Free events on Long Island
52 hand-picked free events across the island. Festivals, family days, museum open houses, trail runs, free concerts.
Editor's Pick Northport Fall Festival
Northport Village's signature street festival shuts Main Street down for a full Saturday of food trucks, live music on the harborfront stage, kids' rides, and 100+ local vendors. Park on Bay Avenue by 10:30 AM — the main lot fills by 11. The food vendor lineup at the village green is the highlight; line up by noon for the first wave before the lunch rush.
- When
- Where
- Northport Village, Northport
Editor's Pick Oyster Bay Oyster Festival — 200K Visitors, One Weekend
Long Island's biggest single annual event — 200,000+ visitors descend on Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay over a mid-October weekend for $1 oysters, 100+ food vendors, 250+ craft stalls, multi-stage live music, a tall ship in the harbor, and the working-fishing-village atmosphere that the Hamptons don't have. Free admission. Forty-plus years of history. The LI fall event of the year.
- When
- Where
- Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, Oyster Bay
Editor's Pick NYSF Full Moon Market
This after-dark market at The Fit Factory brings together tarot readers, healers, metaphysical vendors, and oddity collectors, plus food trucks. Free entry, and it runs under the full moon—so yeah, they're committed to the vibe. Johnson Avenue has plenty of parking at the industrial complex.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Editor's Pick Club de lectura - Book Club en Español
Spanish-language book club at the main Patchogue library branch meets Monday evenings to discuss current reads and build community. It's a solid way to stay sharp with reading while connecting with other Spanish speakers in the area. Free and open to all levels.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick FRIDAY KOMPA VYBEZ
Prime on the Mile brings kompa—the Haitian dance music—to Freeport's waterfront every Friday starting at 5 PM. The venue sits right on Woodcleft Avenue near the nautical mile, so you can walk over from the docks or grab dinner at one of the seafood spots nearby. Free entry, weekly rhythm.
- When
- Where
- Prime on the Mile, Freeport
Greenport Maritime Festival — North Fork Harbor Weekend
Greenport's annual Maritime Festival turns the working harbor village into a regional weekend destination — tall ships in the harbor, oyster shucking competitions, traditional whaleboat races, food + craft vendors along Front Street, live music throughout. Free admission. The locals' East End fall favorite.
- When
- Where
- Greenport Village Harbor, Greenport
Editor's Pick SecretSeshLI
This weekly market at SquareHead Brewing in Holbrook draws local vendors selling everything from vintage finds to handmade goods, with craft beer on tap while you browse. It runs Saturdays at 5 PM, giving you a reason to check out the High Street brewery scene. Free to walk through and shop.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Editor's Pick Open Mic Night w/ General George @ Nautilus Roasting
General George hosts this bi-weekly open mic at Nautilus Roasting in Huntington Station—bring your guitar, poems, or just grab a coffee and watch. It runs every other Thursday at 7 PM, so check which weeks are live before you head over. Free entry, and you're steps from other New York Avenue spots if you want to make it a night out.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick Volunteer Registration for Famous Food Festival October 2026
The Famous Food Festival needs volunteers for their October event at Tanger Outlets Deer Park. You'll help run the festival and get fed plus free swag in return. Registration opens at 8 AM on October 9th.
- When
- Where
- Tanger Outlets - Deer Park, Deer Park
Editor's Pick Crochet & Conversation
Bring your current project or start something new at this weekly crochet circle at the Medford Branch. You can work on your own stuff or make items to donate to local charities—either way, you'll have company and probably pick up some new techniques. Free, no registration needed.
- When
- Where
- Medford Branch, Patchogue-Medford Library, Medford
Editor's Pick Geology Rocks!: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) learn about rocks, minerals, and basic geology through hands-on activities at Nissequogue River. Meet at the main admin building off Route 25A, $4 per child cash when you get there.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Beach Scavenger Hunt - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
This beach scavenger hunt at Sunken Meadow is designed for all physical and developmental abilities—adaptive programming that gets families outside together. Meet at the Nature Center in Lot 1. Actually free despite the series usually charging a few bucks.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Editor's Pick Natural History Tour: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This guided hike covers the natural and historical highlights of Nissequogue River State Park, led by environmental educators who know the trails. Meets at the main office in Kings Park. Costs $4 per person when you arrive.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Artist Spotlight: Tim Burton Workshop -Family Program 12+, $4 per person
Learn ink-drawing techniques inspired by Tim Burton's distinctive style while watching one of his films during this Inktober workshop for ages 12+. $4 per person at the Nissequogue River State Park main office building. Bring your own sketchbook if you have one.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Artist Spotlight: Tim Burton Workshop -Family Program Age13+, $4 per person
Learn ink-drawing techniques while watching a Tim Burton film—think dark, stylized character work timed to Inktober. It's for ages 13 and up, $4 per person at the door. The Reichert building at Nissequogue River has easy parking right out front.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the historic Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, once the private retreat of the exclusive South Side Sportsmen's Club. You'll see preserved interiors and hear stories about Long Island's sportfishing past. 2 PM tour on Sunday. $4 per person.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Hispanic Heritage Day
The Islip Arts Council hosts an afternoon of Latin music, visual arts, and cultural programming at their Sunrise Highway gallery in Bay Shore. Free admission, 2:00 PM start.
