First Fridays on Love Lane in Mattituck can be likened to the ultimate neighborhood block party. Community camaraderie runs high as locals and visitors mingle on the merchant-lined, music-filled street for an evening of sipping, shopping and sampling.
The popular event returns for its fifth season Friday, May 3 and runs through October. First Fridays draws hundreds annually, setting itself apart from other festivals on Long Island with its all-local lineup of vendors. All the purveyors are North Fork-based and sell locally made food and craft beverages along with other artisanal provisions.
“We are so excited for First Fridays to come back,” said Dave Perrin, co-owner of Cedar House on Sound B&B and president of the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event. “It is a true showcase of the North Fork.”
During this monthly event, the merchants of Love Lane and Pike Street will stay open a bit later and set up outdoor sampling stations. There will also be food trucks, wine and craft beer tastings, face painting, games, artisanal goods and more. Expect all the previous vendors — including Love Lane Kitchen, The Village Cheese Shop, Lombardi’s Love Lane, North Fork Doughnut Co., In the Attic Too and North Fork Brewing Company — along with newcomers Strong’s Marine, Vintage Mattituck Wine and Spirits and Braun Seafood.
“We get a lot of interest from vendors, but we want to keep it as local as possible when we add businesses,” said Perrin of the goal to keep First Fridays rooted in the community. “It is a great opportunity to meet new people and see old friends. You can’t walk down Love Lane during First Fridays without running in to somebody you know.”
This year’s live music lineup includes Robin Sidor, Unruly Mane, DJ Oh Henry, Points East and Bryce Larsen. There is also a special Battle of the Bands contest scheduled for Friday, June 7, co-hosted by the Southold Town Youth Bureau.
Each event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Love Lane. The street will be closed to traffic for the family-friendly evenings.
Follow along with event updates on Facebook at First Fridays on Love Lane or on Instagram @firstfridaysonlovelane.
