The fourth annual Manhasset Al Fresco, a series of nights out on the town’s Plandome Road, will conclude on Sept. 15 for its fourth and final event of the series bringing a night of family fun for the Manhasset community.
Al Fresco is a series of four events that began on June 23. The events encompass outdoor dining, shopping, and live entertainment on Manhasset’s Plandome Road, which is closed off to traffic during the series.
The final event will be held on North Plandome Road on Sept. 15 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The street will be closed from Webster Avenue/Colonial Parkway to Maple Place/ Hillside Avenue.
Al Fresco is the brainchild of Matthew Donno, who became the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce president in the fall of 2019.
The series started as a way to promote businesses during the pandemic but it has evolved into a newfound Manhasset tradition.
Now that pandemic restrictions no longer exist, Donno said the Al Frescos have now transitioned to a community-style event that still centers around promoting local businesses.
“It started off as a Covid thing, trying to promote the businesses, and now it’s a community event,” chamber co-president Atonietta Manzi said.
Manhasset Al Fresco is hosted by the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce, with a mission to “enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of our community and to promote the general welfare and prosperity of its member businesses.”
The Al Fresco series is sponsored in part by the Town of North Hempstead’s Lift Up Local initiative. This initiative was started after the COVID-19 pandemic to bolster local businesses.
The September Al Fresco will feature entertainment, including a rock climbing wall, a mixology fashion show, an Arena Rock Tribute, Moves & Motions Dance and the Science Museum of Long Island.
Dining will also be offered, including Greens Irish Pub, Publicans, Pita Station, Gino’s of Manhasset, The Whale Tea, Kiko Ramen Manhasset, Carvel and more.
Entertainment is provided for every resident of every age, with games to engage the children, live music performances and a plethora of local eateries where diners can sit right on the street of Plandome Road.
Al Frescos are planned on Sunday evenings, which Donno said is intentional.
Many residents leave for weekend getaways but typically return home by Sunday evening, Donno said. When they return, they now have a fun activity to cap off their weekend.
Residents are invited to gather on North Plandome Road on Sept. 15 to celebrate the final Al Fresco of the year. There will be no parking available on the blocked off street.