Summer technically ends on Sept. 22. But the impending return to school makes Labor Day Weekend the unofficial end of the season, regardless of how long it’s been since you stepped foot inside a classroom. The three-day weekend gives us one last opportunity to soak up the easier, breezier feel of summer on Long Island. And around the region, cultural venues, towns, restaurants and more are giving us plenty of reasons to get out there. Consider this your guide for planning what to do on Labor Day Weekend on Long Island.
See art at the beach in Westhampton
Saturday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Great Lawn on Main Street in Westhampton Beach will become a massive outdoor gallery for the Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts, one of the largest annual art expos in the country. The free show features original sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking and more. Meet top artists, buy their work or even commission a piece just for you.
Snap a photo (or five) at Waterdrinker Family Farm’s Sunflower Festival
Open Friday, Sept. 3 and Saturday, Sept. 4, 9 a.m.-sunset. Sunday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $15 per person over 2 years old
Sunflower season is in full swing, and Waterdrinker Family Farm offers a gorgeous way to celebrate. Visit the farm in Manorville for a chance to explore sunflower fields and mazes and say hello to the resident farm animals. More information here.
Head out to the ballgame
Friday, Sept. 3 and Saturday, Sept. 4, 6:35 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 5, 1:35 p.m.
America’s pastime is reaching a fever pitch and teams gear up for the playoffs — and not just in the major leagues. Long Island’s baseball team, the Ducks, are set for a three-game series with the Lancaster Barnstormers. On Saturday, stick around after for fireworks. Get tickets on the team’s website.
Take in a staged reading of Crisis in Queens by Joy Behar at Guild Hall
Friday, Sept. 3 and Saturday, Sept. 4, 8-9:15 p.m., $100 for non-members, $75 for members
Stony Brook University alum and comedienne Joy Behar is best known for her feisty exchanges with co-hosts on The View. But Behar is also dabbling in playwrighting. She’ll debut her comedy about a 40-something woman who blames her husband for her unhappiness at the famed East Hampton venue. Get tickets on Guild Hall’s website.
Take a hike at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
Saturday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $4 per adult plus $8 parking fee
Forget the morning jog and take a leisurely walk along the scenic route instead. Walk six miles through Long Island’s largest state park and see wildlife, pine barrens and oak forests. Pack a lunch and water. You can get tickets on Eventbrite.
Learn something new at Halsey Homestead in Southampton
Sunday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., $5 per person
Before turning the calendar to Tumbleweed Tuesday, get out to the Hamptons for a trip down memory lane and peek into the future. During The Halsey Homestead: Ever Green, Bill Chaleff will share his insights on how the oldest house in the village can give us a lesson or two on modern “Green” architecture. Learn more about the event on the home’s website.
Celebrate summer at Ronkonkoma’s 2021 Labor Day Weekend Street Fair
Sunday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Browse booths from more than 200 vendors, enjoy food and live entertainment and let the kids have fun on carnival rides at this annual event to benefit the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce. The event is on, rain or shine. More information is on the chamber website.
Eat your fill at the Famous Food Festival in Deer Park
Friday, Sept. 3, 3p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 4, Sunday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., $7 in advance and $12 at the door; children under 10 are free.
More than 60 food vendors from across Long Island the tri-state area will gather Labor Day weekend at the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park for the Famous Food Festival 2021. There will also be live music throughout the weekend, a beer and wine lounge, cooking demos, local art show and children’s activities, among other all-ages attractions. only $7 (Online) to attend each day and discounted for multiple day entry! Get all the info here.
