This August, it’s not about the Dog Days of Summer or the summertime blues - Long Island is all about street fairs and festivals, paddling competitions, and seeing your favorite artists at outdoor music festivals! Now that the summertime holidays are behind us, it is time to go out with friends for your own special events, whether it be by tasting kielbasa at the Polish Festival in Southampton or relaxing to sweet live tunes at the Bluegrass Festival in Copiague. If you’re looking to beat the heat and are also into the macabre, one of the more unusual but popular events coming to Long Island is the Haunt Faire, with everything spooky and gothic.
If you decide to visit the number of outdoor street fairs and festivals, the heat will be on, so be sure to stay cool by staying hydrated, dressing properly, and taking the time to sit in the shade. It’s the last month to get out and enjoy summer before the inevitable start of school in September, so get up, get out, and get moving!
Festivals & Fairs
Wrap up your summer with the excitement and thrill of a summer festival or fair! August’s festivals include traditional town festivals, cultural festivals, and even niche interest fests and fairs. Don’t miss out on the free fairs, but be sure to bring some cash for delicious festival fare like funnel cake, corn, and hot dogs, as well as for games and rides!
Westbury Market Fair at the NYCB Theatre - FREE!
960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590
516-669-7541
Every Saturday and Sunday 8 AM - 4 PM
Free Event
This outdoor shopping experience has something for everyone, including over 150 unique vendors, food trucks, and family fun!
Haunt Faire 2015 at Upsky Hotel
110 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11788
516-395-3049
Saturday, August 1st 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM, and Sunday, August 2nd 11 AM - 6 PM
Passes are $20 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday, and $25 for both days. Workshop admission prices not included.
Join in on this convention for all things spooky and terrifying! The weekend includes the top consultants and entrepreneurs of the haunt industry, all sorts of ghastly performers, panels and workshops, and vendors.
Southampton Polish Festival at Rogers Mansion - FREE!
17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-2494
Saturday, August 1st 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Free Event, $20 admission to Polish Concert (free for kids)
Celebrate all things Polish, including Polish music, food, games, and exhibits. There will also be a concert featuring some of Poland’s most celebrated classical composers.
Locust Valley Street Festival at Thomas Park - FREE!
Elm Street, Locust Valley, NY 11560
631-563-8551
Sunday, August 2nd 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Free Event
This Sale Under the Sun Festival features all sorts of artisanal art and crafts, ranging from pottery to jewelry and photography.
Long Island Film Festival's "Taste On the Beach" at the Allegria Hotel
80 West Broadway, Long Beach, NY 11561
Friday, August 7th 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$100 per person
Before you go to the Long Island Film Festival’s free movie night, stop by “Taste on the Beach,” where you can enjoy a wide variety of delectable food, wine, and craft beer.
Sayville Summerfest at Gillette Park - FREE!
Between Gillette and Candy Avenues, Sayville, NY 11782
631-567-5257
Friday, August 7th 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Saturday, August 8th 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday, August 9th 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Free event, fees for food, drinks, and rides
Don’t miss out on the Sayville Summerfest, where you can check out antique and vintage cars at the car show, get down to live musical performances, see art exhibits, and go shopping at the numerous vendor booths and international food fair.
2015 Bizzydoo Kids Fest at Hilton Long Island
598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, NY 11747
800-973-1295
Sunday, August 9th 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission is $7 per adult online ($10 at the door), $4 for kids 2 and up online ($6 at the door), and free for children under 2
This family fun festival and expo is geared towards families with kids under the age of 12, and will feature a petting zoo, bouncy houses, face painting, character visits, arts and crafts, and great information on kids activities for parents!
Holbrook Carnival and Craft Festival at Seneca Middle School - FREE!
850 Main Street, Holbrook, NY 11741
631-471-2725
Thursday, August 13th and Friday, August 14th 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, August 15th 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Sunday, August 16th 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Free Event
Enjoy rides, a petting zoo, live music, games, entertainment, crafts, and fireworks on Thursday and Saturday night - all sponsored by the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce.
Tomato Fest at Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market
4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-722-8777
Saturday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 23rd 10:00 AM - 6 PM
$3 per person
Judge the taste of 20 varieties of heirloom and traditional tomatoes, then learn how to can your own, make salsa, and use tomatoes in many other recipes! You can also pick your own tomatoes, or take the kids on a hayride!
Concerts and Live Performances
Summer is the prime time to catch your favorite artists on Long Island, and this August is packed with concerts and music festivals to attend. Buy your tickets now to see Weird Al, Billy Joel, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, and even Sugar Ray this summer!
Nassau Coliseum’s Last Show: Billy Joel
1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553
800-745-3000
Tuesday, August 4th at 8:00 PM
Long Island’s own Billy Joel will play the final show at Nassau Coliseum in what is sure to be an emotional and historic night. The arena will reopen in December 2016 as a world-class sports and entertainment destination.
