Free events on Long Island
90 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 Urban Ecology: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This adult-focused program covers how raccoons, hawks, and other wildlife adapt to suburban spaces, plus practical ways to make your yard more wildlife-friendly. It's $4 per person at the door and runs about 90 minutes at the park's main office building.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick 'Greenport Concert Series', featuring : TAL NACCARATO, LIVE!
Guitarist Tal Naccarato plays a free afternoon set at Floyd Memorial Library in Greenport, working through folk, blues, and Americana originals plus some traditional covers. It's part of the library's summer concert series, so bring a blanket if you want to post up outside. First Street has street parking, or walk over from the village—it's about three blocks from Mitchell Park.
- When
- Where
- Floyd Memorial Library, Greenport
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 Fantasy Football 101
The Patchogue-Medford Library is running a free Fantasy Football 101 workshop on August 11 for anyone who wants to finally understand what their friends are talking about. You'll learn draft strategies and the basics before the season kicks off. No registration details listed, but it's free and starts at 7pm.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick Oyster Jamboree and Frolic
Free oyster festival at Harborfront Park with local shellfish, waterfront views, and whatever "frolic" means in this context. It's tied to Suffolk County's 250th anniversary celebrations, so expect live music, vendors, and probably some historical programming. The park's right off East Broadway with decent lot parking, though it goes fast on nice summer Saturdays.
- When
- Where
- Harborfront Park, Port Jefferson
Editor's Pick Stewardship Sunday: Walt Whitman Birthplace Planting
Help plant native pollinator species grown at the Nissequogue Greenhouse right at Walt Whitman's birthplace in Huntington Station. You'll be adding milkweed, coneflowers, and other plants that actually support local bees and butterflies. Gloves and tools provided.
- When
- Where
- Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick Beyond Rejection: Processing, Reframing & Moving Forward
Dr. Kimberly Johnson is leading a free wellness workshop on how to process rejection and rebuild confidence afterward. It's at Kasher Gallery & Studios in Northport, a cozy creative space above the main street shops.
- When
- Where
- Kasher Gallery & Studios, Northport
Editor's Pick Silent Book Club – Hosted by The Book Whisperer
Silent Book Club meets at Robert Moses State Park Field 5—bring whatever you're reading and settle in for an hour of quiet reading time with other people who also like books. It's free, hosted by The Book Whisperer, and honestly a solid excuse to be at the beach on a Monday evening.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Bay Shore
Editor's Pick Davis Park Storytime! w/Patchogue-Medford Library
The Patchogue-Medford Library is taking storytime to Fire Island on August 11—meet them on the boardwalk at Trustees Walk in Davis Park at 11am. It's aimed at families looking for a beach break, and since it's on the boardwalk, sandy kids are expected. Free, obviously.
- When
- Where
- Trustees Walk, Fire Island
Editor's Pick FRIDAY KOMPA VYBEZ
Prime on the Mile runs a weekly Kompa night every Friday starting at 5 PM. It's Haitian dance music on the Freeport waterfront—Woodcleft Avenue has that Nautical Mile energy with parking in the municipal lots nearby.
- When
- Where
- Prime on the Mile, Freeport
Editor's Pick Open Mic At Roots Kava Bar
Roots Kava Bar hosts weekly open mic nights for singers, acoustic musicians, and poets every Sunday at 7pm. Free to attend and perform — just show up with your material. Port Jeff's Main Street has metered parking, but there's a municipal lot a block south on Prospect if you're staying a while.
- When
- Where
- Roots Kava Bar, Port Jefferson
Editor's Pick SecretSeshLI
This weekly Saturday market at SquareHead Brewing brings local vendors into the Holbrook taproom starting at 5 PM. You can browse while you drink—it's an indoor setup, so weather doesn't matter. High Street is right off Sunrise Highway with brewery parking available.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Editor's Pick Open Mic At Roots Kava Bar
Roots Kava Bar hosts open mic every third Tuesday for singers, acoustic players, and poets looking for stage time. Bring your guitar or just your voice—all skill levels welcome. Port Jeff's walkable downtown means you can grab dinner before at one of the Main Street spots nearby.
