It’s fall, y’all!
Brightwaters Farms has fired up its annual Fall Harvest Festival, which kicked off Monday, Sept. 22, at the 14-acre working farm.
The gates will stay open to the public through October.
This can’t-miss Long Island tradition delivers all the charms of the East End farms — without the traffic. And yes, there’s a real pumpkin patch.
We’re talking roasted corn, apple cider donuts, pies, cookies, candy apples, gourds, pumpkins, mums and farm animals.
Scroll down for every last detail about the Harvest Festival, which runs all October.
A Family Tradition
Right off Manatuck Boulevard in Bay Shore, not far from the Southern State Parkway, the farm offers real countryside charm in the heart of the suburbs. Families come year after year for the hayrides, animals, food and festive atmosphere that feels straight out of a fall postcard.
Weekday Visits: Free and Easy
If you swing by on a weekday (excluding Columbus Day), admission is free. You’ll find:
- Pumpkin picking at 75 cents per pound
- Apple cider donuts, pies, cookies and candy apples
- The Lil Farmers Playground
- Animal viewing and feeding ($5 per cone)
- Hayrides ($5 per person)
Weekday trips are perfect if you’re after pumpkins, treats, or a quieter farm experience. Just note that roasted corn, beer and wine, and the full concession menu are weekend-only.
Weekend Fun and Columbus Day
On weekends and Columbus Day, the festival goes all out. Admission is $20 per person (children under 1 are free) and includes:
- Access to the Country Store
- Lil Farmers Playground
- Face painting
- Unlimited hayrides
- Live shows, from puppet performances to Zippy the Clown’s magic act
- Children’s games, like the pumpkin patch bean bag toss and farm pit stop challenge
Extras like pony rides ($10), the giant inflatables, tractor rides, and animal feeding are available at an additional cost. Click here for more details and price breakdowns for planning.
Come Hungry
The farm’s concession stands are a feast in themselves. Think fair food with a fall twist:
- Burgers, fries and jumbo turkey legs
- Chicken fingers, hot dogs and mozzarella sticks
- Roasted corn, chili, soups and pretzels
- Cotton candy, popcorn and fresh-baked pie
- Pumpkin beer, wine, coffee, cider and hot chocolate
And don’t forget the Country Store, where you can stock up on cider donuts, cookies, mums, gourds and Halloween décor.
For the Kids
Brightwaters Farms is a playground for little ones. Beyond the inflatables and tractor rides, kids can try their hand at the strongman challenge, take on the pumpkin patch bean bag toss, or just get lost in the excitement of the festival games.
Plan Your Visit
A few things to know before you go:
- Admission is non-refundable, rain or shine
- No outside food or drinks
- Pets are not allowed (service animals only, per ADA)
If You Go
📍 Brightwaters Farms
1624 Manatuck Blvd, Bay Shore
📅 Fall Harvest Festival
Now through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends & Columbus Day; weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💵 Admission
- Weekdays: Free
- Weekends & Columbus Day: $20 per person (under 1 free)
🎃 Highlights
Pumpkin picking, hayrides, live entertainment, kids’ games, cider donuts, roasted corn, pumpkin beer and more.
