Cow Harbor Weekend returns: A celebration of community and tradition

Northport’s most anticipated weekend is here. With fall-like weather expected, Cow Harbor Weekend promises to bring the community together for two days of tradition, family fun and local pride. From world-class racing to music in the park and the beloved Cow Harbor Day parade, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather, celebrate and appreciate everything that makes this small town special. 

Saturday, September 20: The Great Cow Harbor 10K and Fun Run
The weekend kicks off early Saturday morning with the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, one of the nation’s most prestigious road races. Capped at 5,000 registrants, the race draws runners from across the country and has been named one of the Top 100 Races in the USA by Runner’s World.

Here are some details about the race schedule:

Bib Pickup
Friday, September 19: 5:30-9pm at William J. Brosnan School
Saturday, September 20: 6:30-8am at the same location

Race Day
Start Time: 8:30am (Fun Run/Walk at 8:48am)
Location: Laurel Avenue start, finishing at the end of Main Street
Series: Part of the 2025 USA Long Island Track & Field Grand Prix

Morning Schedule
7am: Announcements/Instructions
7:15am: Roads closed to traffic
8:15am: Runners to staging areas
8:30am: 10K staggered start begins
8:48am: 2K Fun Run/Walk

Parking & Shuttles
Parking is available at Northport High School, with shuttle buses running from 6:45-7:45am to the starting line. Return shuttles will run after the race. Cars parked along the course will be towed.

Course Highlights
Runners will pass through some of Northport’s most scenic roads, including Scudder Avenue, Bayview Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Eaton’s Neck Road, Waterside Road and Main Street, before finishing in the heart of the Village.

Saturday Evening: Concert in the Park
After the race, the celebration continues with a free concert at the Northport Village Park bandstand.
Time: 7pm
Band: The NCJO Big Band (jazz, blues and swing standards with modern sounds)
What to Bring: Chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner

Sunday, September 21: Cow Harbor Day
Sunday’s festivities highlight community spirit with a full day of activities on Main Street and within the village parks. 

12pm: Parade on Main Street
The annual Cow Harbor Day parade begins at the Brosnan Building on Laurel Avenue and makes its way down Main Street to Woodbine Avenue. Expect music, floats and plenty of local pride along the route.

1-5pm: Village Activities
Northport Village Park will be filled with artisan vendors, local businesses, nonprofit groups and live music at the gazebo. Food vendors will line the parking lot, and rides and games by Newton Shows will be available for families in the Cow Harbor Park parking lot.

2pm: Crazy Boat Race at the Dock
One of the weekend’s quirkiest traditions, the Crazy Boat Race invites participants to build their own boats from household materials and race them along the Village Dock.

This year’s Cow Harbor Day theme honors the Lewis Oliver Farm, a cherished piece of Northport’s history and symbol of community preservation.

Cow Harbor Weekend is more than just a race or festival. It’s a chance to gather as neighbors, celebrate tradition and enjoy everything our Village has to offer. See you there!