The Ultimate Guide to Fall Events on Long Island in 2026

No fall season on Long Island is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. Farms across Nassau and Suffolk County open their fields from mid-September through Halloween, offering everything from simple pick-your-own patches to full-blown fall festivals with hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Pumpkin picking is one of the most searched-for fall activities on Long Island year after year, and it's easy to see why,  it's affordable, family-friendly, and makes for great photos. Popular spots tend to fill up fast on weekends, so consider going on a weekday or early Saturday morning if you want to beat the crowds.

Apple picking is right up there with pumpkin picking as one of the most iconic Long Island fall traditions. Orchards across the North Fork and North Shore typically open in early September and run through late October, depending on the variety and the weather. Many orchards offer cider donuts, fresh-pressed cider, and hayrides alongside the picking itself, making it an easy half-day outing for families or couples looking for a classic fall date.

Hicks Nurseries is a Long Island institution and a go-to fall destination even if you're not picking apples yourself. Each autumn, Hicks transforms into a full fall shopping and photo-op destination, with pumpkins, mums, hay bales, scarecrows, and seasonal décor for sale. It's a great stop if you're building out a full fall day, grab your décor and pumpkins here, then head to a working orchard for the picking experience itself.

Dates: October 11–12, 2026

The Mill Neck Apple Festival is one of the most beloved fall traditions on Long Island's North Shore. Held on the 86-acre grounds of Mill Neck Manor, this two-day festival is best known for its fresh apple cider, specialty meats, gourmet cheeses, and grilled treats, along with dozens of local craft vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, and seasonal décor. The festival also supports the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, which provides education and services for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, so your ticket purchase helps a good cause. Expect crowds, so arrive early if you want easy parking.

Dates: October 17–18, 2026

Billed as the East Coast's largest waterfront festival, the Oyster Bay Oyster Festival draws massive crowds every October, often upwards of 100,000 visitors over the weekend. Set along the waterfront at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and throughout downtown Oyster Bay, the festival features live music on multiple stages, pirate ship performances, oyster shucking and eating contests, carnival rides, and, of course, endless fresh seafood. It's a full-day event, so plan to eat, shop the local vendors on Audrey Avenue, and take advantage of the shuttle service to avoid parking headaches downtown.

Dates: October 11–14, 2026 (Columbus Day weekend)

The Long Island Fall Festival is one of the largest seasonal festivals in the entire Northeast, and a can't-miss stop on any fall events Long Island itinerary. Held over Columbus Day weekend at Heckscher Park in Huntington, the four-day festival features a massive carnival with rides for all ages, over 300 craft and retail vendors, food trucks and a food court, and live entertainment across multiple stages. Admission and parking are free, and a shuttle runs from the Huntington train station, making it an easy trip whether you're coming from Nassau, Suffolk, or NYC.

Date: Includes a stand-up showcase at the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale on October 23, 2026

If you're looking for a fall night out that isn't a food-and-carnival festival, the Long Island Comedy Festival is worth checking out. The festival brings stand-up showcases to venues across the Island throughout the fall season, including a stop at the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale. It's a great option for date night or a group outing, and tickets tend to move quickly for the more well-known lineups, so it's worth booking ahead.

Date: September 25, 2026

For a fall event with a historical twist, head to Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a living-history museum that recreates a 19th-century Long Island farming village. Their fall festival celebrates the region's farming history with local livestock, hands-on crafts, and period demonstrations that bring the era to life. It's an especially good pick for families with younger kids, history buffs, or anyone looking for a quieter, more educational alternative to the bigger carnival-style festivals.

With so many fall events happening across Long Island, often on the same Columbus Day and October weekends, it's worth mapping out your priorities ahead of time. A few tips:

• Book early for ticketed events like the Long Island Comedy Festival, since showcases can sell out.
• Go early in the day for free festivals like the Oyster Festival and Long Island Fall Festival to avoid peak crowds and parking issues.
• Pair activities near each other. Mill Neck and Oyster Bay are both on the North Shore and close enough to combine into one day if you plan around their dates.
• Check orchard and pumpkin patch hours in advance, since picking availability can depend on the weather and how the season's crop is doing.



Long Island's fall calendar is packed from mid-September through late October, so whether you're into festivals, orchards, comedy, or history, there's a fall event on Long Island for everyone this season.