The kids are heading back to school, there is a chill in the night air, and the leaves are starting to change: It’s September on Long Island, and though the word may bring a degree of dread to children and parents alike, there are still many fun things going on across Long Island after school, on the weekends, and on holidays. While you prepare to send the kids back to school or send the older ones off to college, check some things off of your Summer bucket list and enjoy Labor Day weekend together at the beach or go camping not too far from home.  You may also want to start a new tradition of going to fairs and festivals like the Westbury Market Fair or the annual Shinnecock Powwow.
 
September also signals some big attractions that come with Autumn, including apple picking, Fall fairs, car shows, charity runs/5Ks, and plenty of farmers markets full of the start of Fall’s bounty.  Apple picking season is a big draw for both locals and tourists, and soon the East End will be filled with bushels of tasty apples for sale at the roadside farm stands to eat fresh or bake into a delectable pie or cobbler.

Start your September off prepared and mark your calendars with these exciting events!

Labor Day Weekend Fun
Labor Day is all about rewarding hard-working Americans with a three day weekend, and it is a great way to take in the tail end of Summer.  Labor Day Weekend, which starts on September 5th and ends on September 7th, is packed with fairs, festivals, live music, car shows, canoe trips, nature walks, and farmers markets. Make the most of your weekend with a comprehensive guide to all of the fun and exciting Labor Day Weekend events on Long Island and check out our 2015 Labor Day Weekend Guide.

Fall Festivals
This September’s festivals offer something for everyone through a variety of themes like dragon boats, maritime history, yoga, stand-up comedy, and your traditional fairs with rides and fried food!

Westbury Market Fair at NYCB Theatre – FREE!
960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590
516-669-7541
Every Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 4 PM
Free event
Get ready to shop – the Westbury Market Fair features over 150 vendors, and also offers food trucks and rides and games for the whole family!

Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival in Port Jeff Village – FREE!
101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631-473-1414
Saturday, September 19th, 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Free event
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle down to see local and regional teams come together to race each other in a series of heats in the Port Jeff Harbor. Food vendors will be available throughout the day.

Greenport Maritime Festival at Greenport Village - FREE!
Greenport, NY 11944
631-477-2100
Friday, September 25th, 6 PM – 9 PM, Saturday, September 26th, 11 AM – 8 PM, Sunday, September 27th, 9 AM – 5 PM
Free event
Support the restoration of the Long Beach Bar “BUG” Lighthouse and other educational programs by taking part in maritime events such as the Land and Sea Greenport Gala (tickets are $75 in advance, $100 at the door), featuring cuisine from 25 East End restaurants, 6 wineries, and a craft beer sponsor, as well as locally designed memorabilia and other unique shopping experiences.

6th Annual Over 50 Fair at the Melville Marriott
1350 Old Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747
516-621-1446
Sunday, September 27th, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
$6 in advance, $8 at the door, free for veterans
Celebrate life on Long Island for adults over 50 with free consultations regarding your skin, feet, body, sleep apnea, finances, and adult orthodontia.  Classes will also be offered regarding behavioral investing, social security benefits, health, and travel to fabulous places.  There will also be two comedy shows, yoga, and a wide variety of vendors. Those who bring a nonperishable item to donate to the INN will be entered into a raffle to win a prize.

The Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival: Aziz Ansari & Amy Schumer at Jones Beach
1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793
866-558-8468
Friday, September 4th at 5:15 PM
Tickets start at $56
Aziz Ansari and local girl Amy Schumer will headline this comedy festival, which will also include performances by such stars as Anthony Jeselnik, Dave Attell, Nick Kroll, Jay Pharaoh, Jim Norton, John Mulaney, Michael Che, Nikki Glaser, Rachel Feinstein, and Todd Barry.

Faith, Food, & Fellowship Festival at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church – FREE!
369 Green Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
516-483-3649
Saturday, September 5th, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free event
This annual festival features the Greek and Slavic café, live Slavic music, as well as bouncy castles and kids’ games.  There will be a Chinese auction, flea market, vendors, and a 50/50 raffle.  A flyer for a coupon for $1 off a food ticket is available via email.

