Alright, Long Islanders, the weekend is here, and that means one thing—ditching the weekday grind and actually enjoying where we live. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish (or honorary Irish) fashion, jamming out to live music, solving a crime over dinner, scoping out top-tier schools for the kids, or giving back to our beautiful coastline, there’s plenty happening.
So, let’s skip the small talk and get right to it—here’s your go-to guide for making the most of the weekend.
What’s Going on This Weekend
1. New Hyde Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade
📅 Saturday, March 8 | 10 AM
📍 Starts on Hillside Boulevard, rolls down Jericho Turnpike, ends at the New Hyde Park Fire House
🎭 What to Expect:
St. Patrick’s Day parades on Long Island are serious business, and New Hyde Park delivers one of the best. Picture a sea of green, shamrocks everywhere, bagpipes wailing, and families lining the streets to cheer on local organizations, schools, and fire departments. If you’ve never been, expect plenty of Irish pride, festive outfits (yes, kilts included), and kids scrambling for candy thrown from floats. And, of course, a few people who suddenly develop thick Irish accents for the day.
💡 Local’s Tip:
Get there early if you actually want a good view—Long Islanders love a parade, and this one gets packed fast.
Parking can be a headache, so consider carpooling or grabbing a rideshare.
Hit up a local bagel shop beforehand—because nothing soaks up Guinness like an everything bagel with extra schmear.
2. ListenUp! Long Island Music & Arts Spring Festival
📅 Saturday, March 8 | 6 PM
📍 Stereo Garden, Patchogue
🎶 What to Expect:
If you love live music, indie vendors, and an artsy vibe, this festival is for you. ListenUp! brings together some of the best up-and-coming bands in the area, plus live art installations, unique pop-up shops, and plenty of local creatives looking to share their work. Expect a mix of rock, indie, and alternative music, with bands that might just be on the verge of blowing up. You’ll also find artists creating live paintings, vendors selling handmade goods, and a whole lot of people pretending they knew these bands before they were cool.
💡 Local’s Tip:
Cash is king! Some vendors won’t take cards, and you don’t want to be the person begging for Venmo.
If you’re planning on staying out after, Patchogue’s nightlife is solid—bars, breweries, and late-night eats are all within walking distance.
Wear comfortable shoes—this isn’t a sit-down concert, and you’ll want to move around.
3. Murder Mystery Dinner – ‘The Return of Stan’
📅 Saturday, March 8 | 6 PM
📍 Windows on the Lake, Lake Ronkonkoma
🔎 What to Expect:
Love a good mystery? This interactive dinner theater experience is part comedy, part crime-solving, and all about getting into character. Over a multi-course meal, you’ll watch a dramatic story unfold before your eyes, filled with plot twists, suspicious characters, and plenty of laughs. Think of it as a live-action game of Clue—except instead of sitting around a board, you’re enjoying a great meal while piecing together clues.
The storyline? Someone’s been murdered (shocker, right?), and it’s up to the guests to figure out who did it, how, and why. You’ll interrogate suspects, examine evidence, and work with your table to crack the case. And don’t worry—you don’t have to participate, but it’s a lot more fun if you do.
💡 Local’s Tip:
Dress the part! If you go all-in with a themed outfit, you get extra respect from us.
Don’t be the person who shouts out, “It was the butler!” five minutes in—this isn’t your grandma’s board game night.
Arrive early for the best seating—it’s a more intimate setting, and the closer you are, the more you’ll pick up on the details.
4. Harbor Country Day School Open House
📅 Saturday, March 8 | 10 AM - 12 PM
📍 Harbor Country Day School, Smithtown
🏫 What to Expect:
If you’re exploring private school options, this is a great opportunity to see what Harbor Country Day School has to offer. Known for its small class sizes, strong academic programs, and supportive community, the school emphasizes a well-rounded education from early childhood through middle school.
During the open house, you’ll get to tour the campus, meet teachers, learn about their curriculum, and see firsthand how they focus on creativity, leadership, and critical thinking. Whether your child is just starting out or you’re considering a switch from public school, this event gives you an inside look at what makes Harbor Country stand out.
💡 Local’s Tip:
If you’re serious about enrolling, ask about financial aid upfront—private schools on Long Island aren’t cheap, but they do offer assistance.
Talk to parents who already have kids there—they’ll give you the real deal on what to expect.
Bring your child along—this isn’t just about what you like, it’s about finding the right fit for them, too.
5. AMSEAS Beach Walk & Cleanup at Hallock State Park
📅 Saturday, March 8 | 10 AM - 12 PM
📍 Hallock State Park Preserve, Riverhead
🌊 What to Expect:
Long Island’s beaches are beautiful, but let’s be real—trash piles up fast. This event, led by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), is a great way to give back while enjoying the outdoors. You’ll learn about marine life, the impact of pollution on our environment, and simple ways to help protect our coastline. And of course, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves to remove plastic, debris, and whatever else people have left behind.
It’s a feel-good way to spend the morning, and if you’ve got kids, it’s an awesome opportunity to teach them about taking care of our environment. Plus, Hallock State Park has stunning ocean views, so it’s worth the trip even after the cleanup ends.
💡 Local’s Tip:
Bring gloves and a trash grabber (if you have one). It’ll make the job easier.
Dress in layers—March weather on Long Island is unpredictable.
Take a walk down to the water afterward—the scenery is worth it.
The Do’s & Don’ts of a Long Island Weekend
✅ DO: Embrace the Irish spirit, support local musicians, get competitive at the murder mystery, check out a top-tier school, and help keep our beaches clean.
🚫 DON’T: Drink in public at the parade (unless you enjoy hefty fines), jump on stage at the music festival (unless you’re actually in the band), spoil the murder mystery for everyone, or leave your trash behind at the beach cleanup (seriously, that defeats the purpose).
Final Thoughts
Long Island is packed with great things to do—you just have to know where to look. Whether you’re here for the parties, the music, the mystery, the education, or the good vibes of giving back, there’s something for everyone this weekend.
So grab your friends, get out there, and enjoy it. And if you solve the murder before everyone else, let me know—just don’t ruin it for the rest of us.
Cheers to another great Long Island weekend! 🍀🎶🔎
