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By Sandra Stelmach Published: August 22 2013

Be sure to mark your calendars and the end the summer right with these action and fun packed events in celebration of Labor Day Weekend.

Labor Day is a federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September in celebration of the economic and social contributions of America’s hard workers which made and continues to make the country prosperous. The first Labor Day celebration was held on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City. In June 1984, an act passed by Congress officially made the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday. The first proposal of the holiday suggested that it be observed with a street parade, followed by a festival filled with recreational activities for workers and their families. This became the pattern for years to follow and these traditions are still honored in celebrations today.

For many, Labor Day has also become to symbolize the end of the summer, and it serves as a last hurrah before kids head back to school. For sports fanatics, it also marks the beginning of football season

Many workers are able to celebrate with a day off. If you are one of those workers, be sure to enjoy yourself with some of the fun and special events happening near you for this Labor Day weekend with LongIsland.com’s Labor Day Guide!

Shinnecock Reservation

West Gate Road, Southampton, NY 11968

631-283-6143

Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd

Come to the 67th Annual Powwow this Labor Day weekend featuring tribal dancers, ceremonies, crafts, storytelling, native foods, demonstrations and dance and drum competition. There will be a fire lighting at sunset Friday through Sunday. Grounds open at 5 pm on Friday and 10 am from Saturday through Monday and close at 11 pm Friday through Saturday and at 5 pm Sunday through Monday. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for ages 6-11 and seniors; free for children 5 and under. Come rain or shine!

Gold Star Battalion Beach, Huntington, NY 11743

631-421-1985

Saturday, August 31st - 11 am

The Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society presents the 6th Annual Music Fest - the only music festival held on top of a working lighthouse in the middle of the sound and enjoy free and live performances with a musical variety from reggae to jazz and even rock. Spectators arrive in boats and yachts and other modes of water transportation from all over the tri-state area come to participate. Rain date is September 1st.

101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY 11937

631-324-8158

Saturday, August 31

Spend the day at the beach before a fireworks display beginning at dusk at Main Beach. Parking is on a first-come first-serve basis, no parking permit is required and there is no reserved parking.

240 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

631-537-3177

Sunday, August 25th - Sunday, September 1st

Come to the 38th Annual Outdoor Horse Show which is one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States. Horse show events taking place all day with Hamptons celebrity sightings and high end shopping boutiques. Admission is $10 per person. Grandstand tickets are available at the box office. Come rain or shine!

23 Boulevard Ave, Greenlawn, NY 11740

Thursday, August 29th - Monday, September 2nd - 7 pm to 11 pm

Enjoy the nights with community during Labor Day weekend with the Greenlawn Fire Department for their annual fair filled with games, food, drinks and prizes! The fair will be open Thursday and Friday from 7 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 6 pm to 11 pm, closed on Sunday and open on Monday from 5 pm to 11 pm. Be sure to check out the parade on Broadway on Thursday before the fair.

Hawkins Ave from Portion Rd to Wittridge Rd, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

631-963-2796

Sunday, September 1st - 11 am to 6 pm

The Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce presents its 8th Annual Street Fair with hundreds of vendors, arts and crafts, and children’s rides, live music and entertainment, food, drinks and meet local business owners. Rain or shine!

Seaford Railroad Station

Merrick Road, Seaford, NY 11783

631-724-5966

Saturday, August 31st - Monday, September 2nd - 11 am to 6 pm

Spend the whole weekend at the Seaford Festival featuring merchandise and food vendors, arts and crafts and great gift items. Handicapped access is available. Come rain or shine!



369 Green Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554

516-483-3649

Saturday, August 31st - 10 am to 5 pm



Don’t miss out this festival featuring Slavic and Greek food, children’s games, Chinese auction, flea market, 50/50 raffle, and vendors. Prayer services and church tours will be offered throughout the day.



Boardwalk, Long Beach, NY 11561

516-431-3890

Monday, September 2nd - 8 am

Come participate in the 24th Annual Robert C. McAvoy Labor Day Five Mile Run. Start and finish on the brand new boardwalk. Awards will be given to the first male and female winners among different age categories, first overall male and female finishers and many more! All race participants will be able to use the beach for free by showing their race numbers at the beach entrance. $20 for early registration; $25 day of race.



