LongIsland.com

LongIsland.com’s 2014 November Family Fun Guide: From Turkey Trots, to Thanksgiving Dinners, to Veteran’s Day Events This November Has It All

Written by Kelly Tenny  |  01. November 2014

Halloween has come and gone, and with its exit, November has arrived. Although the chill in the air continues to get stronger, there are still plenty of great indoor and outdoor activities happening across the Island - from memorials & parades honoring our local heroes this Veterans Day, to Thanksgiving Turkey Trots, and Cold Weather Family Fun, this November is packed with all sorts of entertainment, events, and great ways to spend the day.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the tail end of Autumn, or you’re ready to embrace the holiday season with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah Happenings, we’ve got you covered with the scoop on all sorts of exciting events happening this November from start to finish.

Festivals, Fairs & Concerts
This Fall is full of festive fairs, festivals and musical performances to attend. If you’re looking for a good time the whole family can enjoy, then you should head on over to one of these various festivities taking place this month.

Long Island Antiquarian Book and Paper Fair
Hofstra University Student Center, Hempstead Tpke, Hempstead, NY 11549
Saturday, November 1st & Sunday, November 2nd from 11AM - 6PM on Saturday, 11AM - 4PM on Sunday
516-868-2751
$7

This fair will feature rare books, first editions, and a display of documents detailing everyday life in the American Colonies.

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair - FREE
Farmingdale VFW Post 516, 635 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Sunday, November 2nd from 10AM - 4PM

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this vendor fair! The fair will feature a bunch of goodies including cookies, cupcakes, Scentsy products, Origami Owl and more!

O-Town Live in Concert
The Paramount, 370 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
Wednesday, November 5th at 8PM
631-673-7300
$27.50 - $59.50

If you remember watching “Making the Band” in the late 90’s early 00’s then you remember the formation and rise to success of O-Town! Come out to see the reformed band live this month!

Deacon Fall Festival & Craft Fair
First Presbyterian Church of Greenlawn, 497 Pulaski Road, Greenlawn, NY 11740
Saturday, November 8th from 9AM - 4PM
631-261-2150
Call for cost

Visitors to this fair have craft vendors, Christmas items, baked goods, roasted corn, apple cider and other refreshments to look forward to! Proceeds benefit the Food Pantry and Deacon Outreach ministries.

Harvest Artisan Fine Craft Festival
St. Paul's Field House, 295 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Saturday, November 8th & Sunday, November 9th from 10AM - 5PM
631-563-8551
$5

Come out to see the selection of artisan goods available at this local festival! There will be leather, jewelry, clothing, pottery, original art, fiber, holiday decor, gifts and more.

Paul Anka
NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590
Saturday, November 8th at 8PM
631-582-3663
$125

Come out to see this legendary singer/songwriter perform right here on Long Island! A portion of the proceeds being donated to Long Island Cares' Endowment Fund.

Fitz and the Tantrums
The Space at Westbury, 250 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
Tuesday, November 11th at 8PM
800-745-3000
$30

Listen to the mixed bag of soulful, indie sounds that this Los Angeles based band embodies at The Space at Westbury!

19th Annual Autumn Art & Craft Festival
Independence Plaza, Middle Country Road, 200 Independence Plaza, Selden, NY 11784
Saturday, November 15th & Sunday, November 16th from 10AM - 6PM
631-563-8551
$5

With over 125 artisans and craftsmen gathering from all over the nation to offer you an exquisite selection of handmade gifts and original art, you won’t want to miss out on this!

Hanukkah Craft Fair - FREE
The Jewish Center of Bay Shore, 26 N. Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Sunday, November 16th from 10AM - 3PM
631-662-5490

This Hanukkah and holiday craft fair will feature handmade jewelry, fine art photography, Tupperware,hand painted glass, tie-dye outfits and more.

Craft Fair & Bake Sale - FREE
Middle Island Presbyterian Church, 19 Longwood Road, Ridge, NY 11961
Saturday, November 22nd from 10AM - 3PM
631-924-6443

Check out all of the neat hand-crafted items and homemade treats that local Long Islanders have made and bring along a non-perishable food item if you can!

Steve Miller Band
The Paramount, 370 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
Saturday, November 22nd at 8PM
631-673-7300
$70 - $185

You’ll be flying like an eagle as you listen to the Steve Miller Band perform live in Huntington!

Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art & Gift Show - FREE
Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
Friday, November 28th through Sunday, November 30th from 9AM - 3PM & 10AM - 2PM on Sunday
631-298-5292

Shop for the finest in folk art, crafts and gifts including baskets, tree trimmings and holiday decor, wreaths, rugs, woodcarvings and decoys, gift baskets, ornaments and so much more-something for everyone on your list!

Nature Events
Who wouldn’t love to spend the day outside revelling in the cool, crisp Autumn atmosphere! Winter will be upon us soon and opportunities to spend  time outside will diminish so be sure to make the most out of the weather we have now!

Adult Adventures: Northern Trail Hike
Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale, NY 11769
Saturday, November 1st from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$3 - $4 per person, $8 Parking Fee (free parking with Empire Pass)

Observe plants and animals while taking a leisurely 6 mile walk through wetlands, pine barrens, and oak forests in the preserve.

Autumn Discoveries
Caleb Smith State Park, Smithtown, NY 11787
Sunday, November 2nd from 1:30 M - 3:00 PM
$3 - $4 per person, $8 Parking Fee (free parking with Empire Pass)

Bring the kids out to get crafty and create a colorful collage from natural things they find in the forest.

Seal Hike in Montauk
Montauk Point State Park, 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
Saturday, November 8th & Sunday, November 23rd at 1PM
631-668-5000
$4 per adult, $3 per child

Hikers meet at the Lighthouse concession stand and be ready to go in appropriate clothing with comfortable shoes, since you will be outside for 2-3 hours. Due to the popularity of these events reservations are required to participate.

Leonid Meteor Shower
Heckscher State Park, Eastern End of Southern State Parkway, East Islip, NY 11730
Sunday, November 16th from 11:30AM - 1:30PM
631-581-1072
$4 for adults, $3 children, free for ages under 3, $10 parking fee

Join us to see the meteor shower named after the constellation Leo, the peak of this meteor shower can be 20 meteors per hour, for ages 5 and up. Please reserve.

Instructional Bird Walk for Beginners
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Lloyd Neck, NY 11743
Saturday, November 22nd from 10AM to 11:45AM
631-423-1770
$4 Adult, $3 children, free for ages under 3, $8 parking fee

Join the two mile walk to practice observing birds at feeders in the wild. Don’t forget binoculars!

Wild Long Island: A Live Animal Presentation
Mashomack Preserve, 79 South Ferry Rd., Route 114, Shelter Island, NY 11964
Saturday, November 29th from 1PM - 2PM
631-749-1001
Call for prices

Learn and be entertained by a naturalist from the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary while getting a close-up view of mammals, birds and reptiles that represent the diversity of life in our own region.

Veteran's Day Events
Whether you are a veteran yourself, or simply someone looking for a Veteran’s Day event to attend, Long Island has all different types of ceremonies, celebrations, and other events going on in honor of Veteran’s Day. Show your appreciation towards these brave men and women, who have risked life and limb for their county, by attending one of these events!

Veteran's Day Cross Country 4K Run
Northport VA Medical Center, 79 Middleville Road, Northport, NY 11768
Saturday, November 1st at 10AM
516-318-4198
$25 for the 5K and $5 for the 1K

This race course is scenic and very spectator-friendly. After the race enjoy some hot chocolate, clam chowder and bagels. Fun runners can look forward to an authentic dog tag award and certificate of completion upon finishing. The fun run will begin at 9:30AM.

Northwinds Symphonic Band: Salute to Veterans - FREE
North Shore High School, 450 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, NY 11545
Sunday, November 2nd at 3PM
516-759-9694

Join in the melodic fun and enjoy patriotic music in honor of Veteran's Day, as well as works by George Gershwin, Morton Gould and Irving Berlin.

Support Our Troops Week - FREE
All Commack Schools, Commack, NY 11725
Monday, November 3rd through Friday, November 7th
631-858-3623

This whole week will be designated for collecting donations for soldiers stationed overseas and for recently wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. As the wounded recuperate they are in need of household items for their families like batteries, deodorant, hand sanitizer, and other specific items. The Commack School District will be packing up these donations to send over to the soldiers. Please click on the link above for a list of items needed.

