French fries, loaded mashed potatoes, twisted potato chips, and fresh knishes. If it’s a carb, we want it. And this September, an entire two-day festival dedicated exclusively to the versatile spud is taking over Long Island, just an hour’s drive from NYC.
The inaugural Long Island Potato Festival is heading to Farmingdale State College this fall, transforming the campus into a sprawling celebration of food, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Driven by the region’s deep agricultural roots, this massive event is bringing together craft beer, live music, and every variation of potato you can imagine.
Best of all? Admission is completely free! Here’s what to expect at the carb-lover’s paradise.
🥔 What to expect at the free Long Island Potato Festival
For two full days on September 26 and 27, 2026, the college’s president’s lawn will turn into a massive local fairground. While smaller potato-themed events have popped up before, organizers note this is the first of its scale.
Visitors can expect:
- The Potato Food Court: Come hungry for loaded, mashed, baked, and fried potatoes, plus potato empanadas, crepes, and more. Standouts include twisted potato chips on a stick from The Yum Spot, empanadas from Island Empanada, and loaded meat fries from Off the Bone
- Beer Garden & Live Music: Grab a regional craft brew in the 21+ relaxed social space while live bands perform throughout the weekend
- Carnival Rides & Midway Games: A full carnival by Newton Shows featuring classic rides and games (POP wristbands available for purchase)
- Potato-Themed Contests: Compete in potato-centric trivia and sports for a chance to win prizes
- Farmers Market & Local Shopping: Pick up fresh, local produce and shop a diverse vendor marketplace of Long Island artisans, businesses, and community organizations
According to Newsday, Alissa Marti, of Connoisseur Media Long Island, one of the festival’s producers, stated:
My goal is to make this a new annual tradition that brings people together. And to bring back the nostalgia for people who remember the potato farms and educate those who don’t.
🚜 A nod to Long Island’s forgotten farming roots
This isn’t just about the food—it’s a celebration of Long Island’s identity.
Before the 1980s, the region boasted roughly 75,000 acres of potato farmland. Many iconic Long Island staples sit on former potato fields today, including Grumman’s Bethpage headquarters and Estée Lauder’s Melville corporate offices.
The festival brings that nostalgia back to life with agricultural exhibits and a touch-a-tractor area for kids.
📍 Event details at a glance
- What: The first-ever Long Island Potato Festival
- When: September 26 & 27, 2026 | 11 am – 6 pm
- Where: Farmingdale State College (2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale)
- Cost: Free admission & general parking (Pay-as-you-go for food, drinks, and rides)