Pumpkin picking is a must, but it’s not the only thing to do on the North Fork as the harvest season rolls in. Here are 10 ways to enjoy your October on the North Fork.
Drive into the North Fork TV Festival
The fifth annual North Fork TV Festival will take place on Saturday, October 17 at Castello di Borghese Vineyard in Cutchogue. This year the festival will celebrate the evolution and craft of television by hosting an exclusive drive-in event that includes screenings, talks, and more. Tickets start at $20 per vehicle and are available for purchase here. Visit the website for complete festival events lineup and details.
Design a fall wreath at Sang Lee Farms
There will be two opportunities this month to forage and craft with Way of Wild at Sang Lee Farms. On Friday, October 9 from 3-5 p.m. and Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m.-noon workshop participants will create a seasonal everlasting wreath using fresh and dried flora and foliage foraged from Sang Lee Farms. Workshop tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased here.
Stargaze under the autumn sky
Visit Southold’s Custer Institute for a tour of things that can be seen in the sky throughout October. The sky tour guide will highlight objects that are visible to the naked eye and more. After the session, the ASLI dome on the grounds of Custer Observatory will be open, giving tour attendees a look through the institute’s telescope. The tour is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. Suggested donation $5 per adult and $3 for children under 12. Social distancing rules are in effect. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Kids craft at Downs Farm Preserve with Naturally Curious Children
Join Naturally Curious Children and Group for the East End at Downs Farm Preserve on Sunday, October 18 at noon to make magical nature wands. Children will forage on the property for natural items like sticks, leaves, and flowers then use their nature collection and materials kit to create their own unique nature wand. The project is recommended for ages 2 and up and there is a $5 materials fee. Registration is required and can be done here. Visit @naturallycuriouschildren on Instagram for more information.
Get your pumpkin and craft brew fill
Pumpkin and craft brew weekends will take place every Saturday and Sunday in October at Riverhead’s Garden of Eve Farm. Visit the farm between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to enjoy unlimited access to a mini-pumpkin field, hayrides, pedal karts, a hay tower, farm animals, and more. For the adults, the farm’s brewery will offer craft beer tastings in their beer garden. Certified organic U-pick pumpkins will also be available for purchase. Purchase tickets here.
Attend a dinner party in the vines
If you’ve always dreamed of dining at a vineyard amongst the vines now is your chance. On Monday, October 12 at 6 p.m. North Fork Table and Inn and RGNY are partnering to bring you an autumn evening to remember. Enjoy a cocktail hour with sparkling wine followed by a four-course dinner by North Fork Table & Inn with RGNY wine pairings. For price and ticket information visit the event page here.
Take a private silversmithing workshop
At Greenport’s fine jewelry shop and educational studio, Orenda, you can schedule a private silversmithing workshop for up to four people. This class is the perfect experience if you’re looking to do something special and unique. You’ll be guided through creating a necklace, ring, earrings or bracelet by GIA certified jeweler Alexa Suess on the date and time of your liking. All supplies are included, and no previous metalsmithing skills are necessary. Prices vary based on project type and materials. Visit Orenda’s website to learn more and to book your class.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Green Hill Kitchen
On Saturday, October 10 from 1-6 p.m. head to Greenport’s Green Hill Kitchen to enjoy German fare including bratwurst with sauerkraut, giant warm Bavarian pretzels, Steckerlfisch, and more. Drink specials will be provided by Warsteiner and Bedell Cellars. The event will be MC’d by Bavaria’s own Alex von Salad.
Volunteer on a horse farm
Spend some me volunteering on a working equine rescue farm. Spirits Promise Equine Rescue in Riverhead accepts volunteers for two daily barn duty shifts. Morning duties, from 9 a.m. to noon, include preparations for opening the barn, breakfast for all animals, collecting and washing bowls, haltering, walking horses to pastures, letting the chickens and ducks out, collecting hay bags and more. Afternoon shifts, from noon to 4 p.m., involve walking horses for the evening, locking in the chickens and ducks, feeding the animals dinner, helping with coops and more. Advance online registration is required and a one-hour orientation, offered every Sunday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., is mandatory for new volunteers. For more details, visit their website here.
Get spooky with Long Ireland Beer Company
Celebrate Halloween at downtown Riverhead’s Long Ireland Beer Company on Friday, October 30 from 6-10 p.m. Participate in a costume contest, enjoy seasonal beer, beer slushies, a food truck, and watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show from your own private table. Table reservations are required and there is a $50 minimum tab per table. More info here. Call 631-403-4303 to book your table before the event sells out.
