Free events on Long Island
71 hand-picked free events across the island. Festivals, family days, museum open houses, trail runs, free concerts.
Editor's Pick Big Brother @ PMLIB
The Patchogue-Medford Library is running a Halloween-themed Big Brother competition where kids try to avoid getting evicted from the house. Free event on a Saturday morning, right on East Main Street near all the Patchogue coffee shops if you need a pre-game caffeine hit.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick FRIDAY KOMPA VYBEZ
Prime on the Mile books live kompa bands every Friday starting at 5 PM. The Woodcleft Avenue spot gets a solid crowd for the Haitian dance music sets, no cover. Recurring weekly.
- When
- Where
- Prime on the Mile, Freeport
Editor's Pick Open Mic Night w/ General George @ Nautilus Roasting
General George hosts bi-weekly open mic sessions at Nautilus Roasting on New York Avenue in Huntington Station. Grab coffee, sign up when you arrive, and play for a room that actually listens. Free entry, runs every other Thursday at 7 PM.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick SecretSeshLI
SecretSeshLI sets up their curated vendor market at SquareHead Brewing in Holbrook every Saturday at 5 PM. Shop local makers while you drink, free to browse. High Street location has parking.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Editor's Pick Halloween Open Studio
Studio Kash is opening its doors for a BYOP (bring your own project) Halloween crafting session. Haul over whatever costume pieces, decorations, or spooky DIY you're working on and use their space to spread out and finish it. Free to drop in, and you're on the second floor at 19 Scudder in Northport.
- When
- Where
- 19 Scudder Ave floor 2, Northport
Editor's Pick Spooky Skeletons: Children's Program, $4.00 per child on arrival
Kids get hands-on with actual animal skulls and bones to learn what different species eat and how they survive. It's timed for pre-Halloween but skips the costume stuff for real natural science. $4 per child at arrival.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Editor's Pick Pumpkin Carving: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Bring your own pumpkin to carve at Nissequogue River State Park's main office building in Kings Park. The $4 fee covers carving tools and instruction—space is limited so plan to arrive right at 10:30. The building is easy to find off the main park entrance.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Open Mic Night w/ General George @ Nautilus Roasting
General George hosts bi-weekly open mic sessions at Nautilus Roasting on New York Avenue in Huntington Station. Grab coffee, sign up when you arrive, and play for a room that actually listens. Free entry, runs every other Thursday at 7 PM.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick Serenade Duo’s Shining Light Series: Adoration — Florence Price
Serenade Duo performs the work of Florence Price—the first Black woman to have her symphony performed by a major American orchestra—on flute and guitar. The evening includes live music, artist conversation, and a community art component. Free at Kasher Gallery in Northport.
- When
- Where
- Kasher Gallery & Studios, Northport
Editor's Pick Haunted Lantern Walk, Adult Program, $4
Walk the trails at Sunken Meadow by lantern light while a guide shares Long Island ghost stories and local historical tales. Starts at 6:30 PM from the Nature Center in Lot 1. Dress warm and bring a flashlight as backup.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Editor's Pick Stewardship Saturday: Bayard River Walk Planting
Volunteer morning planting native species along the river walk at Bayard Cutting Arboretum. They provide the plants and tools—you bring gloves and closed-toe shoes. Starts at 9:30 AM off Montauk Highway in Great River.
- When
- Where
- Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River
Editor's Pick History Bike Tour: Family Program, $4.00 per person on arrival
Caumsett's 1,750 acres were once Marshall Field's Gold Coast estate, and this guided bike tour covers the polo fields, dairy barns, and shoreline that made it a working country manor. Bring your own bike and $4 per person. The preserve's paved and dirt roads are easy for most riders.
