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 Korea Festa 2026, Labor Day Edition
Korea Festa runs three days over Labor Day weekend at Mahanaim in Huntington with Korean food, performances, and cultural demos. Free admission gets you into what organizers say is their final year putting this on. Sunday starts at 12:30pm on Nassau Road near the Huntington border.
- When
- Where
- Mahanaim, Huntington
Editor's Pick Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the restored Main House at Connetquot River State Park, originally built for the South Side Sportsman's Club in the early 1900s. The guides walk you through rooms where Teddy Roosevelt and other wealthy sportsmen gathered for trout fishing weekends. Park entry is $8 per vehicle; tours start promptly at 1 PM.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Editor's Pick Korea Festa 2026, Labor Day Edition
Korea Festa runs three days over Labor Day weekend at Mahanaim in Huntington with Korean food, performances, and cultural demos. Free admission gets you into what organizers say is their final year putting this on. Monday's session starts at 12:30pm on Nassau Road near the Huntington border.
- When
- Where
- Mahanaim, Huntington
Editor's Pick Monarch Tagging: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free
Help track monarch butterfly migration by tagging and releasing them at Field 5 with state park naturalists. This is actual citizen science—your data gets logged and contributes to research on migration patterns. Free, but you'll need to get there early since it starts at 9 AM.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Bay Shore
Editor's Pick FRIDAY KOMPA VYBEZ
Prime on the Mile brings live kompa music to the Freeport waterfront every Friday starting at 5 PM. No cover charge, and you're right on Woodcleft Avenue with all the canal-side parking and bar-hopping options. This is a weekly thing, so mark your Fridays accordingly.
- When
- Where
- Prime on the Mile, Freeport
Editor's Pick SecretSeshLI
SquareHead Brewing hosts this weekly Saturday market with local vendors and a more curated vibe than your typical craft fair. Free entry, and you're already at a brewery in Holbrook, so grab a beer while you browse. Starts at 5 PM every weekend.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Editor's Pick Open Mic At Roots Kava Bar
Roots Kava Bar hosts open mic night with acoustic sets, singers, and poetry starting at 7pm. Port Jeff's Main Street spot welcomes any musician who wants a slot—no cover to play or watch. Kava drinks and a laid-back crowd that actually listens.
- When
- Where
- Roots Kava Bar, Port Jefferson
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—every other Thursday at 7pm, free entry. Solid coffee, relaxed crowd, and a decent sound setup make it one of the better spots to test new material or just listen. New York Avenue location has street parking nearby.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
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 Learn How to Save Seeds!
Learn which vegetable and flower seeds are worth saving from this year's garden to plant next season. This free workshop at the Patchogue library covers practical techniques for harvesting, drying, and storing seeds that'll actually germinate. Saves you money and keeps your favorite varieties going year after year.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick NYSF Full Moon Market
Tarot readers, crystal vendors, and oddities dealers set up shop under the full moon at this after-dark market in Bohemia. Food trucks will be posted up outside The Fit Factory on Johnson Avenue while you browse metaphysical goods and curiosities. Free to walk around and check out the scene.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Editor's Pick The Talented Major Tallmadge - Revolutionary War Battles, LI raids
Historian Richard F. Welch digs into Benjamin Tallmadge's Revolutionary War service, including the local Long Island raids that made him essential to Washington's intelligence network. Free talk at the Patchogue library's East Main Street location.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick Monarch Tagging: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free
Help track monarch butterfly migration by tagging and releasing them at Field 5 with state park naturalists. This is actual citizen science—your data gets logged and contributes to research on migration patterns. Free, but you'll need to get there early since it starts at 9 AM.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Bay Shore
Editor's Pick Trees for You and Me!: Tiny Tots(Ages 3-5), $4 per child
Your preschooler can learn about trees through hands-on activities at this guided program designed for 3-5 year olds. It's $4 per child when you arrive at the park's main office building in Kings Park. The session runs about an hour and gets kids outside to touch bark, collect leaves, and understand what makes trees essential to the ecosystem.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Design Your Own: Sublimation Bookmark
Drop by the Patchogue library Monday morning to design and heat-press your own sublimation bookmark. All ages welcome, one bookmark per person while materials last.
