15th Huntington Lighthouse Musicfest

Boaters on Long Island’s north shore (and Connecticut’s south shore) know the biggest party of the season happens on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. That’s when vessels of all shapes and sizes flock to rock around the picturesque Huntington Lighthouse in Lloyd Harbor when it transforms into a concert venue.

Crowd-pleasing musicians perform from their unique post atop the lighthouse as a multitude of vessels in the harbor contain the enthusiastic audience. This all-day concert takes place on Saturday, August 31 (rain date is Sunday, September 1). The first act kicks off at 11:00 am, with performers keeping the beat going until dusk.

Check the weather forecast, the tides chart, and arrive early to find the optimal spot to anchor. Avoid rocks on the south side of the lighthouse and observe the extended no wake zone in effect.

Boaters arriving late to the party must exercise caution and be on the lookout for people, dogs, and vessels anchored, swimming, floating, rafted together, and paddling in between or alongside. It’s best to anchor on the periphery and not maneuver inside.

Whenever you arrive, note the time of sunset by the Lighthouse is 7:27 pm. If you’re not comfortable boating at night, anchor in a spot that allows you to exit easily and safely before the sun slips down too far.

During the day, friendly pirates will come alongside as you’re relaxing, grooving, or dancing. Don’t abandon ship — just open your wallet and give as generously as you can! The Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society hosts the concert as a fundraiser to preserve, maintain, and sustain this historic lighthouse. If you miss a pirate encounter, never fear — the link to donate generously is listed below, mateys!