Whether fall stirs up a craving for pumpkin spice, an urge to watch spooky movies, or the need to put on an extra layer as temperatures begin to dip, the post-summer season has something for everyone. Here are some ways enjoy autumn while staying local.
Town of Hempstead First Fall Festival: Oct. 9-12
Malibu Shore Club in Lido Beach will host the first festival of the season for the Town of Hempstead. Enjoy carnival rides and Halloween attractions including a haunted house, pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. Oktoberfest will also be proudly represented with a 21-and-over beer garden, German food vendors, a traditional oompah band and more themed fun.
Town of Hempstead residents enjoy free entry and parking. Non-residents will pay a $30 entrance fee. The festival will be open Oct. 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 10 and 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fall Festival at Kennedy Plaza: Oct. 10-11
The 28th annual fall festival will take over Kennedy Plaza on Oct. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Check out the Ferris wheel, carousel, bounce house, pumpkin patch and more — including a food and wine tent for adults.
Children in grade 5 and below are invited to wear a costume for the Halloween parade on Oct. 10 — beginning at the Rec Center at noon — to receive a full trick-or-treat bag that includes passes for a free public skating session at the Long Beach Ice Arena. More details including the complete listing of activities, ticket fees for attractions and more costume parade information can be found at longbeachny.gov/fall.
Annual Halloween in the Plaza: Oct. 24
Arts In The Plaza wraps up another successful season with the annual Halloween celebration. Pop over to Kennedy Plaza, where they’ve been set up every Saturday since May, and enjoy family-friendly trick-or-treating from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Take part in the costume parade and dance party at 11 a.m. Soak up live music, including a performance by Studio Noir at 11:30 a.m. Check out artwork, jewelry and other handmade goods from talented local artists. Arts In The Plaza runs concurrently with the Saturday farmers market, so be sure to have a look at the bread, honey and other artisanal food offered by local small businesses.
