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.