Thursday, October 1, 2026
Visit Old Westbury Gardens for an evening of rich harmonies and expressive tones when Poetica Musica presents a captivating program of chamber music and vocal works, on May 31.
The program includes music by Beethoven, Grieg, Loeillet and Ravel, presented by cellist Eugene Moye, violinist Erik Wyrick, pianist Yasmin Alami, and mezzo-soprano Eleanor Valkenburg. Highlights include Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 “Archduke”, Jean-Baptiste Loeillet de Gant’s Trio Sonata in B minor, Grieg’s Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, Op. 45, and Ravel’s Cinq Mélodies Populaires Grecques. Beethoven’s iconic Archduke Trio, composed in 1811 and dedicated to his friend and patron Archduke Rudolf of Austria, remains a cornerstone of the piano trio repertoire and is performed worldwide. With pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m. and a reception following the performance. Go to oldwestburygardens.org for ticket information.
Jon Lovitz brings his signature wit and unforgettable characters to the Paramount stage for a night of nonstop laughs, on May 24.
Best known for his Emmy-nominated run on SNL and roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Wedding Singer,” Lovitz has been a staple of comedy for over 30 years. He got his start in high school productions. After pursuing acting studies, he decided to concentrate solely on comedy, taking classes and then accepted into the famed improv group The Groundlings’s main company. In March 1985 The Groundlings appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Lovitz premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous.” SNL and numerous offers came along; Lovitz was on his way, working non-stop since. Along with his comedy, he’s well known for his distinctive voice that’s served him well in his varied TV and film career. He is one of the few performers to start as an actor and then become a stand-up comedian who successfully headlines venues nationwide. Jon’s humor is unique, attributable to his quirky personality — and he always entertains. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Eisenhower Park hosts a powerful World War II tribute and military showcase on May 24, in a patriotic salute to Fleet Week.
Join dignitaries, service members and visitors in honoring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at a day-long tribute. Presented by the Nassau County Parks Department in partnership with County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration, this special event includes powerful memorials and interactive military experiences for all ages. Navy and Marine helicopters will make a dramatic landing near Parking Field 2, at 10 a.m. Visitors are invited to meet the pilots, explore the aircraft up close, and learn more about modern military aviation before the helicopters take off again at 2 p.m. Also see U.S. Marines from the USMC Recruiting Station compete in the Dan Daly Cup Challenge — a high-energy showcase of strength and endurance named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and Long Island native Dan Daly, one of only two Marines to earn the nation’s highest military award twice. Also the Museum of American Armor displays World War II-era military vehicles, followed by an armor parade at 1:30 p.m. Visit nassaucountyny.gov for more.
Memorial Day like never before at Old Bethpage Village’s annual 19thcentury tribute to this cherished holiday, May 24-25.
This immersive, family-friendly event offers an opportunity to witness Long Island’s past come to life as the historic village honors the original spirit of Decoration Day — the solemn forerunner of today’s Memorial Day — just as it was observed in the years following the Civil War. Throughout the weekend, costumed interpreters and “veterans” recreate period traditions with stirring authenticity. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the 1800s with rousing brass band concerts, live storytelling sessions, traditional craft demonstrations, and reenactments of community life from the era. The highlight is a moving commemoration featuring a historic parade, a patriotic program and a respectful ceremony at the Village cemetery to honor the fallen heroes of America’s past. Get information at oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org.
For years, visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens have wandered its elegant first floor, admiring the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Some have paused at a certain corridor door, wondering what lay beyond. Now, that mystery is unveiled, on May 25.
Join a fascinating 60-minute guided tour, “Secrets of the Service Wing,” and step into the hidden world that powered the opulent lifestyle of the Phipps family. This unique experience peels back the curtain on the tireless work and intricate logistics that kept this grand estate running smoothly in the early 20th century. Explore the very heart of domestic operations, from the orderly butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room, then down the 17 step to the bustling kitchen, scullery and wine storage rooms tucked away on the ground floor. Along the way, hear stories of the dedicated staff who worked long hours behind the scenes to orchestrate lavish meals and seamless service for high society gatherings. Space is limited, so don’t miss your chance to step through the door and into history. Get tickets and information at oldwestburygardens.org.
