2 Thursday

MOVIE NIGHT: “HARRY POTTER & THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE.” Eisenhower Park Lakeside Theatre, Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow. 516-572-0348 . www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Parks/2010SummerSchedule.html Movie begins at dusk. All ages. Fee: Free: Use Parking Fields 6 & 6A.

PORT JEFFERSON FARMERS MARKET. Brookhaven Parking Lot – Behind PJ Chamber Building, 118 W. Broadway, Port Jefferson. 631-473-1414. www.portjeffchamber.com 1 – 7 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Also on Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7.  Presented by Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

4 Saturday

OLIVIA BOULER TO HOLD FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL WILDLIFE. Suffolk County Environmental Center, 500 South Bay Ave., Islip. www.seatuck.org 12:30 pm. All ages. Fee: $5. Olivia Bouler described herself as “11 years old and willing to help” when she used her artwork to help save birds affected by the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, Olivia and her little brother, Jackson, have decided to act locally. The event will feature a concert by “The Sea Tuckers,” a jazz band Olivia and Jackson formed with a couple of their friends. There will also be an art exhibition with bird-inspired artwork being sent in children from across the country.

3 Friday

64TH ANNUAL SHINNECOCK INDIAN POWWOW. Shinnecock Indian Reservation, Southampton. 631-283-6143. www.shinnecocknation.com 3 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $12; ages 6 – 11, $10. Also on Sept. 4 – 6. Native American food, crafts and ceremonial dances.

ONE-DAY WORKSHOP SERIES: ASSEMBLAGE SCULPTURE. The Garden Art Studio, Mineola. 516-742-7662. www.thegardenartstudio@gmail.com. Call for time. Ages 6 – 12. Fee: Call for fee. Take a one-day workshop at a local artist’s studio and create art with Assemblage Sculpture using a variety of art materials. Register for Fall classes. Limited space. Call or e-mail for more information.

BUTTERFLY HOUSE. Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown. 631-979-6344. www.sweetbriarnc.org 12 – 1 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $3; seniors and children, $2. Also on Sept. 10, 17, 24. Walk through our beautiful butterfly house and surround yourself with over 200 butterflies, learning the various stages of the butterfly’s lifecycle from chrysalis to adult butterfly. Children’s craft provided. 

FIRST FRIDAY OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH LIZA COPPOLA. The Custer Institute, 1115 Main Bayview Rd. (South of Route 25), P.O. Box 1204, Southold. 631-765-2626. www.CusterObservatory.org 7 – 10 pm. Teens and adults. Fee: Free (donations accepted). A great opportunity for the pros to show the newbies how to do it, and for all you musicians, comics, poets, magicians and storytellers to get experience in front of a live audience.

FIRST FRIDAYS. The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington. 631-351-3250. www.heckscher.org 4 – 8:30 pm; 7 pm performance. All ages. Fee: Free. Huntington Folk Music Society, featuring David Bailey, Denise Romas, and Princess Peapod (David Cook & Michelle Frimmer). Enjoy original songs performed by talented members from Huntington’s Folk Music Society.

4 Saturday

HOME DEPOT KIDS WORKSHOP. All Home Depot locations. www.homedepot.com.  9 am – 12 pm. Ages 5 – 12. Fee: Free. Children will build a Football Display. Your child will be given an adorable kid-sized orange Home Depot apron (similar to the Home Depot associates’ aprons), a certificate and an achievement pin.

7TH ANNUAL HECKSCHER MUSEUM ARTSENSE EXHIBITION. Huntington Public Library/Lower Gallery, 338 Main St., Huntington. 631-351-3250. www.heckscher.org.  Call for times. All ages. Fee: Free. Through Sept. 26. Select ArtSense students showcase their artwork created during the Museum’s summer visual art workshops.

MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL. Sands Point Preserve, Port Washington. 516-571-7900. 11 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $7; Ages 4 – 14, $4; under 4, free. Also on Sept. 5, 11, 12. Witness jousting, archery, and other Medieval-style entertainment with Castlegould, a reproduction of a 12th century castle as the backdrop. Vendors attired in medieval garb will offer 21st century guests the opportunity to purchase Renaissance Era accessories like silver and leather jewelry, swords and daggers. There will even be a storming of the castle.

