Oct. 7 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events

1. Long Island Auto Show

In the market for a new car? Browse the latest models -- without the sales pressure -- at the Coliseum's indoor expo. More than 150 new car models for 2013 will be on the floor. Reps from auto companies will explain features, field questions and, in some cases, organize test drives.

Among the highlights: the new 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, said to be the fastest car the company has ever produced; the 2013 hybrid Prius C, which is said to get 53 mpg in city driving -- and the super-sporty new Scion FR-S, making its debut at the show.

2. Oyster Festival

It's the granddaddy of all festivals on Long Island -- the two-day Oyster Festival takes over Oyster Bay next weekend, spotlighting local seafood as well as maritime history, crafts and live music. At 2 p.m. Saturday, eat or shuck the most and you'll win a prize. Stop by the waterfront to see tall ships such as the Peacemaker, besides Oyster Bay's own historic Christeen. Good to know: There's free shuttle bus service to the fest from the Syosset LIRR station -- it's a saner way to reach the heart of the festival.

3. Sandra Bernhard

The sassy comedian brings her outrageous humor and one-woman show, "I Love Being Me, Don't You?" to kick off the fall season at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington -- backed by a live band.

4. Fancy birdhouses

Lucky birds -- more than 80 artists have crafted single and multifamily birdhouse designs that will give feathered friends a high-end avian address. See the one-of-a-kind creations noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Peter Marcelle Gallery in Bridgehampton -- and stick around as they're auctioned to benefit the Coalition for Women's Cancers at Southampton Hospital.

5. Richard Belzer

You might recognize him as John Munch, the conspiracy theory-oriented detective from NBC's "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit." The actor and comedian will come to Cinema Arts Centre for a career retrospective that includes a screening of his favorite episode of the TV series plus an array of film and comedy act clips. Following the screenings, he'll sit for a Q-and-A session and a signing of his recent book, "Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country's Most Controversial Cover-Ups."

6. Design Wars

The fashion-forward students at Nassau Community College put their design talents to the test Friday afternoon for a fall show at Roosevelt Field, where they'll send creations down the runway and compete for prizes. It's part of an all-day event at the mall that also includes a "Trends and Friends" night, 6-8:30 p.m., with fashion shows and hors d'oeuvres.

7. Canning 101

Savor this year's crops and learn the basics of canning and preserving fresh fruits during a hands-on workshop that's driven by the United States Department of Agriculture's safety guidelines. All materials will be provided, including jars, boiling pots, fresh produce and fruit.

8. Political film classics

In honor of the presidential election season, Adelphi University is presenting the "Big Screen Politics" film series -- this week's feature is "Wag the Dog," a political comedy starring Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman about campaign professionals covering up the sexual indiscretions of a presidential candidate.

9. Boxing in Westbury

Pro boxing comes to NYCB Theatre at Westbury Saturday night for a junior welterweight bout between the undefeated Issouf Kinda (defending his New York State title) and former world title challenger "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis.

10. Olympics -- for Basset Hounds

The lovable long-eared breed has its own annual competition in Wantagh -- and yes, medals are awarded. See the dogs compete in sprint, hurdle, high jump and an obstacle course. The fundraising event benefits the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue and includes basset-themed merchandise, raffles and a bake sale.