- 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's Huntington Station location, happening every other Thursday at 7 PM. Bring your guitar, poetry, or whatever you're working on—it's a low-key room with good coffee and zero cover. New York Avenue has street parking and the shop stays open late.
- 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 NYSF New Moon Market
This new moon market brings tarot readers, energy healers, and vendors selling crystals, oddities, and metaphysical goods to The Fit Factory in Bohemia. Food trucks set up outside starting at 6pm. Free entry, with plenty of parking at the Johnson Avenue location.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Editor's Pick Beginning Birding: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Binoculars and field guides provided for this intro birding walk through Planting Fields' 409 acres. You'll learn basic identification techniques and common species to spot around Long Island. $4 per person park entry fee, kids under 12 free.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Editor's Pick Build-a-Bug: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This hour-long program gets 3-5 year olds exploring insects through hands-on activities and crafts at Nissequogue River State Park. It's $4 per child when you arrive, and the park has ample free parking off Saint Johnland Road in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Editor's Pick Artist Spotlight: Pablo Picasso Workshop -Family Program 13+, $4 per person
This hands-on workshop digs into Picasso's cubist techniques and shifting perspectives—expect to make something angular and weird. Ages 13+, at the Reichert Building in Nissequogue River State Park. The listing says $4 per person but also says free, so call ahead to confirm.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Bat Map Walk: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free
Help state park staff collect actual data on Long Island bat populations during this evening walk through Connetquot. You'll use monitoring equipment to track species activity—it's citizen science, not just a nature stroll. Free program, meet at the Sunrise Highway entrance in Oakdale.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
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
Editor's Pick Fruits & Veggies: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Little ones learn where their food comes from through games, stories, and tasting activities in this hour-long program for ages 3-5. Held at the park's main office building near the Kings Park entrance—$4 per child at the door.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Korea Festa 2026, Labor Day Edition
This three-day Korean culture festival runs Labor Day weekend at Mahanaim in Huntington, with food, performances, and cultural exhibits. It's the final edition after years of drawing crowds to celebrate Korean traditions and cuisine. Free admission, with parking available on Nassau Road.
- When
- Where
- Mahanaim, Huntington
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the Main House of the former South Side Sportsman's Club, a private fishing retreat that once hosted wealthy anglers in the early 1900s. Guides walk you through the restored rooms and share stories about the club's heyday. Entry is $4 per person at arrival, and the tour lasts about 45 minutes.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
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
Open Mic At Roots Kava Bar
Roots Kava Bar hosts open mic every third Tuesday for singers, acoustic players, and poets looking for stage time. Bring your guitar or just your voice—all skill levels welcome. Port Jeff's walkable downtown means you can grab dinner before at one of the Main Street spots nearby.
- When
- Where
- Roots Kava Bar, Port Jefferson
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Head to Wildwood after sunset to track bats with park naturalists using spotlights and listening equipment. It's $4 per person at the gate, and you'll cover real ground on the trails, so wear closed-toe shoes.
- When
- Where
- Wildwood State Park, Calverton
Hike Through History: Caleb Smith, Family Program, $4 per person
This guided hike ties Caleb Smith's natural history to America's 250th anniversary, connecting the preserve's landscape to Revolutionary War-era Long Island. Rangers lead the walk through wooded trails and discuss colonial land use and early settlement patterns. It's $4 per person and runs about 90 minutes.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
Bat Safari, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Head into Caleb Smith after dark to look for bats hunting insects over the ponds and trails. The preserve is quieter and woodsier than the beach parks, so bring bug spray and a flashlight. $4 cash per person at the start.
