July 24 weekly planner: 10 top LI events

1. Marcum Workplace Challenge

WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jones Beach State Park (parking fields 4 and 5), Wantagh

INFO 516-349-7649, marcumworkplacechallenge .com

COST $25 ($23 advance)

It's one of the biggest running events of the year -- the annual Marcum Workplace Challenge draws thousands of Long Islanders down to Jones Beach on a summer Tuesday evening to run or walk a 3.5-mile course with co-workers and friends. It's a tradition designed to promote fitness but also raise funds for local nonprofits -- this year's beneficiaries are The Long Island Children's Museum, The Children's Medical Fund of New York and Long Island Cares.

"American Idol" contestant and Merrick resident Robbie Rosen will sing the national anthem, while Bethpage native Leslie Segrete, from TLC's "Trading Spaces," will kick off the race.

After the finish, participants gather under tents for post-race refreshments, photos and awards.

2. PUPPET SLAM

This is one puppet show that's not meant for kids. Cinema Arts Centre's adults-only "puppet slam" is a cabaret-style program that involves puppeteers challenging each other on contemporary issues.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Thursday, Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

INFO 631-423-7611, cinemaartscentre.org

ADMISSION$25 (includes two drinks)

3. NKOTB+BSB= 2COOL

The boy bands of the '90s are back in town -- New Kids on the Block and the Backstreet Boys bring their summer tour for a stop at the Coliseum. They'll perform top hits (think "Hangin' Tough" and "I Want it That Way") as well as songs from their solo careers.

WHEN | WHERE 7:30 p.m. next Sunday, Nassau Coliseum

INFO 800-745-3000, nassaucoliseum.com

ADMISSION $36.50-$96.50

4. MEET BERNIE

Former Yankees outfielder turned musician Bernie Williams will sign copies of his new book, "Rhythms of the Game," which discusses how his early interest in music bolstered his major league career.

WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Friday, Book Revue, 313 New York Ave., Huntington

INFO 631-271-1442, bookrevue.com

COST $24.99 for book

5.ARETHA FRANKLIN HITS THE BEACH

Drawing from her roots in gospel music, "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin is best known for rhythm and blues hits from the late '60s hits such as "Respect" and "Baby I Love You." She makes a stop Wednesday for an outdoor concert at Jones Beach.

WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh

INFO 516-221-1000, livenation.com

ADMISSION $29.50-$125

6. ANDREW DICE CLAY

The controversial comedian, known for his outrageous style of shock comedy, makes a two-night appearance at Governor's Comedy Club in Levittown.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Wednesday (sold out), 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Governor's Comedy Club, 90 Division Ave., Levittown

INFO 516-731-3358, govs.com

ADMISSION $55 (plus two-beverage minimum)

7. HIT THE FEAST OF SAINT ROCCO

The spirited outdoor cultural celebration begins with a blessing of the food and Mass and continues with rides, a midway and live music featuring a marching Italian band. Going for the food? You'll find Italian specialities like broccoli rabe, pastries, bracciole and sausage and peppers plus an indoor "Pasta Pavillion."

WHEN | WHERE 6-11 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday and 3-10 p.m. next Sunday, Church of St. Rocco, 18 Third St., Glen Cove

ADMISSION Free ($25 pay-one-price rides)

INFO 516-676-2482

8. PLAY WITH ICE

Rita's "Ice Olympics" in East Islip is a zany way to beat the heat. Family-friendly activities include a frozen T-shirt contest (unwrap a frozen shirt and put it on in the fastest time), a blind taste-test and an ice-eating contest. Festivities benefit Aidan Kelly, a West Islip teen who aspires to compete in the luge Junior Olympics.

WHEN | WHERE 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Rita's, 105 East Main St., East Islip

INFO 631-224-4893, ritaseastislip.com

ADMISSION Free

9. NOFO ROCK AND FOLK FEST

A weekend of outdoor music meets local wine, food, beer, arts and crafts vendors at Peconic Bay Winery's NoFo Rock fest. Headliners include, Foghat, Elvin Bishop, John Sebastian, Commander Cody, Miles to Dayton and many more, Brady Rymer kicks it off with a "Fam Jam" family jamboree on Saturday.

WHEN | WHERE 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-next Sunday, Peconic Bay Winery, 31320 Main Rd., Cutchogue

INFO 631-734-7361, noforockandfolkfest.com

ADMISSION $48 ($80 2-day pass)

10. SHOP SUPER SATURDAY14

The celebrity-studded, one-of-a-kind designer garage sale offers a 30-50 percent discount on fashions by Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman and others, along with facials, manicures, massages, lunch and a children's carnival to benefit Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The East End event is hosted by Kelly Ripa along with designer Donna Karan, editor Ariel Foxman and InStyle Magazine.

WHEN | WHERE 1-6 p.m. Saturday Nova's Ark Project, 30-60 Millstone Rd., Water Mill

INFO 212-759-2800, ocrf.org

ADMISSION $450-$650 ($150 ages 5-16)