Aside from leaves changing colors beautifully and delicious pumpkin-flavored foods and drinks arousing our senses, the best part of autumn has to be the annual return of fall festivals and street fairs to Long Island.
From the farms on the East End celebrating their harvest to Nassau communities hosting autumn-themed carnivals, there is no shortage of upcoming events to revel in the season like picking pumpkins, going on hay rides and navigating corn mazes while enjoying some apple cider, pumpkin pie or a great many other fresh goodies.
Here are more than three dozen Long Island fall festivals and fairs this season:
The 37th Annual Pickle Festival
This is an event for those pickle-loving Long Islanders who get into heated debates over which pickles reign supreme (uber-sour pickles, of course). The nearly four-decade old festival includes pickles-on-a-stick, specialty pickles, pickle displays, and such ubiquitous fall favorites as roasted corn, hayrides, a corn maze and so much more. John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Ave., Huntington. www.greenlawncenterporthistorical.org $5 donation, children under 12 free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 17.
Garden City Fall Street Fair and Homecoming Parade
Come to a day of great food, fun and a fantastic football game! Nassau Blvd., Garden City. gardencitychamberny.chambermaster.com Noon-10 p.m. Sept. 17
Septemberfest
Starting off with a wonderful cocktail party on Friday and continuing with an exhibition of Southampton’s art and goods, this festival is sure to wow people of all ages. 76 Main St., Southampton. southamptonseptfest.org Free. Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. kickoff cocktail party. Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-4p.m. (Farmers’ Market), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Art Vendors in the Park), Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Farmers’ Market), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Art vendors in the Park).
Long Island Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
The fair is purported to be one of oldest agricultural festivals in the country, featuring everything from pony and carnival rides, live music, exotic animals, magic shows, a petting zoo and historical entertainment. Families will get a taste of what life was like on Long Island nearly two centuries ago with demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving and candle-making. One of the main attractions is the Old Time Baseball league game played the way it was in the mid-19th century. So much to do! Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. lifair.org $12 adults, $8 children and seniors (60-plus), weekend rate is $7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Sept. 24, 25, 30, Oct. 1, 2.
West Hempstead Street Fair
Vendors, food, arts and crafts, plus a whole lot of fun! Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead Free. westhempsteadchamberofcommerce.com 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 25. Rain date Oct. 9
Syosset Street Fair
Jackson Ave., Syosset. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 25.
Harvest Day Festival
This fair celebrates Southampton life in the 1800s with hands-on activities that allow visitors to experience a different kind of life. 17 Meeting House Ln., Southampton. southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org Free. 11 a.m. Sept. 28.
Valley Stream Community Fest 2016
An annual, one-day event that celebrates the special qualities of Valley Stream. Rockaway Avenue, between Sunrise Highway and Merrick Rd. vscommunityfest.com Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 24. Rain date Oct. 1.
St. Margaret’s Fall Fair
This festival allows everyone to enjoy vendors, great baked goods, raffles and treasures of all kinds. 1000 Washington Ave., Plainview. stmargaretepiscopal.org Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 24. Rain date Sept. 25.
Wildwood Fall Festival
A family-oriented fall festival featuring fall games, wagon rides, pony rides and craft vendors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing autumn day! 790 Hulse Landing Rd. Wading River. nysparks.com $10 parking, free with Empire Pass. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 24.
Fish Hatchery Fish Festival
This festival will include fishing for kids, a pumpkin patch, an inflatable castle bouncer, and a petting zoo. Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, 1660 NY-25A, Cold Spring Harbor. cshfishhatchery.org $6 adults, $4 kids and seniors, $2 kids 2 and under, members free. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Rain date Oct. 1.
RELATED: Long Island Oktoberfest 2016
Family Festival by the Sea
Come to Lido Beach for a weekend full of live concerts, good food, crafts and novelty vendors, sand sculptures and more. They also feature kid-friendly attractions such as animal acts, pony rides and puppet shows. 630 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach. Free. toh.li 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept 24, 25.
Seaford Annual Harvest Fair
This annual fair will have regularly scheduled entertainment, a wide assortment of kids’ games, and great vendors. Seaford Historical Society. 3890 Waverly Ave., Seaford. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 25.
Long Island Apple Festival
This is the apple-picking experience you’ve been waiting for. Families get the opportunity to peruse an 18th century farmhouse as they enjoy apple-relay races, tug-o-war, apple-head doll making, pony rides and a host of other activities. Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Rd., East Setauket. splia.org $7 adults, $5 seniors and children (2-12). 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 25.
West Islip Country Fair
Come to see over 300 craft vendors, in addition to a petting zoo, a magic show, face painting and much more! West Islip Public Library Grounds, 3 Higbie Ln., West Islip. westislipcountryfair.com Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 25. Raine date Oct. 2.