Westhampton Festival of the Arts at St. Mark’s Church– FREE!
35 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
941-487-8061
Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free event
Spend your Labor Day weekend on the Great Lawn across from St. Mark’s Church and shop the talents of local artists and artisans, including jewelry, paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed-media, and creations in glass, ceramic, metal and wood.

Shinnecock Powwow at the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton
West Gate Road off of Montauk Highway, Southampton, NY 11968
631-283-6143
Friday, September 4th, 3:00PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, September 5th, and Sunday September 6, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Monday, September 7th, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
$15 per adult, $10 ages 6-10 and seniors, free for children age 5 and under
The Shinnecock Powwow is always a special event for children and adults alike, and is held rain or shine for all of Labor Day Weekend.  Come be a part of tribal dances, crafts, storytelling, and enjoy native foods, dance and drum competitions, and a fire lighting each day at sunset.

Seaford Festival at the Seaford Long Island Railroad Station – FREE!
Sunrise Highway, Seaford, NY 11783
201-869-0406
Saturday, September 5th through Monday, September 7th, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free event
Enjoy a traditional street fair with arts and crafts for sale, as well as antiques and other goodies, and lots of delicious food!  Held rain or shine.

36th Annual Grande Festa Italiana at North Hempstead Beach Park
North Hempstead Beach Park, Port Washington, NY 11050
516-767-3123
Wednesday, September 9th through Friday, September 11th, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, September 12th, 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, September 13th, 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
$3 per person, $25 for all-access to the rides
Join the largest and oldest feast on Long Island, with rides, games, and entertainment in addition to lots and lots of great Italian food!

East Northport Festival at John Walsh Park – FREE!
Larkfield Road, East Northport, NY 11731
Friday, September 11th, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, September 12th, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, September 13th, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free event, ride tickets extra
Hop aboard thrill rides and kiddy rides, throw your hat in the ring for a raffle, and enjoy other games and an incredible international and festival food court!

Bayville Waterside Festival at Ransom Beach – FREE!
Bayville Avenue, Bayville, NY 11709
516-317-7729
Saturday, September 12th to Sunday, September 13th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free event, rides tickets extra
Pick up something for that special someone at this gift and craft fair, then take in the live music, enjoy the inflatables, and grab a snack at the food court.

Long Beach Boardwalk and Street Fair – FREE!
1 Long Beach Road, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-442-6000
Saturday, September 12th to Sunday, September 13th, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free event, ride tickets extra
Take the kids for lots of exciting rides and games, then go shopping for something special for yourself!

Hamptons Yoga Fest at Hayground School
151 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
631-268-6935
Friday, September 18th, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, September 19th, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, September 20th, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
$20 admission excluding classes, free for kids 15 and under
At this first-ever yoga fest, yoga classes are available for children and adults, as well as cooking classes for kids, art classes for kids and adults, live music, and healing seminars.

Copiague’s 8th Annual Family Festival at Tanner Park – FREE!
South Kerrigan Road, Copiague, NY 11726
631-226-2956
Friday, September 18th, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, September 19th, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, September 20th, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Free event
Get your thrills at these exciting rides, check out the pet expo and dog performance arena, and take the kids to the petting zoo and pony rides!  There will also be a variety of vendors as part of the Ocean View Craft and Gift Show.

Long Island Garlic Festival at Garden of Eve Organic Farm in Riverhead
4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-722-8777
Saturday, September 19th to Sunday, September 20th, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
$5 per person
At Long Island’s only garlic festival you can check out a variety of vendors offering garlic-inspired foods, crafts, and music, as well as regular garlic to eat and plant.

Chamber of Commerce Williston Day Street Fair at Williston Park – FREE!
Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596
516-739-1943
Sunday, September 20th, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free event
Celebrate Williston Day by perusing the over 200 local and outside vendors, and enjoying a live DJ, hula hoop contest, classic cars, karate demonstration, kids’ rides, pony rides, and lots of giveaways.  Food will be provided by Williston’s local restaurants.  Raindate is Sunday, September 27.