OUTDOOR CRAFT & GIFT FAIR. Eisenhower Park - Field 8, East Meadow. 516-442-6000. www.nassaucountycraftshows.com 9 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Also on Sept. 5. Presented by Nassau County Craft Shows

SEAFORD FALL FESTIVAL. Seaford Railroad Station (LIRR), Sunrise Hwy., Seaford. 631-724-5966. www.showtiques.com 11 am – 6 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Also on Sept. 5. Features an array of arts and crafts, gift items, antiques, food and more. Rain or shine.

7 Tuesday

OPERATION SPLASH MONTHLY MEETING. Freeport Recreation Center, 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport. 516-378-4770. www.operationsplash.org 7:30 pm. Teens & adults. Fee: Free. SPLASH (Stop Polluting Littering And Save Harbors). For more information on protecting our Long Island environment, join us for our monthly meeting, which meets every 1st Tuesday of the month. All Welcome. Volunteers wanted, make a SPLASH!

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLASSIC MOVIE & THE CURRENT JEWISH NEW YEAR. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. 631-423-7611, Ext. 14. www.cinemaartscentre.org
7:30 pm. Teens & adults. Fee: members, $15; public, $20 (includes reception). Millie Perkins, the actress who played Anne Frank so hauntingly The Diary Of Anne Frank, will be appearing at the Cinema Arts Centre for a 50th Anniversary screening of the film classic.

8 Wednesday

15TH ANNUAL EAST NORTHPORT FESTIVAL. John Walsh Park & Larkfield Rd., E. Northport. www.newtonshows.com 6 – 11 pm. All ages. Fee: See website for fee. Also on Sep. 11, 12. The East Northport Chamber of Commerce's Annual Festival offers residents and surrounding communities an opportunity to come out and meet their neighbors, see old friends and get to know why East Northport is a great community to live and work. Our annual festival features: magic shows, sidewalk sales, exhibits, craft vendors, great food, petting zoo, bicycle stunt shows, amusement rides and games, live entertainment, street performers and much more.

BACK TO SCHOOL GREENFEST. Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove. www.americangreenfest.com During mall hours. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Also on Sept. 11, 12. Don't miss the Back to School GreenFest at Smith Haven Mall.  Nearly 100,000 shoppers are expected. The GreenFest will be inside the mall in the Center Court.

11 Saturday

BIRD WALK. Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead. 631-298-5292. hallockv@optonline.net 9 am – 12 pm. All ages. Fee: Members, $5; non-members, $6. Join Jody Levin for late summer bird walk. Reservations required.

FALL COUNTRY FAIR. The Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society, The Sands Willets grounds, 336 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington. 516-365-9074. www.cowneck.org 10 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Rain date: Sept. 12. Lots of fun, mixed with history.

FALL HARVEST & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL. Captree State Park. 631-321-3510. 11 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Free (Vehicle Use Fee: $6/car). Also on Sept. 12. Family-oriented festival with a nautical theme and provides entertainment, pony rides, funny photos, boat rides, crab races, temporary tattoos and much more.

LIGHT KEEPERS BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR. The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, 4640 Captree Island, Captree Island. 631-661-4876. www.fireislandlighthouse.com 9 am. All ages. Fee: $15/person. Reservations required. Limit 12 people. This bottom to top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how lighthouse Keepers in the 1860’s to 2010 maintained the light. 

WESTBURY 2010 ANNUAL STREET FAIR. Post Avenue, Westbury. 516-712-7005. www.craftafaironline.com 10 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Also on Sept. 12. Presented by Craft-A-Fair. Over 150 vendors, handmade merchandise and store bought products. Bargains galore, free merchandise, free raffles, carnival rides, games, cartoon characters, as well as fire department demos, entertainment, surprise guest and events.