Garden lovers, green thumbs and spring seekers: Old Westbury Gardens’ beloved Garden Days return, May 15-18. Four vibrant days are filled with plants, programs, and purpose, highlighted by the much-anticipated Plant Sale Preview Party, on May 16.
Guests are invited to sip, shop and stroll through the gardens during this exclusive first-look event, on May 16 (6-8 p.m.), featuring live music, sweet and savory treats, and early access to a lush array of rare perennials and signature plants grown right here on Long Island. The two-day plant sale runs May 17-18, (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), where shoppers can select from a curated selection of garden favorites with expert guidance from the Gardens’ horticulture staff. Addition highlights include a panel discussion, Guided walks and garden tours and spring celebration chamber concert. Visit oldwestburygardens.org/2025-garden-days for full schedule and ticket details.
Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with comedy, chaos, and wild antics as James "Murr" Murray from Impractical Jokers hits the Paramount stage on The Errors Tour, on May 16.
Known for his outrageous pranks, laugh-out-loud moments and unpredictable humor, Murr brings the party to you with a show packed full of hilarious stories, ridiculous mishaps and plenty of jaw-dropping moments. With his signature style of comedy and a few unexpected surprises, Murr will have you in stitches from start to finish. For more than a decade, Murr and his lifelong friends — Sal, Joe and Q — have been making audiences laugh across the country, and now he’s bringing the laughs to you. Hang out with Murr as he tells funny stories, shows off his own personal never-before-seen videos from Impractical Jokers and plays Jokers “live” on stage with the audience. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Join the Long Island Choral Society and Music Director Michael C. Haigler for their final concert of the season, on May 17, at Garden City Community Church.
“From the Sublime to the Ridiculous” presents the beautiful melodies of Johannes Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes as well as the ridiculous antics of P.D.Q. Bach’s Liebeslieder Polkas. Liebeslieder translates as Love Song and this concert will give two very different visions of musical expressions of love. Act I features Brahms lush waltzes, scored for 4-hand piano and sure to elicit emotions and romantic memories through its lush melodies and sublime poetry. Act II presents P.D.Q. Bach’s interpretation of love songs through energy driven polkas scored for 5-hand piano in such a manner as to create chaos, musical mayhem, visual hijinks and some seriously bad puns. Contact lics.org for tickets and more.
Artistic Directors David Finckel (piano) and Wu Han (cello) have assembled a scintillating collection of works that reveal the joy and depth of the chamber music literature. They’ll appear on the Tilles Center stage, on May 18.
Starting as frequent collaborators, Finckel and Han have been married since 1985. As a duo, they began to tour regularly while retaining residencies in New York. In 2003, they founded the acclaimed classical music festival Music@Menlo in California, which offers highly coveted performance opportunities to young performers (ages 9-29). In 2004, Finckel and Han were named co-artistic directors of the Chamber Music Society. In this program, Violin sonatas from the Baroque and Classical eras will be performed by the young virtuoso Chad Hoopes, followed by Mendelssohn’s invigorating Second Sonata for cello and piano, a gem of the Romantic era. The art of romantic music hits a high point in the concluding work, in which all three musicians combine for a trio by the founder of Czech music, Bedřich Smetana, which tells a heartrending story of triumph over tragedy. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org
Relive the magic of Taylor Swift’s biggest hits at “Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience.” Recognized as one of the most prestigious Taylor Swift tribute act in the U.S., this award-winning show delivers an unparalleled recreation of a live Taylor Swift concert, on the Landmark stage, May 9.
With an incredible band and meticulous attention to detail, every aspect of the performance captures the essence of Taylor’s legendary tours. Starring Jennifer Westrip — a dedicated Swiftie, of course, who prides herself on knowing every song on every album — this concert is a dream come true for Swifties everywhere. Not only does Jenn embody Taylor’s iconic look, mannerisms, and energy, she gets the audience involved every step of the way in her energetic concert — in true Taylor style. This is more than a concert — it’s a celebration of the music and magic that’s made Taylor Swift a global sensation. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
For more than 100 years “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has inspired storytellers and composers on Broadway (“Wicked,” “The Wiz”), in Hollywood (“The WIzard of Oz,” “Return to Oz,” “Wicked”) and in song (“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”). Join the North Shore Symphony Orchestra and a cast of New York’s vocal talents (Scott Coulter, Jessica Hendy, Kelli Rabke and Campbell Walker Fields) to relive all the “Wonderful Music of Oz,” based on the original tale, in one magical concert event. Go to adelphi.edu/pac for tickets and more.