- When
- Where
- Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Smithtown
NYSF Full Moon Market
This full moon market brings tarot readers, energy healers, and vendors selling crystals, oddities, and metaphysical goods to The Fit Factory in Bohemia. Food trucks set up outside starting at 6pm. Free entry, with plenty of parking at the Johnson Avenue location.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Silent Book Club – Hosted by The Book Whisperer
Bring whatever you're reading and settle in for an hour of companionable silence with other readers—no book club homework required. The Book Whisperer hosts this free monthly meetup at Nest on Main, right on Northport's walkable Main Street strip. Show up, read your own thing, maybe chat before or after.
- 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
Meet the Animals - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
Sunken Meadow's nature center opens up for a sensory-friendly, all-abilities program where kids can meet live animals up close. The staff adapts the format based on who shows up—quieter presentations for some, more hands-on for others. It's at the lot 1 nature center, which has accessible parking right outside.
- 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 pop-up sale, with proceeds going to AWARE Drug & Alcohol Community Coalition. The sale runs all day Friday at Nest on Main in Northport. Free to attend—just show up and shop.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Moths Under The Moonlight -Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
An outdoor educator sets up a moth sheet and teaches you to identify nocturnal insects and nighttime sounds at this after-dark program. You'll learn actual field techniques used by researchers, not just observation. Bring $4 cash, a flashlight, and bug spray—it's worth it for the Luna moths alone.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Moths Under The Moonlight -Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
Learn to identify nocturnal insects and the sounds of the night during this guided walk through Sunken Meadow. An educator will set up a "moth sheet" — basically a bright cloth that attracts moths so you can see them up close. Bring $4 cash per adult and a flashlight.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
2nd Annual East Hampton Art Affair at Herrick Park
Howard Alan Events brings an outdoor art festival to Herrick Park right off Newtown Lane in East Hampton. Browse work from multiple artists in one of the prettier park settings on the East End. Free admission, Saturday morning start at 10am.
- When
- Where
- Herrick Park, East Hampton
Monarch Tagging: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free
Track the monarch migration by helping researchers tag butterflies before their journey to Mexico. Meet at Connetquot River State Park Preserve at 9 AM to learn the tagging process and contribute data to a continent-wide citizen science project. Bring binoculars if you have them.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
2nd Annual East Hampton Art Affair at Herrick Park
Day two of the outdoor art festival at Herrick Park in East Hampton, same setup as Saturday with artists showing work on the lawns off Newtown Lane. Free to walk through, and you're steps from the village if you want to make a morning of it.
- When
- Where
- Herrick Park, East Hampton
4th Annual Bridgehampton Art Affair on Labor Day Weekend
Artists set up on the lawns of the Bridgehampton Museum for a Labor Day weekend outdoor festival. It kicks off Friday at noon, giving you an earlier start to the holiday weekend. Free admission, right on Montauk Highway.
- When
- Where
- The Bridgehampton Museum - The William Corwith House, Bridgehampton
4th Annual Bridgehampton Art Affair on Labor Day Weekend
The Bridgehampton Museum's outdoor art festival continues Saturday morning with artists showing work on the historic grounds. Same Labor Day weekend event as Friday, just a 10am start. Free to attend, easy access from Montauk Highway.
- When
- Where
- The Bridgehampton Museum - The William Corwith House, Bridgehampton
4th Annual Bridgehampton Art Affair on Labor Day Weekend
More than 60 artists set up on the lawns of the Bridgehampton Museum, showing paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture. It's free to walk around, and you're right on Montauk Highway if you want to hit other Hamptons spots after. Labor Day weekend means this is one of the last big outdoor art shows before fall.
