With the Fourth of July upon us, we know you’re busy scheduling your holiday weekend activities. But don’t forget to mark these 10 can’t-miss events on your July calendar – all of which are sure to be a highlight of your North Fork summer.
Dine on lobster at this annual festival
Lobsterfest returns for its 32nd year at a new location on Saturday, July 29 at Veterans Beach in Mattituck. In a joint celebration brought to you by Southold and Greenport’s Rotary Clubs, dig into your choice of lobster or steak as you listen to live music under the stars, performed by The Linden Farm All Stars. Dinner is served from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $60 in advance, $70 at the door and children 12 and under have a choice of a hot dog or hamburger for $10. Don’t miss this summer must-do and purchase your advance tickets here.
Dance in the park
Show off your best dance moves Monday nights during July and August in Mitchell Park at Monday Night Dances in the Park. Concerts begin at 3:30 p.m. and are free to the public. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and chairs. The first concert kicks off on July 3 where you’ll enjoy a performance by Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks. To see a full list of performers check out their website.
Summer BBQ season
To kick off the summer season, Chef John Fraser and his team will combine the elements of fire with culinary and artistry for an immersive dining experience. On Friday, July 14, head to the North Fork Table & Inn for a barbeque on their North Lawn, accompanied by mesmerizing live fire painting performed by renowned Long Island artist Franco Cuttica. The event begins at 6 p.m. and tickets are $150 per person. Book your spot here.
Sing Show Tunes with Broadway Stars
Join the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund for a captivating evening of show tunes sung by real Broadway stars. On Sunday, July 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., sing along to performances by Nick Blaemire, Molly Hager, Van Hughes, Ana Nogueira and musical director Wiley Deweese while relaxing on the lawn of the New Suffolk Waterfront. Indulge in delicious picnic boxes by Minnow at the Galley Ho (available for pre-order here), a selection of wines by McCall Vineyards, beer from Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. and fresh fruit ice pops by Dos Ositos Paletas. Tickets are $55 in advance and $60 on the day of and can be purchased here.
Golden hour by the glass
Finish your workweek sipping wine and listening to live music at Pindar Vineyards. Every Friday starting July 7 through September 15, drink wine by the glass (or the bottle) on the patio and deck as you watch the sunset from the patio and deck of the vineyard. Singer-songwriter Erin Chase kicks off the live music performances at 4 p.m. until Pindar closes at 8 p.m. To find a full list of performers go to their website.
Celebrate a summer staple
On Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 join Harbes Family Farm in their celebration of the arrival of one of the best parts of Long Island summers: sweet corn. Head to the barnyard and challenge yourself to the corn-eating contest which happens twice each day at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, don’t miss tunes by the talented Nick Kerzner, and on Sunday, singer/guitarist Matt Taylor will be performing. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days and tickets are available here for $25.95 per person.
Blast for CAST
CAST is hosting its Fifth Annual Blast for Cast event on Thursday, July 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. The benefit will take place throughout Stirling Square on Main Street in Greenport with abundant hors d’oeuvres and an open bar at American Beech, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company beer, and pizza provided at 1943 Pizza Bar. The HooDoo Loungers will perform, and a silent auction with premium auction items, including one-of-a-kind experiences in food, wine, wellness, and more will be ongoing throughout the event. The Blast for CAST has always sold out, so get your tickets early here.
Downtown Riverhead comes alive
On Friday, July 14, make your way to downtown Riverhead for fun at the annual Alive on 25 series, a walkable, pop-up summer street festival. With live music on multiple stages, a car show, local craft beverages, outdoor dining, Long Island-based artisans, performers and vendors – there’s so much to see and do. This event is free and is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Find more information here.
Celebrate 50 years of North Fork Wine Country
The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council and the North Fork Promotional Council invite you to celebrate 50 years of vineyards on the North Fork. On July 13, 2023, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., taste some of the best wine and food from the North Fork while listening to a string trio and oboe perform classical music. This event, held on the Village Green in Cutchogue, will be part of the 8th edition of the Rites of Spring Music Festival. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.
Opera in the Vines
The beloved annual concert and wine-tasting event returns to Southold’s Duckwalk Vineyards on Saturday, July 22. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., listen as the greatest hits of opera and Broadway are sung by world-class artists in a vineyard setting. This concert will continue the tradition of highlighting famous arias/duets from opera and Broadway showstoppers, plus famous Italian and Neapolitan songs and Spanish favorites. Starring and hosted by the award-winning singer/actor Cristina Fontanelli along with her world-renowned guest tenor Nicolas Simpson and baritone Suchan Kim. The concert will also feature talented young performers carefully chosen from tri-state area high schools and colleges. General admission begins at $25, find more information on their website.