Aug. 5 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events

1. India Fest 2012

WHEN | WHERE Noon-9 p.m. Aug. 12, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1717 Motor Pkwy., Hauppauge

INFO 917-715-2883, ialiny.org

ADMISSION Free

If a trip to India is on your bucket list, but you can't make it this year, don't fret -- India Fest 2012 brings the best of the country to Long Island, showcasing its culture along with honoring its Independence Day, Aug. 15. Southern and Northern Indian cuisines will be offered for purchase, including curry dishes, dosa, sambar, pakora and tikka masala, along with a fashion show, arts and crafts fair and a bazaar offering a variety of saris, jewelry and traditional decorative Indian items. A flag ceremony to honor Independence Day will take place at 5 p.m. For entertainment, there will be Bollywood-style singing and dancing as well as traditional Indian folk and classic dancing. Look for actor Manu Narayan, star of "Bombay Dreams," who is expected to make an appearance after 6 p.m.

2. Ice Girls auditions

The squad is growing -- and it needs your help. An open audition for the Islanders Ice Girls takes place at Iceworks in Syosset for those ages 18 and older interested in becoming team ambassadors on and off the ice. Outside the games, the girls who are picked for the paid positions make appearances at charity and community events. You must bring skates and know how to use them.

WHEN | WHERE Check-in at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 12, photo-ready with hair and makeup done, at 175 Underhill Blvd., Syosset

INFO 516-501-6874, newyorkislanders .com

ADMISSION Free

3. Raise a glass

Historic Coe Hall mansion hosts a summer celebration -- a "Champagne Party -- a Garden Soiree" -- in honor of its current exhibition, "Cocktail Culture: The Glamorous Gold Coast Years from Prohibition to 1960." The outdoor event includes hors d'oeuvres, champagne and craft beer along with boccie and music performed by the eight-piece City Sounds Motown Spectacular ensemble.

WHEN | WHERE 7-9:30 p.m. Friday at 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay

INFO 516-922-8682, plantingfields.org

ADMISSION $50 ($30 police, firefighters and military)

4. Kellie Pickler

The country music singer brings her down-home singing style to the Paramount for a concert with Nashville-born crooner Greg Bates. You might remember Pickler from "American Idol." She finished in the top 10 on the fifth season of the Fox reality show.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Thursday at 370 New York Ave., Huntington

INFO 800-745-3000, paramountny .com

ADMISSION $35-$75

5. Truck stop

Step right up to the truck and cuisine of your choice at the Food Truck Derby, which features a lineup of ethnic treats and familiar eats. The four-wheeled caravan includes New York City and Long Island trucks offering their best curbside delights, featuring tacos, grilled cheese, sliders, homemade lemonade, cupcakes and hibachi-cooked favorites. Beer and wine from local vineyards and breweries also will be available.

WHEN | WHERE 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, rain or shine, at the Hayground School, Mitchells Lane, Bridgehampton

INFO 631-537-4637, ediblemanhattan .com

ADMISSION $50, includes one serving from each food truck and a free drink ($20 for ages 12 and younger)

6. East Hampton Authors Night

Here's a chance to meet and greet more than 100 well-known authors. The annual East Hampton Library's fundraiser kicks off with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception on the grounds of Gardiners Farm. Authors -- including David Baldacci, Dick Cavett, Robert Klein, Robert A. Caro, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Jeffrey Lyons -- will sign copies of their latest page-turners. After the reception, festivities will continue at private homes in the Hamptons at dinner parties, where various authors will be in the spotlight.

WHEN | WHERE 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday at 36 James Lane, East Hampton

INFO 631-324-0222, authorsnight.org

ADMISSION $100; $250-$2,500 for reception and dinner party

7. Shining bright

In honor of National Lighthouse Day Tuesday, climb the 192 steps to the top of the historic Fire Island Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the barrier beach at a reduced admission fee. While you're on the grounds, stop by the newly built Fresnel Lens Building and see the lens once used as a beacon for the lighthouse.

WHEN | WHERE Grounds open 9:30-6 p.m.; tours run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday,

INFO 631-661-4876, fireislandlighthouse.com

ADMISSION $6, $3 ages 12 and younger

8. Cowboy Junkies

The Canadian alternative rock band performs original work spanning more than 20 years, including songs from its most recent album, "The Wilderness," vol. 4 of The Nomad Series, a project in which four albums of new material were released in 18 months.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Wednesday at YMCA Boulton Center, 37 W. Main St., Bay Shore

INFO 631-969-1101, boultoncenter.org

ADMISSION $48

9. Sip on a cruise

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center hosts a wine-tasting tour aboard the Atlantis Explorer featuring wines from a North Fork winery. After the cruise, an optional lobster bake is available along with music and a cash bar.

WHEN | WHERE 6-9:30 p.m. Thursday, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead

INFO Reservations required 631-208-9200, ext. 426, longislandaquarium.com

ADMISSION $69.95 cruise and lobster bake; $59.95 lobster bake

10. Variety show

As part of the "Kidfest" series at Guild Hall, "Cirquetacular" combines the circus tent, concert hall and Broadway stage into one show featuring aerialists, acrobats, contortionists and illusionists as well as singers and dancers.

WHEN | WHERE 1:30 and 5 p.m. Wednesday at the John Drew Theater, 158 Main St., East Hampton

INFO 631-324-4050, guildhall.org

ADMISSION $13 ages 18 and younger, $16 adults