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September welcomes the unofficial end of summer. Tumbleweed Tuesday may be on the horizon — but there is no sign of slowing down on the North Fork. Fall is harvest season. It’s a time for apple and pumpkin picking and leisurely hikes as we anticipate the changing of the leaves from crisp green to golden hues.
Here are 10 ways to celebrate the end of summer and the start of fall on the North Fork and Shelter Island.
Art, Oysters & Champagne
The New Suffolk Waterfront Fund is bringing back its popular Art, Oysters & Champagne fundraiser on the lawn at Case’s Place in New Suffolk Sunday, Sept. 2.
Guests can look forward to an evening of fresh local oysters, hors d’oeuvres and North Fork champagne and wine. Artwork by local artists will also be auctioned off during the event.
Advanced tickets are $85 and can be purchased here. Tickets are $95 at the door. All proceeds from the event go toward the continuing revitalization of the New Suffolk waterfront.
End of Summer Celebration and Fireworks Show
Peconic Landing will throw its seventh annual end of summer celebration and fireworks show on Sunday, Sept. 2. The free event attracts hundreds so get there early to secure your spot on the lawn with a blanket and chairs. The 20-minute fireworks display, sponsored by the retirement community, will begin at 8:15 p.m.
A rain date is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. For more information visit peconiclanding.com.
The North Fork TV Festival
The North Fork TV Festival returns Thursday, Sept. 6 with a lineup that will please silver screen lovers and foodies alike. In addition to the screenings, the festival features an industry panel brunch on Friday, Sept. 7 at The Halyard Restaurant at Sound View; an opening night party sponsored by northforker on Sept. 7 at Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. in Peconic; and an Oyster Season kickoff party on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Greenport American Legion.
There will also be an actors panel discussing what it is like to work in the television industry on Sept. 8.
See the full lineup and get tickets here.
North Fork Foodie Tour
Chart your own course for a day filled with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the North Fork food industry. Learn about artisanal foods, wines and sustainable agriculture from local business owners and experts. And sample them, too!
The event is Sunday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults; free for children under 12.
For tickets and details, northforkreformsynagogue.org, 631-722-5712 or purchase on tour day at any Foodie Tour location.
Pick apples at Woodside Orchards
Pumpkins aren’t the only good pickings this fall! Locally grown apples will be making their way to farmstands around the North Fork by mid-September.
At Woodside Orchards in Aquebogue, you can head into the barn afterward and enjoy cider donuts, fresh-baked goods and hard cider. U-pick is slated to start Sept. 20, but be sure to call (631) 722-5770 ahead of time for availability.
East End Maritime Festival Land & Sea Gala
Get on your party shoes. The 29thannual East End Maritime Festival kicks off with the Land & Sea Gala on Friday, Sept. 21. The cocktail party features a bevy of local restaurants. There is also plenty of dancing.
The festival continues through Sunday with craft vendors, music, activities for children and families, local produce and seafood, wines and craft beer.
For details, eastendmaritimefestival.org or greenportvillage.com.
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.
Long Island Fresh Hop Festival
(Photo credit: Krysten Massa)
Sample some of Long Island’s finest breweries during the third annual Fresh Hop Festival on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Riverhead. You’ll have the chance to 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, yes, 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 $45 and are on sale now at lifreshhopfestival.com.
Stroll on the Sound
Take advantage of the less humid weather with a leisurely nature walk around the diverse habitats in Hallock State Park. Explore along the fields to woodlands to the rocky shore of Long Island Sound with a guide from Group for the East End.
The family-friendly informative stroll is from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For reservations or more information, please contact Steve Biasetti at 631-765-6450 ext. 205 or [email protected].
Slow Food East End Community Potluck Supper
The folks at Slow Food East know good local fare when they see it, and they are more than happy to share. The non-profit’s biggest potluck supper is also a time to learn about its mission of promoting good, clean and fair food that is grown locally — and dig in to some of the bounty.
Members and non-members are invited to join the free potluck on Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Quinipet Camp & Retreat Center on Shelter Island. Guests are required to bring an appetizer, main course, side dish or dessert to share. The dish must be made with local ingredients from the garden, CSA, or local farm stand or market.
Need help choosing a dish? Click here to use their Perfect Potluck website. You can see what other guests are bringing. Make reservations here.
