Your Long Island Weekender: Top Events, Festivals & Family Fun for Friday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 14
COPIAGUE, NY – As summer fades and the first hints of fall drift in, Long Island’s weekend calendar fills with can’t-miss festivals, vineyard sunsets, and family fun by the bay. From big community gatherings to intimate garden tours, there’s plenty to keep you outside and on the move before sweater weather truly arrives.
Whether you’re planning a kid-friendly day, an evening of live music, or a quick North Fork escape, we’ve lined up the best of what’s happening from Friday through Sunday – plus a few hidden gems to make your plans pop.
Festivals & Community Celebrations
- Long Island Family Festival (3 days) – Tanner Park, Copiague | Fri 6–10 PM; Sat 11 AM–10 PM; Sun 11 AM–8 PM
Rides, live music, vendors, a pet expo, contests, and bayfront vibes at one of the Island’s signature end-of-summer events. - Long Island Pizza Festival (Sat) – Mill Dam Park, Halesite | Sat 11 AM–9 PM
A full day of slices, live music, and local vendors in a harborside park – bring your appetite (LOL!).
Music, Dining & Nightlife
- Tipsy Rodeo @ Mulcahy’s (Fri) – Wantagh | Doors 7 PM, Show 8 PM
Country tribute bands, line-dancing lessons, and sing-alongs turn Mulcahy’s into a Nashville-style party. 21+. - Wölffer Estate “Sunset Music” (Fri & Sat) – The Wine Stand, Sagaponack | Fri 4–7 PM (Dan Bailey); Sat 3–6 PM (Gordon Daniels & Band)
Golden-hour sets on the lawn with wine by the glass and postcard sunsets—walk-ins only, capacity limited. - “A Night Under the Stars” Wine Tasting (Fri) — – Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook | 7–10 PM
Annual Malverne Civic fundraiser with tastings and music; advance tickets recommended. 21+.
Outdoor & Family Fun
- Old Westbury Gardens – Secrets of the Service Wing Tour (Fri, Sat & Sun) – Times vary
Go behind the scenes in Westbury House and explore the estate grounds; several tour slots this weekend. - Arts in the Plaza (Sat) – Kennedy Plaza, Long Beach
Open-air market with local art, makers, and music steps from the beach – easy add-on to a boardwalk day. ov
Quick Snapshot
| Event | Date(s) & Times | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island Family Festival | Fri 6–10 PM; Sat 11 AM–10 PM; Sun 11 AM–8 PM | Tanner Park, Copiague | Festival/Family copiaguechamber.org |
| Long Island Pizza Festival | Sat 11 AM–9 PM | Mill Dam Park, Halesite | Food/Music Eventbrite |
| Tipsy Rodeo @ Mulcahy’s | Fri 8 PM (Doors 7 PM) | Mulcahy’s, Wantagh | Concert/Nightlife mulcahyslongisland.com |
| Wölffer Sunset Music | Fri 4–7 PM; Sat 3–6 PM | Sagaponack | Live Music/Vineyard wolffer.com |
| “Under the Stars” Wine Tasting | Fri 7–10 PM | Lynbrook | Fundraiser/Tasting malvernecivic.com |
| Old Westbury Gardens Tours | Multiple times Fri–Sun | Old Westbury | History/Gardens Old Westbury Gardens |
| Arts in the Plaza | Sat (daytime) | Long Beach | Art Market longbeachny.gov |
Hidden Gems (Weekend Add-Ons)
- McCall Wines “Burger Night” – Casual lawn burgers made from McCall’s own grass-fed Charolais, paired with North Fork wines. Check listing for Sept. 12 service.
- Beach-town strolls – Pair Arts in the Plaza with a Long Beach boardwalk sunset or swing up to Long Beach Road dining.
- Garden double-feature – Book an Old Westbury tour, then plan photos in the formal gardens while the flowers are still peak.
Are we missing something? Let us know about it.
