Spooky Fun, Fall Festivals and RENT This Weekend

The winter chill will be here before you know it, so make sure to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather this weekend. Here is a sampling of some of the fairs taking place this weekend in our area:

This Saturday at 11 a.m. Rock Hall Museum, located at 199 Broadway in Lawrence, is hosting a Native American Fair that highlights the culture with exciting displays of dancing, drumming, storytelling and craft making. Visitors are invited to enjoy a weekend of fun that includes a harvest market, scarecrow making, pumpkin patch, food court, pony rides, animal farm and craft area for children. There will also be regularly scheduled tours of the museum, cellar exhibits, cold storage area and wine cellar. Everything is offered with free admission and free parking.

Another way to step back in time is to take a trip to Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Round Swamp Road.  They are celebrating an 1880 Long Island Halloween on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Celebrate the holiday as it was marked more than 130 years ago, with ghost stories, including tales from the local grave-digger, magic lantern shows, jack-o'-lantern carvings, a costume parade and a tour of haunted buildings. ($10 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-12, free for those over 60.)

Also, on Saturday is the West Hempstead Homecoming parade, game and festival. Dress yourself in black and gold and show your pride for the West Hempstead Rams at their homecoming. Starting at noon, community members will line-up at Chestnut Street School and begin parading toward West Hempstead High School.  A carnival for kids will take place at the high school from 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the varsity football team will take on Mineola at 2 p.m.

The annual Malverne Fall Festival and Classic Car Show will take place on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot that stretches from Connolly Station to Associated Supermarket. The festival will feature classic autos, a pet parade and costume contest, unique craft and food vendors, a scavenger hunt, face painting and a bake-off. Don’t miss demonstrations by Tap to Pointe, the Malverne Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps. And just down the road there will also be activities taking place at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann's including hayrides, pumpkin picking, live music, apple cider, pies and candy apples, antique fire engines, kids games and more. Farm animals will be there from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. A goat shearing demonstration will take place at 1 p.m., followed by garlic planting from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m and a special story time from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

There are two very different well-known theatrical performances taking place this weekend, both of which have been made into major films! RENT is playing at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University. Jonathan Larson’s 1996 rock opera tells the story of friends and artists who are struggling with addiction, poverty, AIDS and love in New York City’s East Village. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. (Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and non-Hofstra students.) Steel Magnolias playing at the Herricks Community Theater at 999 Herricks Road. Robert Harling’s 1987 comedy-drama, set in Truvy's beauty salon in Louisiana,  is about the bond among a group of Southern women during good times and bad.  This show is playing on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. (Tickets are $22, $18 for seniors and children.)

Finally, tea time gets turned on its head at the Garden City Hotel.  On Saturday, from 2 – 5 p.m. the hotel is opening its doors to witches, ghosts and goblins for a Witches Brew Tea.  This Halloween inspired event includes pastries and other snacks for children and their families.  Costumes are encouraged and reservations are recommended.  ($39 tickets, children under 2 are free.)