Nothing says summer like a fair, parade or festival. You can spend almost any Saturday or Sunday wandering from one outdoor celebration to another - eating, people-watching, playing games or enjoying midway rides.
Here are some you shouldn't miss!
1. GET SOME BERRIES (June 18-20)
Strawberry shortcake, tarts, daiquiris - it's only the start of what's in store at the annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival in Mattituck. Get your fill, stroll the midway and stick around for the fireworks
2. BE PATRIOTIC (July 4)
Pack a picnic lunch and celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way. Old Bethpage Village Restoration's daylong festivities include a parade, musket firings, fiddle music and children's games
3. BROWSE FINE ART (July 8-11)
Even if you're not a serious collector, it's fun to hobnob at Arthamptons, where 6,000 pieces of sculpture, painting and photography totaling around $3 million will be on display at Sayne Park in Bridgehampton
4. ROCK OUT (July 9-11)
Three stages, 40-plus bands - the weekend-long Great South Bay Music Festival at Shorefront Park in Patchogue, pairs national acts, such as Robert Randolph & the Family Band, with hometown bands such as Miles to Dayton.
5. LEARN TO POLKA (Aug. 21-22)
Riverhead's Polishtown USA celebrates its heritage in a big way every summer with an outdoor festival marked by fresh kielbasa sandwiches, potato pancakes, polka bands and a street fair with 250 vendors, Aug. 21-22
6. SEAFOOD FESTIVAL (Aug. 28-29)
Lobster, chowder, shrimp cocktail - they're the stuff the Long Island Maritime Museum Seafood Festival & Craft Fair is made of, in West Sayville. While you're there, tour the museum and browse arts and crafts booths .
7. HAIL THE ZEPPOLI (Aug. 27-29; Sept. 1-6)
Among the more notable happenings at the massive annual Feast of Mother Cabrini: a zeppoli-eating contest that challenges contenders to scarf down as many of the fried dough confections as possible. The full affair - with games, rides, live music and fireworks - runs Aug. 27-29 and Sept. 1-6 in Brentwood
8. EXPERIENCE NATIVE CULTURE
Among the more memorable events of summer is the grand entry parade of American Indian dancers and tribe members at the annual Shinnecock Powwow. It runs Sept. 3-6 with dancing competitions, drumming and crafts for sale
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