Aug. 21 weekly planner: 10 top LI events

NEW YORK JETS FAMILY NIGHT

WHEN | WHERE 4-8 p.m. Thursday, James M. Shuart Stadium, Hofstra University, Hempstead. Practice begins at 6.

INFO 973-549-4844, newyorkjets.com/fanzone

ADMISSION Free

Gone are the days when the Jets spent the better part of their summers practicing on an open football field at Hofstra, in full view of fans who could loiter on the sidelines and take a shot at getting autographs.

But for nostalgia's sake, Gang Green has been returning to Hempstead once a year to hold a practice on Long Island turf. Fans are invited to partake in football-themed children's activities such as bounce rides and games, then stick around for the two-hour practice that starts at 6 p.m.

SEE 'IDOLS' ONSTAGE

The "American Idols Live Tour 2011" features a lineup of the past season's top 11 contenders -- scheduled performers include winner Scotty McCreery along with runner-up Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo and Thia Megia.

WHEN | WHERE 7p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Nassau Coliseum

INFO 800-745-3000, nassaucoliseum.com

ADMISSION $45-$65; $7 parking

EAST HAMPTON GARDENS TOUR

Summer's winding down, but the gardens are still in full bloom. Guild Hall's "Gardens as Art" tour is a chance to peek behind the hedges of several stately Hamptons homes. The morning begins with breakfast and an illustrated lecture by author and garden designer Jack de Lashmet, followed by a tour of the plantings surrounding a handful of private homes.

WHEN | WHERE 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton

INFO 631-324-0806, ext. 22, guildhall.org

ADMISSION $100 (includes breakfast)

EAT (WELL) UNDER THE STARS

Shecky's Southampton Supper Under the Stars showcases foods created by Bravo's "Top Chef" contestants Nikki Cascone, Angelo Sosa and Manuel Trevino. While the menus aren't entirely finalized, there will be an artisanal dessert bar, homemade soda bar, North Fork wine tastings and a biergarten. The dog-friendly event will even feature a canine goody bar with snacks for four-leggers. Hosted by Kelly Bensimon of "The Real Housewives of New York City."

WHEN | WHERE 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Southampton Historical Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton

INFO 212-242-2566/ext. 45, sheckys.com

ADMISSION $115 (includes cocktails, wine and beer), $150 includes VIP cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m.

THE GREAT PIRATE OVERNIGHT

The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum is going to the pirates. Kids ages 6-12, and their families are invited to a sleepover party on Saturday night that includes a pirate-themed scavenger hunt and crafts followed by a pizza dinner and screening of "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" before lights out. A bagel breakfast will be served in the morning. Reservations required.

WHEN | WHERE 6:30 p.m. Saturday to 8:30 a.m. next Sunday,279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor

INFO 631-367-3418, cshwhalingmuseum.org

ADMISSION $48 ($20 per parent)

GO SCOTTISH -- FOR FUN

It could be the closest you'll find yourself to Scotland and its culture. The Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games returns for a daylong outdoor celebration with authentic food and entertainment. Festivities include bagpipers and music and dance with groups such as MacTalla Mor and the Cameron Music Ensemble. Revelers will test their brawn with competitive games such as the caber toss, putting the stone and tossing the sheaf. Vendors will sell Scottish/Celtic novelties and eats ranging from fish and chips to bridies (meat pastry) and traditional desserts.

WHEN | WHERE 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd.

INFO 516-333-0048, oldwestburygardens.org

ADMISSION $15 ($5 ages 7-17)

HEAR DONNY OSMOND

The pop legend is solo, taking a hiatus from his and sister Marie's stint in Las Vegas for his "Donny, Basically Yours" tour that features hits from his preteen years and songs from his latest album.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Thursday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury

ADMISSION $29.50-$69.50

INFO 800-745-3000, livenation.com

RIVERHEAD RAILROAD FESTIVAL

Take a look into Long Island's railroading past -- see three trains in the process of being restored along with operating layouts, the 1964-65 World's Fair LIRR miniature train and other memorabilia on display over the two-day festival. There'll be plenty of food and vendors, too.

WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, next Sunday, Railroad Museum of Long Island, 416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead. Rain or shine.

ADMISSION $8 ($5 ages 5-12)

INFO 631-727-7920, rmli.us

HORROR MOVIE MARATHON

See back-to-back screenings of five vintage horror films, including "Legend of Hell House," "American Werewolf in London" and Kiefer Sutherland in "Freeway" as part of Summer Camp Cinema's All Night Pay-To-Get Out Horror Marathon. Make it through dawn, you'll get an official "Declaration of Ill Health" -- and breakfast.

WHEN | WHERE 11 p.m. Saturday, Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

ADMISSION $25 ($35 to escape before the end)

INFO 800-838-3006, summercampcinema.com

MOTHER CABRINI ITALIAN FEAST

Italy comes to Brentwood for a feast that includes a quarter-mile long food court, music and a midway with rides and games. Not to be missed: the annual zeppole-eating contest at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 3.

WHEN | WHERE 6-11:30 p.m. Friday, continues 3-11:30 p.m. Saturday and 3-11 Sunday, Aug. 28 and Aug. 31-Sept. 5 at Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood-Grant Campus, 1001 Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood

INFO 631-499-6824, mothercabrinifeast.org

ADMISSION Free