Aug. 19 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events

August 17, 2012

1. The Barclays

Walk the Bethpage Black and look for Phil Mickelson -- the crowd at Bethpage State Park is known to burst into embracing cheers when he hits the course. This year, he takes on other golfing greats such as Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, and Sergio Garcia in The Barclays. On the challenging Bethpage Black they'll compete in the leadoff contest of the FedExCup, the season-long competition that's the centerpiece of the PGA Tour season.

2. Kelly Clarkson

The award-winning powerhouse singer comes to the Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, co-headlining with "piano-pop" band The Fray, best known for the song "How to Save a Life." The first "American Idol" winner comes straight from her mentoring stints on the new ABC show "Duets" and NBC's "The Voice," performing songs from her latest album, "Stronger." Get there in time for the opening act -- alternative rock band Carolina Liar.

3. Totally Tartan

Close your eyes and you'll think you're in Scotland as the Long Island Scottish Festival and Highlands Games takes you there via Old Westbury Gardens. Grab your kilt and get ready for a blast of Scottish culture with authentic food like birdies, fish and chips, and shortbread along with bagpipe music, step-dancing and a car show. Learn the basics of wool spinning, bagpipe playing and Highland dancing. Cheer your favorite sportsman (8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday) during the Highland Games, with competitions in the caber toss, putting the stone and tossing the sheaf.

4. Culinary treat

Recipes prepared by Chef Guy Reuge of Mirabelle all have a key ingredient -- truffles. The distinguished chef prepares a revolving prix fixe meal with the prized mushroom delicacy including lobster salad with truffle shavings, truffle risotto, truffle-stuffed chicken breast, chocolate truffle cake and more.

5. Sleepover and the sea

The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum is going underwater -- during an overnight sleepover focusing on marine biology. Children ages 8 to 12 are invited to start off the weekend with a pizza dinner followed by an exploration of the sea through marine experiments, ocean arts and crafts and games. After that, "Big Miracle" -- a film about gray whales -- adds to the adventure before lights out. A bagel breakfast is served in the morning. Must register by Wednesday.