TOUR THE KIDS ART STUDIO. The Garden Art Studio, Mineola. 516-742-7662. www.thegardenartstudio@gmail.com. Call for time. Ages 6 – 18. Fee: Free. Take a tour and see a professional artist in action in her art studio. Obtain information about a variety of programs. New students can explore all mediums, and experienced art students can bring a portfolio for art scholarships and college. Register now for fall classes, starting Sept. 13. Limited space, call for appointment.

VIVA LA SALSA. Mills Pond Festival Tent, 660 Route 25A, St. James. 631-862-6575. www.stacarts.org 4 pm. Adults. Fee: Call for fee. Salsa dancers Sammy Schecter & Ricardo Villa explore this lively fusion of beats and music from the Latin culture. Enjoy a salsa performance, demonstration and a participatory audience workshop. Then enjoy dancing to the live music of SONIDO CLASICO.

12 Sunday

ANNUAL DUCK BARBEQUE AND BIG DUCK RACE. Camp Pa Qua Tuck, Center Moriches. 631-878-1070. www.morichesrotary.org/calendar-events.html.  1 – 5:30 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $10; kids, $5; dinners, prices vary. Fundraiser for Camp Pa Qua Tuck. Music, food, hay rides, bouncy rides, clowns, cake walk, straw auction, and gift baskets. Two exciting plastic duck races.

BUILDING BOATS BY HAND. Carmans River Maritime Center, 22 Newey Ln., Brookhaven. 631-776-7640. www.bbhsmuseum.org 10 am – 12 pm. For families. Fee: Adults, $20; ages 13 – 18, $10; Under 12, Free. Presented by Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society. A Family Activity. A hands-on experience learning about the craft of building wooden boats. Please make reservations.

LONG ISLAND LIVE STEAMERS RUN DAY. Southaven County Park, Victory Ave., Brookhaven. 631-345-0499. www.longislandlivesteamers.org 10:30 am – 3 pm. All ages. Fee: Free with donations accepted. Also on Sept. 26. Long Island Live Steamers Run Day 10:30 am - 3 pm at Southaven County Park in Brookhaven. Promoting the hobby of building steam engines of all kinds, our steam, diesel and electric trains accommodate passengers of all ages.

VIEWPOINTS. The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington. 631-351-3250. www.heckscher.org 3 – 5 pm. Teens and adults. Fee: Members, $10; non-members, $15. Meet the Biennial Artists. Featured artists from the Museum’s Long Island Biennial exhibition discuss their creative process and explore what it means to be an artist in today’s society. The People’s Choice award will also be announced at this event.

LONG ISLAND LIVE STEAMERS RUN DAY. Southaven County Park, Victory Ave., Brookhaven. 631-345-0499. www.longislandlivesteamers.org 10:30 am – 3 pm. All ages. Fee: Free. Promoting the hobby of building steam engines of all kinds, our steam, diesel and electric trains accommodate passengers of all ages.

A TASTE OF SHAKESPEARE AT THE MILLS POND HOUSE. Festival tent, Mills Pond House, Smithtown. 631-862-6575. Families with kids ages 6 & up. Fee: $20; tickets without dinner, $11 (limit one child free per paid adult; additional children $5 each). Smithtown Township Arts Council is please to present the A La Carte Shakespeare Company. Fee includes show and box picnic dinner. A perfect introduction to Shakespeare for family audiences. Picnic box dinner must be paid and reserved by Friday, September 10.

2ND ANNUAL GOLD COAST CONCOURS EXOTIC CAR SHOW. Downtown business section of the City of Glen Cove. 516-676-7985. www.goldcoastconcours.com
11 am – 4 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Proceeds from this event will go to the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI).

14 Tuesday

COMMUNITY MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS GROUP. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 22 East 18th St., Huntington Station. 631-678-1928. info@gdmops.org 9:30 – 11:45 am. For moms with infants – 5-yr.-olds. Fee: $5.  Gloria Dei MOPS hosts kick-off meeting. Includes Buffet Breakfast. Presentation: The 5 Love Languages of Children and Creative Activity. Free Childcare on-site.  Meets second Tuesday each month. 