L.I.E Exit 53 and Wicks Road, Brentwood, NY 11717

Friday, August 23rd - Monday, September 2nd

Come to the 42nd Annual Feast of Mother Cabrini. Long Island’s largest Italian feast features all you can eat food, rides, entertainment, and contests such as the Zepoli Eating Contest. Rides are pay-one-price and fees apply for food. Fireworks show will be held August 24 and September 1. The festival is open weekdays from 6 pm to 11 pm; Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day from 4 pm to 11 pm.

13 Woods Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937

631-312-4286

Sunday, September 1st - 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Bring the family and friends out to experience the best Kosher BBQ in the Hamptons featuring an all you can eat buffet full of all the classic bbq dishes. $30 for adults and $15 for children. RSVP by calling.

Corner of Bay St and Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

631-725-9500

Saturday, August 31st - 10:30 pm

Enjoy a night of dancing with music by DJ Karin Ward. Tickets are $25 which includes a free glass of wine or beer.

1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735

631-293-6398

Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd

Spend Labor Day weekend at the American Airpower Museum for a show of all operational museum aircraft plus visiting aircraft. Call for more information.

1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804

516-572-8400

Saturday, August 31st - Sunday, September 1st

Go back in time with popular music of the Civil War period and learn traditional 1800s contra dancing and listen to the sounds of a military brass band. Call for more information.

Corner of Main St and Potunk Ln, Westhampton, NY 11978

631-421-1590

Saturday, August 31st - Sunday, September 1st - 10 am to 6 pm

Come to the 5th Westhampton Beach Festival of the Arts with national and international artisans showcasing sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and fabrics.

3rd St and Wiggins St, Greenport, NY 11944

631-477-2100

Saturday, August 31st - 9 am to 3 pm

Explore 6-8 different lighthouses on a six hour cruise around Long Island learning about the history of the lighthouses.

Stewart Ave and Merrick Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554

516-442-6000

Saturday, August 31st - Sunday, September 1st - 10 am to 5 pm

Come interact and buy goods directly from emerging and established artisans as well as high quality craft, gift and service vendors who are offering their goods at affordable prices. Admission and parking is free at Field 8.

358 Broadway Mall, Hicksville, NY 11801

718-241-4630

Wednesday, August 28th - Monday, September 2nd - 10 am to 9 pm

Spend the day at Broadway Mall for shopping including hand-crafted items. Gifts will be available for purchase for some early-holiday shopping!

WMHO Educational and Cultural Center

97P Main St, Stony Brook, NY 11790

631-689-5888

Saturday, July 13th - Monday, September 2nd - 10 am to 5 pm

This summer exhibit is in celebration of the Bridgehampton, Freeport, Riverhead, Islip and Vanderbilt racetracks. See cars that raced at the Long Island racetracks, memorabilia from Marty Himes, Robert Rubin and much more. There will be memorabilia, vintage signage, and the works of renowned auto artist George Ellis. Admission is $4 and $2 for children under 12.

4 Audrey Drive, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

631-261-2941

Saturday, August 31st - 7:30 pm to 11 pm

Come out and watch a live art fusion featuring about a dozen artists painting together while inspired by jazz music and audience interaction.

1320 Lincoln Ave Unit 2, Holbrook, NY 11741

631-365-1557

Saturday, August 31st - 7 pm

Experience a team of the best magical performers in Long Island who have joined forces to bring an incredible show. The show consists of extraordinary gentlemen such as Anthony Cap: Close-Up Illusionist, Anthony Guido: Psychic Entertainer, Matt Martin: Sleight of Hand Artist, and Greg Hoffman: Thought Reader. The host will be Alexo: Grand Illusionist with Kaitlyn Watson, the assistant to Alexo. Prepare yourself for a mind-bending magical experience like none other. Tickets are $20. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes before curtain.

6025 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901

631-298-0075

Enjoy free, live performances in the pavilion by diverse artists performing from a variety of instruments from acoustics to drums to horns.

-Keith Maguire

Saturday, August 31st - 1 pm to 5 pm

-Sly Geralds Band

Sunday, September 1st - 2 pm to 6 pm

-Steeldrumania

Monday, September 2nd - 2 pm to 5 pm

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If you are looking to relax this weekend, check out some other end of the summer things to do

Host the season’s last barbecue filled with drinks and dishes that are sure to make a memorable weekend.

Head out to a prominent or local beach to soak up sun before heading back to the swing of things.

Have a picnic with family and friends at a local or State Park and enjoy the beauty of nature while it lasts.