- When
- Where
- The Bridgehampton Museum - The William Corwith House, Bridgehampton
Monarch Tagging: Citizen Science: Adult Program, Free
Help tag monarchs at Robert Moses before they head south for winter. Researchers will show you how to gently catch, tag, and record butterflies that could travel 3,000 miles to their overwintering grounds. Park at Field 5 off Burma Road.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 5, Bay Shore
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
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the Main House of the former South Side Sportsmen's Club, a private fishing retreat that once hosted wealthy anglers in the early 1900s. Guides walk you through the restored rooms and share stories about the club's heyday. Entry is $4 per person at arrival, and the tour lasts about 45 minutes.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
What's the Buzz? Tiny Tots Program (Ages 3-5). $4 per child upon arrival
This nature program gets 3-5 year olds up close with pollinators through hands-on activities and a short trail walk at Connetquot. $4 per child at arrival, and you'll want to dress kids for light outdoor exploration around the preserve.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Mermaid Party!
This free mermaid-themed party happens at Blue Point Brewing on August 19, hosted by the Patchogue-Medford Library. Starts at 6:30pm on West Main—parking's easier if you arrive early. Sounds like it's geared toward kids, though the brewery location suggests parents can grab a beer.
- When
- Where
- Blue Point Brewing Company, Patchogue
Fruits & Veggies-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Your 3-5 year old can learn where food actually comes from at this nature program exploring fruits and vegetables. It's $4 cash per child at the Sunken Meadow Nature Center in Lot 1. Runs late August when local produce is everywhere, which makes the timing pretty ideal.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Kayak Nature Tour: Nissequogue Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Paddle a quiet stretch of the Nissequogue River with a park naturalist who'll point out herons, osprey, and tidal marsh plants along the banks. You'll need your own kayak and PFD; the launch is at the park's boat ramp off Saint Johnland Road. Costs $4 per adult and lasts roughly two hours.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Summer Wildlife Safari - Family program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
A ranger-led walk through Sunken Meadow to spot whatever's active in late summer — could be birds, turtles, insects, or whatever decides to show up. Lot 3 is near the picnic area, easier parking than the beach lots. Bring $4 cash per person.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Bay Walk: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
This guided walk takes kids along the Fire Island Inlet at Robert Moses, where they'll explore the bay ecosystem up close. It's $4 per child at arrival, and Field 2 has dedicated parking right off the parkway. Bring water and sunscreen—there's not much shade along the route.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Full Moon Hike: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Hike through Connetquot River State Park Preserve after dark when the full moon lights up the trails. Rangers lead families through the preserve's woods and wetlands, pointing out nocturnal wildlife you won't see during daytime visits. $4 per person at the gate, and the preserve entrance is right off Sunrise Highway.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Passport through Parks: Belmont, Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This monthly hiking series hits every state park on Long Island, and August's stop is Belmont Lake in West Babylon. The program is designed for families who want to explore different parks each month while collecting stamps in a passport booklet. Park off Belmont Avenue—there's plenty of lot parking near the trailhead.
- When
- Where
- Belmont Lake State Park, West Babylon
Fossil Finds: Tiny Tots Program (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Three-to-five-year-olds learn about fossils through hands-on activities at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. The Tiny Tots program keeps it short and interactive, with nature walks and discovery stations designed for preschool attention spans. $4 per child when you arrive at the Sunrise Highway entrance.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Trees for You and Me-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Your 3-5 year old can learn about trees through hands-on activities at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center. It's $4 cash per child, and the early September timing means leaves are still green but starting to show hints of what's coming. Meet at Lot 1.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Spy Through Parks: Connetquot, Family Program (Ages 10 and up), $4
This spy-themed hike through Connetquot is part of the park system's 250th anniversary celebration, with clues and challenges built into the evening route. It's geared toward kids 10 and up who can handle a longer trek and problem-solving activities. Gates open off Sunrise Highway, $4 per person at arrival.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Butterfly and Moth: Children's Program, $4 per child upon arrival
Kids will compare wing patterns, antennae shapes, and flight habits of butterflies and moths in this hands-on program at Planting Fields. The session runs about an hour and costs $4 per child at the door. Parking is plentiful at the arboretum's main lot off Planting Fields Road.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay