May 13, 2026 · Updated May 17, 2026
From the Gold Coast Book Fair in Oyster Bay to Spring Farm Festivals in Smithtown and The Paramount's packed concert lineup — here are the best events on Long Island this week and through May.
May is hitting its stride on Long Island, and the calendar is packed. Whether you''re into books, live music, artisan food, or just getting outside after a long winter, there''s something happening in your backyard this week and through the month. Here''s a roundup of the best events across Nassau and Suffolk.
Long Island''s largest literary festival returns for 2026, and it''s bigger than ever. The Gold Coast Book Fair brings more than 150 authors to the North Shore for three days of panel discussions, book signings, children''s programming, food, and a festive marketplace. The Friday night kickoff takes place on the LIU Post campus in Brookville, while Saturday and Sunday events spread across downtown Oyster Bay at 11 venues throughout the historic village.
General admission is free; select author events require a ticket. For families with kids, the children''s stage and young adult programming make this one of the most accessible literary events anywhere in the region. More info at goldcoastbookfair.com.
Nesconset Gazebo Park comes alive Sunday with the Spring Fling, a music festival and food truck rodeo that has become a community staple. Local bands take the stage while food trucks from across Long Island line up to offer everything from smoked brisket to gourmet grilled cheese. It''s a free event and a great excuse to spend a Sunday afternoon outside in one of Smithtown''s most charming hamlets.
The Smithtown Historical Society hosts its annual Spring Farm Festival this weekend at its grounds off Route 25A. Expect antique farm equipment demonstrations, heritage breed animals, living history displays, and hands-on activities for kids. This is one of those understated local events that Smithtown residents love and visitors discover once and keep coming back for.
Head to Tanger Outlets Deer Park May 22 through 25 for the Great American Food and Craft Festival, running daily from noon to 7 PM. The outdoor event brings together food vendors, handcrafted goods makers, and local artisans for four days of eating, browsing, and live entertainment. Admission is free; bring the family and an appetite.
The Paramount in Huntington Village has one of the busiest May and June calendars on Long Island. Coming up: The Wallflowers celebrate the 30th anniversary of Bringing Down the Horse on May 16; Kreator brings their Krushers of the USA Tour to town May 22; Russell Peters headlines a comedy night May 30; and Gary Clark Jr. takes the stage June 3. Tickets are available at paramountny.com.
Mark your calendar for Memorial Day weekend, when the U.S. Navy''s Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron perform at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh as part of the Northwell Health Theatre''s summer kickoff. The airshow runs May 24 through 26 and is free to watch from the beach. Jones Beach draws massive crowds for this event — plan to arrive early, carpool, or take the LIRR to Wantagh.
The legendary Canadian rock trio Triumph brings their Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded Tour to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on June 5 at 8 PM, with April Wine opening. After decades apart, Triumph''s return to the road has been one of the more celebrated rock reunions of the decade, and Jones Beach''s open-air amphitheater is a fitting stage. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
