Oct. 14 weekly planner: 10 top LI events

1. LI Music Hall of Fame

The red carpet will be rolled out for this year's inductees -- Taylor Dayne, the Lovin' Spoonful, Zebra and others, along with the outdoor venue Nikon at Jones Beach Theater for it's long association with Long Island music history.

The inductees will be formally recognized Thursday during a ceremony at the Paramount -- most are expected to attend. Dee Snider (inducted with Twisted Sister in 2006) will get the Harry Chapin Award for his humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions to the March of Dimes.

2. See Abe's Emancipation Proclamation

3. Stomp the grapes

Think you look like Lucy? Harbes Farm and Vineyard in Mattituck is hosting a Lucille Ball look-alike contest next weekend as part of its harvest festival. To boot, patrons will then be able to get feet-first into wooden barrels and stomp some grapes as a tribute to the memorable "I Love Lucy" episode. There will also be live music, wine tasting and corn-eating contests (1 p.m. both days).

4. See political cartoons

Hofstra's campus is abuzz this week in preparation for Tuesday's presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. You can't get a ticket to see them square off, but consider stopping by to see an exhibit of political cartoons (featuring some by Pulitzer Prize-winning artists, including Newsday's Walt Handelsman) on display in the David Filderman Gallery.

**See Tuesday's exploreLI for debate-watching parties at local restaurants and venues**

5. Whoopi Goldberg

The comedian and co-host of ABC's "The View" takes center stage for a stand-up show at Tilles Center, where she'll share uncensored thoughts on everything from politics to current events. A question-and-answer session with the audience follows.

6. Meet Valerie Bertinelli

The actress and Jenny Craig spokeswoman has a new cookbook, "One Dish at a Time," in which she shares tips on maintaining weight and a collection of Italian recipes from her family. She discusses and signs copies Wednesday at Book Revue in Huntington.

7. Take a test ride

In the market for a new car? Feel first hand how certain sports cars handle in challenging conditions: on a high-speed spin around the Riverhead Raceway. Patrons will get strapped into the passenger seat as race car drivers take the wheel of 2013 models such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Scion FR-S sports car and Ford Mustang ($10 per ride, advance registration required). Also on site: Interested car buyers can take models of various cars, trucks and SUVs on a free spin on slower-speed simulation and off-road courses.

8. New York Day at the track

Thoroughbred horse racing continues at Belmont Park in Elmont. The track celebrates everything Empire State on Saturday, with a showcase of New York wines, artwork and crafts for sale in the grandstand as top horses vie for the Empire Classic trophy.

9. End-of-season gardening workshop

Time to tuck hostas in for a winter's sleep. Learn how to prepare your garden for the cold months at a workshop led by a horticulturist at Old Westbury Gardens. You'll learn how to clean up your garden beds, cut back spent blooms and other tasks that may well ensure a healthier spring bloom.

10. 'Fifty Shades' party

The runaway sensation of the best-selling "Fifty Shades" trilogy has inspired its own night out in a ritzy setting -- the de Seversky Mansion at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. Patrons can enjoy an evening of live music, dancing and dinner. A Christian Grey-inspired "bachelor dance" auction will take place.