Free events on Long Island
105 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 Open Mic Night w/ General George @ Nautilus Roasting
General George hosts bi-weekly open mic nights at this Huntington Station coffee shop, alternating Wednesdays at 7pm. Grab a spot at Nautilus on New York Avenue—it's free, and the shop stays open late for performers and audience alike.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
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—free entry, coffee shop setting, happens every other Thursday at 7 PM. The cafe's on New York Avenue with its own lot, easy in and out.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick Open Mic At Roots Kava Bar
Weekly open mic at this Port Jefferson kava bar welcomes singers, acoustic players, and poets on Sunday nights. No cover, and the vibe stays mellow—kava instead of alcohol keeps things low-key. Port Jeff village parking is free after 6PM on Sundays.
- When
- Where
- Roots Kava Bar, Port Jefferson
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 Sayville Summer Family Fair
Sayville Village's annual summer family fair on Main Street. Carnival rides for kids 3-12, food trucks, live family music, free face-painting + crafts, fire-truck climb-on, beer garden in a separate adults-only zone. Free admission, ride wristbands $20. The South Shore family Saturday at its peak.
- When
- Where
- Downtown Sayville Main Street, Sayville
Editor's Pick Davis Park Storytime! w/Patchogue-Medford Library
Patchogue-Medford Library is taking storytime to Fire Island every Tuesday morning at 11 AM. Meet on the boardwalk at Trustees Walk in Davis Park for beach-themed stories and songs. A solid mid-morning break when the kids need a shady reset from the sand.
- When
- Where
- Trustees Walk, Fire Island
Editor's Pick Marine Bioblitz: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event!
Spend a morning at Robert Moses identifying and cataloging as many marine species as you can find—crabs, mollusks, fish, whatever's in the tide pools and shallows near Field 2. Your observations go into a real biodiversity database. Bring water shoes and sunscreen.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Editor's Pick Frogs and Friends: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This 45-minute program for preschoolers focuses on amphibians and reptiles native to the Nissequogue River area. Kids meet live animals, hear frog calls, and do a short nature walk suited for little legs. Park entrance is $4 per child when you check in at the Saint Johnland Road gate.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Editor's Pick FRIDAY KOMPA VYBEZ
Prime on the Mile throws weekly Kompa nights every Friday starting at 5pm—Haitian dance music on the Freeport waterfront. Free entry, and Woodcleft Avenue has municipal lots if you're driving in.
- When
- Where
- Prime on the Mile, Freeport
Editor's Pick Nautilus 1 Year Anniversary Party
Nautilus Roasting hits the one-year mark with an afternoon celebration at their Huntington Station shop. Free to attend, starting at 2pm on Saturday—expect coffee specials, live music, and the kind of neighborhood vibe that kept them going this long.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick SecretSeshLI
SquareHead Brewing in Holbrook hosts this weekly Saturday market at 5pm, bringing together local vendors in their brewery space. Free to browse, and you can grab dinner and one of their house brews while you shop. High Street has street parking, or use the lot behind the building.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Editor's Pick 'Greenport Concert Series', featuring : TAL NACCARATO, LIVE!
Guitarist Tal Naccarato plays an afternoon set of americana, folk, and blues at Floyd Memorial Library—solo acoustic originals plus traditional covers. Free show at 3 PM, and Greenport's First Street is an easy walk to shops and waterfront if you want to make an afternoon of it.
- When
- Where
- Floyd Memorial Library, Greenport
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 Urban Ecology: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This adult program digs into how wildlife adapts to suburban sprawl and what homeowners can do to make their properties more hospitable to local species. You'll walk away with practical tips for coexisting with the foxes, deer, and birds that navigate Kings Park alongside us. $4 at the door.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Marvelous Monarchs: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
Kids learn about monarch butterflies at this morning program at Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale. The session covers migration patterns, lifecycle stages, and why monarchs matter to Long Island ecosystems. Free entry to the program, but there's a $4-per-child materials fee at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Editor's Pick Beginner Kawaii Class for Kids
Free four-week kawaii drawing class for kids at Islip Arts Council Gallery in Bay Shore. Runs Tuesdays starting at noon, right off Sunrise Highway at 1701.
- When
- Where
- Islip Arts Council Gallery, Bay Shore
Editor's Pick Gardens Galore! : Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child
Preschoolers get a hands-on intro to gardens and growing things at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. The 10:30 AM start works well for little attention spans, and at $4 per kid, it's an easy midweek outing. Parking is plentiful off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Editor's Pick Summer Reads Book Discussion
This month's book club is digging into "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach—a darkly funny novel about a woman who crashes a destination wedding while contemplating her own life. The discussion starts at 6:30 PM at Patchogue-Medford Library on East Main Street.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick Flower Power - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
Sunken Meadow's Nature Center runs this free program designed specifically for visitors of all physical and developmental abilities to explore native plants and flowers. The structured format works well for families who need accommodations, and the Nature Center at Lot 1 has accessible parking right there.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Long Beach Boardwalk Concert Series — Thursday Free Show
Free outdoor concert series on the Long Beach boardwalk, Thursdays in August. Bring a beach chair or blanket — the stage is mid-boardwalk near Riverside Blvd. LIRR direct from Penn, 50 min door to boardwalk.
- When
- Where
- Long Beach Boardwalk, Long Beach
Fantasy Football 101
Never played fantasy football but want to start a league with your friends? This beginner workshop covers draft strategy, scoring systems, and how to avoid picking a kicker in the third round. The library's on East Main Street in downtown Patchogue, walking distance from a dozen bars if you want to grab a beer after.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Caumsett State Park — Fall Hike + Private Beach Day
Caumsett is the Lloyd Harbor peninsula state park reached by a 1.5-mile walk through mature forest to a private (no parking, no crowds) beach on Long Island Sound. Free, family-friendly, dog-leash-allowed. Fall foliage peak is mid-October. The 'private beach' aspect is real — most visitors don't make the walk.
- When
- Where
- Caumsett State Park, Lloyd Harbor
Summer Lantern Walk: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Walk Heckscher State Park by lantern light after sunset—kids love the novelty, and it's a solid way to cool off after a hot July day. Starts at 7:45 PM, so plan dinner early. Park entry is $4 per person; the walk itself is free.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park, East Islip
Mid-Tide Splash - Family program (6+), $4 cash per child upon arrival
Wade into Long Island Sound at mid-tide to catch and observe crabs, fish, and other marine life with park naturalists. Bring water shoes, a change of clothes, and nets if you have them—expect to get soaked. $4 cash per child, meet at Lot 3 off 25A in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Self Care Saturday: Adult Program, $4 upon arrival
An adults-only wellness afternoon at Connetquot River State Park Preserve—think stretching, breathing, maybe a short nature walk. Light on details but nice to see programming aimed at grown-ups. $4 park entry, class is free.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Welcome Back Osprey - Family program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
Track ospreys on a guided hike through Sunken Meadow—these fish-hunting raptors return to Long Island each spring and nest near the water. Meet at Lot 3 and bring $4 cash per person. The program runs about 90 minutes, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Stewardship Sunday: Walt Whitman Birthplace
Volunteer morning pulling invasive plants from the grounds of Walt Whitman's birthplace in Huntington Station. Bring gloves and water—you'll be outside weeding flower beds and woodland edges around the historic site. Free, and you'll actually help preserve a piece of Long Island literary history.
- When
- Where
- Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, Huntington Station
NYSF New Moon Market
The Fit Factory transforms into an evening marketplace where tarot readers set up next to vintage oddity vendors and metaphysical shops. Food trucks park outside while healers work inside—it's basically a mystical bazaar meets night market. Free admission, and Bohemia's industrial area means easy parking.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
NYSF Full Moon Market
The same crew behind the New Moon Market returns with tarot readings, energy healers, and vendors selling crystals, oddities, and metaphysical goods. Food trucks handle dinner while you browse. Free entry, plenty of parking at The Fit Factory's Bohemia location.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Messy Church
Babylon United Methodist Church hosts Messy Church—crafts, stories, and snacks in one chaotic evening for families. Free to attend, starts at 6pm on a Wednesday at 21 James Street.
