09 Sep 5 GREAT AUTUMN EVENTS TO ATTEND ON LONG ISLAND
PACK UP THE FAMILY AND HEAD OUT TO ONE OF THESE GREAT FALL EVENTS
As fall gets underway, many families are looking for ways to get out of the house and show their kids the beauty of the season. From pumpkin patches and fall foliage to corn mazes and fall-themed foods, there are plenty of ways to get yourself and your kids involved in the festivities.
In a place as dynamic and historic as Long Island, New York, the sheer abundance of fall festivals and events is enough to make your head spin. Choosing from the long list of possibilities might be quite the undertaking, especially when so many of the events are exceptional and fun for the whole family.
You can eliminate one source of stress from your plate during the planning process by booking a Long Island car service to handle your transportation to and from the festival. Not only do you get the benefits of a local expert in your chauffeur, you won’t have to worry about navigating or parking once you arrive.
On the festival front, we’ve chosen our personal favorites and outlined them below.
DEES’ NURSERY FALL FESTIVAL
Where: 69 Atlantic Avenue, Oceanside, NY
When: Every Weekend in October, plus Columbus Day
For over 50 years, this nursery and florist has been growing some of the finest crops and flowers the area, and beginning in October, you and yours can enjoy the festivities of their annual fall festival. Fun for children and adults alike, the festival offers face painting, pony rides, a petting zoo, story time and a jumping slide. There is also a pumpkin patch and tons of gorgeous plants and flowers for purchase, for those of you with a green thumb.
OKTOBERNEST AT THE NEST BAR AND LOUNGE
Where: 382 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, NY
When: Saturday, September 27, 2 pm-2 am
For those of you looking for a grown-up’s autumn-themed event near Long Island, OktoberNEST at the Nest Bar and Lounge is a great option. You’ll have access to a beer tent, tons of traditional German foods, the restaurant’s usual menu, and live music throughout the evening, brought to you by local band Mike and the Outlaws at 4 pm and the Gypsy Felons at 9 pm. There’s no cover charge for the event.
VILLAGE DAY FALL FESTIVAL AT SANDS POINT PRESERVE
Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY
When: Sunday, September 28, 12 pm-5 pm
This fall festival is another event that is family-friendly, yet fun for attendees of all ages. The activities include a petting zoo with sheep and llamas, hayrides around the Great Lawn, pony rides on trails that have views of Long Island Sound, pumpkin painting, and tons of artisanal and local food vendors selling products like honey, pickles, cheeses, baked goods, cider and even pizza. Cost of admission is $20 per car, but an annual pass will give you 50% off admission.
5TH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Where: Port Jefferson Village Center, Port Jefferson, NY
When: Sunday, October 26, 12 pm-5 pm
When it comes to entertaining your kids, finding an event like the Harvest Festival can seem like a godsend. The Port Jefferson Harvest Festival will feature plenty of kid-friendly events, including a dog costume contest, marshmallow roasting, face painting, and scare crow displays. For the parents, there’s a farmer’s market from 9 am to 1 pm. Additionally, there’s a woodcarving display, classic cars, pumpkin painting, haunted walking tours and animal rescue groups to help pets go to a good home.
HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
Where: Stony Brook Village Center, Main Street on the Harbor
When: October 31, 2-5 pm
For many children, the most delightful part of Autumn is Halloween, dressing up and collecting candy to enjoy for weeks afterwards. For parents, finding a fun way to kick off your child’s Halloween this year is easy with great events like the Halloween Festival in Stony Brook. This free event will feature a costume contest, trick or treating and a scarecrow display. No matter the ages of your little ones, there’s something for them to delight in.
Whether you have children or are looking for an autumn-centered event for yourself and a group of friends, Long Island has you covered. Ensure the easiest and most enjoyable trip by leaving the driving to someone else; car service can be the difference between a stressful outing and a relaxing experience.
photo credit: bill barber via photopin cc