16 Thursday

3RD ANNUAL BILL EVANS CELEBRITY GOLF OUTING. The Muttontown Club, 5933 Northern Boulevard, East Norwich. (Send all registrations to: Breast Cancer Help, Inc., 1555 Sunrise Highway, Suite 7, Bay Shore, NY 11706.) 631-675-9003. www.breastcancerhelpinc.org breastcancerhelpinc@optonline.net 12:30 pm, shotgun start. Adults. Fee: $295/person; $1,100/foursome; Dinner (no golf), $85. All of the proceeds will go to benefit Breast Cancer Help, Inc., their Long Island Cancer Help and Wellness Center and research into the causes and cure of breast cancer.

ELMO’S HEALTHY HEROES. Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpk., Uniondale. 516-794-9300. www.nassaucoliseum.com 7 pm. All ages. Fee: $18.50; $28.50; $43.50; $58.50; $103.50. Also on Sept. 17 – 19. When Super Grover loses his superness, Sesame Street needs a hero. Never fear, Elmo and his team of healthy heroes are here. Win free tickets at www.liparentonline.com.

THE HYPNOBIRTHING CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION PROGRAM. One Birth at a Time @ Absolute Yoga Studio, One Guilles Ln., Woodbury. 516-351-7792. www.OneBirthAtATime.com 7:30 pm. For expectant mothers & their partners (limited to 6 couples). Fee: $350. Also on Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 7. Four-week complete childbirth education with HypnoBirthing® “labor” & birth along with other related pregnancy topics plus The Fourth Trimester. Call for more information.

41ST ANNUAL FUOCO MEMORIAL GOLF FEASTIVAL. Bellport Country Club, Bellport. 631-981-4364; 631-650-4032. www.patchoguerotary.com 9 am (breakfast); 11 am (shotgun tee-off); 5 pm (cocktail hour, buffet dinner, grand raffle, silent auction). Adults. Fee: $375/person; Cocktail hour and dinner (no golf) is $150/person. Tournament Benefits Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, which serves special-needs children with mental or physical disabilities.

A GROWING CRISIS: KEEPING OUR CHILDREN HEALTHY IN A TOXIC WORLD. Melville Branch of the Half Hollow Hills Library, 510 Sweet Hollow Rd., Melville. 516-938-6152. www.starflowerexperiences.org 7 pm. Adults. Fee: Call for fee. What’s causing the disturbing rise in the incidence of chronic childhood illnesses and disabilities? Some increases may be attributed in part to better detection, but emerging scientific studies suggest that common environmental exposures are playing a significant role. From plastic toys to baby shampoo, from cell phones to fast food packaging, learn about making safer choices to protect your family. Presented by Patti Wood of Grassroots Environmental Education.

18 Saturday

30TH ANNUAL HALLOCKVILLE FALL FESTIVAL AND CRAFT SHOW. Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead. 631-298-5292. hallockv@optonline.net 10 am – 4 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $7; seniors & children, $4. Also on Sept. 19. A North Fork Tradition featuring artisan vendors, food, music, children’s games, animals, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS. Broadway Mall Center Court, Route 106/107, Hicksville. www.broadwaymall.com 3:30 – 4:30 pm. All ages. Fee: Free. Learn how animals adapt in order to grow, survive and reproduce. Presented by the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center.

FLOWERS FOR FALL COLOR IN YOUR GARDEN. Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. 516-334-0066. www.hicksnurseries.com. 1 pm. Teens and adults. Fee: Free. Just because summer is fading it doesn’t mean you can’t have a colorful flower garden. Now is the time to plant for fabulous autumn color. Hicks’ expert, Nate Jackson, shows how.

19 Sunday

ITALIAN EXPERIENCE FESTIVAL. Hofstra University, Hempstead. 516-463-6582. 11 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Italian music, dancing children’s activities and of course plenty of Italian goodies to “mangia.”

LONG ISLAND APPLE FESTIVAL. Sherwood Jayne House, Setauket. 631-692-4664. www.tvhs.org 11 am – 4:30 pm. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Apple pie baking contest, hay rides, pony rides, historic house tours, apple relay races, open-hearth Colonial cooking demos, featuring you guessed it – apples. Colonial games such as tug-o-war, the opportunity to make an apple-head doll and traditional period music will add to the festivities.