4th Annual Long Beach International Film Festival on the Coastline of Long Beach
Long Beach, NY 11561
Thursday, September 24th through Sunday, September 27th, 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Passes range from $150 to $350
Film buffs can revel in the action-packed lineup of independent and studio films from around the globe, with over 50 movies being shown.  Craft beer, wine, and food will also be available for purchase.

Valley Stream Community Festival – FREE!
Rockaway Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580
917-796-1938
Saturday, September 26th, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free event
This festival celebrates the diversity of Valley Stream through culture, visual and performing arts, food, business culture, service organizations, and craft and general merchandise.  There will also be a classic car show, a dunk tank, bowling lane, and kids’ arts and crafts.

Oktoberfest 2015 at Resurrection Lutheran Church
420 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
516-746-4426
Saturday, September 26th, 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
$35 per person, $10 per child age 12 and under, children under 3 are free
Get ready for all things German – German food, German beer, and of course German music.  Net proceeds support the church missions.

Merrick Fall Festival at Broadcast Plaza – FREE!
Intersection of Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway, Merrick, NY 11566
516-442-6000
Saturday, September 26th to Sunday, September 27th, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Free event
A huge variety of local small business vendors will be available at the Merrick Fall Fest, so come by and support the community!
 
Car Shows
Collectors and fanatics, start your engines!  As the nights cool down, these car shows are just heating up, and are great sources of family fun!

LI Cars Custom Collectibles Car Show & Swap Meet at MacArthur Airport
100 Arrival Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
631-567-5898
Sunday, September 6th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$8 per person - $1 off coupon available on the website
Check out a vast array of custom and collectible show cars, both vintage and exotic.  With the price of general admission you can display your car for show or for sale, and enter to win a trophy for best in show!

BMW Car Club Car Show at Pindar Vineyards
37645 Main Road, Peconic, NY 11958
631-473-6200
Saturday, September 12th
Sip a glass of local wine and check out a variety of beautiful BMWs.

3rd Annual Poppie’s Pro‘formance Car Show in Middle Island – FREE!
Custom Collision Specialties, 44 Middle Country Road, Middle Island, NY 11953
631-774-9690
Saturday, September 12th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free event
Celebrate the memory of the late Gregory “Poppie” Jackson with food, music, raffles, a Chinese auction, kids activities, and of course, lots of cars.  There will be hot rods, classic cars, muscle cars, pro street cars, classic imports, late models, trucks, motorcycles, 4x4s, and more.

Kiwanis Annual Classic Car Show at Tanner Park
South Kerrigan Road, Copiague, NY 11726
516-647-2754
Sunday, September 13th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$6 for spectators, $10 show cars in advance, $15 to show car the day of the event
This massive car show will have a judged car event with 40 classes – all makes and models welcome!  Spectators can also enjoy live music, raffles, and refreshments.  Rain date September 27.

Sagamore Hill Classic Car Show at Sagamore Hill National Historic Site – FREE!
20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
917-428-4499
Sunday September 13th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free for spectators, $5 to show a car
Step back in time and come see cars and trucks from before 1949 at this classy classic event.

Moose Lodge Classic Car Show at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead
1600 Tanger Mall Drive, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-831-3547
Sunday, September 13th
$5 per spectator, $15 show cars in advance, $20 show car the day of the event
Help fundraise for Moose Charities by attending a classic car show conveniently located at the Tanger Outlets.  Cars admitted into the show will be considered for judging, with numerous trophies available.  Refreshments available in the Office Max parking lot.  Rain date is September 20.

Jaguar-MG Classic Car Show at the Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium
180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, NY 11721
631-854-5579
Sunday, September 13th, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$7 per adult, $6 per student or senior
Take a peek at some incredible cars presented by the Jaguar Drivers Club of Long Island and the MG Car Club of Long Island.  Rain date is September 21.

