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Welcome to the official summer season on the North Fork. July brings so much to offer from farm-fresh bounty to waterfront concert events. Here are some of the best ways to experience it all.
Dances in the Park
Grab your dancing shoes! Dances in the Park is back. The popular Monday night concert series features a different musical performance each week from July 8 through Aug. 26. The free concerts start at 7:30 p.m., but be sure to get there early with a blanket and chairs in-hand. July’s acts include No Request Band, Cravin Band, That Motown Band and Winston Irie.
Carnaval at Sparkling Pointe
A taste of Rio de Janeiro culture will once again take over Sparkling Pointe on Saturday, July 20 with the 10th Carnaval.
The event features Brazilian dancers and musicians who emerge from the vineyard for song and dance numbers throughout the day. The drums can be heard in the distance as they work their way toward the crowd of cheering guests. The parade marches into the tasting room where a larger performance takes place and finishes with the crowd joining in and creating one big dance party.
Of course, the winery’s signature sparkling varieties will be available throughout the event, which runs from 1 p.m to 6 p.m.
Wine club members can reserve tables in advance at sparklingpointe.com.
Moonlight & Country on the New Suffolk waterfront
Enjoy an evening of down-home country food with the moonlight over the Peconic Bay as a backdrop. The popular New Suffolk Waterfront Fund event is scheduled for Saturday, July 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening features live music, an auction and a country-themed dinner. Proceeds go to the continuing revitalization and maintenance of the waterfront property, which is open to the public. Visit newsuffolkwaterfront.org for more information.
Summer Rosé & Bubbly Fest at RGNY
The recently opened Riverhead winery is offering a chance to taste rosé and sparkling wines from more than 25 wineries while sampling farm-to-table cheeses, charcuterie and craft foods from local makers. The event is being held on Saturday, July 20. Dress code is summer-chic and pink and there will be dancing on the lawn.
Tickets start at $59. For details visit eventbrite.com/summer-rose-bubbly-fest-tickets.
Family Fun Day at Spirit’s Promise
The equine rescue facility is hosting an afternoon of family fun at its Riverhead farm. There will be games, vendors, a food truck, tours of the farm and line dancing lessons in the barn. The event is Sunday, July 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets, which can be purchased at the door, are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. All proceeds benefit the horses. Visit spiritspromiserescue.org.
Wednesday night cookouts at The Pridwin
Each Wednesday in July and August, the Shelter Island hotel and restaurant serves up an all-you-can-eat menu of summertime seafood and barbecue favorites. Think steamed clams and mussels, grilled tuna and chicken, spare ribs and Kobe beef ribs, plus hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob and a variety of salads and desserts. The cookout runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with live music from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Customers can come by land or by sea (dock space is available on a first-come, first-served basis). Call ahead for reservations at 631-749-0476.
Sounds of Summer music series at Strong’s Water Club
Strong’s Water Club kicks off its annual summer music series Saturday, July 6 with Billy Joel tribute band Angry Young Men. The family-friendly event encourages dancing on the waterfront lawn. This year, there will be also local vendors on hand.
The three-part concert series continues on Saturday, August 3 with the band Endless Summer, and on Saturday, August 31 with Brass and Beyond.
Each concert benefits a charity: Freedom Fighters Outdoors, Cornell Coop Marine Extension and the Surfrider Foundation. There is a suggested donation of $10, the sets begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m.
Shelter Island Black & White Benefit
If you have not made it to Shelter Island in a while this charitable event is the perfect reason to hop on the ferry. The Shelter Island Historical Society’s signature fundraising event is now in its seventh year. Look forward to an evening of cocktails, dinner by Noah’s restaurant, dancing, a silent auction and more.
The fundraiser is Saturday, July 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Havens Barn and Grounds on Shelter Island. Get your tickets here.
Southold-Greenport Rotary Club Lobsterfest
Break out the bibs and butter. The annual Lobsterfest hosted by the Southold-Greenport Rotary is one of the North Fork’s most beloved summertime activities. It takes place on Saturday, July 27 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Wharf House at Founders Landing in Southold and raises money for projects that benefit the community.
Guests will have their choice between lobster or steak. Side dishes include steamed mussels, baked potato, corn on the cob, cole slaw and watermelon plus children can enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs. You can get it to stay or to go — but it’s more fun to stay and enjoy the view and live music. Tickets are $55 for adults; $7 for children 10 and under.
For details and tickets; greenportrotary.net.
Annual Barn Dance Fundraiser
Typically held in August, the yearly fundraiser for the non-profit Hallockville Museum Farm is a North Fork summer staple scheduled for Saturday, July 27. Enjoy live traditional country 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. rain or shine. Bring picnic blankets or folding chairs, as seating will be limited. Tickets can be purchased at hallockville.com.
