The autumn calendar is flooded with fall-themed festivals and events, as well as other special events with celebrities or cultural celebrations, but only some include free entry. Bring the whole family down to some of these fabulous free events for a night of family fun that doesn't break the bank, such as the Music Festival in Port Jefferson, or the Family Fishing Festival in Hempstead. Though the events are free, consider bringing extra money, as some of the fairs charge for rides and other games, as well as food.
September
Fall Family Carnival
Sid Jacobson SCC – 300 Forest Drive, East Hills
September 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join in on the carnival rides, games, and attractions at this free carnival. There will also be a barbecue and tours of the SCC given. Rain date is September 28.
Wednesday Cruise Night Ronkonkoma
199 Hawkins Avenue, Ronkonkoma
September 24, 5 p.m. until dark
Bring your classic car to this cruise night in Ronkonkoma and relax with like-minded car enthusiasts, or simply bring the family down to check out the cool cars and enjoy a slice of the past!
Bethenny Frankel Book Signing
Barnes and Noble – Carle Place: 91 Old County Road, Carle Place
September 25, 7 p.m.
Reality television personality Bethenny Frankel will be at the Carle Place Barnes and Noble signing copies of her new children’s book, Cookie Meets Peanut.
American Music Fest
Port Jefferson Village Center, Main Street Port Jefferson
September 26, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
September 27, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
September 28, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rock out to over 35 performers on 4 different stages who will be playing blue, rock, jazz, Dixieland, folk, country, and funk. There will be activities for children, as well as an antique car show. Come see the best in venerable local performers and up and coming acts.
October
Apple Festival
Islip Grange Park: 10 Broadway Avenue, Sayville
October 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Town of Islip put together a free Apple Festival, featuring a carnival, craft fair, music, and of course, an apple-themed cooking contest. For the little ones, there will be pony rides and plenty of carnival games. In the event of rain, it will be held on October 5.
Long Island Fall Festival
Heckscher Park: 2 Prime Avenue, Huntington
October 10, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
October 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 12, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Long Island Fall Festival is expected to be a huge event, which will feature carnival rides, games for the kids, and lots and lots of food from various vendors. Expect to be entertained by great live bands that will have you rocking all weekend. Free parking is available at the Huntington Train Station, and you can purchase a $1 round-trip shuttle ticket.
Fall Family Fishing Festival
McDonald and South Ponds: Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead
October 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pack up the kids and fishing rods and head down to this free fishing event for the family in Hempstead, where two ponds will be stocked with over 1,000 trout. There will also be free on-site parking.
Halloween Boat Burning
Long Island Maritime Museum: 86 West Avenue, West Sayville
October 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Each year, a boat that is deemed to be too unsafe for use is set ablaze on the water. Check out this unusual tradition, and while you watch, enjoy raffles, snacks, hot apple cider, and some live music.
Halloween in the Plaza
Kennedy Plaza: 1 West Chester Street, Long Beach
October 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Put on your best Halloween costume and go trick-or-treating around the plaza in front of City Hall on West Park Avenue. There will be a costume parade at 11 a.m., and ongoing live music, as well as a hula hoop contest.
Halloween Festival
Stony Brook Village Center, Main Street on the Harbor
October 31, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
On Halloween, join in on one of the biggest scarecrow events on Long Island. You can submit a scarecrow for the scarecrow contest, and the public will vote on their favorites. There will also be a costume parade, and of course trick-or-treating.
November
Baldwin Fall Festival
Baldwin LIRR Station
November 1-2, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This rain or shine festival will focus on arts and crafts, as well as antiques and plenty of merchandise for the avid shopper.
Scandinavian Bazaar
201 Seventh Street, St. James
November 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sons of Norway Loyal Lodge is bringing back their annual bazaar to celebrate Scandinavian culture with a wide selection of handmade ornaments, bakery goods, and food items. Don’t forget to try your luck at the authentic Scandinavian raffle.
Artisan Market at the Farmingdale Village Green
361 Main Street, Farmingdale
November 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
At the Village Green, you’ll find artists and artisans for all of your needs. You will certainly find something unique at this one-of-a-kind collection of builders and makers.