- When
- Where
- United Methodist Church of Babylon, Babylon
Women's Moon Circle
Revolution Yoga in Rockville Centre holds monthly moon circles—gatherings for women to mark the new or full moon. Free, starts at 6:30 PM on North Village Ave.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Beyond the No: Celebrating Creative Persistence — A REJECTED Discussion
A free table talk with local creatives who've turned rejections into career fuel, held in conjunction with the REJECTED exhibition at Kasher Gallery. You'll hear real stories about navigating the no's—the kind of conversation that actually sticks with you afterward.
- When
- Where
- Kasher Gallery & Studios, Northport
Meet the Animals - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
Get up close with live animals at this accessible program tailored for visitors of all abilities. The Nature Center staff leads the sessions with accommodations built in, so families can interact with local wildlife in a setting that works for everyone.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Silent Book Club – Hosted by The Book Whisperer
Bring whatever you're reading and settle in for an hour of silent, communal page-turning at this free book club. No assigned titles, no discussion required—just you, your book, and other readers doing the same thing. Hosted by The Book Whisperer at Nest on Main, right on Northport's walkable Main Street.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Silent Book Club In The Park – Hosted by The Book Whisperer
The Book Whisperer's Silent Book Club meets at Northport Village Park for an hour of quiet reading outdoors. Bring whatever you're currently reading—no assigned books, no discussion required, just low-key company and your own pages. Free, and the park's right by the harbor if you want to walk around after.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Build-a-Bug: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Preschoolers learn insect anatomy by creating their own oversized bug models using craft supplies and natural materials collected around the park. The 45-minute program includes a short outdoor walk to observe real insects up close. Entry is $4 per child at the Saint Johnland Road entrance.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Artist Spotlight: Pablo Picasso Workshop -Family Program 13+, $4 per person
A Picasso workshop at a state park nature center is an unexpected combo, but here we are. Teens and adults learn about his techniques and artistic evolution, then try their hand at creating in his style. $4 per person, ages 13 and up.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Bat Map Walk: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free
Bring a flashlight and help scientists map Long Island's bat population at Connetquot River Preserve. You'll use acoustic monitors to detect and record bat calls as the sun goes down—real citizen science that contributes to conservation data. The walk starts at 7:30 PM, so plan to arrive before dusk.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Fruits & Veggies: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This preschool program introduces kids to edible plants through hands-on activities, taste tests, and garden exploration at Nissequogue River. The session runs about 45 minutes at the main office building off Saint Johnland Road. Entry is $4 per child when you arrive.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Zachs Bay Raft-Up Dayaways! | MarineMax Huntington
MarineMax is organizing a raft-up at Zachs Bay where boats tie together for a floating hangout on the water. Bring your boat or catch a ride with the crew—it's a casual day of sun, swimming, and meeting other boaters. Starts at 10 AM from their Huntington location on West Shore Road.
- When
- Where
- MarineMax Huntington, Huntington
Boston Whaler Customer Appreciation Brunch | MarineMax Huntington
Boston Whaler owners get a thank-you brunch at Smuggler Jack's in Massapequa, hosted by MarineMax. Free food, boat talk, and a chance to connect with other Whaler people. RSVP through MarineMax since space is likely limited.
- When
- Where
- Smuggler Jack's, Massapequa
Korea Festa 2026, Labor Day Edition
This three-day Korean culture event returns to Huntington over Labor Day weekend with food, performances, and cultural demos. Free admission to the whole thing, which runs Friday through Sunday. Nassau Road has plenty of parking, and you're close to Huntington village if you want to grab dinner after.
- When
- Where
- Mahanaim, Huntington
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the preserved Main House of the old South Side Sportsmen's Club, a gilded-age hunting and fishing retreat that feels frozen in the 1880s. Rangers walk you through the taxidermy-filled rooms and explain how wealthy New Yorkers used to 'rough it' on Long Island. $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the preserved Main House of the old South Side Sportsmen's Club, a gilded-age hunting and fishing retreat that feels frozen in the 1880s. Rangers walk you through the taxidermy-filled rooms and explain how wealthy New Yorkers used to 'rough it' on Long Island. $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Kayak Nature Tour: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Paddle a quiet stretch of the Nissequogue River with a guide who knows the local ecology. You'll need to bring your own kayak and gear. Launches from Nissequogue River State Park in Kings Park; $4 park entry, tour is free.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Passport through Parks: Belmont, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This monthly series hits every Long Island state park with guided hikes—August's stop is Belmont Lake in West Babylon. It's a low-key way to explore parks you've been meaning to check out and rack up some miles. $4 per person park entry, hike is free.
