Aug. 12 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events

1. Polka spot

The aroma of grilled kielbasa fills the air at the Polish Town Street Fair and Polka Festival in Riverhead. More than 200 stands line the streets featuring arts and crafts, Polish food specialties and novelties to celebrate Polish heritage.

Bring your dancing shoes and head to the Polka Tent in Polonaise Park on Saturday, where a polka dance festival (5 p.m.-midnight Saturday, $13, $5 children under 12) continues nonstop.

2. Beaux Arts beacon

Tours of the historic Huntington Harbor Lighthouse -- built in 1912 -- run continuously starting at 11 a.m. Aug. 19. Meet your guide on the dock at Gold Star Battalion Beach for a quick launch ride on Huntington Bay to the site, located at the entrance of Lloyd and Huntington harbors. Wear rubber-soled shoes, no flip-flops; no children under 5.

3. Mary J. Blige

Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress continues on her Liberation Tour with a stop in Wantagh along with D'Angelo and special guest Melanie Fiona.

4. Heritage Festival

To celebrate the Huntington's craft tradition, more than 35 artisans display their wares on the lawn of the historic Kissam House (circa 1795). Look for handmade pottery, woodwork, soaps, jewelry, candles, needlework, mosaics and more. Visitors can tour the Kissam House (free with admission) and view an exhibit of 19th century party clothes, "Ladies at Leisure," from the Huntington Historical Society's collection. Also, see how the creative process works at craft demonstrations throughout the weekend.

5. LI Bluegrass Festival

There'll be some fancy strumming as Grand Ole Opry star Bobby Osborne takes the stageas one of the highlights of this year's outdoor festival. The down-home lineup at Tanner Park includes Buddy Merriam and Back Roads, Too Blue, Appalachian Diaries, Acoustic Electrix and others. If you want to learn how to strum along, the Long Island Traditional Music Association offers workshops on mandolin, old-time banjo and guitar. For the kiddies, there's a performance by Katie's Puppets. You also find a food court and craft vendors.

6. Northport family night

If it's Tuesday, it must be Northport. That's when the village closes its Main Street to traffic and lets pedestrians take control for a night of cruising up and down the street, live music, dancing and children's events. Groups of four or more kids/teens are invited to bring their own music for a chance to perform a dance routine as part of "Glee Night." Some local restaurants offer dining al fresco, and extended shopping is available with a special late night schedule. For a look back to the "good old days," check out the parked vintage cars lining the streets.

7. On the plus side

Best known for her role as Winnie Cooper on the television show, "The Wonder Years," Danica McKellar signs her new book, "Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape," at Barnes & Noble in Carle Place. The author has written three bestselling books to teach and encourage middle school and high school girls in math.

8. Hook, line and free

A summer program for kids ages 6-18 teaches little anglers how to fish in the waters around the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Bring an adult with you for the "Take a Kid Fishing" event that will have you boarding a boat to Block Island Sound to fish for fluke, striped bass and blue fish. Poles, bait and life vests are provided -- sign up in person at the Montauk Chamber of Commerce.

9. Erin go beach

Highlighting various musical backgrounds, the Long Beach Summer Concert Series continues with Irish Night featuring the Celtic music of tenor Andy Cooney with his band. The series continues through Aug. 30.

10. Art weekend at the Manor

The En Plein Aire -- "Painting in the Open Air" event -- gives you a chance to walk around the grounds of Sagtikos Manor and watch artists paint. If you see a piece you like, you'll get a chance to buy one of the original "wet" works at the Manor's annual art show and sale (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 19), when these pieces and more will be on display. You can also take a tour of historic Sagtikos Manor (1-3:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Aug. 19, $7, $3 ages 3-12)