SLURP LEMONADE AND MAKE THE GRADE. Bloomingdales, Bkids, Walt Whitman Mall, Rte. 110, Huntington Station. www.liparentonline.com. 2 – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Shop for great back-to-school gear and accessorize, help a canine cause and gain some free parenting advice. Kyle, a local student and founder of Kyle’s Lemonade for Canine Companions for Independence, will be joining Long Island Parent magazine to help make your shopping special. Long Island Parent will have goodies for kids and parents. Ten percent of sales in Bkids will benefit Kyle’s cause.

SPANISH ART FORM FLAMENCO. Mills Pond Festival Tent, 660 Route 25A, St. James. 631-862-6575. www.stacarts.org 4 pm. Adults. Fee: Call for fee. Sol Y Sombra dancers will perform a variety of dances of the fascinating Spanish Art Form Flamenco. Enjoy performance, demonstration, a participatory audience workshop. Then enjoy dancing to the live Salsa and Afro Cuban music of GRUPO TRES Y DOS.

20 Monday

THE CHAT PACK: MOMMY-AND-ME LANGUAGE PLAYGROUP. Long Island University C.W. Post Ladge Speech and Hearing Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. 516-299-2437. 9 – 10 am & 12 – 1 pm. Ages 18 mos. - 4 yrs. Fee: $265 for 12-week program with payment due on or before first session. Also on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13. A children’s playgroup that encourages children to understand and use new words while making exciting discoveries in a nurturing environment with their caregiver. Music, art, story, gym and circle time make talking fun!

CUPCAKES FOR A CAUSE. Caffe’ Portofino, 249 Main Street, Northport. 631-262-7656. http://caffeportofino11768.com All ages. Call for fee. Also on Sept. 21 – 26. During this week, we’ll be selling our cupcakes and donating $1 from the sale of each and every one. For those individuals or businesses purchasing 12 or more cupcakes, we will donate an additional $1 for the sale. Businesses will be eligible to receive personal delivery of their orders of 12 or more if they are located between Northport and Cold Spring Harbor. Every day, we will feature a “flavor of the day”. Here’s a sneak peek at the possible cupcake flavors we will be making: Cookie & Cream, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Collision, Red Velvet, Smores, Twinkie, and many more! Orders are being accepted via email and we look forward to supporting this cause with you!

THE MUNCHIE BUNCH: MOMMY-AND-ME MEALTIME PLAY GROUP. Long Island University C.W. Post Ladge Speech And Hearing Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. 516-299-2437. 10:30 – 11:30 am & 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Ages 18 mos. – 5 yrs. Fee: $265 for 12-week program with payment due on or before first session. Also on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 6, 13. Encouraging finicky eaters, children with sensory and motor needs and children with food allergies to expand their mealtime skills while having fun and socializing. Hands-on cooking and art projects make eating fun.

21 Wednesday

ROCK LEGENDS LIVE! PINK FLOYD. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. 1-800-838-3006. www.CinemaArtsCentre.org 7:30 pm. Teens & adults. Fee: Members, $9; non-members, $13. Rare concert clips from Shelley Archives. Includes reception.

24 Friday

MONTAUK SURF FISHING CLASSIC. Montauk Point State Park. 631-668-3781. Noon. Adults. Tournament Fee: $15/participant; Vehicle Use Fee: $8/car. Also on Sept. 25 – 26. Fishing tournament with a cash prize awarded for first place and equipment prizes awarded for second- through fifthplace winners.

OCTOBERFEST. Camp Pa Qua Tuck, Chet Swezey Rd., Center Moriches. 631-878-5988. www.morichesrotary.org/calendar-events.html; rjd30@optonline.net Call for time. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Also on Sept. 25, 26. Proceeds go to benefit Camp Pa Qua Tuck for handicapped children. Bands, hayrides, vendors, food, carnival rides. Great time for the whole family.

THEATER PERFORMANCE: COME BLOW YOUR HORN. Clare Rose Playhouse, St. Joseph’s College, 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue. 631-654-0199. www.sjcny.edu
8 pm on Fridays & Saturdays; 3 pm on Sundays. Teens & adults. Fee: $15. Also on Sept. 25, 26, Oct. 1 – 3, 8 – 10. The Clare Rose Playhouse at St. Joseph’s College will begin its 2010-11 season with Come Blow Your Horn, a Neil Simon comedy about a bachelor whose life changes when his runaway younger brother moves in.

25 Saturday

LONG ISLAND PARENT FAMILY FUN DAYS AT THE Mall WITH BOUNCE U. Westfield Sunrise Mall, Massapequa. www.liparentonline.com. Fee: Free. Noon to 4.  We’ve partnered with the Westfield Sunrise Mall in Massapequa to offer our readers and others one day a month with free family-friendly entertainment. This month enjoy Bounce U of Farmingdale’s bouncing fun. Check our Web site for more details.

ANNUAL KITE FESTIVAL. The Long Island Maritime Museum, 86 West Ave., West Sayville. 631-854-4974. www.limaritime.org 10 am – 4 pm. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Call for more information.

FREE KINDERMUSIK & SUZUKI DEMOS. Music Institute of Long Island, Community Reformed Church, 90 Plandome Rd., Manhasset. 516-627-7052. Call for times and reservations. Ages 18 months – 7 years (parent and child). Call for more information.

LONG ISLAND CRAFT SHOW. Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, 2429 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton. 631-726-0358. www.southforkcrafts.com 10 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. The South Fork Craftsmen’s Guild is a Long Island-based non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of art on Long Island. We organize arts and craft shows / fairs offering paintings, sculpture, pottery and other fine wares of talented local artisans.

MARITIME FESTIVAL. East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation, Greenport. 631-477-2100. www.eastendseaport.org 11 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Also on Sept. 26. There will be whale boat races, a clam chowder contest, music, craft demonstrations and Captain Kidd’s Alley.

PICKLE FESTIVAL. John Gardiner Farm, 900 Park Ave., Greenlawn. 631-754-1180. 11 am – 4 pm. All ages. Fee: $3 admission. Homemade pickles jams and jellies, pickle-flavored popcorn, fried pickles, pickle ornaments, pickle pens, pickle-scented soap and even pickle-shaped bandages. Farm-grown vegetables, baked goods and family activities will also be part of the festivities. The potato will also be featured at the Pickle Fest.

WAKE OF THE ESSEX. Mills Pond Festival Tent, Smithtown Township Arts Council, 660 Route 25A, St. James. 631-862-6575. www.stacarts.org 4 pm. Call for suggested ages. Fee: $10. A compelling one-act play. Set in 1851 on the Island of Nantucket, retired Captain Pollard serves as a night watchman on a straight wharf. He is possessed by the tragic event some thirty years before, when the whale ship Essex was sunk by a whale under his command. The play features a haunting and deeply moving dramatic monologue by actor Bob Manzari as it follows the psychological journey of the captain after the wreck and his struggle with guilt and survival. The sole confidant of the shipwrecked sea captain, Herman Melville, later based his classic Moby Dick on this true event. The playwright, a direct descendant of the captain, has a personal connection to the story.

COLORFUL FALL CONTAINERS. Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. 516-334-0066. www.hicksnurseries.com. 1 pm. Teens and adults. Fee: Free. Hicks’ custom designer, Suzanne Armata, has a way with planters. She’ll give tips on how to add seasonal autumn color to entryways, decks and patios with new or existing containers.

LONG ISLAND NATURALLY ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR. Starflower Experiences, Inc., Manor Farm, 210 Manor Rd., Huntington. 516-938-6152. www.starflowerexperiences.org 10 am – 4 pm. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Raindate: Sept. 26. An Environmental Fair (& Community Yard Sale). Enjoy live music (with a solar powered stage, thanks to Quad State Solar). Learn ways you can "go green" at home. Meet experts on green cleaning, energy, and more. Take part in Games & Activities. Make and fly a kite (and bring any that need repair). Meet Walt Whitman. Race solar cars (with GreenLogic Energy).