- When
- Where
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor
Editor's Pick Spooky Lantern Walk, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Rangers lead a lantern-lit walk through Caleb Smith after dark, telling spooky stories along the wooded trails. It's a 6 PM start in late October, so full dark and properly atmospheric. Bring a flashlight and $4 per person—parking is right off Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Editor's Pick Nest Book Club Discussion: Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult
Nest on Main hosts its book club discussion of Jodi Picoult's Hollow Bones on a Tuesday evening. The discussion is free and open to anyone who's read the book. Main Street parking can be tight, but there's a municipal lot a block west.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Editor's Pick Monster Mash: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
A nature-themed Halloween program for 3-to-5-year-olds at Nissequogue River's main office building in Kings Park. Expect hands-on activities and maybe some critters in costume. Bring $4 cash per kid when you arrive.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Mystical Creatures: Childrens program (ages 6+), $4.00 per child on arrival
This dusk program explores the creatures that emerge at Connetquot after dark, timed for the night before Halloween. Bring $4 per kid when you arrive at the Sunrise Highway entrance in Oakdale. Ages 6 and up.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Editor's Pick Know your Bones - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
This hands-on nature program at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center is designed for visitors of all physical and developmental abilities to explore the outdoors together. The session focuses on animal bones and skeletal structures. Parking is at Lot 1, right by the Nature Center building.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Editor's Pick Interwoven: The Art of Creating Together | Opening Reception
Artists Sydell Glasser and Christine Donnelly open their collaborative show exploring creative partnership and shared process. The reception is free and happens at Kasher Gallery & Studios on the second floor in Northport—right above Main Street if you're walking from the village.
- When
- Where
- Kasher Gallery & Studios, Northport
SecretSeshLI
SquareHead Brewing in Holbrook hosts this weekly elevated market every Saturday evening. Free admission gets you browsing through curated vendors while you grab a beer. The brewery's on High Street with its own lot, so parking's easy.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
NYSF Handmade Holiday Bazaar
NYSF Handmade Holiday Bazaar at The Fit Factory in Bohemia, Saturday, December 19 at 6:00 PM. Free admission. Presented by New York Solar Faire.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Freshwater Bioblitz: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event
Help catalog freshwater fish species in the Connetquot River as part of a citizen science survey. You'll work alongside naturalists to observe and record what's swimming in one of Long Island's cleanest waterways. Bring binoculars if you have them.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Design your own Tote Bag: Pop Up with Gsell Designs
Nest on Main turns nine, and Gsell Designs is setting up shop so you can design a custom tote from their fabric selection or just buy one ready-made. Free to drop in, and you're already on Main Street in Northport with plenty of parking nearby. Handmade goods, local maker, no cover charge.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Rock Snake! - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
Families work together to paint rocks and arrange them into a collaborative snake sculpture at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. This free program is designed for all abilities—physical and developmental—with activities adapted so everyone participates. Meet at the Nature Center in Lot 1.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Vintage Handbags & Jewelry Pop-Up Sale at Nest on Main
Browse vintage handbags and jewelry at this one-day sale benefiting AWARE Drug & Alcohol Community Coalition. Free to attend, and it's at Nest on Main on Northport's Main Street—easy to hit a few other shops while you're there. Proceeds support local substance abuse prevention work.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Mammal Survey: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event
Help check trail cameras and collect data on local wildlife during this guided hike through Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Park naturalists will show you how they monitor mammal populations across the preserve. Free program, but parking is $4 per vehicle upon arrival.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Turkey Time: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This preschool program introduces 3-5 year olds to the natural world through hands-on activities and exploration. $4 per child at the door, held at the Reichert Administration Building at Nissequogue River State Park.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Artist Spotlight: Jim Henson Workshop -Family Program Age10+, $4 per person
Watch a Jim Henson classic and learn basic puppetry techniques in this workshop for ages 10+. $4 per person at the Nissequogue River State Park office—a solid intro to practical puppet-making skills.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Nature Knowledge Night: Natures Not So Scary Animals , $4 per child
This monthly after-school club introduces kids to animals that look scarier than they actually are—think bats, spiders, snakes. It's $4 per child at the door, at the same Oakdale preserve off Sunrise Highway.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Trees & Friends: Family Program, $4.00 per person on arrival
