Free events on Long Island
51 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 NYSF Full Moon Market
Tarot readers, energy healers, and vendors selling crystals, oddities, and metaphysical gear take over The Fit Factory after dark. Free entry, food trucks on site, and the full moon overhead makes this Saturday night market feel like stepping into a different Long Island. Johnson Avenue in Bohemia has plenty of parking.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Editor's Pick Club de lectura - Book Club en Español
Spanish-language book club meets Monday evenings at the Patchogue library on East Main. Discuss books in a supportive environment that builds reading confidence and connects you with other Spanish speakers in the area. Free to attend.
- When
- Where
- Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue
Editor's Pick FRIDAY KOMPA VYBEZ
Prime on the Mile brings kompa—the Haitian dance music—to Freeport's waterfront every Friday starting at 5 PM. It's right on Woodcleft Avenue where all the seafood restaurants are, so you can grab dinner before or after. Free entry, recurring weekly.
- When
- Where
- Prime on the Mile, Freeport
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 SecretSeshLI
This weekly Saturday market at SquareHead Brewing in Holbrook features local vendors, makers, and small businesses. Starts at 5 PM, so you can browse while grabbing a beer at the brewery on High Street. Free to attend, family-friendly setup.
- When
- Where
- SquareHead Brewing Company, Holbrook
Editor's Pick Open Mic Night w/ General George @ Nautilus Roasting
General George hosts open mic every other Thursday at this Huntington Station coffee shop on New York Avenue. Bring your guitar, poetry, or whatever you've been working on—it's a low-key spot to try out new material. Free coffee shop vibes, 7 PM start.
- When
- Where
- Nautilus Roasting Co - Coffee Shop and Cafe, Huntington Station
Editor's Pick Volunteer Registration for Famous Food Festival October 2026
The Famous Food Festival needs volunteers for their October event at Tanger Outlets Deer Park, and you'll get fed and leave with free swag for your time. Registration opens early Friday morning for anyone who wants to work the fest. Decent trade if you were planning to hit the outlets anyway.
- When
- Where
- Tanger Outlets - Deer Park, Deer Park
Editor's Pick Crochet & Conversation
Bring your hooks and yarn 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 crafters. No experience required, just show up.
- When
- Where
- Medford Branch, Patchogue-Medford Library, Medford
Editor's Pick Geology Rocks!: Tiny Tots (Ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Ages 3-5 get hands-on with rocks, minerals, and basic geology at Nissequogue River State Park. It's $4 per child, runs at 10:30 AM, and meets at the main office building in Kings Park. Short enough to keep preschoolers engaged without losing them halfway through.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Beach Scavenger Hunt - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
A beach scavenger hunt designed so kids and adults of all physical and developmental abilities can participate together. It's at the Sunken Meadow Nature Center near Lot 1—totally free, starts at 10:30 AM. The program gives structure to beach exploring instead of just winging it.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Editor's Pick Natural History Tour: Adult Program, $4 per person upon arrival
This guided hike through Nissequogue River State Park covers both natural features and the site's backstory—think native plants, wildlife, and the history that shaped this Kings Park preserve. It's $4 per person when you arrive at the main office. Expect about 90 minutes on the trails.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Artist Spotlight: Tim Burton Workshop -Family Program 12+, $4 per person
Learn ink-drawing techniques inspired by Tim Burton's distinctive style while watching one of his films during this Inktober workshop for ages 12+. $4 per person at the Nissequogue River State Park main office building. Bring your own sketchbook if you have one.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Editor's Pick Artist Spotlight: Tim Burton Workshop -Family Program Age13+, $4 per person
Learn ink drawing techniques while screening a Tim Burton film during this Inktober workshop for teens and adults. It's $4 per person at Nissequogue River State Park's main office building off the St. Johnland Road entrance. Bring your own sketchbook if you've got one, though materials are provided.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the historic Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, once the private retreat of the exclusive South Side Sportsmen's Club. You'll see preserved interiors and hear stories about Long Island's sportfishing past. 2 PM tour on Sunday. $4 per person.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Hispanic Heritage Day
The Islip Arts Council hosts a free afternoon of music, art, and cultural programming for Hispanic Heritage. The gallery sits right on Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore—easy to find, free to attend.
- When
- Where
- Islip Arts Council Gallery, Bay Shore
Survival and Scavenging Skills: Family Program (ages 8+), $4 per person
Rangers at Connetquot lead a family hike focused on foraging basics and survival skills—which wild plants you can actually eat, how to find water, that kind of thing. It's designed for ages 8 and up, costs $4 per person, and runs about 90 minutes through the preserve's trails off Sunrise Highway. Bring sturdy shoes and bug spray.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Arboretum Nature Hike: Adult Program, $4 per adult upon arrival
Planting Fields Arboretum offers a guided walk through their grounds as summer shifts into fall—expect talk of changing foliage, plant adaptations, and what's blooming now versus next month. It's $4 per adult at arrival and starts mid-morning, so you can grab breakfast in Oyster Bay beforehand and still have most of your Saturday free.
