its inhabitants and visitors⁠—through different events⁠—you should check out the following festivals slated for this summer and early fall.

“KidsPlayArea” by Chas Redmond, used under CC BY 2.0

Seafood Festival – Aug 24 and 25

The Seafood Festival at the Long Island Maritime Museum will feature the freshest seafood provided by the main event sponsors: Blue Island Oyster Company and Claws Seafood Market. Although several seafood trucks will be present, there is a variety of other food options you could try.

At this festival will be live performances from 10 bands throughout the two-day event. You will have the chance to treat your ears to the best blues, country, rock, and tribute bands. Admission fee for adults is $10 and free for kids aged 12 and under.

Seaford Labor Day Weekend Craft & Vendor Market – Aug 31 to Sep 2

To be held at Jackson Avenue and Sunrise Highway, the 17th annual Seaford Labor Day Weekend Craft & Vendor Market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market offers you many one-of-a-kind handmade items at a bargain, such as clothing, woodcraft, candles, soaps, and more. Food and drink will be available for all, and kids can indulge in inflatable rides and face painting. Entry is free.

The I Love Bacon, Butter, Beer, and Bourbon Fest – Sep 14 and 15

For bacon prepared every way you can dream of⁠—and probably some ways you can’t⁠—head for this festival at the Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington Station. Free bacon samples will be provided, and other foods and drinks will be available to you.

This festival starts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for kids aged 4 to 12 years.

Bellmore Family Street Festival – Sep 19 to 22

The annual Bellmore Street Festival begins on Thursday 19 with the carnival from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday 20, along with the carnival, there is live music from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The main event is the street festival on Saturday and Sunday, for which 25 square blocks will be closed to traffic to create a huge pedestrian area.

At this festival, you’ll find various food trucks and a craft fair showcasing wood, jewelry, art, toys, ornaments, and collectibles. Admission to the event is free.

The Long Island Fair – Sep 21 and 22, Sep 28 and 29

Running over two weekends, the Long Island Fair is hosted at Old Bethpage Village Restoration and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair features many farming-related exhibits, activities, and competitions for the whole family. There, you have the luxury of pony rides, the historic carousel, and much more. Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for kids.

With so much entertainment to revel in, head out to these family-friendly summer and fall festivals and events around Long Island this year.