Don’t know where to have fun this summer?

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Whether you prefer a relaxing day at a beach or a lively night at a ballgame, Long Island summers are about living your life to the fullest. The Islip Bulletin has compiled a summer rundown of events for you to enjoy under the sun with your friends, family, and neighbors in your local community.

Walker Beach Family Nights

Come down to Walker Beach in Brightwaters for weekly live performances that are fun for the whole family! Attendees are welcome to bring their own dinner or purchase from the delicious on-site food trucks. Walker Beach Family Nights will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and will feature musical performances from the following local artists:

July 13 - Tommy Duck
July 20 - Jasmine Goare
July 27 - Tommy Duck
Aug. 3 - TBA
Aug. 10 - Acoustic Steve
Aug. 17 - Jasmine Goare

Long Island Ducks baseball games

Affordable entertainment and fun can be found throughout the summer at Long Island Ducks games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. The Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Their June 19th victory over the York Revolution earned the Long Island Ducks their 1,581st regular season win, and the team has now accrued more wins than any other team in the Atlantic League’s history.

A busy promotional schedule keeps each baseball game unique and exciting. Celebrate Thirsty Thursday during each Thursday home game with exciting drink specials and open access to the Duck Club restaurant and bar, which is normally reserved for season ticket, luxury suite and mini plan holders. During Bethpage Sunday Family Fundays, all fans are invited to bring a baseball bat and glove and come onto the field for a pregame catch. After the game, fans run the bases as part of this weekly Sunday tradition. Frequent Postgame Fireworks Spectacular shows dazzle spectators throughout the season, with upcoming displays on July 15 and July 29.

Shakespeare in the park

Shakespeare lovers are sure to enjoy “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare, performed by Studio Theater of Long Island’s Shakespeare Troupe. This performance series is sponsored by the Islip Arts Council and is free to attend. The performances will be held at the following times and locations:

July 27 in the lot behind the IAC Gallery, Bay Shore - 5 p.m.
Aug. 3 at Long Island Maritime Museum, W. Sayville - 6 p.m.
Aug. 17 at Bay Shore Bandshell, Bay Shore - 6 p.m.
Aug. 27 at Brookside Park, Sayville - 2 p.m.

Alive by the Bay

Alive by the Bay festivals are a great way to enjoy live music, street vendors, and fun activities for all ages. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bay Shore’s restaurant committee, Alive by the Bay festivals features a wide array of vendors: from desserts to arts and crafts, and cigar stands to carnival games, Alive by the Bay truly has something for everyone to enjoy. For each festival, Main Street in Bay Shore is blocked off from Bay Shore Avenue/Shore Lane west to Ocean Avenue. The festivals are free to attend, and parking meters are suspended throughout downtown Bay Shore. With a variety of musical performances and activities for all ages, Alive by the Bay summer festivals are invigorating for everyone that attends. There are only two festivals left—July 25 and Aug. 8 from 5 - 9 p.m.—and they are sure to be nights you will not want to miss!

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Reconnect with nature this summer at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum! The arboretum, located in Great River, is a New York State Park that functions as an oasis of beauty and quiet for all who visit. All are welcome to come and explore the grounds full of lush flora and fauna. The vehicle-use fee is $8 per vehicle to enter the state park.

If you have already explored the grounds, consider returning for the various upcoming events at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Visitors can stop at The Hidden Oak Cafe, located in the Manor House, to purchase refreshments and a bite to eat from Tuesday to Sunday. The cafe, which overlooks the Connetquot River, serves a “Victorian tea” with finger sandwiches, scones, and fresh pots of tea for those with reservations. On Saturday, Aug. 5, join certified forest therapy guide Linda Lombardo, of Wild Heart Nature Connection, on a forest therapy walk. Register on the Bayard Cutting Arboretum website for $40 and reconnect with the natural world, create nature art, and practice grounding during this walk. You can also register on the website for Watercolor Workshops to paint the beautiful landscapes of the arboretum. All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. The next Watercolor Workshops will be held on July 15, 19, and 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Paint and sip series

Learn to “paint like a master” this summer at the Islip Arts Council’s Paint and Sip series! Throughout the 21-and-older series, attendees will learn proper painting techniques, recreate paintings by famous artists, and savor delicious wine and snacks at the Paint Like a Master workshops. All food, beverages, 8x10 canvases, and other painting supplies will be provided. Registration for the workshops can be completed online at Isliparts.org, and the registration fee is $40. The next workshop is focused on Claude Monet’s “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk” and will be held July 29 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.