Nile Rodgers Productions FOLD Festival at Martha Clara Vineyards
6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-298-0075
Tuesday, August 4th 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tickets start at $137
This year’s FOLD (Freak Out Let’s Dance) Festival is headlined by alternative-folk legend, Beck, and will also include performances by Pharrell Williams, Keith Urban, Chuck D., The Martinez Brothers, Paloma Faith, and Thomas Gold.
“Weird Al” Yankovic at the Paramount
370 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
631-673-7300
Saturday, August 1st at 8:00 PM
Tickets start at $39.50
Weird Al, the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, will be bringing his hilarious parody songs to the Paramount, ranging from his classic takes on Madonna and Michael Jackson to modern artists like Lady Gaga.
Bluegrass Festival at Tanner Park
Tanner Park, Copiague, NY
631-587-3696
Saturday, August 15th 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
$20 per person ($15 online), $10 for seniors, free for kids
Get down to the tunes of the Gibson Brothers, Compton & Newberry, Miller’s Crossing, and many more bluegrass bands. There will be activities for kids set up, and you can also bring your own guitar or banjo for jam sessions!
Chicago & Earth, Wind, and Fire at Jones Beach
1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
866-558-8468
Sunday, August 16th at 7:30 PM
Tickets start at $46
Get transported back to the ‘70s at this evening with two of the biggest names in classic rock!
Woodstockmania Live on Stage at Theatre Three
412 Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631-928-9100
Friday, August 21st at 8:00 PM
$35 per person
Hear all of your favorite songs from Woodstock live, including songs by Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Sly & the Family Stone, and more!
Under the Sun Tour 2015, Featuring Sugar Ray, Better than Ezra, Uncle Kracker, and Eve 6 at the Paramount
370 New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
631-673-7300
Monday, August 24th at 7:30 PM
Tickets start at $35
Enjoy a blast from the past with four popular bands from the 90s.
Nature & Outdoor Fun
This August, don’t just get outside - do something that takes your breath away. There are plenty of incredible outdoor experiences to be had, such as whale watching in Montauk, exploring a 300 year old maritime forest, and taking part in paddle races for a good cause. Pick something new and exhilarating to try outdoors, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
2nd Annual Cow Harbor PaddleFest at Steers Beach
Eatons Neck Road, Northport, NY 11768
516-754-0305
Saturday, August 15th 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$50 donation per paddler, $10 donation for beachside BBQ
Support the Northport Fire Department by joining in on one of the paddling races or going to the beachfest to take part in demonstrations and raffles, hear live music, and enjoy a delicious barbecue.
5th Annual “Quick ‘n’ Dirty” Boat Build Competition at Bayles Boat Shop in Port Jeff
Harborfront Park, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631-689-8293
Call for pricing
Saturday, August 15th through Sunday, August 16th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sign up with a friend to design, build, and race your boat over this two day event. Participants will be given three sheets of plywood, wire cable ties, several pieces of 1x1" 2x2" lumber and Sikaflex, a fast acting caulk and adhesive. The race will then be open for public viewing on Sunday.
Sunken Forest Tours at Fire Island Preserve - FREE!
Fire Island National Seashore, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
631-687-4780
Every Wednesday-Sunday 11 AM - 1 PM
Free event
Take a ranger-led tour through one of Long Island’s hidden gems - a 300 year old globally rare maritime forest!
Whale Watching in Montauk
462 West Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-5700
Every Sunday 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
$75 per adult, $49 per child, children under 4 years old are free
Make a reservation to see some of the most majestic creatures Long Island has to offer - whales!
View the Moon and Planets Through a Telescope in Huntington - FREE!
Location changes, but often at Corner of Main Street and New York Avenue, Huntington Village, NY 11746
631-486-4818
Daily, 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Free event
Take a peek through a powerful telescope and see Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon, and possibly even the International Space Station! Events are canceled in the event of poor weather. Check website for locations/cancellations.
Hoffman Center Nature Walks in Muttontown
6000 Northern Boulevard, Muttontown, NY 11791
516-922-3290
Saturday August 1 and August 15, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
$5 per person
Take a guided nature walk and learn about the 149 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as the 49 species of butterflies and 150 native plant species.
Paddlers for Humanity's 10th Annual Block Island Challenge at Montauk Lighthouse
2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
646-571-2449
Saturday, August 29th 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM
$1500 donation required for participation
The Block Island Challenge is an 18-mile open ocean paddle for charity, which will take approximately 6 hours to complete. The race will start at Montauk, NY and end at Champlin’s Marina on Block Island, RI.
Farmers Markets
Support local industry by helping out your neighborhood farmers, artisans, and small business owners at a community farmers market. You can find nearly everything on your shopping list at a farmers market, from produce to pasta. Plus, you get to bring home fresh veggies and one-of-a-kind goods - everyone wins!
Suffolk
Islip Farmers Market at the Islip Town Hall Parking Lot - FREE!