- When
- Where
- Belmont Lake State Park, West Babylon
Bay Walk: Children’s Program (ages 8+), $4 per child upon arrival
This guided bay walk at Robert Moses teaches kids 8 and up about the shoreline ecosystem and what lives in the water. It's an easy walk along the protected bay side—way calmer than the ocean beaches. Parking is $10 unless you have an Empire Pass.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Whales of the Deep Blue Sea: Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child
This program for 3-to-5-year-olds covers whale species, migration, and ocean life through stories and activities at Connetquot River Preserve. It's $4 per child and runs about an hour. The preserve is off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale—plenty of parking at the main entrance.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Build-a-Bug-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Your preschooler builds their own bug creation at this hands-on nature class at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. The 45-minute program teaches kids about insects through crafts and outdoor exploration. Bring $4 cash per child—parking is in Lot 1 off 25A in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Nighttime Sensory Walk: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
After dark at Connetquot, this walk lets you hear, smell, and feel the park in ways you miss during the day. Guides help you tune into night sounds and spot nocturnal animals. Bring a flashlight and bug spray—the preserve gets buggy at dusk.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Kayak Nature Tour: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Paddle through the salt marsh at Heckscher with a guide who knows the tides and the birds. You'll need your own kayak or canoe, plus a life jacket. Launch from Field 5 on the bay side—totally different vibe from the main beach area.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park Field 5, East Islip
200 Plant Challenge, Family Program, $4 pp cash upon arrival
Help plant native wildflowers at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center—the goal is 200 plants total, and they need volunteers to make it happen. Bring $4 cash per person and expect to get your hands dirty. This is actual planting work, not just a tour.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Beginning Birding: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Learn the basics of birdwatching at Planting Fields, where the mix of meadows, woods, and formal gardens brings in dozens of species. Guides will show you how to use binoculars and what to listen for. The arboretum charges its usual $10 parking fee.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Head to Wildwood State Park in Calverton after sunset to track bats on the wing with park naturalists. This free evening program starts at 7:30pm and takes you into the park after dark to spot Long Island's flying mammals. It's $4 per person when you arrive at the Sound Avenue entrance.
- When
- Where
- Wildwood State Park, Calverton
Hike Through History: Caleb Smith, Family Program, $4 per person
This guided walk through Caleb Smith connects the preserve's trail system to Long Island's role in the Revolutionary War—expect stories about local militias and British occupation. Part of the national 250th anniversary programming, so there's more historical context than your typical nature hike. Free, but $10 parking without an Empire Pass.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Walk the trails at Caleb Smith after sunset with park naturalists tracking bat activity through the preserve's wooded areas. Bring a flashlight and wear closed-toe shoes for the evening hike. The $4 entry fee applies despite the free listing—pay when you arrive at the Jericho Turnpike entrance.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
What's the Buzz? Tiny Tots Program (Ages 3-5). $4 per child upon arrival
This 45-minute program introduces 3-to-5-year-olds to pollinators through hands-on activities at Connetquot River Preserve. Kids will learn about bees, butterflies, and other insects that keep Long Island's ecosystems running. $4 per child at arrival, adults free.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Fruits & Veggies-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Preschoolers learn where their food comes from through games, stories, and nature walks at Sunken Meadow. This interactive class covers how fruits and vegetables grow, with activities designed for short attention spans. Bring $4 cash per child—Lot 1 parking off 25A.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Meet the Animals - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
Get up close with live animals at this accessible program tailored for visitors of all abilities. The Nature Center staff leads the sessions with accommodations built in, so families can interact with local wildlife in a setting that works for everyone.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park