With this weekend unofficially marking the end of summer—fall technically starts Sept. 22—Labor Day festivities are the last chance for Long Islanders to revel in peak beach season.
What better way to celebrate a holiday—held the first Monday of every September—that honors the achievements of American workers then by spending the last weekend of summer relaxing?
We’ve compiled this list of ideas to do just that. Instead of running out the clock on summer BBQ hopping as usual, mix it up with something different this Labor Day, like any one of these local events.
Shinnecock Pow-Wow
Tribal dances, ceremonies, crafts, storytelling, native foods, demonstrations, dance and drum competitions followed by a fire lighting at sunset. Shinnecock Reservation, Southampton, shinnecocknation.com. $12, $10 for seniors and kids ages 6-11. Kids 5 and younger free. 5-11 p.m., Aug. 29. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Aug. 30. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
Street Fair on the Green
A unique opportunity to check out some arts and crafts with all the fun of a street fair but in the middle of Nassau County’s biggest park. Eisenhower Park, Field 8, East Meadow. nassaucountyny.gov/parks Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 30-31.
America’s Love Affair with the Motorcycle
This renowned summer exhibit highlighting the evolution of America’s beloved innovation, the motorcycle, rides off into the sunset on Tumbleweed Tuesday. The Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 97P Main Street, Stony Brook. stonybrookvillage.com $4, $2 for children under 12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Sept. 1.
Seaford Summer Festival
Arts and crafts, gifts and food aplenty. Long Island Rail Road station, Seaford. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Aug. 30- Sept. 1.
TR & Conservation
A special nature walk to celebrate the President Theodore Roosevelt’s crusade for American wilderness and this year’s 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 20 Sagamore Hill Rd., Oyster Bay. nps.gov/sahi Free.1 p.m., Aug. 30.
Westhampton Beach 6th Annual Festival of the Arts
The lawn across from St. Mark’s Church will blossom with artwork brought to Westhampton Beach by a spectacular cast of national and international artists that will weave a tapestry of extraordinary original artwork. Westhampton Great Lawn Great Lawn, Main Street, Westhampton Beach. paragonartevents.com/westhamptom. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 31.
Faith, Food and Fellowship Festival
Children’s activities, Chinese auction, flea market, 50/50 raffle, Greek/Slavic café and live Balalaika band. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Ave., East Meadow. htocem.org Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 30.
Old Time Music Weekend
Honoring the American soldiers, a Brass Military band will perform, along with popular music from the Civil War time period. Visitors may also enjoy learning traditional 1800s contra dancing, while listening to the music. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. nassaucountyny.gov/parks $10, $7 seniors, firefighters and kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5 free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug.30-31
Backyard BBQ
Kosher BBQ with an unlimited buffet. Chabad of East Hampton, 13 Woods Lane, East Hampton. JewishHamptons.com $30, $15 kids. 4-8 p.m., Aug. 31.
1960s Dance in the Barn
A groovy way to give a peace sign to this summer of love. Shelter Island Historical Society, 16 South Ferry Road Haven’s Barn, Shelter Island. shelterislandhistorical.org $5. 8-10 p.m., Aug. 30.Pirates & Mermaids Dance Party
Shiver your timbers. Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, 301 Main Street Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, cshwhalingmuseum.org Free with museum admission. 12-3 p.m., Aug. 31.
Pig Roast
This BBQ with Wolffer Wines is held every Sunday in summer through September, meaning this is the last chance to get in on the action. One Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton. toppingrosehouse.com $95. 6 p.m., Aug.31.
Lamb Roast
All-you-can-eat buffet with live music by Alfredo Merat and Radio Europa with a whole lamb roasted Asado—a Latin American grill technique where you roast meat on a grill or open fire. The Living Room, 207 Main St., East Hampton. themaidstone.com/restaurant $75, 50 percent off for children under 12. 4 p.m., Sept. 1.
Splish Splash
Long Island’s lone water park closes on Labor Day, so ride the waves one last time before the party’s over. Splish Splash Water Park, 2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton splishsplash.com $41, $31 for those shorter than 48-inches tall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., through Sept. 1.
