There’s so much to do on the North Fork, it can be hard to decide on an activity on any given day. This curated guide can help you make this a summer to remember.
JUNE
Colors cascade through the first month of summer, from strawberry red to a rainbow of pride.
7
Have tea in a historic barn
ANNUAL SPRING TEA
(Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead)
Don a lovely hat and have tea in the historic Naugles Barn at Hallockville Museum Farm. In addition to sweet and savory bites, there’s an auction for handmade items. $45, register at hallockville.org.
10
Tee up for a good cause
ELIH FOUNDATION ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
(Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, 12 Dinah Rock Road, Shelter Island Heights)
The annual golf tournament raises money for the ELIH Foundation, the fundraising arm of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. Tee times are first come, first served beginning at 7:30 a.m. through 2:15 p.m. $450 includes breakfast, barbecue lunch and raw bar and dinner. Visit elihfoundation.org for more.
12–16
Paint the town red … with strawberries
MATTITUCK LIONS CLUB STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
(Strawberry Fields, 1105 North Road, Mattituck)
The annual Strawberry Festival attracts both This beloved annual event kicks off with a community strawberry locals and visitors alike. hulling night, followed by a county fair-style weekend of rides, games, local food trucks and artisan vendors, shortcake-eating contest and, of course, the crowning of the Strawberry Queen. Tickets are $10, free for kids under 5, and free for dads on Father’s Day (June 16). Visit mattituckstrawberryfestival.com for more.
22
Fill the street with love
NORTH FORK PRIDE
(Greenport Village)
The second annual North Fork Pride includes a parade, street festival and party. The parade kicks off on Third Street, travels down Main and ends in Mitchell Park. You can register to march, or just enjoy the inclusive festivities. Learn more about North Fork Pride at northforkpride.org.
30
See an all-time classic film
‘THE MALTESE FALCON’
(The Suffolk, 118 East Main St., Riverhead)
Humphrey Bogart stars in this 1941 classic, which will screen at The Suffolk as part of the venue’s Classic Film Series. The Suffolk has a curated selection of bites and cocktails to enjoy during the film. $15, buy tickets at thesuffolk.org.
JULY
Fireworks, outdoor theater and lobster — sounds like summer is in full swing.
13
View a summer spectacle
SHELTER ISLAND FIREWORKS
(Crescent Beach, Shelter Island)
This annual celebration is back, with fireworks lighting up the sky over Shelter Island. You can enjoy the magical lights from Crescent Beach.
13
Skate through life
SOUND & SKATE FESTIVAL
(170 Moores Lane, Greenport)
Art, music and skateboarding coalesce at this annual festival that raises money for the ongoing renovation of the Greenport Skate Park. If you’re into skating culture—or just want to enjoy a funky, different kind of fair—you won’t be disappointed. Visit greenportskatepark.org for more information.
19-21
See an original musical
‘A DECK OF FERRY TALES’
(16 S. Ferry Road, Shelter Island)
Written and directed annually by Shelter Islander and musician Lisa Shaw, this annual original play not only entertains, but presents different aspects of the island’s history with “standing-O” aplomb. Tickets are part of the Shelter Island Historical Society’s annual fundraiser. Show is 6 p.m. each night of the run.
22-28
Witness a classic tragedy (for fun!)
‘Hamlet’
(Various locations, ends at Mitchell Park, Greenport)
Northeast Stage’s annual Shakespeare in the Park stages the classic “Hamlet” throughout the North Fork, culminating in a three-day run at Mitchell Park overlooking the sea. Performances in Mitchell Park are free. Visit northeaststage.org for other locations.
29
Feast on lobster
32ND ANNUAL LOBSTERFEST
(Veterans Beach, 11280 Peconic Bay Blvd., Mattituck)
The 32nd annual Lobsterfest supports the Greenport and Southold Rotary Clubs. For $60 ($70 if you pay at the door at your own risk — this event always sells out!), you get lobster or steak, corn on the cob, with beer and wine available for purchase. A live band will play well into the evening. Buy tickets at rotarylobsterfest2024.com.
29
Race for the turtles (but not like a turtle)
PADDLE BATTLE
(Peconic River, Riverhead)
An annual paddle race hosted by the Long Island Aquarium and New York Marine Rescue Center, this event benefits the endan- gered sea turtles in local waters. Races include stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. The casual-focused recreational race is 2.5 miles, while the 5-mile race is for more competitive paddlers. Register at paddlebattleli.com.
