March 18 weekly planner: 10 top LI events

1. Circus elephant walk

When the circus comes to town, so do the animals -- namely, the elephants. In what's become an annual tradition, the Long Island Children's Museum is hosting an evening viewing party on Monday for kids of all ages to watch the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey elephants parade from the circus train to the Coliseum, where they'll perform several shows later this week.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with circus-themed activities around the museum, including clown noisemaker and acrobat spinner crafts, making edible elephant snacks and juggling. Later on, attendees will be invited to go outside to watch the animals pass by.

2. Woodward and Bernstein -- at Hofstra

3. Rock Legends Live!

Film collector and archivist Bill Shelley screens and discusses rare footage of Bob Dylan and The Band as part of the "Rock Legend Live!" series at the Cinema Arts Centre. The films include tour and rehearsal footage from a 1966 tour when Dylan and The Band began their collaboration and continues with Dylan's convalescence from a motorcycle accident. A reception with Shelley follows the screening.

4. Herbie Hancock

The multi-Grammy-winning performer has a career that spans five decades. Herbie Hancock comes to the stage at the Tilles Center, bringing his band and performing songs from his most recent album, "The Image Project," which he recorded around the world.

5. Casino night benefit

Make a friendly wager to benefit Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor. The venue's Casino Night fundraiser grants patrons $200 in "Bay Street Bucks" to play at game tables including roulette, poker and blackjack. The top three overall winners will get prizes.

6. 'Taste of Northport'

The Northport Historical Society is hosting a novel series of dinner parties this year to mark its 50th anniversary. On Wednesday, join them at the historic Tim's Shipwreck Diner, where a chili dinner with all the trimmings will be served as the group learns about the history of the diner with owner Tim Hess. Reservations required.

7. Fly Casting 101

Learn all about using fly reels, rods and lines to catch fish at a casting clinic offered Saturday morning by the Long Island chapter of Trout Unlimited. You'll see a fly tying demonstration and learn techniques for safety and conservation. Bring your own equipment and stick around afterward to try fly fishing for trout in the Connetquot River.

Reservations required.

8. Fresh Beat Band

Could they be the next "big" thing for the pre-K set? Kiki, Marina, Twist, and Shout, aka The Fresh Beats, are the stars of Nickelodeon's "Nick Jr." They make their way to NYCB Theatre at Westbury for a pair of sold-out shows where they'll perform top hits such as "Here We Go," "A Friend Like You" and "Just Like a Rockstar."

9. Springtime

The first day of spring is Tuesday -- celebrate at an evening tower tour at the Fire Island Lighthouse that includes a climb up the 182 steps of the historic landmark to catch a view of the island as the sun goes down. After the climb, explore the grounds and the newly opened Lens Building that houses the lighthouse's original 1858 Fresnel lens.

10. Dune Project

Calling all volunteers . . . the Town of Oyster Bay begins the spring process of planting dune grass as a natural barrier against storm surges and high winds during severe weather -- and needs extra hands. Join them Saturday morning at Tobay Beach in Massapequa, where there will be coffee, hot chocolate, clam chowder and doughnuts to keep volunteers fortified.