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Whoever said the Hamptons is strictly for summer is missing out on all the fun that the crisp days following Tumbleweed Tuesday have to offer. From pumpkin picking to harvest parties and Oktoberfest specials, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the return of autumn on the South Fork.

Here’s what to look forward to in the Hamptons this fall.

Sag Harbor HarborFest

A scene from the Harborfest boat race (Credit: Pamela V. White/Flickr, file photo)

Sag Harbor’s annual HarborFest returns this coming weekend. The two-day event is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, September 8 at locales all over the village in what’s described as “largest block party extending out over the water.”

Some highlights of HarborFest, which is sponsored by Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce, include the arts and crafts fair in Marine Park, the sidewalk sale outside Main Street businesses, visits to village museums, entertainment at Bay Street Theatre and the  Whale Boat Races, which attract large crowds of spectators all along on Long Wharf. Learn more, sagharborchamber.com

This year’s event coincides with the third annual Just Plane Fun Day hosted by the East Hampton Aviation Association at East Hampton Airport on Saturday, Sept. 7. The event showcases classic aircraft, vintage warbirds, modern jets, and many other unique and historically significant airplanes. There will be local food trucks, including Noah’s on the Road, Eat Me Drink Me, Around The Fire and Frostie’s. There’s also a classic car show and raffles. Learn more, hamptonflyers.com


Celebrate harvest season at Wölffer Estate

Grape stomping at Wölffer Estate during the Harvest Party. (Credit: David Benthal)

At the South Fork winery known for its “Summer in a Bottle,” Wölffer Estate Vineyard’s annual Harvest Party has become a staple fall event. Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 12from noon to 5 p.m., guests are invited to wine, dine and dance on the expansive Sagaponack lawn.

The bountiful menu includes dishes by Brooklyn-based, Pan-Latin restaurant Palo Santo and the North Fork’s Rolling in Dough pizza truck. There is also a barrel-rolling contest, grape-stomping and wine relay for adults. Kids are treated to pony rides, a petting zoo, hayrides, arts and crafts, and more.

Additional ways to have fun at the vineyard include Twilight Thursdays every week through the end of September from 5 to 8 p.m. and Candlelight Fridays beginning in October from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunset Saturdays at The Wine Stand will also be extended through October, taking place from 2 to 5 p.m.

Wölffer Estate is located at 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack


Head to Hank’s Pumpkintown

Pick pumpkins straight from the vine at Hank’s Pumpkintown.

You can easily spend the whole day at Hank’s Pumpkintown. The famous Watermill farm is a destination for apple and pumpkin picking, but it’s so much more than u-pick. A corn maze, gem mining and a playground are just some of the ways to keep the kids entertained. The farm market also sells pies baked by Hank’s daughter, hand dipped candy apples, apple cider doughnuts and cider slushies.

Hank’s Pumpkintown is located at 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill


Do brunch at Nick & Toni’s

The brunch menu is extensive at this East Hampton hotspot. (Credit: Nick & Toni’s)

Brunch lovers will want to add this to their bucket list. East Hampton hot spot Nick & Toni’s is stepping up its Sunday brunch game this fall. Starting September 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the restaurant will be serving a menu of classics made with locally sourced ingredients.

Dishes to look forward to are: the Balsam Farms zucchini egg frittata and the oven baked French toast with house-made garden blackberry jam. Another must-try is the DIY Bloody Mary.  Called “The Board,” guests have a choice of liquor, mix, garnishes and condiments. It serves between two and four.

Nick & Toni’s is located at 136 Main Street, East Hampton


Try Asian-inspired cuisine at Highway Restaurant and Bar

Enjoy Asian-inspired fare at Highway Restaurant and Bar.

Relaunching in the fall, the Asian-inspired theme nights are held the second Thursday of the month starting in October. Highway Restaurant will showcase fresh new creations inspired by Thai, Singaporean and Chinese influences. Diners can choose a la carte options including pork dumplings withsesame chili dipping sauce, crispy Long Island duck with hoisin sauce and moo shu pancakes, and Thai ribs with sticky rice and scallions.

Highway Restaurant is located at 290 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton


Celebrate Oktoberfest at Rowdy Hall

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Rowdy Hall.

Rowdy Hall will be converted into a traditional German beer garden for the East Hampton restaurant’s annual Oktoberfest Festival kick off party on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. German snacks will be offered along with beer specials. Look for dishes like knockwurst, bratwurst and wienerschnitzel.

Rowdy Hall is located at 10 Main Street, East Hampton


Lace up for Paws on Parade

Celebrate the pet in your life during the third annual Paws on Parade is taking place Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lace up your shoes and leash up your pet for the 23-minute, one-way walk from Rogers Mansion to the Bathing Corporation beach. The family-friendly event allows participants to explore the grounds of the historic Rogers Mansion. There will also be contests, an agility course, auctions and photo opportunities with Bay Street’s Frankenstein Follies Halloween cast in character. Nearby St. John’s Church will also host its Blessing of the Animals during the event. The cost is $20 for adults, free for children 16 and under or $25 at the gate on the day of the event. Paws on Parade benefits the Southampton Animal Shelter.

Paws on Parade starts at 17 Meeting House Ln, Southampton


Explore the End in the off-season at the 38th annual Montauk Fall Festival

The annual crab races at the Montauk Fall Festival. (Credit: Richard Lewin)

The 38th annual Fall Festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 on the Green across from the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. The Clam Chowder Contest held on Saturday at 11 a.m. is one of the highlights of the weekend. Other attractions include live music, Long Island beers and wine, Oktoberfest foods, a farmers’ market, and more.

Learn more at montaukchamber.com


Apple and pumpkin picking at Milk Pail

Pick your own apples on the South Fork. (Credit: David Benthal)

Fill up on local apples and pumpkins at Milk Pail’s u-pick fields in Water Mill. The farm is open Friday, Saturday and  Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m through October. Pay in cash and get a 5% discount. Don’t leave without one of the super moist apple cider donuts and gallon of apple cider. It is also a great spot to pick up jarred and fresh local goodies as a housewarming present.

For details, milk-pail.com


See a show at the 27th annual Hamptons International Film Festival

A scene from the Just Mercy film. (Credit: Hamptons International Film Festival)

The 27th annual Hamptons International Film Festival returns Columbus Day Weekend with the film Just Mercy opening the 2019 festival with its East Coast Premiere on Thursday, Oct. 10 at Guild Hall. This year’s festival honors legendary director Brian De Palma with a Lifetime Achievement Award. De Palma will also participate in a “A Conversation With…” with festival co-chair Alec Baldwin. Additional programming and films will be announced within the coming weeks. Passes and packages for the 2019 festival will go on sale September 5,and individual tickets will go on sale on October 1.

Learn more, Hamptons International Film Festival.

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