Festival Season Hits Long Island: Weekend Packed with Fairs, Food & Family Fun, October 10–12 – Here’s Your Curated Guide
EAST ISLIP, NY – Autumn is now in full swing across Long Island – crisp air, changing leaves, and that unmistakable vibe of fall fun. This October 10–12 weekend brings a full slate of festivals, street fairs, food events, and seasonal adventures perfect for getting out and enjoying the season. Whether you’re craving carnival rides, global eats, family time, or just a relaxing stroll through a vendor market, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s your curated guide to make the most of this weekend. Be sure to double-check event websites for times, ticketing, and weather updates.
Quick Highlights
| Event | Type | When / Where | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Island Fall Festival | Big Fall Fest / Carnival | Oct 10–13, Heckscher Park, East Islip / Huntington | Rides, vendors, food, music, family fun |
| Famous Food Festival “Taste the World” | Food & Culture Festival | Oct 10–13, Tanger Outlets, Deer Park (starts Oct 10 at 1 pm) | Global cuisine, live music, family-friendly atmosphere |
| Long Beach Fall Festival | Local / Community Fall Fest | Oct 11 & 12, Long Beach, NY | Beachside fall celebration with vendors, food, fun |
| Heritage Farm & Garden Fall Festival | Ongoing Fall Attraction | Through Nov 2, various times, Muttontown / Long Island | Corn maze, fall decorations, pumpkin patch, family friendly |
Friday, October 10
Afternoon / Evening
- Kickoff the Famous Food Festival “Taste the World” at Tanger Outlets, Deer Park — starting at 1 pm. Sample world cuisine from 80+ vendors, enjoy live music, rides, and more.
- Head out to the Long Island Fall Festival as it opens Friday evening (5 pm onward) in Heckscher Park / East Islip area. Expect food vendors, amusement rides, live entertainment, carnival atmosphere.
- Evening strolls, local pubs, and community events could also serve as nice warmups for the weekend.
Saturday, October 11
Morning / Midday
- Dive into the Long Island Fall Festival full day (11 am+). Explore vendor booths, carnival rides, music, family zones.
- Visit the Long Beach Fall Festival – vendors, local crafts, community ambiance.
- Drop in at Heritage Farm & Garden Fall Festival, which runs through fall – enjoy seasonal exhibits, pumpkins, garden décor.
Afternoon / Early Evening
- Continue festival fun, ride the carnival attractions, shop local crafts.
- Sample international eats at the food festival, enjoy performances.
Night
- Many festivals run late into the evening – take advantage of live music, night lights, evening ambiance.
- Check local theaters, concert venues, or community centers for performances or shows.
Sunday, October 12
Morning / Midday
- Final day of Long Island Fall Festival (11 am onward) — a last chance to catch rides, see vendors, soak in the fall fest.
- Explore Long Beach festival’s second day for a community beach + fall combo.
- Visit the farm/garden festival for relaxing autumn vibes.
Afternoon / Evening
- Wind down the weekend with food festival closing hours.
- Enjoy live performances, take a sunset stroll through festival grounds.
- Local restaurants, seasonal spots, or nightlife near festival zones could provide a nice cap to the weekend.
Themes & Tips for the Weekend
- Festival Central: This weekend is dominated by large fall festivals, especially the Long Island Fall Festival. That should be your anchor event.
- Food Focus: The food festival in Deer Park adds a delicious and globally flavored layer to the weekend lineup.
- Community / Local Flavor: Smaller community festivals (Long Beach) and ongoing fall attractions (Heritage Farm & Garden) give local touches.
- Plan for Crowds: Big festivals draw people – arrive early, scout parking/shuttle options, consider public transit where possible.
- Weather Awareness: October weather can swing – layer up, bring a light jacket or umbrella just in case.
- Mix & Match: Don’t feel obligated to stay in one spot all day. You can hop between festivals or switch between the food fest and fall carnival.
- Capture Fall Moments: Bring your camera / phone – leaf colors, festival lights, pumpkins, candid moments all make great visuals.
