There's no need to drive far in order to have a great Labor Day weekend - there's plenty of family fun, things to see and do, and exciting events to attend in Nassau and Suffolk throughout the long weekend. Labor Day is a Federal Holiday observed on the first
Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events. For kids of all ages, Labor Day often feels like a last hurrah, as we wave goodbye to the warmer months, and welcome the cooldown that comes with the Autumn months. Let's hope that Mother Nature cooperates so that these fantastic events can be enjoyed by all - thankfully, it looks like for most of the weekend, she will be. From fireworks extravaganzas to an Indian Powwow and more, here are some great events happening over the Labor Day weekend.
The Hampton Classic
240 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton (631) 537-3177
This Saturday & Sunday, come out to the 37th Annual outdoor horse show - one of the largest in the United States, that draws huge crowds of spectators from all over the country. Enjoy the different equestrian competitions and Hamptons celebrity sightings. Kid's Day celebration is on Saturday. Grandstand tickets can be purchased at the box office.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides through Stony Brook Village
Stony Brook Village Center, Stony Brook (631) 751-2244
The ride takes you past Stony Brook Harbor and back to the village from 6PM until dusk. Enjoy this age-old tradition with the kids - they'll get a kick out of learning how different the "horse power" is from the car! Tickets are $3 per person.
Long Island Ducks Game & Fireworks Display
Bethpage Ballpark, Central Islip (631) 940-DUCK
This Monday, enjoy a true American pastime and come out to root for the home team at Bethpage Ballpark! The first pitch is at 7:05PM, and after the game against the Somerset Patriots, enjoy a Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza - the perfect eveing for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are $11-15.
Shinnecock Powwow
West Gate Road, Southampton (631) 283-6143
The 66th Annual Powwow will feature native foods, tribal dancing & ceremonies, storytelling, native crafts demonstrations, drum & dance contests and more. Grounds open Friday at 3PM, and from Saturday through Monday at 10PM., and grounds close at 11PM all days. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children (6-12) and disabled, FREE for children 5 and under. With four days filled with fun, this is an event you can't miss!
American Airpower Museum Presents: Wings, Wheels, & Tracks
1230 New Highway, Farmingdale (631) 293-6398
This Saturday - Monday, visit the Museum for the spectacular Wings, Wheels and Tracks celebrates the great fighters, bombers and armor of the "Greatest Generation." Tour the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Liberator bomber and a P-51 Mustang fighter from 9AM - 5PM. Discount tickets and family passes are available on their web site, so don't forget to plan ahead and save!
Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts
40 Main Street, Westhampton Beach (631) 421-1590
This Saturday & Sunday, head out to the Hamptons to enjoy a spectacular weekend filled with fine art. The show features dozens of paintings, sculpture, mixed media, photography, jewelry on exhibit. Saturday hours are 10a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11AM .-5PM Admission is free.
Seaford Fall Festival
Seaford LIRR Station Lot - Sunrise Highway near Route 135, Seaford (631) 724-5966
Enjoy fun, shopping, carnival treats and more this weekend in Seaford! The market will feature an array of merchandise from handmade crafts, jewelry, bags, clothing, sports memorabilia and specialty foods. Admission is free, Saturday through Monday from 11AM - 6PM.
East Hampton Fire Department Fireworks on Main Beach
101 Ocean Avenue, East Hampton (631) 324-8158
This Saturday at dusk, head out to the Main Beach at East Hampton for an evening of fireworks and fun. Don't forget to pack a picnic, and make a day of it with the whole family! Parking is on a first-come first-serve basis, no parking permit is required and there is no reserved parking.
Eisenhower Park Craft & Gift Fair
Eisenhower Park, Field 8, East Meadow (for free parking enter on Stewart Avenue & Merrick Avenue) (516) 442-6000
The 5th Annual craft & gift fair features family fun and shopping. The vendors offer hard to find quality handmade and handpicked items at recognizable savings. Admission is free for this craft show, and it will be open on both Saturday & Sunday.
Say Goodbye to Summer with a Splash at Splish Splash Water Park
2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton (631) 727-3600
Slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the last weekend of the season. Have wild wet fun from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday. Tickets are $38.99 for general admission and $29.99 for kids under 48" and seniors.
Enjoy a Day of Family Fun at The Long Island Museum
1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook (631) 751-0666
Their collection of over 200 carriages and life in the 1950's exhibit will be opened on Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $9/adults, $7/seniors, $4/students 6-17 and college students with I.D. Museum members and children under six admitted free.
Plan a Day Trip to the Fire Island Lighthouse
Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island (631) 687-4759
Weekend schedule of events: Friday-Blue Moon Tower Tour - 6:45 p.m. $20/person; reservations required. Saturday- Step Back in Time, a Maritime History Walk Around the Fire Island Light Station: 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (free ranger-guided program). Sunday- Step Back in Time, a Maritime History Walk Around the Fire Island Light Station: 6:30 - 8 pm (free ranger-guided program). Parking is $10.
Shinn Estate Vineyards
2000 Oregon Road, Mattituck (631) 804-0367
The tasting room is open 8 p.m. on Saturday night. Enjoy wines, cheese and the sunset. Visit Long Island's Wine Country for countless Labor Day festivities.
