Father's Day weekend events on Long Island
Sophia Chan, 6, of Merrick, gets help from her dad, Michael, on the ropes course at Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights. Credit: Linda Rosier
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Father's Day, this weekend is packed with options. From live entertainment to a day at sea, here are activities to share with Dad, Grandpa and the whole family.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
TRY TASTY DESSERTS AT THE MATTITUCK LIONS CLUB STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
1175 Route 48, Mattituck
Quarts of strawberries from Latham's Farm are sold in Orient at the annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival in Mattituck. Credit: Randee Daddona
Locally grown strawberries are celebrated, beginning with hulling from 5 to 10 p.m. June 11. The festival continues with fresh strawberries for sale, treats including strawberry shortcake and ice cream and the crowning of the Strawberry Queen on June 14. There will also be international foods for sale, amusement rides, arts and crafts vendors.
- When 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 14 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 15
- Cost Dad is free on Father’s Day (June 15) with paid child admission; $10 ages 5 and older on June 12-15; 4 to 11 p.m. June 14 admission is $20
- More info mattituckstrawberryfestival.com
EAT BITES AT THE NATIONAL BBQ FESTIVAL
Eisenhower Park off Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow
Chef Marc Anthony Bynum is slated to participate in the upcoming National BBQ Festival at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Credit: J. Conrad Williams Jr
Sample barbecue made by firepit masters as they compete for the top prize. Vote for your favorite with a "Viewer's Choice" nomination. There will also be live music featuring hip-hop artist Warren G and country music artist J.D. Leonard. Enjoy the beer and wine garden, along with a marketplace selling barbecue equipment and rubs. Experience wine and beer pairings, as well as carnival and arcade games.
- When 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 14; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15
- Cost Tickets start at $40; VIP tickets start at $150 and include VIP parking, seating, exclusive wine samplings, reserved seating at cooking demos, pairings and a gift bag.
- More info nationalbbqfest.com
HOP ON RIDES AT FUN FEST
Suffolk Community College, Exit 53S off the LIE, Brentwood
Amusement park rides spin as people attend Long Island Fun Fest on the Brentwood campus of Suffolk Community College. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
The festival features rides, a midway with games and carnival food along with a dinosaur experience, circus and petting zoo.
- When 3 to 11 p.m. June 14-15; fair runs 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays; 3 to 11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through June 22
- Cost General admission is $5; pay-one-price wristbands start at $40 for rides; $1.50 individual ride tickets, free parking.
- More info longislandfunfest.com
CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY AT HARBES FAMILY FARM
Harbes Family Farm, 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck
Aniahs Lozano, 2, and his father, Giovanni Lozano, slide down the slides at Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck. Credit: Alexandra Moreo
Admission to the Barnyard Adventure is half-price for dads on Father’s Day weekend. Check out the 8-acre Barnyard Adventure with pig races and hayrides, farm animals including mini Highland cows, jump pads, playgrounds, a sports zone, a hedge maze, and apple blaster cannons. There will be live music 1 to 5 p.m., concession food for sale and wine tasting in the Wine Barn.
- When Festival runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 14-15
- Cost Admission is free to the grounds; $28.95 ages 3 and older to the Barnyard Adventure.
- More info harbesfamilyfarm.com, 631-482-7641
BUY ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFTS AT KINGS PARK DAY FESTIVAL
Main Street, Kings Park
The street fair features more than 130 exhibitors, live music and food vendors. Find gifts including bird houses, art, photography and more.
- When 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14
- Cost Free
- More info depasmarket.com, 631-846-1459
GO TO PRIDEFEST IN NORTHPORT
63 Bayview Ave.
The event features live music and food and shopping vendors at Northport Park.
- When 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. June 14
- Cost Free
- More info northportpridefest.com
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
ROCK OUT WITH KEITH URBAN AT JONES BEACH
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
Sing-along with Keith Urban at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater. Credit: Getty Images/Jason Kempin
The award-winning country crooner continues on his "High and Alive World Tour" with special guests and country singer Chase Matthew, Nashville singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen and 2024 CMT "Next Women of Country" honoree, Karley Scott Collins.
- When 7 p.m. June 14
- Cost Tickets start at $49
- More info livenation.com, 516-221-1000
LISTEN TO CUBAN MUSIC AT JAZZ LOFT
275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook
Thomas Manuel, president and founder of The Jazz Loft, performs during the venue's open jam session. Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
A 17-piece Latin big band directed by Tom Manuel celebrates the music of Perez Prado, Xavier Cugat, Machito and Tito Puente.
- When 7 p.m. June 14
- Cost $40
- More info thejazzloft.org, 631-751-1895
DANCE TO COUNTRY TUNES DURING TIPSY RODEO AT MULCAHY'S
3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh
Hear tribute bands sing songs by country stars Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, along with karaoke and line dancing lessons.
- When 8 p.m. June 14
- Cost Tickets starting at $34.50
- More info mulcahyslongisland.com, 516-783-7500
SUMMER FUN AND THINGS TO DO
SUMMER FUN AND THINGS TO DO
CHEER FOR THE HOME TEAM AT FAIRFIELD PROPERTIES BALLPARK
3 Court House Dr., Central Islip
Long Island Ducks Chris Roller drives a single to the outfield. Credit: George A. Faella
See the LI Ducks take on the High Point Rockers. Fans can enjoy a post-game fireworks spectacular on June 14.
