Oct. 21 weekly Planner: Top 10 Long Island events

1. Nets vs. Knicks preseason game

Basketball fans get a rare chance to root for their favorite local team. The Brooklyn Nets -- who once called Long Island home -- take on the Knicks for a preseason game at the Nassau Coliseum. Look for Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and newcomer Jason Kidd on the court versus Nets such as Deron Williams and Kris Humphries.

The game marks the Nets' final preseason game before their home opener (Nov. 1, also against the Knicks) of the inaugural season at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

2. Newsday Marching Band Festival

It's the biggest high school marching band show of the year -- and a tradition that's been going 50 years. Several dozen schools take the field Tuesday to Thursday nights at Hofstra's James Shuart Stadium to present spirited performances marked by synchronized formations and colorful uniforms -- plus added flair from drum lines, dance troupes and color guards.

*For more on what you'll see at the show, see tomorrow's exploreLI**

3. 'Price Is Right' live

Put your name tag on and try your luck at the touring version of "The Price Is Right" hosted by Todd Newton. Audience members have a chance to play such games as Plinko, Cliffhangers, Bonkers and others -- while keeping their eye on a chance to spin the Big Wheel or go all the way and bet on the showcase. Ticket holders can register three hours before showtime for a chance to be a contestant.

4. Sky Blu

You'll get to see the party rocker and grandson of Motown founder Berry Gordy perform solo in Huntington. The Grammy-nominated performer plays the Paramount as half of the rap duo LMFAO.

5. Gold Coast International Film Festival

Get the popcorn ready and take advantage of the weeklong festival -- which starts tomorrow -- that includes a showcase of independent, feature and short films from around the world, along with filmmaker panels and Q&A's. Highlights include screenings of Edward Burns' latest film, "A Fitzgerald Family Christmas" on Thursday, and "Quartet," directed by Dustin Hoffman, on Saturday. Free filmmaker panels include a conversation with Hollywood agent Budd Burton Moss, a master class with Oscar-winning animator Bill Plympton and "The Making of an Indie Film: A to Z" with writer and director Louis Guerra of the Showtime series, "Homeland."

6. Food and Craft Artisans' Market

An assembly of artisans fill The Village at the Milleridge Inn with direct-from-producers baked goods, homemade pretzels, fine preserves and skin care items. Inspired by the Dutch name for Long Island, Lange Eylandt Market focuses on the Island's heritage through it's regional crafts and food products.

7. Drawing workshop with Olivia

"Saving the Gulf" teen artist Olivia Bouler will conduct a Halloween-themed class for ages 5-10 on how to draw "spooky" birds in pencil and watercolor -- materials will be provided. Stick around for a meet-and-greet after the class, when Bouler will sign copies of her book.

8. Elton John -- on the screen

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Elton John's early career (1969-79), when the rock icon was turning out gold and platinum albums such as "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Film archivist Bill Shelley of Freeport shows his personal stock of rare concert clips and footage.

9. EDM at the Coliseum

Electronic dance music makes its (big) debut at Nassau Coliseum Saturday with "All Mixed Up," a party featuring DJs Sebastian Ingrosso (from Swedish House Mafia-fame) along with Alesso and Otto Knows. The threesome will play their latest music and remixes complemented by laser beams and pyrotechnic shows. Costumes encouraged.

10. Long Beach Restaurant Week

More than 60 eateries in Long Beach are running prix fixe meal deals for $19.99 or less as part of the city's restaurant week. Go elegant at a spot like the Atlantica at the Allegria Hotel -- or keep it casual with a bite at The Beach House.