Families are sure to enjoy a walk on the wild side at Old Westbury Gardens, May 10.
Hunt elusive grasshoppers, butterflies, predatory insects and other creepy, crawly creatures alongside entomologist Jeffry Petracca, of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's DNA Learning Center. Families will learn all about the local insects that call Long Island home. Bring a butterfly net and a collecting jar if you have one. A bug themed craft and scavenger hunt are also part of the session. Meet at the Beech Tree. Register at oldwestburygardens.org.
Vanity Fair calls Brian “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly gives him kudos as “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian. ”Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills prestigious venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year. His comedic talent extends beyond the stage. He's released two acclaimed Netflix specials, “Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers” and “Brian Regan: On The Rocks, showcasing his knack for finding humor in everyday situations. He also starred in his own Netflix series,”Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan,” and even made history with “Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall,” the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central's history, among his many endeavors. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
The hybrid tribute fusion act takes the music from three iconic bands and the result is a remarkable musical jam. Pink Talking Fish brings their unique sound to the Landmark on Main Street stage, on their latest tour, May 2.
Three mammoth bands. Three musical phenomenons. One idea inspired by love of the music. That’s Pink Talking Fish. PTF is ready to wow everyone with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album “Wish You Were Here.” Hear a full rendition of this epic album from start to finish, during the concert’s first set, followed by “Classic PTF” combinations. “Wish You Were Here” is extremely meaningful to the band members and so many music lovers around the world and PTF is thrilled to bring this album to life in 2025. Although the music from each act is different, PTF has discovered that fusing the material together creates an amazing story. The epic emotion of Pink Floyd; the funky, danceable layerings of The Talking Heads; the styles, unique compositional structures and pure fun of Phish — to merge these three into one gives music lovers a special experience. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org
The landmark estate welcomes visitors to Regency Romance Weekend, a most splendid affair in honor of the esteemed 250th birthday of Jane Austen, May 3-4.
Step onto these picturesque grounds for charm, wit and leisure — in true 19th century style. Families can wander the gardens for storybook strolls and hands-on crafts, while those with a playful spirit can enjoy lawn games fit for the finest estates. Artistic souls can take inspiration in creative activities, and music lovers will be serenaded with classical takes on familiar tunes. Of course, what would a Regency gathering be without fashion and society gossip? Settle in for a discussion on Regency fashion — fact versus fiction. And for those with a keen mind and a love of Austen’s world, Jane Austen trivia will put your knowledge to the ultimate test. Between amusements, indulge in a proper afternoon tea, or special confections at the café. For more information and program/events schedule, go to oldwestburygardens.org
Spring at the museum continues to blossom with creativity. This weekend, the Long Island Craft Guild is on site with its 2025 Fine Crafts Fair, at the Manes Art Education Center, on May 3.
Enjoy a vibrant day when craft meets fine art, showcasing the extraordinary talent of local artisans. Browse and shop unique, handcrafted works in clay, fiber, glass, paper, metal, jewelry, wood, and mixed media — each piece a true labor of love. Don't miss this opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures created by some of Long Island’s finest crafters and artists. A perfect spring outing for art lovers and shoppers alike! Visit nassaumuseum.org for more.
Head to Long Island Children’s Museum with the kids and dive into Splish Splash ... Animal Baths, on May 4. The interactive experience is sure to delight youngsters and adults alike.
Join the museum’s animal educators in the Hive Studio, located inside the Feasts for Beasts Gallery, and get an up-close look at what it takes to care for the museum’s special “residents.” You'll learn about their unique needs, watch demonstrations, and even get a behind-the-scenes peek at the special bath time routines that keep them happy and healthy. It's a playful and fascinating way to discover the importance of animal care — and maybe even inspire a future veterinarian or wildlife biologist! Find out more at licm.org.