Veteran's Day Tribute Concert: "I Will Survive" Dinner/Dance Party
The Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Friday, November 7th at 6:30PM
$100 - $150

Help out a great cause and get your groove on at the “I Will Survive” 70’s Disco Dance Dinner Party! Enjoy a prix fixe dinner along with music by both a Bee Gees and Earth Wind and Fire tribute band. Proceeds go to aid the development of state of the art, long-term rehabilitation services, to survivors of traumatic brain injury and other cognitive and physical disorders.

Veteran's Day Ceremony - FREE
The Memorial at the triangle intersection on Johnson Avenue, Islandia, NY 11749
Saturday, November 8th at 10AM
631-348-1133

This event honoring our vets will feature a Veteran’s Day ceremony with wreaths and a playing of taps. The event begins at 10AM sharp.

Quilts for Vets - FREE
Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, 1 South Country Road, Brightwaters, NY 11718
Saturday, November 8th at 10AM
631-665-4350

Come on down to the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library to participate in making quilts for our Veterans!

UVO Veteran Day Ceremony - FREE
Eisenhower Park, Merrick and Stewart Avenues, East Meadow, NY 11554
Sunday, November 9th at 10AM
516-578-2237
Free event

Don't miss out on the UVO Veteran Day Ceremony held at Eisenhower Park on November 9th. The event will begin at 10 AM in Veterans Plaza, Field 6.

Atlantic Wind Symphony: Sousa Salute to Our Veterans
Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
Sunday, November 9th at 3PM
631-207-1313
General admission $12 - $25, senior, student and children’s admission $9 - $17

Come on down to enjoy patriotic marches by John Philip Sousa in honor of Veteran's Day.

A Letter to My Hero
Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Sunday, November 9th from 2PM - 4PM
516-224-5800
Free admission with museum admission

Bring your kid’s over to the Long Island Children’s Museum on the afternoon of November 9th between 2PM & 4PM to honor the heroes that serve our county by sending special letters of thanks.

Veteran's Day at the Hatchery
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Tuesday, November 11th from 10AM - 5PM
516-692-6768
Free for veterans

This Veteran’s Day veterans can enjoy a day of fun at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! Must have military ID at time of entry for free admission.

Veteran's Day Salute - FREE
Arthur J. Hendrickson Park, Merrick Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580
Tuesday, November 11th from 12:30PM - 4PM
516-592-5102

Come on down to view an art display, of all different mediums, created by local veterans in celebration of Veteran’s Day. The initial display will be held in the Valley Stream Community Center and gazebo on the lakeside. After the event, the art will be displayed in the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library.

Veteran's Day Ceremony - Glen Cove - FREE
Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Tuesday, November 11th at 11AM
516-759-6970

Don't miss out on the City of Glen Cove veterans day ceremony, held at the Doughboy Monument in front of the library.

Veteran's Day Parade - FREE
Intersection of Lake and Woodlawn Avenues, St. James, NY 11780
Tuesday, November 11th at 9:30AM
631-862-7965

The parade group will assemble at the intersection of Lake and Woodlawn Avenues at 9:30 AM. The walk begins at 10 AM and proceeds along Lake Avenue to St. James Elementary School.

Kings Park Veteran's Day Parade - FREE
Nissequogue Post 5796 VFW, 40 Church Street, Kings Park, NY 11754
Tuesday, November 11th at 9:30AM
631-543-6014

Don't miss out on this parade to honor the service members past and present. It will begin at RJO School at the intersection of Old Dock Road and Church Street, proceeding to the Veterans Plaza for a ceremony.

Shipwrecks of WWII Film for Veteran's Day
The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
Tuesday, November 11th 3PM
631-367-3418
Free for member & veterans between 11AM - 5PM

Join us to explore some of the most significant shipwrecks and sunken relics of WWII with underwater footage in a special showing of "Sea Hunters."

Free Golf To Veterans And Active Duty Military On Veterans Day
Various Long Island Parks, NY (parks listed below)
Tuesday, November 11th
516-572-0200
Free event for veterans

Veterans can enjoy a free round of golf at Eisenhower Park’s 18-hole Blue Course, the 9-hole courses at Cantiague Park, Christopher Morley Park, Bay Park, and North Woodmere Park. To qualify for this Veterans Day offer, golfers must present proof of Nassau County residency and either military identification or discharge papers, or a Nassau County Veterans Leisure Passport.

Turkey Trots
This Thanksgiving, lots of Turkey Trots will be happening at local parks, and they’re sure to be a ton of fun! Turkey Trots are typically 1k, 5k, or 10k Runs & Walks, and they usually take place in the morning - the perfect way to get your blood pumping before Thanksgiving Dinner.

6th Annual Matthew's Turkey Trot 5k, Chicken Run & Bone Marrow Drive
West Harbor Memorial Park, West Harbor Drive, Bayville, NY 11709
Saturday, November 15th at 9AM
516-695-5137
$25 before November 8th, $30 day of race

The 5K turkey trot begins at 9:45AM sharp! Don’t forget to bring the little ones along too so they can participate in the 1K Chicken Run, starting at 9AM. The first 200 patrons to register get a free t-shirt!

Massapequa Park 5K Turkey Trot
Brady Park, Lake Shore Drive & Front Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11726
Saturday, November 22nd at 9AM
516-313-8329
$30 on race day, $15 youth; $25 in advance

Trot along Lake Shore Drive, into Mansfield Park, onto the bike path, eventually finishing up at Brady Park. Massapequa Park Turkey Trot will also have a special run just for kids beginning at 8:30AM.

Long Beach 10K Turkey Trot
Riverside Boulevard Beach, Riverside Blvd, Long Beach, NY 11561
Sunday, November 23rd at 8:30AM
516-431-3890
$20 - $25

Run down the boardwalk on Riverside Boulevard and take in the sights as you complete this lengthy Turkey Trot. Bring along the little ones for the one mile kids run will beginning at 8AM.

Nissequogue River State Park Foundation 1k Turkey Trot and 5k Run for the Park
Nissequogue River State Park, 799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park, NY 11754
Thursday, November 27th at 8:30AM
516-437-4000
$25 day of race, $20 by Nov. 22, $10 for 1k

Help support the Nissequogue River State Park by participating in this run! Runners meet at the Nissequogue River State Park administration building. The 1K kids run begins at 8:30Am and the 5K run begins at 9AM.

Oyster Bay 5k Turkey Trot
Oyster Bay High School, 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Thursday, November 27th at 9AM
516-624-6500
$20 by Nov. 1, $25 by Nov. 25, $30 day of race

If you love to run don't miss out on the Oyster Bay 5k Turkey Trot which will take place at the Oyster Bay High School on November 27th!

Blue Point Smiles Turkey Trot
Corey Beach Park, Corey Avenue, Blue Point, NY 11715
Thursday, November 27th at 8:45AM
631-289-3990
$10 in advance for Kids Run, $15 after Nov.1, 5K is $20 in advance, $25 after Nov. 1

The Kid’s Fun Run portion will begin at 8:45 in the morning. All participants will receive a turkey headband, and the top 3 participants will receive prizes. The 5K will begin at 9AM along with a noncompetitive 1.5 mile walk. Come out and help support Smiles Change Lives, an organization that provides orthodontic care to needy children.

Garden City Turkey Trot
St. Paul’s School, 285 Stewart Street, Garden City, NY 11530
Thursday, November 27th at 8:30AM
516-515-1598
$25 for 5 mile run, $10 for fun run

Run for a good cause this Thanksgiving at the garden City Turkey Trot! The challenger division begins at 8:30AM, the 1.4 mile fun runs starts at 9:15Am and the 5 mile turkey trot starts at 10AM. Proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Inn.

Mattituck Turkey Trot
Mattituck Junior/Senior High School, Main Road, Mattituck, NY 11952
Thursday, November 27th at 9AM
631-734-6049
$15 - $30

Come down rain or shine for this turkey trot hosted by Mattituck Cutchogue Teachers Association that benefits student scholarships and local charities.Registration begins at 7:45AM. You don’t want to miss out on this turkey trot!

Massapequa Turkey Trot
John J. Burns Park, 4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park, NY 11762
Thursday, November 27th at 8:30AM
$29.62 for 5K before November 26th, $14.50 for family fun run before November 26th

Make your way over to Massapequa Park this Thanksgiving for some for some fun exercise! The family fun run will begin at 8:30Am and the 5K race will begin at 9:15AM. T-shirts are guaranteed to those who register by November 20th!

Smithtown Kickers Turkey Trot 2014
Smithtown Elementary School, 51 Lawrence Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787
Thursday, November 27th at 8:30AM
$20 per adult for 5K, $10 per child for 1 mile kids run

Both kids and adults can get in some exercise at this turkey trot! Head over to Smithtown Elementary School for the kids run, beginning at 8:30AM, and the adult 5K, beginning at 9AM. You can pick up your registration packet between 6:45AM and 8:30AM that morning.

29th Annual Four Mile Thanksgiving Day Run
American Legion Post 360, Mill Dam Road off of Wall Street, Halesite, NY 11743
Thursday, November 27th at 8:30AM
$7 for kids run, $20 for 4 mi run before Nov. 10th, $25 after Nov. 10th & $40 on race day

Come on down to the 29th Annual 4-Mile Thanksgiving Day Run in Huntington on Thanksgiving morning! The 1K fun run begins at 8:30AM and the 4 mile run begins at 9AM.

Thanksgiving Dinners
Some people prefer to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, surrounded by family sitting down to a hard earned home cooked meal, but others would rather skip the hassle and just go right to enjoying a delicious meal! If you’d like to sit back and relax this Thanksgiving, instead of slaving away over the stove, check out these Thanksgiving Dinner events!

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Polo Lounge
Polo Lounge & Restaurant at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, NY 11590
Thursday, November 27th
516-333-7117
$48 per person, $21 for children under 10 years old

Enjoy a succulent Thanksgiving Dinner with family and friends at the Polo Lounge! The dinner event will feature a spectacular buffet as well as an ala carte menu. Please call for reservations.

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Fox Hollow
Fox Hollow, 7725 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
Thursday, November 27th
516-921-1415
Call for prices

Enjoy a lovely, prepared to tantalize your taste buds, Thanksgiving dinner at the Fox Hollow! Seating is limited so be sure to reserve your table soon.

Thanksgiving Dinner At Volpe Ristorante
Volpe Restaurant, 7725 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
Thursday, November 27th
516-802-7501
Call for prices

You'll love your Thanksgiving dinner at Volpe Restaurant! You'll enjoy an elegant setting and atmosphere and tons of seasonal food favorites from their extensive a la carte menu.

Thanksgiving Day Feast at The Living Room
The Living Room at c/o The Maidstone, 207 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937
Thursday, November 27th from 1PM - 8PM
631-324-5006
$89 per person, plus tax and gratuity; 50% off for kids 12 and under

Bring the whole family out for a Thanksgiving Day Feast at The Living Room! You'll enjoy a 4 course menu prepared by Chef Mathias Brogie. Please call ahead for reservations.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant
Plattduetsche Park, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010
Thursday, November 27th from 12PM - 5PM
516-354-3131
Call for prices

Don't miss out on a great Thanksgiving dinner at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant! Large party accommodations can be met so bring everyone along! Reservations are required.

Thanksgiving at the Mansion
Glen Cove Mansion, 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Thursday, November 27th
516-674-2955
$59 per person, $39 for children ages 4-11, children 3 and under are free

Sit down to a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner inspired by historic menus of the Gold Coast Era. Reservations are required, please call ahead.

Indoor Fun to Enjoy All Month Long!
If you’re looking for the best ways to enjoy November without having to brave the chilly weather, then you’re in luck! Long Island has plenty of indoor places to play -

Laser Tag
Get your Game on at a local Laser Tag Center, where you can enjoy a day of exciting, competitive fun with friends and family, and break a sweat without having to brave the cold!

Indoor Ice Rinks
Nothing gets folks in the spirit of the season more than ice skating, and this November, why not check out some of the local indoor ice skating rinks, where you can enjoy skating without having to worry about the weather!

Museums
Looking for a way to make the most of the weekends this November? Round up the troops, and head over to one of LI’s museums, where you are your family can learn all sorts of interesting things about Long Island’s history, the arts, and so much more!

Indoor Play Areas
Kids can be full of tons of energy - even when the sun isn’t shining, they still want to play! If you’re looking for some great indoor fun for your family, and you also want to ensure everyone keeps active, then be sure to check out LI’s Indoor Play Areas! Indoor Play Areas are filled with tons of fun for kids, and they’ll keep your kids moving around and burning off that energy all Winter long!

Looking for even more November fun? Well, we’ve got you covered! Check out our Things To Do Section for activity ideas and don’t forget to look at our Events Calendar for this month's day-to-day happenings!

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