- When
- Where
- Islip Arts Council Gallery, Bay Shore
Survival and Scavenging Skills: Family Program (ages 8+), $4 per person
Rangers at Connetquot lead a hike focused on wilderness survival basics and identifying edible plants along the trails. It's designed for kids 8 and up with their parents, so expect hands-on learning rather than lecture. The $4 entry fee is per person at the gate on Sunrise Highway.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Arboretum Nature Hike: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Planting Fields' arboretum staff leads a walking tour through the grounds as summer shifts into fall color. You'll cover the estate's less-traveled woodland paths and seasonal plant changes. Park entry is $4 per adult at the gate on Planting Fields Road.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Harvest Moon Hike-Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
Time your Saturday evening hike with the Harvest Moon rising over the Sound at Sunken Meadow. Adults-only program starts at 6:30 PM from Lot 1, $4 cash at the trailhead. Bring a headlamp for the walk back.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Passport Through Parks: Robert Moses, Family Program, $4 per person
This monthly hiking series moves through all of Long Island's state parks, one per month. September's stop is Robert Moses—meet at Field 2 and bring $4 per person cash. Good way to actually see the parks beyond just beach season.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Nature Bike Tour: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Bring your own bike for a ranger-guided ride along the Great South Bay shoreline at Heckscher. The route stays flat and family-paced, with stops to talk about coastal ecology. Entry is $4 per person at the park entrance off Heckscher Parkway.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park, East Islip
NYSF Handmade Holiday Bazaar
The fourth annual Handmade Holiday Bazaar moves to evening hours this year, filling The Fit Factory with local artisans and handmade gifts. Free to browse, and night markets just hit different when you're shopping for the holidays. Easy parking at the Johnson Avenue location.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Hike to Hatchery Tour: Family Program
Connetquot River State Park runs the only fish hatchery in the NY State Parks system, and this guided walk takes you behind the scenes to see where they raise trout. The 10:30 AM Sunday tour is free, though parking at the Oakdale preserve costs $8 per car.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Shark Extravaganza, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Tiny Tots program for 3-5 year olds dives into shark facts and ocean life at Connetquot River. Bring $4 cash per child when you arrive. These nature sessions run about an hour and give the little ones a chance to burn energy while learning.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Walk to End Alzheimer's - North Fork
The North Fork walk kicks off at Peconic Landing in Greenport, where you can walk the grounds while raising funds for Alzheimer's research and support services. Registration starts at 9 AM, and the route takes you through one of the more scenic corners of the East End. Parking is available on-site at 1500 Brecknock Road.
- When
- Where
- Peconic Landing, Greenport
Migrating Bird Hike - Family program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
Catch the fall migration at Sunken Meadow with a guided birding hike through Lot 3. You'll spot departing warblers and arriving cold-weather species as they swap places for the season. Bring $4 cash and binoculars if you have them.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Passport through Parks: Cold Spring Harbor, Family Program, $4 per person
Part of a monthly series that hits every state park on Long Island, this October stop explores Cold Spring Harbor State Park's trails and shoreline. Costs $4 per person at the door. Park is right off 25A with decent lot access.