- When 6:35 p.m. June 14 and 1:35 p.m. June 15
- Cost Tickets starting at $21
- More info liducks.com, 631-940-3825
JOIN A BELLY FLOP CONTEST AT SPLISH SPLASH
Splish Splash, 2549 Splish Splash Dr., Calverton
Sign Dad up for a Belly Flop contest at Splish Splash in Calverton. Credit: Splish Splash Water Park
Is Dad game for a belly flop contest? Sign him up and see if he can impress the panel of judges for a prize.
- When1 p.m. June 14 (rain date: June 15)
- Cost $54.99, $49.99 children 48 inches or shorter; $30 parking fee
- More info splishsplash.com, 631-727-3600
EXPLORE A NEW EXHIBIT AT LICM
Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Uniondale
Experience the newest traveling exhibit, "Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed," and embark on an adventure filled with prehistoric giants. Credit: Long Island Childrens Museum
Make a custom BBQ rub blend with seasoning to use on the grill during a drop-in program. Be sure to leave time to check out LICM’s newest traveling exhibit, "Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed" filled with prehistoric giants.
- When Workshop is noon to 2 p.m. June 14; museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost $18 ages 1 and older
- More info licm.org, 516-224-5800
CRUISE TO FIRE ISLAND FOR DINNER
3500 E. Ocean Pkwy., Bay Shore
Dinner cruises on board The Moon Chaser leave from Captree State Park and head to Ocean Beach on Fire Island for dinner at Flynn's. Credit: Barbara Alper
Cross the Great South Bay on the Moon Chaser to Flynn’s in Ocean Bay Park on Fire Island for a lobster (1 per person) and prime rib buffet for Father's Day.
- When Boat departs at 3 p.m. June 15 from Captree State Park
- Cost Ticket for the Moon Chaser round-trip boat ride is $18; dinner is $58, $35 ages 6-12, tax and tip not included.
- More info Reservations required, arrive at least 15 minutes before boat departure, flynnsfireislandny.com, 631-583-9300
JOIN A GHOST HUNTING TOUR IN SOUTHAMPTON
Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton
Join the crew of the Long Island Paranormal Investigators and spend the night hearing spooky stories and exploring the 1843 Rogers Mansion finding out what it takes to be a Paranormal Investigator.
- When 7:30 to 10 p.m. June 15
- Cost Tickets are $40.
- More info Park in the lot behind the First Presbyterian Church directly across the street from the museum; southamptonhistory.org, 631-283-2494
ZIP LINE AT THE ADVENTURE PARK
Adventure Park, 75 Colonial Springs Rd., Wheatley Heights
Ron Morasse, and his daughter, Riley, 8, of Massapequa, work the ropes course together at Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights. Credit: Linda Rosier
The park consists of 49 zip lines, 14 treetop trails, a playground for toddlers, Glow in the Park events and more. Join a three-hour climb with mom as she takes on the zip lines obstacle courses.
- When 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15
-
Cost Free for dad with a purchase of a Father's Day BOGO ticket for $69, one for customer; $69 regular entry ages 14 and older; $59 for ages 7-13. Book in advance online.
- More info myadventurepark.com 631-983-3844
SEE A POLO MATCH AT BETHPAGE STATE PARK
Polo field, Plainview Road and Manchester Drive, Bethpage
Players charge for the ball during a match at the Bethpage State Park Polo Fields. Credit: Christopher Occhicone
Watch tournament matches featuring world-class athletes along with photo-ops and meet and greets with the players.
- When Gates open at 2 p.m. games starts at 3 p.m. June 15
- Cost $25; $15 ages 12 and younger; free ages 3 and younger
- More info bethpagepolo.com 631-345-9585
TAKE A RIDE AT ADVENTURELAND
2245 Broadhollow Rd., Farmingdale
From left, Medford residents Yhighness Nichols, 8, her father, Andrew, and her brothers Cincere, 6, and Aries, 7, on the Surfs Up ride at Adventureland. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Bring dad to an amusement park and try rides like the Moon Chaser and the Jr. Pirate Ship or classics like the Turbulence coaster or bumper cars. Win a prize along the midway or grab a bite including popcorn and hot dogs.
- When 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15
- Cost Dads buy an admission ticket for June 15 and they'll receive a bounce-back free admission for another day; $49.50 ages 2-24
- More info adventureland.us, 631-694-6868
SEE REPTILES AT COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor
Aquarist Christine Dunlop shows off some of the frogs and toads at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Take Dad to the hatchery and aquarium to browse the exhibits focused on freshwater aquatic animals, including fish, reptiles and amphibians.
- When 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 15
- Cost Dads accompanied by their child are admitted free; $7, $5 ages 3-12
- More info cshfishhatchery.org, 516-692-6768
CLIMB THE FIRE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
Park at Robert Moses State Park, Field 5
Fire Island Lighthouse and museum in Fire Island. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Climb the 182 steps to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse. On a clear day from the top of the lighthouse, climbers can see the New York City skyline.
- When 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 15
- Cost Dad can climb the tower for free. Admission is $10, $5 ages 12 and younger and must be 42" tall
- More info fireislandlighthouse.com, 631-583-5901
GO TO A FATHER'S DAY CAR SHOW
LIRR station, Sunrise Highway, Merrick
A Father's Day car show and swap meet will be held at the Merrick LIRR station on Sunrise Highway in Merrick. Credit: Kevin Imm
This is a non-judged car show featuring classics, collectibles and vintage models. There will be food for sale, rides and craft vendors.
- When 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15
- Cost Free for spectators; $20 day of show
- More info 516-937-7800
More Things to Do
This is a modal window.
This is a modal window.
