Fall is the season of giving: the earth provides plentiful harvests, the trees showcase colorful hues and each one of us bestow thanks for good company. And what’s a get-together without good food? This year, celebrate autumn at one (or more) of the delicious Long Island food festivals scattered throughout the area.
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Huntington Long Island Fall Festival, Huntington
For four days, experience a world-class carnival, two international food courts and four stages of live entertainment. Oct. 7. 5-9pm, Oct. 8-9. 11am-9pm, Oct. 10. 11am-5pm. Go.
Fall Harvest Festival, Mill Neck
There’s a reason this celebration has been a family tradition for over 55 years. Visit the 86-acre Mill Neck Manor House for ripe apples, handmade country crafts, seasonal produce, grilled bratwurst and plenty of delightful jellies, fudge and strudels. Oct. 8–9, 9am-5pm. Go.
Montauk Fall Festival, Montauk
Bring your appetite to Montauk’s delicious clam chowder tasting contest (Saturday only). There’s also live music, a farmers’ market, crab races, pumpkin decorating, pony rides and brews. Seasonal elements include piping-hot pumpkin lattes or some good old-fashioned apple cider. Oct. 8-9, 11am-5pm. Go.
Harvest Fair, Setauket
Don’t miss cider making, folk music, games, crafts, homestead arts, local produce and of course pumpkins. Oct. 9, 12pm-4pm. Go.
Oyster Festival, Oyster Bay
Get ready for the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival. Try your hand at the oyster eating and shucking contests and enjoy live music, top-notch artisans and some of the most mouth-watering seafood fare you’ll ever taste. Profits from all food court sales, carnival rides and merchandise will proceed to local charities. Oct. 15-16, 11am-6pm. Go.
Apple Festival, Huntington
Celebrate all things apple: sugar coated, infused in ciders and of course, as donuts. Oct. 16 12pm-4pm. Go.
Taste of Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Village Center
Embrace Port Jefferson’s culinary culture by sampling pastas, salads, meats, wine & beers from more than 35 local restaurants. Just remember to save room for dessert. Oct. 22, 1pm-4pm, $40+. Go.
The FreedomFest Taste of Long Island Festival, Patchogue
You’ll want to get here early; this fest immediately follows the Suffolk County Marathon. The event will highlight local craft breweries, award winning wines and cuisine featuring vendors like Fire Island Beer Co., Pindar, Blue Point Brewing Company, That Meetball Place and Kilwins. Oct. 30, 9am. Go.
Halloween Sunset Tour, Greenport
Put your adventurous side to the test. Bug Lighthouse will be furnished in ghoulish décor for this holiday extravaganza. Explore the lighthouse, join the games, participate in the costume contest and feast on snacks and cider. Oct. 30, 4pm-6pm, $10+. Go.