- When
- Where
- Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Cold Spring Harbor
Hike through History-Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
This walking tour traces Revolutionary War history around Sunken Meadow's trails, timed with the national 250th anniversary. The park's shoreline and hills played a role in local colonial conflicts. Adults only, $4 cash at Lot 1.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Walk through the preserved Main House of the old South Side Sportsman's Club at Connetquot, a fishing and hunting club that dates back over a century. Tours run Sunday afternoons and cost $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Funny Bones-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
This nature-focused class for 3-5 year olds digs into bones, skeletons, and animal anatomy through hands-on exploration at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. It's $4 cash per kid at the door. Lot 1 parking fills up on nice mornings, so get there early.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Lets go Camping, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Designed for kids 3-5, this outdoor program at Connetquot introduces little ones to camping basics and nature exploration. Runs late morning mid-week at the preserve off Sunrise Highway. $4 per child upon arrival.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Crab Craft Time: Living Fossils, Family Program (ages 10+) $4.00 per person
Horseshoe crabs get their moment in this craft session at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. You'll create art inspired by these ancient creatures that have been around for 450 million years. Ages 10 and up, $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Walk through the preserved Main House of the old South Side Sportsman's Club at Connetquot, a fishing and hunting club that dates back over a century. Tours run Sunday afternoons and cost $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
The Great Pumpkin, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This 45-minute nature program gets preschoolers (ages 3-5) outside and moving at Connetquot River State Park. It's $4 per kid when you show up, and the Wednesday morning slot works if you're trying to fill those mid-week hours between naps.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Artist Spotlight: Frida Kahlo Workshop -Family Program 12+, $4 per person
This workshop digs into Frida Kahlo's life and artistic style, geared toward ages 12 and up. Expect discussion of her self-portraits, her relationship with pain and identity, and hands-on creative work. Free program at Nissequogue River State Park's main office in Kings Park, $4 parking fee.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Natural History Hike: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This adults-only guided hike covers both the natural ecosystems and lesser-known history of Nissequogue River State Park. The trail winds through woodlands near the Nissequogue River, so wear sturdy shoes. Free admission, same building as the Frida workshop.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Spooky Skeletons: Children's Program, $4.00 per child on arrival
Kids examine real animal bones and skulls at this early-evening program at Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale. The 6:30 PM Friday timing means you can go after school and still make it home for dinner—$4 per child at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Pumpkin Carving: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Bring your family to carve pumpkins at Nissequogue River State Park the Sunday before Halloween. Tools and guidance provided, $4 per person when you arrive. Parking's straightforward at the main office building.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Nest Book Club Discussion: Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult
Nest on Main hosts a free discussion of Jodi Picoult's Hollow Bones. Show up with thoughts on the book and meet other readers in downtown Northport.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Mystical Creatures: Childrens program (ages 6+), $4.00 per child on arrival
This twilight nature walk at Connetquot happens right before Halloween, so expect some theatrical spookiness along with actual wildlife spotting. Best for kids 6 and up who can handle a trail after dark—$4 per child at check-in.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Know your Bones - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
This free program teaches families about animal skeletons and anatomy, designed specifically so kids and adults of all physical and developmental abilities can participate together. It's at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center on the Friday before Halloween. No registration fee, just show up.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Silent Book Club & Tea Workshop
Bring whatever you're reading and settle in for an hour of quiet reading with tea and other book people—no assigned book, no discussion required. It's free and happens regularly on Monday evenings. Revolution Yoga is right off the Rockville Centre LIRR stop on North Village Ave.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Monster Mash!-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
A Halloween-themed nature class for preschoolers that mixes spooky season fun with outdoor learning at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. Bring $4 cash per child. The lot's right by the nature center, so it's an easy walk even with little ones.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Haunted Lantern Walk, Adult Program, $4
Walk the Sunken Meadow trails after dark with only lantern light while guides tell creepy historical stories from Long Island's past. It's an adults-only evening hike that leans into the Halloween season without the typical costume party vibe. $4 cash, meet at the Nature Center in Lot 1.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
History Bike Tour: Family Program, $4.00 per person on arrival
Bring your own bikes and ride through Caumsett's sprawling Lloyd Harbor grounds while a guide explains the estate's past as a Gilded Age property. The North Shore preserve has paved paths and gentle terrain, and it's $4 per person when you arrive Saturday morning.
- When
- Where
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor
Nature Knowledge Night: Natures Not So Scary Animals , $4 per child
This after-school nature club meets on Halloween eve to introduce kids to creatures that look scarier than they actually are—think bats, spiders, and snakes. Rangers at Connetquot lead the session, which kicks off at 6:30 PM and costs $4 per child. Park entrance is off Sunrise Highway with ample lot parking.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Hunt for Bigfoot 2: Electric Boogaloo, Adult Program, $4 upon arrival
The cryptid hunt returns on Halloween morning at Sunken Meadow, this time with more theatrics and spooky twists. It's tongue-in-cheek outdoor fun for adults who like their nature walks with a side of absurdist humor. $4 cash, Lot 3.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Free Wellness Pop Up Event
Revolution Yoga is opening its doors to local wellness vendors and practitioners for a free Saturday afternoon drop-in. You can try mini-sessions, talk to practitioners, and check out local health businesses without committing to anything. It's in their main studio space on North Village Ave—walkable from the Rockville Centre LIRR station if you're coming from elsewhere.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
SecretSeshLI
This weekly market at SquareHead Brewing brings local makers, vintage sellers, and small businesses to the Holbrook brewery every Saturday at 5 PM. Shop while you drink—the brewery's beer selection pairs well with browsing handmade goods and curated finds.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Living History Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the preserved clubhouse of the South Side Sportsmen's Club, the private fishing club that operated here from 1866 until the state acquired it in 1973. Guides walk you through the Main House with period details intact—it's one of the few times you can get inside. $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Artist Spotlight: Frida Kahlo Workshop -Family Program 8+, $4 per person
Kids 8+ and their adults learn about Frida Kahlo's life and distinctive style, then create their own art inspired by her work. The workshop runs about 90 minutes and costs $4 per person at the door. Same Kings Park location as the Tiny Tots programs—plenty of parking at the main office building.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park