- When
- Where
- Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay
Harvest Moon Hike-Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
A guided evening hike timed to the Harvest Moon in late September—adults only, $4 cash at the door. Starts at 6:30 PM from Sunken Meadow Lot 1, so you'll catch the moon rising over the Sound as summer officially wraps. Bring a flashlight for the walk back.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Passport Through Parks: Robert Moses, Family Program, $4 per person
This monthly hiking series hits a different Long Island state park each time—September lands at Robert Moses Field 2. It's $4 per person and designed for families who want to actually explore the parks instead of just parking at them. Kicks off at 10 AM, so you'll still have most of Sunday left.
- When
- Where
- Robert Moses State Park Field 2, Babylon
Nature Bike Tour: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
A ranger-led bike ride traces the shoreline at Heckscher, hugging the Great South Bay while covering local ecology and coastal wildlife. Bring your own bike, cost is $4 per person at the gate, and the ride's suitable for families who can handle a few flat miles. Starts late morning, so it's an easy Sunday reset before the week kicks in.
- When
- Where
- Heckscher State Park, East Islip
NYSF Handmade Holiday Bazaar
This holiday bazaar featuring handmade goods is happening at night for the first time, turning The Fit Factory into an after-dark shopping scene. Fourth year running, free admission, and you're supporting local makers while knocking out your gift list. Plenty of parking on Johnson Avenue in Bohemia.
- When
- Where
- The Fit Factory, Bohemia
Hike to Hatchery Tour: Family Program
Connetquot's historic fish hatchery—the only one in the entire NY State Parks system—opens up for tours showing how they raise trout on-site. The hike starts at 10:30 AM and it's free, though the preserve itself charges a vehicle fee. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes since you'll be walking to the hatchery before the tour starts.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Shark Extravaganza, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Tiny Tots programs at Connetquot focus on one animal theme each session—this one's all sharks. Ages 3-5, $4 per kid at the door, and it's hands-on learning that holds their attention for the 10:30 AM start. Connetquot's off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale with plenty of parking.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Walk to End Alzheimer's - North Fork
The Alzheimer's Association's annual walk kicks off at Peconic Landing's waterfront campus in Greenport. Registration starts at 9 AM, with the walk following along scenic routes through the grounds. It's free to participate, and the North Fork setting makes this one of the more beautiful fundraising walks on the Island.
- When
- Where
- Peconic Landing, Greenport
Migrating Bird Hike - Family program, $4 cash per person upon arrival
Early October is peak bird migration on the Sound—summer species heading south while winter residents start showing up. This guided walk through Sunken Meadow covers who's leaving, who's arriving, and how to tell them apart. Bring $4 cash and meet at Lot 3 in Kings Park.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Passport through Parks: Cold Spring Harbor, Family Program, $4 per person
This monthly series hits every state park on Long Island, one Sunday at a time. October's stop is Cold Spring Harbor, where you'll hike the trails and rack up stamps in your Parks Passport (they provide it). It's $4 per person at the trailhead on Harbor Road.
- When
- Where
- Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Cold Spring Harbor
Hike through History-Adult program, $4 cash per adult upon arrival
Sunken Meadow's trails cross land that saw Revolutionary War action, and this adults-only hike covers the stories most people drive right past. The walk starts at 10 AM from Lot 1—bring $4 cash and wear shoes that can handle October mud. It's timed for the 250th anniversary of the Revolution.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Kings Park
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, the former clubhouse of the South Side Sportsman's Club where Teddy Roosevelt and other early-1900s elites fished and hunted. The building's been preserved with original fixtures and tells a specific slice of Long Island history. It's $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Funny Bones-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
This hands-on nature class for 3-5 year olds dives into animal skeletons and bones found around Sunken Meadow. It's $4 cash per kid at the Nature Center in Lot 1—park entrance fees apply. Classes run about 45 minutes and fill up fast during nice weather.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Lets go Camping, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
Your 3-to-5-year-old can do a camping-themed nature program at Connetquot—think outdoor exploration scaled for tiny attention spans. It's $4 per kid when you get there, and the Preserve is right off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale with plenty of parking.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Crab Craft Time: Living Fossils, Family Program (ages 10+) $4.00 per person
Horseshoe crabs have been crawling around for 450 million years, and this craft workshop at Connetquot River gives kids 10+ a chance to make art inspired by these ancient survivors. It's $4 cash per person at the door. The preserve is right on Sunrise Highway in Oakdale with plenty of parking off the main entrance.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve, the former clubhouse of the South Side Sportsman's Club where Teddy Roosevelt and other early-1900s elites fished and hunted. The building's been preserved with original fixtures and tells a specific slice of Long Island history. It's $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
The Great Pumpkin, Tiny Tots (ages 3-5), $4 per child upon arrival
This nature exploration program for 3-5 year olds has a pumpkin theme but details are thin on what exactly they'll be doing. It's $4 per child when you show up, and the listing says free which seems contradictory—call ahead to confirm. Connetquot charges vehicle entry unless you have an Empire Pass.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
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
Spooky Skeletons: Children's Program, $4.00 per child on arrival
Kids examine real animal bones and skulls from local wildlife in this evening program that leans educational rather than scary. It's $4 per child at the door, runs about an hour, and the 6:30 PM start means you'll be walking back in twilight. Connetquot's main lot is right off Sunrise Highway in Oakdale.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Pumpkin Carving: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Carve pumpkins at a picnic table overlooking the Nissequogue River instead of your kitchen counter. Bring your own pumpkin and $4 cash per person—carving tools and cleanup are handled for you. The main office building has restrooms and the parking lot rarely fills up on Sunday mornings.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park
Nest Book Club Discussion: Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult
Nest on Main hosts a free discussion of Jodi Picoult's Hollow Bones on a Tuesday evening. Bring your thoughts on the book and be ready to talk—all readers welcome, no RSVP drama.