26 Sunday

9TH ANNUAL “CRUISE TO THE LIGHT” AUTO SHOW. The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, 4640 Captree Island, Captree Island. 631-661-4876. www.fireislandlighthouse.com 10 am – 3 pm. All ages. Fee: Pre-registration, $10; Day of show registration, $15; Spectator fee, $5/person; children under 12, free. Rain date: Oct. 3. Robert Moses parking field #4. Come check out over 400 Show Cars or register your own car for the show. Food is available at the concession stand. 

5TH ANNUAL HYDROCEPHALUS WALK AND FAMILY FUN DAY. Belmont Lake State Park, Belmont Ave., North Babylon. 631-588-8846; 631-462-2092. Call for time. All ages. Fee: Call for fee. Please join us to celebrate NY State Hydrocephalus Awareness month by participating in the 5th Annual Hydrocephalus Walk and Family Fun Day. Let’s WALK together to raise awareness and fundraise, so one day we find a cure for this condition. After walk festivities include: arts and crafts, Chinese auction, magician, moon bounce, hot dogs and refreshments.

WILDWOOD FALL FESTIVAL. Wildwood State Park. 631-321-3510. 11 am – 4 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission (Vehicle Use Fee: $6/car). Family-oriented fall event with pony rides, funny photos, environmental displays, pie eating contest, craft vendors and much more.

LONG ISLAND LIVE STEAMERS RUN DAY. Southaven County Park, Victory Ave., Brookhaven. 631-345-0499. www.longislandlivesteamers.org 10:30 am – 3 pm. All ages. Fee: Free. Promoting the hobby of building steam engines of all kinds, our steam, diesel and electric trains accommodate passengers of all ages.

ECO-TALES WITH JONATHAN KRUK. 232 Main St., Port Washington. 516-767-6444. www.landmarkonmainstreet.org 4 – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Storyteller Jonathan Kruk performs ECO-TALES to coincide with Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington's PARTY IN THE PARK. The performance of fairy tales features savvy earth savers, animal community builders, a clever tailor, and stories you can recycle at home. Lively, interactive theatrical.

COW HARBOR DAY. Main Street, Northport Village. 631-261-7502. http://villageofnorthport.com/events.htm 12 pm (parade starts). All ages. Fee: Call for fee. No rain date. Parade along Main Street, park activities, and sidewalk sales. 

ARGENTINE TANGO. Mills Pond Festival Tent, 660 Route 25A, St. James. 631-862-6575. www.stacarts.org 4 pm. Adults. Fee: Call for fee. Ivan and Sara Terrazas have dedicated themselves to the passion and intensity of Argentine Tango. Join them for performance, demonstration, and a participatory audience workshop.  Then enjoy dancing to the live Salsa and Afro Cuban music of THE MAYEYA BAND.

SUMMER IN SEPTEMBER. Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, 185 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights. 631-643-7900. www.usdan.com. Call for times. Ages vary with program. Fee: Call for fee. A day of public events for the whole family: Usdan University – the popular Adults-Only summer camp experience; Chess Challenge – fourth annual tournament, for grades K-12; Farmer’s Market – produce from new Organic Gardening and Simple Food (sale proceeds go to Usdan Scholarship Fund).

27 Monday

OYSTER BAY FARMERS’ MARKET. Located north of the Oyster Bay Post Office on Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. 516-922-2517. 12 – 6 pm. All ages. Fee: Free admission. Celebrate the splendors of summer with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and other delicacies at the “first ever” farmers’ market in Oyster Bay. Local growers, artists, bakers, and soap makers will gather in this historic town to sell their goods at an idyllic outdoor market.  

28 Wednesday

MONTAUK FALL CLASSIC GOLF OUTING. Montauk Downs State Park. 631-668-3781. 8 am. Adults. Fee: Call for fee. Golf tournament with continental breakfast, buffet lunch, and awards ceremony.

VARIETY. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington. 1-800-838-3006. www.CinemaArtsCentre.org 7:30 pm. Teens and adults. Fee: Members, $9; non-members, $13. Silent film with live accompaniment by MoMA’s Ben Model.