Caleb Smith State Park Fall Festival
This festival allows participants to embrace the natural features of this state park, including fishing, free pumpkins and nature tours. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, West Jericho Turnpike (Route 25), Smithtown. friendsofcalebsmith.org $10 per person. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 25.
Heritage Trust Fall into Fun Carnival
To usher in the fall, you’ll want some really, really fun rides. You’ll want food, of course also, but not just any run-of-the-mill foodstuffs. You’ll want spectacular food, food that you’ll be feasting upon and then dreaming about, long, long after the multi-colored lights glowing from atop the fishbowl ping-pong trailers have gone to bed. And of course, you’ll want games. This annual mega-extravaganza has all of these critical components, and truly, just so much more. C’mon, now. Let’s do this! Heritage Park, Mt. Sinai Road, Mt. Sinai. msheritagetrust.org Free. 6-10 p.m. Sept. 29. 6- 11 p.m. Sept 30. 12-11 p.m. Oct. 1. 12-7 p.m. Oct. 2.
Plainview-Old Bethpage Craft and Gift Fair
If you’re looking for a family day full of shopping, entertainment and food, this craft fair is the place to go. Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, 999 Old Country Rd., Plainview. nassaucountycraftshows.com Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 1.
Sayville Apple Festival
Come to the Islip Grange for a day full of crafts, music, pony rides, and of course, an apple-themed cooking contest! 10 Broadway Ave.,
Sayville. greatersayvillechamber.com Free. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 1. Rain date Oct. 2.
Amityville Apple Festival
The Amityville Apple Festival features a day of face painting, pumpkins and tons of fresh apples and apple-related products. Amityville High School, 150 Park Ave., Amityville and Lauder Museum, 170 Broadway, Amityville. facebook.com 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 1.
Cornell Cooperative Extension PumpkinFest
Wagon rides, live bands, family games, corn mazes, and more family-oriented activities to celebrate PumkinFest! Suffolk County Farm and Education Center, 350 Yaphank Ave., Yaphank. ccesuffolk.org $12. Children under three free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 1, 2.
The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons Committee
We Long Islanders love to eat; that’s why we can’t get enough of carnivals and the ubiquitous smell of sausages and other belly-warming treats wafting through the air. Don’t miss this carnival. Good Ground Rd., Hampton Bays. (Long Island Rail Road Station). sangennarofeastofthehamptons.com 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 2.
Fall Festival at Sagtikos Manor
Prepare to travel back into colonial times, with quilters, potters, basket weavers and old-fashioned games for children at this historic Long Island spot where Gen. George Washington once slept–after the British army left. Imagine three centuries of history under one roof, and the grounds are beautiful, too. 677 Montauk Hwy., Bay Shore. sagtikosmanor.org/events $7. Children under three free. $25 special family event fee. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2.
Mill Neck Manor Fall Harvest Festival
Come to the Mill Neck Manor for the best of the autumn season, including handmade crafts, ripe apples, and grilled bratwurst. Mill Neck Manor, 40 Frost Mill Rd., Mill Neck. millneck.org $15 parking, $10 ticket. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8, 9.
Montauk Fall Festival
This festival kicks off with their famous clam chowder contest at 11 a.m. on Saturday. It includes crab races, rides, a farmers’ market, live music and incorporates elements of Octoberfest. Grab a hot, steaming pumpkin latte or some good old-fashioned piping hot apple cider, stroll out toward the East End and gaze out west over the woods. 742 Montauk Hwy., Montauk. montauk-online.com Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8, 9.
Gordon Werner Arts and Crafts Show
This is an arts-and-crafts show organized by Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce full of exhibitors. Village Green, 152 Main St., Westhampton. festivalnet.com Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 9.
RELATED: The Ultimate Long Island Apple Picking 2016 Guide
Annual Fall Festival at Montauk Chamber of Commerce
The annual fall festival presented by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce features the famous Clam Chowder Contest. 742 Montauk Hwy., Montauk. montauk-online.com Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8, 9.
Long Beach Fall Festival
All are invited to this Long Beach tradition featuring live music, children’s entertainment, a petting zoo and a marvelous pumpkin patch waiting to be picked clean! Kennedy Plaza, Park Avenue, Long Beach. longbeachny.gov $20 daily. $30 weekend. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 8, 9.
Huntington Long Island Fall Festival
Come to this fall festival to experience a world-class carnival, two international food courts, and four stages of live entertainment. Heckscher Park, Route 25A & Prime Ave., Huntington. huntingtonchamber.chambermaster.com 5-9 p.m. Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 8-9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 10.