Convoys Annual Big Rig Truck Show at MacArthur Airport
MacArthur Airport, 100 Arrival Drive, Ronkonkoma, 11779
631-841-2640
Sunday, September 20th, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$10 per person, kids under 12 are free
350 trucks will be competing for over 50 trophies this year.  Check out Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, pickups, antique trucks, and Jeeps from all over LI.  Bring the kids so they can enjoy the obstacle courses, magic shows, face painting, balloons, and free giveaways. Bring canned goods to donate to Long Island Cares, and bring items for our troops that can be donated to Blue Star Moms.

Seaside Spectacular Classic Car Show at Lido Beach Town Park - FREE!
Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout, NY 11569
516-812-3496
Saturday, September 19th, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Free for spectators, $10 to show a car
Bring your own classic car or admire the vintage vehicles from years past. There will also be a special Viva Italian exhibit featuring NY Alfa Romeo Owners Club.  Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Rain date is September 20.

Walks, Runs, and Bike Tours
Keep up your summer beach body by running in races, or challenging yourself to a bike tour, all while helping out local charities!  Support great local causes through exercise at these Fall 5ks and races.

Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk… Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide at the Long Beach Boardwalk
Laurelton Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-826-0244
Sunday, September 20th, 10:30 AM
Suggested donation: $25
Join the Long Island Crisis Center in a walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention.

Bike MS East End Ride 2015 at the Southampton Elks Lodge
605 County Road 39, Southampton, NY 11968
631-864-8337
Saturday, September 12th, 7:00 AM
$75 per cyclist, $100 per cyclist after September 1
Take in the scenic views of the Hamptons while supporting MS.  There are 25-100 mile route options, and each cyclist must raise $150 minimum to partake in the ride.

Long Beach Labor Day McAvoy Run at Riverside Boulevard Beach
Riverside Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561
516-431-3890
Monday, September 7th, 8:00 AM
$20 in advance, $25 race day
Join in for a 5 mile race down Riverside Boulevard.  All ages are welcome.

4th Annual Children’s Walk Against Brain Tumors and Brain Cancer at Eisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park, Peach and Pear, Parking Field 2
1899 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
212-448-9494
Sunday, September 13th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$10 per person
Support the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation at this 3 mile walk, which will raise awareness and funds to help provide programs and research for the pediatric brain tumor community.

St. Jude Walk to End Childhood Cancer at Bethpage Ballpark
3 Court Houseship, Central Islip, NY 11722
212-239-3239
Saturday, September 26th, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$10 per person
Contribute to St. Jude and help raise awareness of how the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

5k Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer at Belmont Lake State Park
Southern State Parkway, Exit 38, North Babylon, NY 11703
631-838-4357
Saturday, September 26th, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
$35 per person
Run, walk, or volunteer to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer, celebrate ovarian cancer survivors, and remember those who lost their lives to ovarian cancer.

Stroll & Roll at the Rinx in Hauppauge
660 Terry Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788
631-930-9054
Sunday, September 27th, 8:00 – 3:00 PM
$50 per individual/$75 per family
Cyclists and walkers can take anywhere between a 10-mile to a 63-mile ride. Start your day off with a light breakfast of bagels and fruit at 7:30 AM, then treat yourself to a hotdog or hamburger for $5 after noon.

Farmers Markets
The end of the Summer and start of Fall brings a fantastic bounty, including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and lots of sweet corn, all of which you can find at the following farmers markets!

Shiloh Community Farmers Market in Wyandanch – FREE!
221 Merritt Avenue, Wyandanch, NY 11798
Every Saturday, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Free event
Get a taste of fresh produce from Long Island growers while also helping the community by empowering Youth Workers who assist at the market.

Roosevelt Community Farmers Market at the Roosevelt/Freeport Family Center – FREE!
380 Nassau Road, Roosevelt, NY 11575
Every Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Free event
Support local growers and artisans at the Roosevelt Community Farmers Market, while also eating healthier!

New Cassel Farmers Market at First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury – FREE!
212 Garden Street, Westbury, NY 11590
Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free event
Enjoy fresh produce and other great local goods for sale at this community farmers market.

Greater Bellport Community Youth Market at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellport – FREE!
471 Atlantic Avenue, Bellport, NY 11713
Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Free event
Support the Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport Area to give kids a place to go after school and during school breaks, all by buying local affordable produce.

