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Long Island Cheese Pumpkins for sale at Bayview Market & Farm (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Fall is arguably the best time of the year on the North Fork. There is an abundance of ways to welcome the season hallmarked by crisp air, colorful foliage and, yes, pumpkin spice.

Here are five fall and harvest-themed festivals to get you ready for autumn. (And as a bonus we threw in a South Fork winery option, as well.)

The Garlic Festival will be hosted at Garden of Eve Organic Farm. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market’s Garlic Festival

The only Long Island festival dedicated to all things garlic is at Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market in Riverhead. The two-day event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 16 from 10 a m. to 6 p.m. Rain or shine.

The celebration of food, farming and family fun features vendors sampling and selling organic garlic, a wide variety of garlic inspired foods, crafts, live music and — for the brave —a garlic eating contest.

Get more information here.

Fall fun at Wildwood.

Wildwood Fall Festival
The 25th annual Fall Festival at Wildwood State Park in Wading River returns on Saturday, Sept. 22. The event features craft vendors, live entertainment and refreshments. There is also plenty for the kids to do.

All activities are free and include children’s games, wagon rides, pony rides, petting zoo, funny photos, inflatables, build a scarecrow contest and pumpkin weight raffle.

Visit parks.ny.gov for more information.

Hops at Jamesport Farm Brewery. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

Long Island Fresh Hop Festival

Sample Long Island craft brews during the third annual Fresh Hop Festival on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Riverhead. Participants can taste versions of fresh hop beers alongside the traditional version of the same beer.

Brewers will be there to explain how their creations came to life. And local pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest styles will be on tap too.

There will also be live music and food from Christopher Michael Catering. The Fresh Hop Festival will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at LI Hops located at 5873 Sound Avenue. Tickets are on sale now at lifreshhopfestival.com.

country fair riverhead

Riverhead Country Fair

One of the largest festivals in all of New York State, the Riverhead Country Fair celebrates our region’s rich agricultural heritage and will feature displays and competitions, live music, vendors and family-friendly entertainment.

This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the Riverhead Country Fair, which will take place Sunday, Oct. 7, along the Peconic Riverfront, Main Street and Peconic Avenue in downtown Riverhead.

Take time to enjoy the works of artists, agricultural and homemaking displays along with competitions, local merchants, food, amusement rides and pony rides.

For more information visit, riverheadcountryfair.com.

Mini pumpkins for sale at Krupski Farms in Peconic. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Wading River Fall Fest and Zombie Walk

Get into the Halloween spirit during the Fall Fest and Zombie Walk hosted by the Wading River-Shoreham Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Oct. 13. The day kicks off with a “Zombie Walk” — a costume parade for children, dogs and anyone who wants to dress up.

The parade of people, floats and antique cars will start at the Wading River Elementary School at 10 a.m. and proceed north on Wading River Manor Road to the downtown duck ponds where vendors will line the street.

There will be fall festivities, including food, crafts, pumpkin carving, apples and more.Participants are encouraged to dress up as a zombie or decorate a float. Prizes will be given for best costume, best float and best zombie.

For more information, visit wadingrivershorehamchamber.com, or write to [email protected].

A shot from a fall day at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. (Credit: David Benthal)

Wölffer Estate annual Harvest Party 2018

Mark your calendars for Wölffer Estate’s annual Harvest Party on Saturday, Oct. 6 from noon to 5 p.m.

The Sagaponack winery is celebrating its 30thanniversary and the start of the fall season on the expansive lawn of the estate. Sip Wölffer wines and ciders and challenge yourself to partake in the barrel rolling, grape stomping and winemaking relay competitions.

Palo Santo, Rolling in the Dough and Fresh Flavors are serving up savory dishes — and there is plenty for the kids too. The vineyard will have pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides and more during the event.

Tickets and information available here.

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