LIBERAL ARTS COLLOQUIUM: LEARNING TO PLAY AND PLAYING TO LEARN; EARLY INTERVENTION. Shea Conference Room, O’Connor Hall, St. Joseph’s College, 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue. 631-687-5100. www.sjcny.edu 12:40 – 1:40 pm. Adults. Fee: Free. Presented by St. Joseph’s College child study professor Maureen DelMonico. A light lunch will be served.  

30 Thursday

LONG ISLAND FAIR. Old Bethpage Restoration Village, Old Bethpage. 516-512-8400 or visit www.lifair.org 10 am – 5 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $12; ages 5 – 12, $8. Also on Oct. 1 – 3. Nineteenth-century fair with pony rides, prize-winning vegetables, corn husking contests, brass band concerts, puppet shows and more.

MOMS CLUB OF WESTERN BROOKHAVEN. VFW Hall, 55 Lake Shore Rd., Lake Ronkonkoma. mvpmomsclub@yahoo.com 10 am. For stay-at-home moms and moms who work part-time. Fee: Call for fee. A non-profit support group.  We get together for playgroups, field trips and more.  We meet on the last Thursday of every month.

1 Friday

ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST. Thomas Park, Locust Valley. 516-759-5319. www.lvrotary.com
6 – 10 pm. All ages. Fee: Adults, $5; children, free. Also on Oct. 2. We will kick off the German Festival Friday Night at 6 PM in Thomas Park with the World Famous Umpa Band die Schalauberger with a rock a billy kick. Come and enjoy authentic German Beer, German Food, and a whole lotta German Fun.

THEATER PERFORMANCE: COME BLOW YOUR HORN. Clare Rose Playhouse, St. Joseph’s College, 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue. 631-654-0199. www.sjcny.edu
8 pm on Fridays & Saturdays; 3 pm on Sundays. Teens & adults. Fee: $15. Also on Oct. 2, 3, 8 – 10. The Clare Rose Playhouse at St. Joseph’s College will begin its 2010-11 season with Come Blow Your Horn, a Neil Simon comedy about a bachelor whose life changes when his runaway younger brother moves in.

2 Saturday

COMPOSTING IN YOUR BACKYARD. Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. 516-334-0066. www.hicksnurseries.com. 3 pm. Teens & Adults. Fee: Free. Small scale composting is easy to do and the finished product is a great soil amendment for landscape and garden use. Presented by Master Gardeners from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.

IT’S BULB PLANTING TIME. Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. 516-334-0066. www.hicksnurseries.com. 1 pm. Teens & Adults. Fee: Free. After the drabness of winter our gardens cry out for brightness. Plant bulbs now and the spring garden will be alive with color. Hicks’ Vinnie Drzewucki, CNLP, shows how to plant spring flower bulbs such as tulips daffodils, crocus, and more.

3 Sunday

WALK TO CURE DIABETES. Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon. 631-414-1126. www.jdrf.org/longisland; Call for more information.

PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF. Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Tpke., Westbury. 516-334-0066. www.hicksnurseries.com. 11 am. All ages. Fee: Free. Amateur giant pumpkin growers compete to see who has grown the heaviest pumpkin. Last year the winner was over 1,000 lbs. In addition to the pumpkin contest there will be numerous fall activities underway at the nursery, including hayrides, farm animals, roasted corn, kettle corn, the Otto the Ghost story and Otto in person.

6 Wednesday

FIRST WEDNESDAYS. Friedberg JCC, 15 Neil Ct., Oceanside. 516-634-4170. ASchiller@friedbergjcc.org; www.friedbergjcc.org. Call for times. All ages. Fee: Free. The first Wednesday of every month, you are welcome to try the JCC… absolutely free. Work out in our health and fitness center. Swim in our indoor heated pool. Try a fitness class. Meet our personal trainers. Play in our gymnasium. Must RSVP by phone or e-mail and register at our front office with valid ID 8:30 am – 9:30 pm Sunday – Thursday, and 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Friday.  Valid for one visit only, does not apply to groups. Some classes and programs require additional fees.

5 Tuesday