Learn which native trees grow at Planting Fields and meet the animals that depend on them—woodpeckers, squirrels, insects. The program costs $4 per person at arrival, and parking is off Planting Fields Road in Oyster Bay.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay
Hunt for Bigfoot 2: Electric Boogaloo, Adult Program, $4 upon arrival
Yes, they're doing a Bigfoot hunt sequel on Halloween morning at Sunken Meadow, and yes, it's called Electric Boogaloo. Expect a tongue-in-cheek hike through the woods looking for "evidence" of cryptids. Meet at Lot 3, $4 at the door.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Park to Park Hike: Adult Program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
A 6-mile trek connecting Sunken Meadow to Nissequogue River State Park, mostly through wooded trails with some road crossings. Meet at Lot 4 at Sunken Meadow; the hike's guided and takes about three hours. Bring $4 cash and water.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 4, Kings Park
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
The historic Main House at Connetquot River State Park opens for guided tours, showing off what remains of the South Side Sportsman's Club. Rangers walk you through the rooms and tell stories from when this was an exclusive fishing retreat. It's $4 per person when you arrive at 4090 Sunrise Highway in Oakdale.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Nature and Nutrition -Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
This 30-minute program at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center introduces preschoolers to basic nutrition concepts through hands-on nature activities. It's $4 cash per kid at the door, and the Nature Center is in Lot 1 off 25A in Kings Park. Designed specifically for the 3-5 age group, so your toddler won't be overshadowed by older kids.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Turkey Time -Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child upon arrival
A Thanksgiving-themed nature class for preschoolers at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center, mixing turkey facts with outdoor exploration. $4 cash per child when you arrive. Park in Lot 1 off 25A—the Nature Center is right there, so no long walks with restless 3-year-olds.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Scary Stories to Tell in the Park: Adult Program, $4 per person
A guided night walk through Connetquot's forest trails with spooky storytelling woven in—think campfire tales but among the pines. Starts at 6:30 PM when the light's fading, so bring a flashlight. Parking's off Sunrise Highway near the main entrance.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Destination Saltmarsh Hike: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This guided hike takes you down to the salt marsh at Caumsett, one of the park's best and least-visited spots. The 10 AM start gives you time to explore the 1,500-acre preserve afterward. Bring $4 per person and plan for a couple miles of walking on wide carriage roads.
- When
- Where
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor
Passport Through Parks: Valley Stream, Family Program, $4 per person
This monthly hiking series hits a different Long Island state park each time—November's stop is Valley Stream. It's part of a bigger challenge to explore every park on the island, so you can drop in for one or collect stamps for all. Meets at 10 AM on State Park Road.
- When
- Where
- Valley Stream State Park, Valley Stream
Revolutionary Remedies: Women Who Healed a Nation: Adult Program, Free!
Learn about the women who treated wounded soldiers during the Revolutionary War at this free Connetquot program. The preserve is off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale—plenty of parking, and you can walk the trails after if you want to stretch your legs.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Fall Wildlife Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
A guided walk through Caleb Smith's trails to spot migrating birds, deer, and other fall wildlife active before winter. $4 per person when you show up. The preserve is on the south side of Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown with plenty of parking at the main entrance.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Intro to Field Journaling - Family program 12+, $4 cash per person
Learn to create your own nature field journal at this hands-on workshop at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. Bring $4 cash per person and leave with a personalized journal you can use on future hikes. Park in Lot 1—easy access to the Nature Center from there.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Animal Adaptations: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5 years), $4 per child upon arrival
Preschoolers (ages 3-5) explore how animals survive in different environments at Connetquot River State Park. It's $4 per kid at the door, and the preserve has easy trails and bathrooms if you want to make a morning of it.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Nature Knowledge Night: Microscope Night! Children's Program, $4 per child
Kids peer through microscopes to see pond water, leaves, and other specimens up close at this monthly evening program. $4 per child, and it's a solid alternative to screen time on a Friday night.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Passport Through Parks: Shadmoor, Family Program, $4 per person
This monthly hiking series takes you through a different Long Island state park each time, and November's stop is Shadmoor's coastal bluffs in Montauk. You'll cover about 2 miles of trails with ocean views and learn about the park's history. Bring water and wear layers—it gets windy out there.