655 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751
631-323-3653
Saturdays through November 21st, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free event
This market features more than just fruits and veggies - grab your fresh raviolis, pastas, spices, goat cheese, and even dog treats!
Huntington Farmers Market at Huntington Center - FREE!
Main Street Route 25A, East of Route 110 North, Huntington, NY 11743
631-323-3653
Sundays through November 22nd, 7AM - 12PM
Free event
Pick up your fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, seafoods, herb oils, vinegars, spices, chutney, plants, jerky, and plenty more.
Babylon Village Farmers Market at the LIRR Parking Lot - FREE!
31 Railroad Avenue, North Carll Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702
516-297-7997
Sundays through November 22nd, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
Stock up on local produce, eggs, dairy, cheese, preserves, coffee, honey, and artisan breads.
Patchogue Farmers Market - FREE!
West of Route 112 on Montauk Highway, Patchogue, NY 11772
631-323-3653
Fridays through November 6th, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
Enjoy fresh local produce like corn and tomatoes, homemade soups, hummus, microgreens, coffee, baked goods, plants, and flowers.
Westhampton Beach Farmers Market at the Municipal Village Parking Lot - FREE!
85 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
631-288-3337
Saturdays through August 29th, 9AM - 1PM
Free event
Voted Best Farmers Market by Dan’s Papers, this is the spot to grab the best eggs, dairy, produce, herbs, meat, honey, seafood, knits, soaps, and wine.
East Hampton Farmers Market at Nick and Toni’s Parking Lot - FREE!
136 North Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937
Saturdays through August 29th, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
This East End farmers market is held rain or shine, so come by to support local agriculture and pick up your fruits and vegetables!
Greenport Farmers Market at South Street - FREE!
170 South Street (west of IGA), Greenport, NY 11944
631-494-8512
Saturdays through October 10th 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
If you’re looking for variety, come to Greenport, where you can buy fruits and veggies like beets, artichokes, eggplant, pumpkins, chicory, and mushrooms, as well as eggs, chicken, baked goods, wines, and much more.
Nassau
Seaford Farmers Market at the Seaford Railroad Station - FREE!
Corner of Washington Avenue and Sunrise Highway, Seaford, NY 11783
631-323-3653
Saturdays through November 21st, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free event
Seaford’s farmers market offers food for later, such as pickles, wine, salsa, pudding, chicken, pork, lamb, and seafood, but is also a great place for foods to eat there, like wraps, homemade granola, fresh made crepes, baked goods, and artisan breads.
Rockville Center Farmers Market at the Railroad Parking Lot - FREE!
Railroad Parking Lot 12, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
631-323-3653
Sundays through November 22nd, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free event
Meet Long Island farmers who will be selling wines, fruits and veggies, baked goods, dog treats, homemade pastas, soup stocks and homemade soups, flowers, olive oil, pretzels, chicken burgers, and more.
Garden City Farmers Market behind the State Supreme Court Building - FREE!
101 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY 11501
631-323-3653
Tuesdays June 2nd through November 24th, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
Indulge in olive oils, produce, freshly made crepes, fresh roasted coffee beans, pastas, sauces, dog treats, honey, flowers, green tea, and many other goodies.
Roslyn Farmers Market at Christopher Morley Park - FREE!
500 Searingtown Road, Roslyn, NY 11576
631-323-3653
Wednesdays June 3rd through November 25th, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
Taste the best from local farmers, who will offer produce, olive oils, pickles, flowers, honey, homemade soups, goat cheese, fresh coffee, jams and jelly, soups, smoked meats, desserts, and stuffed breads, among many other tasty finds.
New Hyde Park Farmers Market at Town Hall - FREE!
Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
631-944-2661
Saturdays June 6th through November 28th, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free event
This community hotspot offers produce, dips, barbecue, gluten-free goods, juices, baked goods, and lots of other delectable goods each week.
Summer Fun Around LI
There is plenty to explore on Long Island in your own time, so whether you are working or on vacation, you can still pick a day and time that works for your schedule to take advantage of one of these great summer pastimes.
See the Stars During the Perseid Meteor Shower
The Perseid meteor shower is the second week of August, and will hit its peak from August 11th until August 14th. Head out to a dark, less populated area, such as a state park, after midnight for the best chance to see this incredible astronomical show!
Get Paddling and Rent a Canoe or Kayak
You don’t need to buy your own canoe or kayak when there are plenty of locations around the Island to rent one for the day or weekend. Many of rental shops also offer stand up paddleboards, which are growing in popularity this season.
Rent or Charter a Fishing Boat
For a failsafe day of fishing, trust the experts and charter a fishing boat, or rent one from knowledgeable fishers who will be able to give you tips and tricks for landing your next big catch.
Catch Some Rays at the Beach
Instead of going to your usual spot, use LongIsland.com’s beach guide to find a new North Shore or South Shore destination. Who knows - you may find your new favorite beach!
Take a Hike
Head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat the heat and get some exercise on Long Island’s many great trails that traverse the forests, beaches, and hills of the area.
