Weekend Events for Kids on Long Island, October 17-18: Cool Concerts and Outdoor Fun

Haven't picked up your Halloween costumes yet? Lucky for you, there are still plenty of other great activities going on here on Long Island this weekend for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for ways to get the most out of the Halloween costumes you bought or borrowed this year, check out our recent post on great Halloween Events on Long Island or check out our Halloween Guide. And here's our picks for the best events and activities to enjoy this weekend:

Oyster Bay Festival
Saturday and Sunday October 17-18, 11am-6pm
Theodore Roosevelt Park, Oyster Bay
 
A Nominee for Best Annual Event (that's right above all the other festivals we have out here), this is a really great festival to check out. Hopefully, the rain won't dampen the spirit of the festival too much this weekend. Believe it or not, the food at this festival is great-in fact, most of the food vendors are local Long Island chefs competing for a "Best of the Food Court" contest promoted by Whole Foods. There is a great, super kid-friendly pirate show which is interactive and includes treasure hunts and pirate songs and shows, an air-dog show that looks cool (straight off of The Animal Planet) and live music all weekend long. Enjoy the scenery of cool boats in the Bay and the beautiful drive through Oyster Bay getting there. For more information, or a schedule of events, check out the Festival's website here. Note: The Oyster Festival goes on rain or shine.
 

Music, Storytelling and Concert at The Custer Observatory in Southold
Saturday, October 17, 5pm
Custer Observatory
1115 Main Bayview Rd, Southold
 
Johnny Cuomo, a native Long Islander, well known and popular folk flavored musician will tell stories set to music at this cool little museum on the North Fork, which happens to be the oldest observatory on the Island. Telling traditional American and Native American tales, your kids will love the cultural experience of the storytelling and you'll probably love the concert afterwards just as much. The Observatory has a suggested donation listed of $10 per person for this event. For more information, visit the Observatory's website. 
 

Bradley True and Friends Silly Science Band
Saturday, October 17, 11am
Bay Street Theater
Corner of Main Street and Bay Street, Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor is a great little town, and the Bay Street Theater is a great example of a non for profit, professional regional theater. Whether you're in town for a weekend or just a long day trip, you should check out their list of performances and try and check one out. This weekend, take the kids to check out the Bradley True and Friends Silly Science Band. For all ages,  the show is interactive and totally exciting. Using scientific concepts, the audience gets a chance to participate in song, dance and a great theatrical performance. Tickets are $15 adult, $12 for children, and for more information, check out the Bay Street Theater website by clicking here. 
 

Forest Fun at Sweetbriar Nature Center
Sunday, October 18 1pm-3:30pm
Sweetbriar Nature Center
62 Eckerncamp Drive, Smithtown

We love Sweetbriar Nature Center. Another non for profit organization, SNC exists soley with the purpose to educate and provide awareness about nature and natural resources. I personally love Sweetbriar because it is very non-commercial, un-crowded and beautiful. This Sunday, they are hosting a small event to celebrate Forest life. It's so small I noticed it wasn't even being promoted on the website. At the event, you'll find live animals, forest theme arts and crafts and lessons what makes trees different and how to identify what types. I've found my kids enjoy these little nature tutorials at SNC,  most likely because the crowd (or lack thereof) is intimate and they can ask questions. Even if it rains, throw on some rain boots and head out to SNC for some outdoor fun. Call for more information: 631-979-6344; there is a fee of $5. 

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