February 28, 2026
Nassau County's vibrant Carnival celebration runs through today, February 28, featuring music, dance, food, and colorful parades that honor Caribbean and Latin American traditions.
If you're looking for something to do this weekend on Long Island, head to Nassau County for Carnival: A Celebration of Caribbean & Latin American Culture, a vibrant festival that's been running since January 31 and wraps up today, February 28, 2026. This multi-sensory event brings the energy, music, and traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America right to your backyard, giving Long Island families a chance to experience some of the most colorful celebrations in the world without leaving home.
The Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City is hosting a major Carnival celebration today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 11 Davis Ave., making it the perfect destination for families looking to dive into this cultural experience. Admission is $18 for adults and $16 for seniors, and the day is packed with lively music, dance performances, delicious food, colorful crafts, and a parade complete with a Carnival King and Queen. This event is sponsored by NY State Assemblymember Michaelle Solages and represents a significant cultural celebration for Nassau County's diverse communities.
Carnival traditions run deep in Caribbean and Latin American culture, and Nassau County's celebration captures the essence of these vibrant festivals. The Long Island Children's Museum event features performances scheduled at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., giving families multiple opportunities to catch the action throughout the day. You'll experience the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music, watch colorful dance performances, and see elaborate costumes that reflect the artistry and heritage of these celebrations.
The festival isn't just about watching—it's about participating. Families can engage in hands-on crafts that teach about Caribbean and Latin American traditions, sample authentic foods that represent the diverse cuisines of these regions, and join in the parade atmosphere. The Carnival King and Queen tradition adds an interactive element that makes the celebration feel inclusive and fun for all ages. Whether you're a Long Island resident with Caribbean roots or someone curious about these rich cultural traditions, the museum's Carnival event offers something meaningful for everyone.
This celebration comes at a time when Nassau County continues to recognize and honor the cultural contributions of its Caribbean and Latin American communities. Events like this help preserve traditions while introducing younger generations to the music, food, and customs that define these vibrant cultures.
Carnival celebrations have roots stretching back centuries, blending African, European, and indigenous traditions into spectacular festivals. For Caribbean and Latin American communities on Long Island, Carnival represents more than just a party—it's a connection to heritage, identity, and cultural pride. Nassau County's recognition of Carnival through events like the Long Island Children's Museum celebration demonstrates the region's commitment to celebrating diversity and making space for all residents to share their traditions.
The timing of Nassau County's Carnival celebration is significant. While some Caribbean carnivals happen at different times of year—Trinidad Carnival, for example, takes place in mid-February, and Bahamas Carnival happens in early June—Nassau County's extended celebration running through late February allows local families to participate in their own community-based version. This approach makes cultural celebration accessible to everyone on Long Island, regardless of whether they can travel to the Caribbean.
For families in Garden City and surrounding Nassau County towns, the Long Island Children's Museum provides an educational and entertaining way to learn about Caribbean and Latin American cultures. The museum's focus on making these traditions interactive and family-friendly means children leave with both memories and knowledge about the world beyond Long Island.
The Long Island Children's Museum is located at 11 Davis Ave. in Garden City, making it easily accessible for Nassau County residents. With admission at $18 for adults and $16 for seniors, it's an affordable way to spend your Saturday afternoon. The museum recommends calling (516) 224-5800 for additional information or visiting licm.org to check their events calendar.
Since the Carnival celebration runs until 4 p.m. today, you have a few hours to plan your visit. The performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. are highlights, so arriving early gives you time to explore crafts and food options before catching a show. Parking is available at the museum, and the Garden City location is convenient for families across Nassau County, whether you're coming from Baldwin, Hempstead, Mineola, or other nearby towns.
This is one of the last chances to experience Nassau County's Carnival celebration this year, so if you've been thinking about checking it out, today is the day. It's a perfect opportunity to support local cultural events while enjoying quality time with family and learning about the traditions that make Long Island's communities so vibrant and diverse.
For more things to do in Nassau County and across Long Island, keep exploring LI Daily for the latest events, celebrations, and community happenings that bring our region together.
