Best Fall Activities, Events, Festivals On Long Island
As the weather begins to cool down, there will is an endless list of fall activities on Long Island. Whether people enjoy nature walks to food festivals and Halloween treats, here are some of the most anticipated events this fall.
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Road
Old Westbury, NY 11568
www.therise.org
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With the arrival of fall, that means Halloween is on its way. To get into the spooky spirit, people can head to Old Westbury Gardens for the annual RISE of the Jack O'Laterns extravaganza throughout the month of October. People can see thousands of hand-carved illuminated pumpkins that are creatively arranged along a scenic walking path and accompanied by a musical score to bring the Halloween spirit to visitors. From iconic cartoon characters to celebrities and landmarks, these pumpkins will amaze even the oldest of guests. According to RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns, there will be 20,268 pumpkins used throughout four-week long exhibit. Tickets must be purchased in advanced through their website.
Signs of Autumn Walk
Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
50 Barry Drive
Glen Cove, NY 11542
516-571-8010
www.GarviesPointMuseum.com
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The one thing that epitomizes the change of season is seeing the colorful leaves. People can lace up their sneakers and get ready for a walk among the trees at Garvies Point on October 15. Offering complimentary guided tours with admission to the museum, Garvies Point is located on the north shore of Long Island and has nearly 62 acres of forests.
27th Annual Long Island Apple Festival
55 Old Post Road
East Setauket, NY
631-692-4664
www.splia.com
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Autumn on Long Island is not complete without an apple festival. People can head to Sherwood-Jayne Farm on September 25 for the 27th Annual Long Island Apple Festival. Bringing the sights and sounds of traditional harvest activities, this family-friendly event gives people the chance to explore an 18th century farmhouse and vast apple orchards that are still in use. The day is filled with old-fashioned games, including apple relay races, tug-o-war and doll making. From a colonial cooking demonstration to a baking contest and sheep shearing, this annual festival gives Long Islanders the chance to see how life was way back when.
Fall Festival at Sagtikos Manor
Sagtikos Manor
Montauk Highway and Manor Lane
Bay Shore, NY
631-854-0939
www.sagtikosmanor.org
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The history is brought to the present at the annual Fall Festival at Sagtikos Manor on Sunday, October 2. Guests will have the opportunity to see the 3rd NY Revolutionary Regiment perform as well as learn some of their daily routines. People will also see colonial trades exhibits, including quilters, potters and basket weavers. In addition to the exhibits, there will be crafts and old-fashioned games for children. The historical manor house and cemetery will be opened for self-guide tours and colonial music can be heard throughout the day.
Long Island Oyster Festival
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One of the most anticipated events of the fall is the annual Long Island Oyster Festival on October 15 and 16. Now in its 32nd year, this festival is the largest waterfront event on the east coast. Located on Oyster Bay, the weekend is filled with live entertainment, tall ships, pirate shows, family activities along with oyster eating and shucking contests. The annual festival is organized by the Oyster Bay Rotary Club, and all the sales at the food court directly support 25 local charities.
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.