Riverhead Country Fair
Come prepared because the fair is set on 100,000 square feet of land so families can enjoy a host of activities, including carnival rides, folk music, homemaking displays, competitions and more. Main Street, Riverhead. riverheadcountryfair.com Free, except for fees for some rides and activities. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 9.
Harvest Festival
This is a great day of pumpkin picking and great old-fashioned music at a farm! Benner’s Farm, 58 Gnarled Hollow Rd., East Setauket. bennersfarm.com $8 adults, $6 kids. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 9.
Fall Harvest Festival and Street Fair
Babylon village. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 15. Rain date Oct. 22.
Fall Festival and Swap Meet
Fall games, rides, music, pumpkins, pony rides, face painting, crafts, vendors and more. Thomas School of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp and Riding School, 250 Round Swamp Rd., Melville. Free. 1-5 p.m. Oct. 22.
Village Day Fall Festival
The Sands Point Preserve celebrates the fall harvest season with outdoor activities for children of all ages. 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point. sandspointpreserveconservancy.org $10 per car for members, $20 non-members. 1-4 p.m. Oct. 16. Rain date Oct. 23.
Fall Harvest Festival
The Borella’s Farm Stand throws a festival not to be forgotten, including pumpkin picking, a dizzying corn maze, face painting, live DJ Entertainment and lots of food! Borella’s Farm Stand, 485 Edgewood Ave., St. James. borellasfarmstand.com $12. Children under three years old are free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. every weekend in October, plus Columbus Day, Oct. 12.
Levittown Chamber of Commerce Fall Family Festival and Street Fair
Come to this festival for a day of exhibits, crafts and great entertainment! St. Bernard’s School Gym, 3100 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown. levittownchamber.com Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15.
Fall Family Fishing Festival
A family-oriented annual fishing festival that integrates fishing with fall activities. Hempstead Lake State Park, Eagle Ave., West Hempstead. nysparks.com Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 15.
Oyster Festival
Come for a fun mixture of activities including live entertainment, tall ships, top-notch artisans, pirate shows, midway rides, and the iconic oyster-eating and oyster-shucking contest. Here the world is your oyster. Theodore Roosevelt Park, 200 Central Park West, Oyster Bay. theoysterfestival.org Free (except for select activities.) 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 15.
Huntington Apple Festival
Scarecrow-making, hayrides and traditional games are signature features of this festival held at the venerable Kissam House, built in 1795, and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Kissam House, 434 Park Ave., Huntington. huntingtonhistoricalsociety.org 12 p.m.-4 a.m. Oct. 16.
Pumpkin Fest
The Village of Islandia’s annual Pumpkin Fest is back for another day of hayrides, pumpkins (of course), treats and all-around family fun. Islandia Village Hall, 100 Old Nichols Rd., Islandia. newvillageofislandia.com Free. Oct. 22.
Rock Hall County Fair
Join the Red Hawk Native American Arts Council for a day of drumming, dancing and storytelling. Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence. toh.li Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 22, 23.
Great Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
This is a fall celebration unlike any other. The first 50 carved pumpkins will be placed on flotation devices as they set sail around the lake behind a fleet of kayaks. If that’s not all, the pumpkins will also be illuminated with candles, making the aquatic journey that much more enjoyable to watch. For kids, there’s also something called the “Spooky Den” and plenty of other opportunities for games and crafts. Belmont Lake State Park (Exit 38 Southern State Parkway), North Babylon. facebook.com/events Free. 3-6:30 p.m. Oct. 29.
The FreedomFest Taste of Long Island Festival
Immediately after the Suffolk County Marathon. The event will feature live musical entertainment and will highlight our local craft breweries, award winning wines, and local food and produce. Patchogue village. suffolkmarathon.com 9 a.m. Oct. 30.
Harvest Fest
Come to the Harvest Festival for Clam Chowder, music, and great children’s activities. Port Jeff Chamber Visitors Center, 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson. portjeffchamber.com Free. 12-5 p.m Oct. 30.
Long Island Antique Book, Paper and Art Fair
Books are the heart and soul of the human experience. They record, they enlighten and they inspire. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind collision of the written word and arts and crafts that will make your heart bend and soul absolutely just break out into song and sing, sing, sing! C.W. Post University Library Hutchins Gallery. libookfair.com Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 6.
Long Island Antiquarian Book and Paper Fair
Come browse through stacks of books and piles of collectible memorabilia, and pick up some great post cards, too! CW Post Library Hutchins Gallery, 720 Northern Blvd (NY 25A), Brookville. libookfair.com Adults $7, free for children under 12, $1 discount w/ad. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 6.
Know of a Long Island fall festival that should be included on this list? Email us at assignmentdesk@longislandpress.com