Freeport Farmers Market Southeast at the Freeport Recreation Center – FREE!
130 East Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520
Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Free event
Dive in to healthy eating at this local farmers market, where you can find plenty of fresh fruits and seasonal veggies.

Islip Farmers Market at the Islip Town Hall – FREE!
655 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751
631-323-3653
Every Saturday, 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free event
Wake up early for this morning farmers market, where you can find fresh produce, pickles, jams, jellies, raviolis, pastas, spices, wines, goat cheese, dairy products, dog treats, and more!

Greenport Farmers Market – FREE!
South Street and Second Street, Greenport, 11944
631-494-8512
Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Free event
Shop the flavors of the North Fork, including fresh produce, beets, artichokes, eggplant, pumpkins, chicory, mushrooms, eggs, chicken, baked goods, wine, and more.

Babylon Village Farmers Market at the LIRR Parking Lot – FREE!
31 Railroad Avenue, North Carll Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702
516-297-7997
Every Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Free event
Stop by this local train station to pick up the necessities like eggs and milk, and also try the honey, coffee, and artisan breads.

Garden City Farmers Market behind the Supreme Court Building – FREE!
101 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY 11501
631-323-3653
Every Tuesday, 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Free event
Indulge in olive oils, produce, freshly made crepes, fresh roasted coffee beans, pasta, sauces, honey, flowers, green tea, and lots of other goodies.

Apple Picking
Whether you’re 2 or 82, apple picking is a fun, refreshing pastime that helps you get into a Fall mindset and also inspires a variety of delicious dishes!
 
Fort Salonga Farm
30 Meadow Glen Road, Northport, NY
631-269-9666
Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM weekends
At Fort Salonga Farm, apple trees are grafted onto size-controlling rootstocks so that the apple trees begin to fruit just 18 inches off of the ground, which is perfect for kids to reach and pick their own apples. In September, the Sweet Sixteen, MacIntosh, and Gala apples will be ripened and ready to pick, and are typically about $1.69 per pound.  This is a small orchard, so be sure to call ahead of time to be sure there is ripe fruit to pick.
 
Hank’s Pumpkintown
240 Montauk Highway, Watermill, NY 11976
631-726-4667
Hours of Operation: Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Hank’s Pumpkintown’s orchard will be open on weekends for apple picking, and you’ll be able to pick from Ultimate Gala, MacIntosh, Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Cortland, Macoun, Empire, and Snow Sweet apples.  The cost is $22 for a one peck bag (about 10 lbs), limit 4 people per bag.  No strollers or wagons allowed in the apple orchard.
 
Wickham’s Fruit Farm
28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY
631-734-6441
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wickham’s offers a variety of apples, and is open every day except for Sundays for apple picking.  Be sure to try some of their apple cider, pressed on the oldest cider press on Long Island!
 
Windy Acres Farm
3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton, NY
631-727-4554
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Windy Acres has 30 varieties of apples, including MacIntosh, Golden Delicious, Mutsu, and Granny Smith.  Call ahead for availability.  Apples are grown on dwarf apple trees, and cost $18 per peck bag (about 10 lbs).

More Fun Ways to Start Fall

Go Fall Fishing
Just because the Summer is over doesn’t mean fishing is over, but in many areas, the fishing season ends at the end of September.  Take a look at our local fishing regulations, and take advantage of the last month of fishing of brook, brown, and rainbow trout in many locations.

Enjoy Fall’s Beautiful Foliage Right Here on LI
There’s no need to travel far to see the leaves change color - there are plenty of deciduous forests all around the Island.  To get the most out of your foliage trip, try camping in the Fall under trees of vibrant oranges and reds, or go cycling down a bike path right in the heart of the forest.

Beat the Crowds in the Amusement Park Off-Season
No one likes to wait on lines, and chances are if you went to an amusement park this Summer, you did plenty of waiting.  Now that school is back in session, many local amusement parks are still open and are far less busy than during the Summer.  Hit Splish Splash while it’s still warm, and test your skills on the ropes courses at the new Adventure Park.