Get ready to get your groove on. Plans are underway to bring a 10-hour music festival to life on the Peconic riverfront in Riverhead next month.
The PCB Beer & Music Fest is set for Saturday, Sept. 10 from noon to 10 p.m. at Grangebel Park along the Peconic River in downtown Riverhead.
The inaugural festival is being organized by Jeff Schaeffer, who owns Peconic County Brewing on East Main Street.
“I really think Riverhead has a lot more to offer than people realize,” Schaeffer said. “I wanted to create a fun event that can highlight the downtown and leave people with a memorable event that they could look forward to year after year.”
The event will feature performances from six Long Island bands: Oogee Wawa, a reggae, pop punk and hip-hop band; The Fast Lane (Eagles tribute band); Decadia (70’s, 80’s, 90’s classics and current hits); The 90’s Band; South Bound (country and classic rock); and vocalist Jill Gioia.
Peconic County Brewing will serve its craft beer and operate a food and beverage concession stand from the park’s historic brick pump house and ticket holders can also shop from a variety of artisan and merchandise vendors or participate in activities like ax throwing with Alpha Axes.
Bracelets issued at the gates will also allow guests to leave and re-enter the festival throughout the day as part of an effort to increase foot traffic and commerce throughout the downtown area.
The music festival will coincide with the next showing of Reflextions, an after-dark, interactive public art exhibit within the park. It features outdoor sculptures and light art featuring LED, incandescent, fire, blacklight, day glow and photoluminescent displays.
Kristy Verity, the executive director of Riverhead’s Business Improvement District said she’s excited to partner with Schaeffer to bring the festival to life and “activate Grangebel Park in a way that has not been done before.”
It’s been several years since a music festival was held in downtown Riverhead, which used to host a popular longtime Blues Festival. Last fall, the Riverhead BID also hosted its first-ever Oktoberfest in Grangebel Park.
“The PCB Fest perfectly aligns with Riverhead’s goals for downtown revitalization and agritourism. Our breweries have been doing a phenomenal job of connecting the hop industry to local arts and culture, bringing back the soul of Riverhead that was lost for some time,” Verity said. “We can see and feel our social fabric strengthening, widely inspiring the work we do.”
The music event comes after Schaffer and his team recently celebrated their one-year anniversary with a 90’s themed bash in March. After several years of planning, the brewery opened the doors to the sprawling 6,500 square foot space during the pandemic in February 2021 with a large bar area, kitchen, retail and brewing space. Their deck has become a popular outdoor destination to enjoy a drink overlooking the Peconic River.
“After spending time in the beautiful Grangebel Park I thought if I was able to combine that scene with great music, PCB beer and food, we would make one killer event,” said Schaeffer. “We brought in Long Island’s best local bands and we are ready to rock!”
WHAT TO KNOW:
The PCB Fest will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 from noon to 10 p.m. at Grangebel Park in Riverhead. The festival is open to all ages and general admission tickets are $40. There is a $10 add-on option for those ages 21+ to enjoy an exclusive PCB craft beer tasting from noon to 2 p.m.
The rain date for the event is Sunday, Sept. 11.
Tickets are available now at peconiccountybrewing.com and for more information on sponsorship and vendor opportunities, inquire with Vee Media.
