Your Ultimate Long Island Weekender: Things to Do July 19–20, 2025; Summer Vibes Are In Full Swing This Weekend

LONG ISLAND, NY – Summer vibes are in full swing across Long Island this weekend – whether you’re craving sunlit strolls, artsy happenings, live music under the stars, or family-friendly fun. Warm days beckon outdoor adventures, while evenings offer lively festivals and local culture. Dive in below to map out your own perfect weekend.
Outdoors & Festivals
- Old Westbury Gardens – Summer “Dog Days” Weekend (Sat, 10 AM–6 PM) – Bring your furry pals for a day among the blossoms—garden trails, pup-friendly stations, and relaxing picnic spots await.
- Kennedy Plaza (Long Beach) – Arts in the Plaza (Sat, 9 AM–2 PM) – Browse artisan stalls, demos, and kids’ crafts by the boardwalk—perfect for a breezy seaside morning.
- Lenny Bruno Farms (Manorville) – Sweet SummerFest (Sat, 1–7 PM) – Enjoy farm-fresh treats, animal interactions, and local vendors in a charming rural setting.
- Sea Glass Festival (Cold Spring Harbor) (Sun, 10 AM–5 PM) – Discover handcrafted jewelry, local art, and beach-themed goods at this coastal fair.
- Robert Moses State Park – Shark Shack (Sat morning) – An interactive marine-life program—learn about local sea creatures and conservation.
Arts & Culture
- Heckscher Museum (Huntington) – “All-of-Me” LGBTQ+ Art Exhibit (Sat) – Experience vibrant, inclusive artwork showcasing LGBTQ+ perspectives and creators.
- Southampton Arts Center – “IndependENCY: American Flag at 250” (Sat) – Explore modern interpretations of American identity and symbolism in this thought-provoking exhibit.
- Long Island History Hunt (Oyster Bay) (All weekend) – An engaging, self-guided scavenger hunt through historic town landmarks—bring your curiosity!
- Old Bethpage Village Restoration – Step into living history with costumed interpreters and hands-on 19th-century demos—open both days.
Music & Nightlife
- Tilles Jazz Fest (Brookville, LIU Post) (Sat from noon) – Local jazz ensembles, food trucks, and even an “instrument petting zoo”—all in a beautiful campus green.
- Alive on 25 (Riverhead) (Fri & Sun evening) – A lively block-party-style fest with music, craft beverages, and local bites—Friday returns and Sunday encore.
- Mulcahy’s (Wantagh) – DJ Frankie Cutlass (Sat at 8 PM) – Hit night with ‘90s/2000s hip-hop beats from a legendary DJ in a cozy pub atmosphere.
- Free Outdoor Movie Night (various parks) – Local municipalities host screenings of family favorites across Long Island – check your town’s schedule.
Family & Community
- CP Nassau Sci‑Fi Mini‑Con (Hicksville, Levittown Hall) (Sat, 12–5 PM) – Free panels, cosplay, fun booths—star trek your way through sci-fi fandom with the whole family.
- 15th Annual Family Fair at CMEE (Bridgehampton) (Sat, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM) – Interactive crafts, storytime, and hands-on learning at the East End’s beloved children’s museum.
- Railroad Museum of Long Island (Riverhead/Greenport) – Hop aboard authentic train exhibits – open both days and great for locomotive lovers and kids.
Other Ongoing Attractions
- Adventureland (East Farmingdale) — Open full-time this summer with rides & water attractions.
- Polo at Bethpage State Park — Sunday polo matches continue through September.
- Old Bethpage Village Restoration — Open demonstration village with historical reenactments.
- Railroad Museum of Long Island (Riverhead & Greenport) — Perfect for train enthusiasts.
- Jones Beach State Park — Beach fun, boardwalk events, and evening concerts at the Bandshell.
Sample Itinerary: Make the Most of This Weekend on Long Island
Saturday, July 19, 2025
- 9:00 AM – Start your morning with Arts in the Plaza at Kennedy Plaza in Long Beach. Grab a coffee and enjoy local artwork and handmade crafts right by the ocean.
- 11:00 AM – Head over to Old Westbury Gardens for their “Dog Days” event. Bring your pup or just stroll the scenic grounds and floral displays.
- 1:00 PM – Make your way to Lenny Bruno Farms in Manorville for Sweet SummerFest. Snack on fresh produce, explore the farmstand, and visit the petting zoo.
- 4:00 PM – Stop by the Heckscher Museum in Huntington for the “All-of-Me” LGBTQ+ art exhibit before it closes.
- 6:00 PM – Grab dinner in nearby Huntington Village or head west toward Wantagh.
- 8:00 PM – Wrap the night with high-energy nostalgia at Mulcahy’s, where DJ Frankie Cutlass brings the house down with old-school hits.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
- 10:00 AM – Begin your day at the Sea Glass Festival in Cold Spring Harbor. Browse beachy artisan goods and handmade jewelry.
- 12:00 PM – Take a detour to Old Bethpage Village Restoration for a taste of living history with costumed reenactments and 1800s charm.
- 2:00 PM – Visit the Railroad Museum of Long Island (Riverhead or Greenport location) for a train-themed afternoon with the kids.
- 4:00 PM – Continue the fun with the Long Island History Hunt in Oyster Bay. It’s a flexible self-guided adventure, so go at your own pace.
- 6:00 PM – Cap off your weekend at Alive on 25 in Riverhead. Enjoy a street festival atmosphere with live music, drinks, and local eats as the sun sets.
Are we missing something? Let us know about it.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking 🍓 Strawberry Picking 🎃 Pumpkin Picking 👻 Haunted Houses 🍂 Farm Festivals