- When
- Where
- Nest on Main, Northport
Mystical Creatures: Childrens program (ages 6+), $4.00 per child on arrival
This dusk walk through Connetquot focuses on real animals that inspired folklore—owls, bats, maybe a fox if you're lucky. Ages 6 and up, $4 per child, and the 6 PM start in late October means you'll need flashlights for the walk back. Park in the main Sunrise Highway lot.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Know your Bones - All Abilities Family program, FREE PROGRAM
This free program teaches families about animal skeletal systems through accessible, sensory-friendly activities designed for all developmental and physical abilities. It's at Sunken Meadow's Nature Center on Halloween week Friday—no registration pressure, just show up. The park's paved paths make the Nature Center easy to reach from Lot 1.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Silent Book Club & Tea Workshop
Bring whatever book you're reading and settle in for an hour of silent reading with tea and other readers. This free monthly gathering at Revolution Yoga is exactly what it sounds like: no discussion required, just quiet company. It's become a low-key Monday night ritual for introverts who like being around people.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Monster Mash!-Tiny Tots (3-5 years), $4 cash per child
Halloween-themed nature exploration for the preschool set, focused on creatures that seem spooky but are actually helpful in our local ecosystem. Bring $4 cash per child to the Nature Center at Sunken Meadow (Lot 1). These Thursday morning slots work well if your kid's already bouncing off the walls by 10:30.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
Haunted Lantern Walk, Adult Program, $4
A night hike through Sunken Meadow by lantern, with a ranger telling genuinely creepy historical stories from Long Island's past. This adults-only walk starts at 6:30 PM from the Nature Center at Lot 1—bring $4 cash and a flashlight as backup. Late October means it'll be properly dark and cold, so layer up.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 1, Nature Center, Kings Park
History Bike Tour: Family Program, $4.00 per person on arrival
Bike through Caumsett's 1,750 acres while a guide explains the Marshall Field estate history and how the land became a preserve. Bring your own bike—the terrain is mostly flat former carriage roads. It's $4 per person including kids, and the ride covers about 5 miles over 90 minutes.
- When
- Where
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Lloyd Harbor
Nature Knowledge Night: Natures Not So Scary Animals , $4 per child
This after-school club at Connetquot focuses on creatures that get a bad rap around Halloween—bats, snakes, spiders, the usual suspects. Rangers introduce kids to these animals up close, explaining why they're actually helpful (and not particularly interested in scaring anyone). Park entrance is on Sunrise Highway in Oakdale, with plenty of parking near the education center.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Hunt for Bigfoot 2: Electric Boogaloo, Adult Program, $4 upon arrival
Yes, this is a real program, and yes, it's the sequel. Rangers lead a tongue-in-cheek cryptid hunt through the woods at Sunken Meadow on Halloween morning, looking for "evidence" of Bigfoot on Long Island. It's $4 cash at Lot 3, and the humor is aimed at adults who appreciate a ridiculous premise executed with commitment.
- When
- Where
- Sunken Meadow State Park Lot 3, Kings Park
Free Wellness Pop Up Event
Revolution Yoga is opening its doors for a free wellness fair featuring local practitioners and small businesses. It's a low-key way to check out bodywork, holistic services, and wellness products without committing to anything—just show up and browse.
- When
- Where
- Revolution Yoga, Rockville Centre
Living History Clubhouse Tours: Family Program, $4 per person upon arrival
Tour the preserved clubhouse of the South Side Sportsmen's Club, the private fishing club that operated here from 1866 until the state acquired it in 1973. Guides walk you through the Main House with period details intact—it's one of the few times you can get inside. $4 per person at the door.
- When
- Where
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Oakdale
Artist Spotlight: Frida Kahlo Workshop -Family Program 8+, $4 per person
Kids 8+ and their adults learn about Frida Kahlo's life and distinctive style, then create their own art inspired by her work. The workshop runs about 90 minutes and costs $4 per person at the door. Same Kings Park location as the Tiny Tots programs—plenty of parking at the main office building.
- When
- Where
- Nissequogue River State Park Main Office (Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building), Kings Park