- 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
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
The Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve opens up for guided tours through the old South Side Sportsmen's Club building. It's $4 per person when you arrive at 4090 Sunrise Highway in Oakdale. The park has ample parking and trails worth exploring after your tour.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Bird and Breakfast: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Continental breakfast plus a short talk on whatever birds are passing through Connetquot in mid-September—likely warblers, raptors, and early waterfowl. Starts at 8 AM, so you'll catch the best birding light. Bring binoculars if you have them.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Volunteer Registration for Famous Food Festival October 2026
Famous Food Festival needs volunteers for their October event at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park. You'll get free food and swag in exchange for helping out during the festival. Registration opens Friday morning at 8 AM.
- When
- Where
- Tanger Outlets - Deer Park, Deer Park
Nest Book Club Discussion: The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah
Ann Mah's 'The Lost Vintage' follows a woman uncovering family secrets in a French wine cave during WWII. This free book club meets at Nest on Main to talk it through—grab the book beforehand and show up ready to chat. New members always welcome.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Beach Scavenger Hunt - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
This accessible scavenger hunt at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center adapts to different physical and developmental abilities, so families can explore the beach together. Park at Lot 1 and head to the Nature Center building—staff will have the hunt materials ready. It's a structured outdoor activity that works for everyone in your group.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Late Summer Birding: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
September is when migratory birds start heading south, and this family birding walk shows you which species are passing through Nissequogue River State Park. Bring binoculars if you have them—the park sits along a key flyway route. It's $4 per person at the door, and the guides know where to look for warblers, shorebirds, and raptors gearing up for their journey.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Artist Spotlight: Frida Kahlo Workshop -Family Program 8+, $4 per person
This workshop for ages 8 and up digs into Frida Kahlo's life, her self-portraits, and Mexican folk art influences, then lets participants create their own work inspired by her bold style. It's $4 per person when you arrive at the park's main office. Plan for about 90 minutes of art history and hands-on painting or drawing.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Club de lectura - Book Club en Español
Spanish-language book club meets Monday nights at the Patchogue library to discuss literatura and build community. It's a low-pressure way to stay motivated with your reading, practice Spanish, and connect with other Spanish speakers on the island.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Geology Rocks!: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Preschoolers ages 3-5 get to handle real rocks, learn how they form, and discover what makes Long Island's geology unique. The program costs $4 per child at the door and takes place at Nissequogue River State Park's administration building. Expect tactile learning—kids will compare textures, weights, and colors of different rock types.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Beach Scavenger Hunt - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
This accessible scavenger hunt at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center adapts to different physical and developmental abilities, so families can explore the beach together. Park at Lot 1 and head to the Nature Center building—staff will have the hunt materials ready. It's a structured outdoor activity that works for everyone in your group.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Natural History Tour: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This adults-only hike covers both the ecology and the backstory of Nissequogue River State Park, including its time as the Kings Park Psychiatric Center grounds. You'll walk the trails while learning about native plants, wetland habitats, and remnants of the property's institutional past. It's $4 per person and lasts around two hours.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Crochet & Conversation
Weekly Monday evening gathering at the Medford branch for crocheters of any skill level. Make projects for yourself or contribute to local charity donations while meeting other fiber artists.
- When
- Where
- Medford Branch, Patchogue-Medford Library, Medford
Trout-Tastic! Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5years), $4 per child upon arrival
A 45-minute nature program built for preschoolers at Connetquot, focused on the park's trout hatchery and river ecosystem. Kids get to look at fish up close and learn basic stream ecology through songs and activities. Designed specifically for the 3-5 age group's attention span.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Geology Rocks!-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Preschoolers dig into rocks, minerals, and basic geology concepts at this Sunken Meadow program for 3-5 year olds. It's $4 cash per child at the Nature Center in Lot 1. The hands-on format keeps little kids engaged while teaching them about the earth beneath their feet.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Dusk Walk, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Walk Caumsett's trails as the sun drops—the timing puts you out there when deer start moving and birds settle in for the night. The 4:30 start gives you about 90 minutes before full dark in mid-September. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to the parking lot.
- When
- Where
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor
Passport Through Parks: Robert Moses, Family Program, $4 per person
This monthly series takes you through every state park on Long Island, one hike at a time. September's stop is Robert Moses Field 5 in Bay Shore—bring the kids and check off another park on your list. Technically $4 per person but listed as free, so confirm when you arrive.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Bay Shore
Crochet & Conversation
Bring your yarn and hooks to this weekly crochet circle at the Medford library branch on Horseblock Road. Work on your own projects or make items to donate to local charities while meeting other makers. No experience required—just show up at 5:30 PM with whatever you're working on.
