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 Katherine Andrianas Editor, ET Week |
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As we transition between seasons, why not attend some of Long Island’s greatest fall festivals. In less than an hour’s time, you’re able to go from one festival to another as there is something unique about each. At little to no cost, you can fill your day with great entertainment, seasonal attractions and festivities. From apple picking, to carnival rides and themed activities, the fun never ends! Heckscher Park Long Island Fall Festival Celebrate your Columbus Day weekend at one of the largest fall festivals on Long Island. Heckscher Park provides a place for restaurants, retailers, cultural institutions and service organizations to come together. Attracting tens of thousands of families from all over the New York tri-state area, it’s a day filled with fun. Spread across the 25-acre park, there are hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, food courts, beer and wine tents along with live entertainment. It’s certainly a family-friendly festival for all ages. With a full list of events including who’s performing when, each day of the festival is worth a visit. For an added bonus, admission is free and there are $1 roundtrip shuttles that run from the Huntington train station. For more information or to view a vendor directory, visit ifallfestival.com. Mill Neck Family’s Fall Harvest Festival Mill Neck’s Family Fall Harvest Festival is one you won’t want to pass up this season! For over 55 years, attending the festival has been a Long Island family tradition and there are countless reasons why. Set out on the 86-acre scenic estate of Mill Neck Manor, there is nothing better than a festival overlooking the Long Island Sound. Often known as the Mill Neck Apple Fest, they serve some of the best seasonal produce including mouth-watering baked goods, apples and cheeses. With attractions for all ages, it’s certainly a day to remember. For just $15 per vehicle, visitors get to enjoy country crafts, face painting and delicious food. Why not plan your Columbus Day weekend at the beautiful Mill Kneck where there is something enjoyable for every member of the family! To learn more about the fun, two-day event, visit millneck.org. Riverhead Country Fair The 43rd annual Riverhead Country Fair offers carnival rides, pumpkin decorating and much more, right along the Peconic riverfront. Covering over 100,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest festivals in New York State. Over four-hundred vendor’s line Riverhead’s Main Street, selling a variety of different things. The fair gives vendors the opportunity to show their artwork and agricultural or homemaking displays. From antiques and collectibles, to manufactured goods and local merchandise, they provide it all. Similar to a block party but with thousands of people, it’s a day you can’t miss! There are numerous contests, live music along with all kinds of family-friendly entertainment. With a stage for performances and food concessions selling everything from roasted corn to fried Oreos, there’s something for everyone. Visit riverheadcountyfair.com for directions and/or a map of the fair. Oyster Festival Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Oyster Bay’s notorious festival this October! With over 140 vendors, the Oyster Festival is the biggest waterfront fair on the east coast. Tall ships, pirate shows and artisans are what make it most unique. From oyster eating to live entertainment and carnival rides, the activities are endless. Known for their iconic oyster eating and shucking contest, they serve thousands of oysters, clams, seafood dishes and traditional festival fare. Volunteer chefs and culinary pros work together to create some of the most delicious and unique festival food yet. Not only does the Oyster Festival offer beautiful bay views but it attracts nearly 200,000 visitors each year. With free admission and parking, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t plan your weekend here. To find a food guide or learn about the festivals beer and wine tent, visit theoysterfestival.org. Brightwaters Farm Fall Harvest Festival Brightwaters Farm in Bayshore is the oldest operating farm on Long Island’s South Shore. This 12-acre country setting is the perfect place to come with friends and family. Open to the public for their annual fall festival, they provide countless activities for every age. Guests get to indulge in a variety of baked goods and local produce including pies, cookies, corn, apples or fresh cider. For just $10 admission per person, you can enjoy unlimited hayrides, face painting, fun games and a whole list more. There are even pony rides, pumpkin picking and animal feedings which are perfect for young kids. Not much is better than sipping on hot cider while listening to a live banjo! For additional details or to find out exactly what’s included in admission, visit brightwatersfarms.com/fall. Barnyard Adventures This eight-acre Barnyard Adventure is one full of fun! Although open year-round, the cider donuts and apple picking make it the perfect fall pit stop. From pig races to hayride tours and farm animals, it’s certainly worth the trip out. Home to over forty different animals, visitors are greeted by ducks, pot belly pigs, goats and more. Offering something for the whole family, they have a sports zone for playing basketball, football and baseball as well as a hedge maze and trike track for racing. With outstanding entertainment, interactive activities and an extremely friendly staff, there’s nothing like a Barnyard Adventure! To find a list of the different admissions including weekday, weekend and holiday, visit harbesfamilyfarm.com/barnyard |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 