Festivals on Long Island: October 2023

Fall is officially, and that means so are festivals for the whole family! Celebrate the season with these festive events taking place on Long Island this month.

Click on your region to jump to events near you!

Nassau County
Suffolk County

Psst… Here are some Halloween safety tips every parent should know!

Nassau County

Hicks Fall Festival

Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury

Daily, 10 am – 5 pm, through Oct. 29.

All ages

Free admission; $8 hay maze only; $25 weekend and holidays pay-one-price wristband.

Meet and take pictures with Otto, walk through an animated children’s story, take part in fun activities and enjoy delicious fall food favorites including fresh roasted corn, fudge, apple cider, homemade pies, cider dipped donuts and more!

Free festivities daily include corn hole, scarecrow ring toss, tons of photo op areas, pumpkin patch, Otto the ghost’s animated children’s story and pictures with Otto himself!

On weekends and Holidays, pay-one-price bracelet includes: sand art, mum pot decorating, pumpkin decorating and an all-new bigger and even better hay maze experience.

Arts In The Plaza

Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester St. Long Beach

Saturdays, 10 am – 3 pm, through Oct. 28.

All ages

Free

This Weekly Arts Festival features handcrafted art by Long Island artists, live music, cultural performances and a Kids Art Station.

Meet artists and hear the stories behind their creations and shop an amazing selection of fine art, photography, custom jewelry, and unique handmade gifts in a myriad of mediums.

The 28th Annual Massapequa Park Street Fair

Park Boulevard (from Sunrise Highway to Clark Boulevard) and Front Street (from Park Boulevard to Seventh Street), Massapequa Park

Sunday, Oct. 1, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

All ages

Free admission

This sprawling event includes a craft & vendor street bazaar, food trucks, live music, and a magnificent Kids Funzone featuring live exotic animals, face painting, pumpkin patch and more.

St. Joseph School Annual Fall Festival

450 Franklin Avenue, Garden City

Saturday, Oct. 14, 11 am – 4 pm

All ages

Free admission

Sip cider and pick pumpkins at this annual family event. Bouncers, pony rides, a petting zoo, games, a vendor market, food and drink, a toddler play area and much more. All proceeds benefit the St. Joseph School Family Association.

Long Island Family Day

Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City

Sunday, Oct. 15, 11 am – 2:30 pm

All ages

Free Admission

Come out for a fun and educational day that brings together families of all backgrounds to learn, play, and grow together. With a variety of vendors, exhibitions, and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From parenting tips and educational resources to entertainment and music, the Long Island Family day offers a unique opportunity to connect to local resources in the community and discover new ideas for enhancing family life.

Hempstead Lake Fall Family Freshwater Fishing Festival

Hempstead Lake State Park

Saturday, Oct. 21, 11 am – 4 pm

All ages

Free

This family-oriented annual fishing festival integrates fishing with fall activities, such as a casting for pumpkins contest and pumpkin decorating.

The event includes fly fishing instruction, demonstrations, and outdoor exhibits by local fishing clubs. Children can enjoy time on an inflatable and pumpkin decorating.

37th Annual Rock Hall Country Fair

Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence

Oct. 21-22, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.

All ages

Free admission

Enjoy a weekend of entertainment, shows and Fall fun! Visit with colonial historians along with harvest market, craft vendors and antique cars. farm animals and pony rides, children’s craft area, pumpkin patch, Make Your Own Scarecrow and much more!

Rolling River Day Camp’s Annual Fall Festival

Rolling River Day Camp, 477 Ocean Avenue, East Rockaway

Saturday, Oct. 21, 12 – 4 pm

All ages

$5-$35

Break out your best Halloween costume and bring your family to the annual Rolling River Fall Festival!

Celebrate the fall season with unlimited access to bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, craft projects, face painting, DJ music, apparel sale, vendors, giveaways, food trucks, playgrounds, pumpkin patch and much more.

Suffolk County

White Post Farms Fall Festival

White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Rd, Melville

Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, through Oct. 29; Oct. 9, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

All ages

$34.95

This Fall Festival includes hayrides, play in the hay, family shows, magic show, food trucks, animal farm, and more.

Famous Food Festival “Taste the World”

Tanger Outlets – Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park

Oct. 6-9, Friday-Monday, 11am-8pm

All ages

$5-$52

“Taste The World’ with food inspirations from countries represented from all around the world along with live music, cooking demos, axe throwing, kids section, and more.

Jamesport Fire Dept. Open House

25 Manor Lane, Jamesport

Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 am – 2 pm

All ages

Free

This family-friendly open house will feature fire truck and equipment displays, fire safety demonstrations, a vehicle extrication, and displays and demonstrations by area law enforcement and first responder agencies including New York State Police, Riverhead Police, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps., and Peconic Bay Medical Center.

The Jamesport Fire Department will offer information to individuals interested in joining the department and the Ladies Auxiliary will hold a yard sale. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be served.

Family Fun Fall Festival at the SYJCC

Suffolk Y JCC, 74 Hauppauge Rd, Commack

Sunday, Oct. 15, 11 am – 3 pm

All ages

Free; $10 suggested donation.

Come out for some family fun at this annual fall festival with a petting zoo, inflatables, pumpkin picking & decorating, mini golf, climbing wall, arts & crafts, face painting, and more.

Fall Harvest Festival

Deer Park Ave from Main Street to Park Avenue, Babylon

Saturday, Oct. 21, 11am-6pm

All ages

Free

Rides, games, a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment, delicious BBQ, specialty foods and so much more!

Ronkonkoma Fall Festival

Hawkins Ave to Division, Ronkonkoma

Sunday, Oct. 29, 12-6pm

All ages

Free

This family friendly block party will feature safe trick or treating, pumpkins for the kids, craft & food vendors and more!

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Brooklyn Music School

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For over a century, we at The Brooklyn Music School have strived to make the joy of music, dance and performance accessible to everyone no matter their age, background, or financial status. <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to offering affordable in-person and online private and group music lessons, dance classes, after-school programs, and community outreach, we also provide space for&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brooklyn and NYC artists to perform in our 250-seat Spanish-style theatre. Come by for a night of live music, or join us for a class! <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; <span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit BrooklynMusicSchool.org to learn more, register for classes, or view our calendar for upcoming events.&nbsp;

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School&rsquo;s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.

Festivals on Long Island: October 2023