AUGUST
Community barbecues and outdoor activities make for late summer fun.
3
Race the river … in cardboard?!
13TH ANNUAL RIVERHEAD CARDBOARD BOAT RACE
(Peconic Riverfront, Riverhead)
How far can you make it in a DIY cardboard boat? This annual regatta challenges racers to make their own boats out of cardboard, duct tape and a dream. There are multiple race divisions for all ages. Learn more at downtownriverhead.org/cardboard-boat-race.
10–11
Make life peachy
HARBES ANNUAL PEACH FESTIVAL
(715 Sound Ave., Mattituck)
Harbes’ fresh peaches are in full bloom for this sweet festival. There’s a peach-eating contest on Saturday and Sunday, and live music in the courtyard. Nick Kerzner will croon ’60s favorites on Saturday, while singer/songwriter Matt Taylor performs on Sunday. Wine will be available from Harbes Wine, too. Find out more at harbesfamilyfarm.com.
17–18
Celebrate everything Polish
POLISH TOWN STREET FAIR AND FESTIVAL
(Pulaski Street, Riverhead)
After a multi-year hiatus, the Polish Town Street Fair and Festival is back in full force for 2024, with 200 vendors, live music and great food. The Polish Hall will also be open and even include a Polish wedding.
24
Chow down on chicken
67TH ANNUAL CUTCHOGUE FIRE DEPARTMENT CHICKEN BARBECUE
(New Suffolk Avenue)
You haven’t experienced a North Fork summer if you haven’t been to the annual chicken barbecue in Cutchogue. With a secret recipe that’s delighted everyone from locals to Martha Stewart— yes, we’re serious — this beloved community event is not to be missed. Tickets go on sale in July at cutchoguefiredept.org/content/barbeque.
24
Dance to a late summer concert
MARDI GRAS MAMBO 2024
(Sylvester Manor, 80 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island)
The Grammy-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform, along with Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, at the beautiful Sylvester Manor. Tickets are $55.20 (kids are free!). Bring a picnic or purchase food and beverages from one of the food trucks on-site. Visit sylvestermanor.org for more.
DON’T MISS THESE SPECIAL EVENTS AND SERIES:
June 15
TASTE OF WESTHAMPTON BEACH
(Great Lawn, Westhampton Beach)
This Southforker-hosted event showcases restaurants, breweries and wineries from both forks under the tent on the Great Lawn in Westhampton Beach. Tickets are $95 and include all food and drink. Visit towhb.squadup.com for more information.
Aug. 29
THE THIRD ANNUAL NORTHFORKER WINE & FOOD CLASSIC
(Borghese Vineyard, 17150 Middle Road, Cutchogue)
More than 55 restaurants and purveyors will showcase their food, wine, beer and cocktails at this Northforker-hosted event. Enjoy local bites while dancing to live music and enjoying this fabulous party in the vines. Visit northforkerevents.com for more information.
July 1-Aug. 26
DANCES IN THE PARK
(Mitchell Park, Greenport)
Every Monday night, live music and dancing will light up Mitchell Park. Bring some chairs, a bottle of wine and snacks and enjoy this annual summer tradition. Free! Visit villageofgreenport.org for more information.
Fridays and Saturdays, June–August
WORKS IN PROGRESS CONCERTS
(Perlman Music Program, 73 Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights) These free concerts showcase the talents of Perlman Music Program students and alumni as they perform pieces they’ve been working on. Visit perlmanmusicprogram.org for more.
June 4–Sept. 3
SUNSHINE SESSIONS AT THE SUNSHINE SHACK
(Orient Beach State Park, Orient)
Held right outside the cutest snack bar in town, the free Sunshine Sessions series features area musicians in afternoon concerts. While you enjoy the sounds of local musicians like Julia King, Jon Divello and many others, the snack bar will be open with all sorts of treats, including lobster rolls, Dos Ositos Paletas, hot dogs and more. Visit sunshineshackorient.com for more.
July 5, Aug. 9
ALIVE ON 25
(Downtown Riverhead)
Riverhead’s popular street fair returns this summer with live music, craft brews and food. No ticket necessary, just show up and have fun! Visit downtownriverhead.org.