- When
- Where
- Medford Branch, Patchogue-Medford Library, Medford
Survival and Scavenging Skills: Family Program (ages 8+), $4 per person
Learn basic foraging and survival techniques on a guided hike through Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Geared toward families with kids 8 and up who want practical outdoor skills. Friday evening timing makes it a solid weekend kickoff if you're in the Oakdale area.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Arboretum Nature Hike: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Catch the shift from summer to fall on a guided nature walk through Planting Fields Arboretum. This one's adults-only, so you can actually stop and look at things without negotiations. The grounds are stunning this time of year, and the arboretum's worth exploring after the hike wraps.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Harvest Moon Hike-Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
This evening hike at Sunken Meadow times out with the full Harvest Moon rising over the Sound. Bring $4 cash per adult and meet at Lot 1 as summer officially winds down. The guided walk covers about a mile and lasts roughly 90 minutes, so wear comfortable shoes.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Passport Through Parks: Robert Moses, Family Program, $4 per person
Another chance to hit the monthly state park hiking series, this time starting from Robert Moses Field 2 in Babylon. If you missed the Saturday session or want to do both Robert Moses spots, here's your shot. Same deal on pricing—listed free but may be $4 at the gate.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Nature Bike Tour: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Bring your bike for a guided ride along the Great South Bay shoreline at Heckscher State Park. The route's flat and family-friendly, with bay views the whole way. Make sure your bike's tuned up before you go—East Islip's a bit of a haul if you need last-minute repairs.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park, East Islip
Shark Extravaganza, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Preschoolers learn about sharks through hands-on activities at this Connetquot River program designed for 3-5 year olds. Bring $4 cash per child when you arrive at the Oakdale preserve off Sunrise Highway. The session runs about an hour and focuses on age-appropriate shark facts and nature exploration.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Walk to End Alzheimer's - North Fork
The Alzheimer's Association hosts its North Fork walk at Peconic Landing in Greenport, starting at 9am. It's free to join, and the route winds through the waterfront campus on Brecknock Road. Bring walking shoes and expect a supportive crowd raising funds for research and care programs.
- When
- Where
- Peconic Landing, Greenport
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
Silent Book Club & Tea Workshop
Bring whatever you're reading and spend an hour in companionable silence with other readers, followed by a tea workshop. Revolution Yoga's spot on North Village Ave is walkable from the Rockville Centre LIRR station, and it's free.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Free Wellness Pop Up Event
Revolution Yoga opens its doors to local wellness vendors and practitioners for a free Saturday afternoon of discovery. Sample services, meet holistic health providers, and explore modalities without any entry fee. Rockville Centre's metered street parking is easiest on weekends.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Korea Festa 2026, Labor Day Edition
Korea Festa 2026, Labor Day Edition at Mahanaim in Huntington, Saturday, September 5 at 12:30 PM. Free admission. Presented by Good News New York Church.
- When
- Where
- Mahanaim, Huntington
SecretSeshLI
SquareHead Brewing in Holbrook hosts this weekly Saturday market at 5pm, mixing local vendors with craft beer in their taproom. It's free to browse, and the brewery's on High Street with its own lot if you're driving over.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
4th Annual Bridgehampton Art Affair on Labor Day Weekend
Dozens of artists set up on the lawns of the Bridgehampton Museum for this free outdoor art festival running Labor Day weekend. Browse paintings, jewelry, sculpture, and more while the historic William Corwith House sits in the background. Saturday kicks off the two-day event at 10 a.m.
- When
- Where
- The Bridgehampton Museum - The William Corwith House, Bridgehampton
4th Annual Bridgehampton Art Affair on Labor Day Weekend
More than 50 artists set up on the lawns of the Bridgehampton Museum for this free outdoor show. You'll find paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture—all juried work, so the quality bar is high. Free admission, and the museum grounds are right off Montauk Highway with parking on-site.
- When
- Where
- The Bridgehampton Museum - The William Corwith House, Bridgehampton
Butterfly and Moth: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
Kids learn what separates butterflies from moths—wing patterns, antennae shapes, flight habits—in this outdoor program at Planting Fields. $4 per child paid when you arrive, and the grounds are worth exploring after if you have time. Parking is $10 unless you have an Empire Pass.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay
Insect Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Hunt for beetles, butterflies, and whatever else is crawling through Caleb Smith's woods and meadows on this guided family walk. Rangers bring nets and containers; you bring curiosity and $4 cash per person. The preserve is off Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown with ample parking at the entrance.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown