As the 50th anniversary of the moon landing approaches Saturday, Long Island has much to celebrate, given locally based Grumman Corp.’s leading role in building the lunar module.
Related Story: Long Islanders Recall Leading Role in Moon Landing
This weekend, Long Islanders of all ages can get a chance to remember and learn about the first moon landing, with events all over the island, from Centerport to Garden City and places in between.
APOLLO AT 50 FEST
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with astronaut encounters, a countdown, Apollo 11 documentary screening, virtual reality experiences, model rocket launches, telescopes, Lunar Module exhibit and simulators, and much more! Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City, cradleofaviation.org 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 20.
MOON LANDING CELEBRATION
The museum rolls out special Apollo-centric programming July 15-21 including Apollopalooza, with activities for kids ages 3 and older centred around the milestone mission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City, licm.org $14. 12-3 p.m. July 20.
CRADLE OF AVIATION DINNER
After the family friendly activities of the day, adults can celebrate the moon landing with dinner, dancing, and champagne, the night ending with the countdown to the official first step at 10:56 P.M. Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City, cradleofaviation.org $125.7 p.m. July 20.
MOON LANDING CELEBRATION CONCERT
The Long Island Concert Orchestra and a live chorus present out-of-this-world works from Star Wars, 2001: A Space Odyssey, E.T., Star Trek, and more, set against cinematic space-scapes from NASA archives and Apollo missions. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main St., Patchogue, patchoguetheatre.org $25-$55. 3 p.m. July 21.
MOON LANDING PROGRAM
Together, the Montauk Observatory and Stony Brook University present a five-hour event, complete with lecture from SBU professor Timothy Glotch, a Grumman Roundtable discussion, the screening of the documentary Apollo 11, and more. Avram Theater, Stony Brook University (Southampton Campus), 239 Montauk Highway, Southampton, eventbrite.com Free. 1 p.m.-6 p.m. July 20.
CAPRICORN ONE
In this movie from 1978, Capricorn One is the first manned mission to Mars — or was it a conspiracy all along? This showing also features food, beverages, and prizes, with a bonus mix CD for early attendees. Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington, cinemaartscentre.org $5-$7. 10 p.m. July 20.
MOON LANDING CELEBRATION
Programs include a presentation by a Grumman design engineer who worked on the Lunar Module that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon; a live Planetarium lecture; space-themed craft workshops for children, and viewings of a new documentary, CapCom Go! The Apollo Story. 180 Little Neck Road,
Centerport, vanderbiltmuseum.org $11-$14. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 20, 12-5 p.m. 21.
