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Sunflowers for sale. (Credit: Krysten Massa)

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August marks the last full month of summer so it’s time to pack in as much fun as possible before it’s back to reality.

These 10 things to do will help you enjoy the North Fork summer experience to the fullest before brisker temperatures usher in falling leaves and pumpkin-everything season.

We look forward to seeing you out there.

The annual Barn Dance at Hallockville

Hallockville Barn Dance

The yearly fundraiser for the non-profit Hallockville Museum Farm is a North Fork summer staple. Enjoy live traditional music and learn the dance steps in the historic Naugles Barn. Food truck and beverages will be available for cash purchase. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4. Bring picnic blankets or folding chairs, as seating will be limited.

For details, hallockville.com.

Tanger Weekend Festival

Watch a professional create a large-scale sand sculpture and learn techniques to build one yourself at the Tanger Weekends Summer Festival on Sunday, Aug. 5. The family friendly afternoon — the third in a series of seasonal events from Tanger Outlets and northforker — is set for noon at the outlet center in Riverhead. Andy Gertler of Sand Sculpt U.S.A/All Natural Arts will headline the festival, which will also feature beer from North Fork Brewing Co., food from the Eat Me Drink Me food truck, a rock climbing wall and more.

Perseid Meteor Shower viewing at Custer

Custer Observatory. (Credit: Annette DeGiovine-Oliveira)

The Perseid Meteor Shower will be lighting up the night sky in mid-August. This year, during its peak, people should see about 60 to 70 meteors per hour. Find out how many you can count at Custer Observatory in Southold on Saturday, Aug. 11 starting at 7 p.m. The viewing party also features a presentation about the meteor shower. You don’t need a telescope to catch a glimpse. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, snacks and bug spray, and get comfortable on Custer’s lawn.

Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race

A scene from the 2015 Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

Ready your duct tape! The Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race on the Peconic Riverfront is setting sail again on Saturday, August 11. The free event attracts hundreds to the dock to cheer on the duct-taped vessels. Get there early to secure your spot on the waterfront. The event starts at 9 a.m.

Register here.

Polish Town Street Fair & Polka Festival

The Polish Town Fair and Festival in Riverhead. (Credit: Cyndi Murray)

Get immersed in Riverhead’s Polish heritage at the annual Polish Fair on Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug. 19. Vendors with arts, crafts, ethnic foods, exhibit and more will line Pulaski and Lincoln streets in downtown Riverhead for the two-day festival. There will also be live music, performances and polka dancing.

For details polishtowncivicassociation.org.

Tomato Taste-Off at Garden of Eve

Heirloom tomatoes at Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market. (Credit: Vera Chinese)

‘Tis the season for juicy North Fork tomatoes. Taste 20 locally grown organic varieties of heirloom and traditional tomatoes at the Tomato Taste-Off at Garden of Eve in Riverhead on Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19. The weekend of activities also features rotten-tomato throwing, u-pick tomatoes and the opportunity to make your own salsa.

Cutchogue Fire Department Barbecue

Cutchogue Fire Department BBQ
The Cutchogue Fire Department Chicken Barbecue. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

Many fire departments host annual barbecue fundraisers, but none are quite like the one that the Cutchogue Fire Department serves. Tickets go fast so we suggest getting some as soon as possible. Phone orders can be made to the firehouse at 631-734-6907. Tickets are $25 and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This year’s barbecue is Saturday, Aug. 25.

For details, cutchoguefiredept.org.

Expert wine tasting at 18 Bay

The master class setup. (Corkbuzz courtesy photo)

New York City wine bar Corkbuzz Restaurant and Wine Studio is teaming up with James Beard nominated 18 Bay on Shelter Island for master wine tasting classes throughout the month of August. Corkbuzz owner Laura Fiorvanti is one of 33 women in the world to earn the Master Sommelier accreditation, and is sharing her expert tips every Sunday at the Shelter Island restaurant from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Each wine class features tastings of eight wines as well as a plate of house-made ricotta and bread. The first class in August is on Sunday the 5th and features Italian wines. For tickets more information, corkbuzz.com/corkbuzz-shelterisland.

Sound to Bay 5K and 10K

The Sound to Bay 10K and 5K race. (Credit: Daniel De Mato)

The Sound to Bay 10K kicks off in Jamesport at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. The Jamesport Fire Department sponsored event consists of two races: a 10K that travels from the Long Island Sound to Peconic Bay and a 5K through South Jamesport. Preregistration is $25, while registration is $30 the day of the race. T-shirts are available while supplies last and there will be a post-race raffle and award ceremony.

Register here.

Pints, Flights and Trivia Night

Gather your smartest friends and head down to Jamesport Farm Brewery for local craft beer and trivia. Test your knowledge over a brew while you try to win prizes. The recurring event happens every Monday starting at 6 p.m. at the Jamesport tasting room.

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