- When
- Where
- Shadmoor State Park, Montauk
Pirate Coe's Treasure Hunt, Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
Kids hunt for buried treasure at Planting Fields while dressed as pirates. The program runs about an hour and costs $4 per child at the door. Park in the main lot off Planting Fields Road—it's a quick walk to the meeting spot from there.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay
Autumn Sunset Stroll - Family Program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
Catch the Sound views and late November light on this guided sunset walk through Sunken Meadow. It's $4 cash per person when you arrive at Lot 1—bring layers since it cools down fast by the water at 4pm.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Art in the Park: Origami: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Learn paper-folding basics and make your own origami animals at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. The $4 fee includes all materials and step-by-step instruction. This is off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale—note that the park preserve requires advance reservations for entry during busy times.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Twilight Stroll: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This adults-only walk takes you through Nissequogue River State Park during the golden hour when fall colors really pop. $4 per person, meeting at the main office—plan for about an hour on the trails.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Rock Snake! - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
Paint rocks as a family and build a collective snake sculpture at this free, accessible program at Sunken Meadow. Activities are structured for all physical and developmental abilities, so everyone works at their own pace. The Nature Center is in Lot 1 off 25A in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Nature Knowledge Night: Constellations, Children's Program, $4 per child
Kids learn to identify winter constellations at this after-dark program at Connetquot River State Park. The monthly series mixes indoor lessons with outdoor stargazing when weather allows. Starts at 6:30 PM, $4 per child.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Mammal Survey: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event
Rangers check trail cameras set up around Connetquot River and need volunteers to help review footage for deer, foxes, and other mammals. You'll hike to camera locations, swap SD cards, and see what's been caught on film. Boots recommended for muddy December trails.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Bird Count: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event
Help document what's wintering at Heckscher during this guided bird count through the park. You'll contribute real data while learning to ID species with experienced counters. Bring binoculars if you've got them.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park, East Islip
Owl Prowl: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event
Connetquot's woods come alive after dark with barn owls, great horneds, and screech owls hunting through the preserve. This evening survey teaches you to locate them by call and movement. Dress warm—you'll be standing still in the cold.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Silent Book Club & Tea Workshop
Bring whatever you're reading to this free Monday night gathering at Revolution Yoga—everyone reads silently in the same room, then there's tea and optional chat after. It's at 7 PM and happens regularly, so you can drop in when your schedule allows.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Thanksgiving Tales and Traditions: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child
This 45-minute program for 3-5 year olds covers Thanksgiving stories and autumn nature walks around Connetquot. It's $4 per child, and the short format works well for toddler attention spans. Same Oakdale location off Sunrise Highway as other Connetquot programs.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Beach Hike: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free Event
Walk Wildwood's Long Island Sound shoreline while documenting what washes up—plastics, fishing gear, natural debris. Your findings contribute to regional data on marine pollution and beach ecology. Free program for adults; parking is included.
- When
- Where
- Wildwood State Park, Calverton
Sensory Scavenger Hunt: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
Kids hunt for fall items by touch, smell, and sound across Heckscher's Field 3 area. The $4 fee covers activity materials and a small take-home. Field 3 is well-marked from the main parkway entrance in East Islip.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park Field 3, East Islip
Self Care Saturday: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
This weekend wellness session at Connetquot River focuses on outdoor self-care practices in the park's quiet pine groves. Expect guided relaxation techniques and gentle movement in nature. Parking is $4 per vehicle.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
High Ground Hike - Family program 8+, $4 cash per person upon arrival
This guided hike takes you along the bluffs at Sunken Meadow, where you'll get sweeping views of the Sound from some of the park's highest ground. It's geared toward families with kids 8 and up, and costs $4 cash per person when you show up. Meet at Lot 4 off the Sunken Meadow Parkway in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 4, Kings Park
Seal Hike: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Gray and harbor seals start showing up along Montauk's rocky shores in late fall, and this guided hike takes you to prime viewing spots around the Point. Bring binoculars if you have them. Parking is $4 per person at arrival.
- When
- Where
- Montauk Point State Park, Montauk
Owl Prowl: Children's Program (Ages 8 and up), $4 per person upon arrival
This after-dark hike teaches kids to identify owl calls and spot signs of nocturnal raptors hunting the arboretum grounds. You'll walk the trails at dusk listening for great horned owls, barn owls, and screech owls. Bring a flashlight and wear boots.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay