The big tents are up on Sound Avenue, the carnival rides have been put together and the Mattituck Lions Club is gearing up to hull thousands of strawberries in preparation for the 71st annual Mattituck Strawberry Festival, happening on June 17-21 this year.
The festival will once again bring the North Fork community together for five days of family-friendly fun, featuring live entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, food vendors, arts and crafts, and its famous strawberry shortcake.
Held over Father’s Day weekend, the festival draws thousands of visitors from across Long Island and the tri-state area. Presented by Stony Brook Medicine and organized by the Mattituck Lions Club, the proceeds from the festival support charitable initiatives, scholarships, community programs, and service projects throughout the North Fork and beyond.
Festivities begin Wednesday, June 17 with the return of Hulling Night (sponsored by M&T Bank), when volunteers prepare thousands of pounds of strawberries for the days ahead. The evening will also feature the North Fork’s Got Talent competition (sponsored by Kolb Mechanical) and a special military flyover with a C130 and two helicopters by the 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach. The flyover is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will serve as the festival’s official kickoff.
Returning in 2026 is the “Memories for Morgan” program sponsored by North Fork Woodworks, which provides local children facing social, medical, or emotional challenges the opportunity to experience the festival in a quieter and more accommodating environment before the grounds open to the public.
Beginning Thursday evening, attendees can enjoy the first of three consecutive nights of fireworks, sponsored by Mattituck Environmental and Maggio Environmental. Visitors will also have access to dozens of arts and crafts vendors, local business exhibits, carnival attractions, and festival favorites including chocolate-covered strawberries and strawberry daiquiris.
The festival’s entertainment schedule includes a talent competition, tribute acts, local bands, family performers, the crowning of the Strawberry Queen and a strawberry shortcake eating contest.
Main Stage Entertainment
North Fork’s Got Talent
Thursday, June 18
6:30 p.m.: Almost Eras: The Taylor Swift Experience
9:15 p.m.: Fireworks
Friday, June 19
3:00 p.m.: Southbound
7:30 p.m.: Fever Band
10:30 p.m.: Fireworks
Saturday, June 20
12:30 p.m.: Aqua Cherry
4:00 p.m.: Strawberry Queen announcement and charitable check presentations
5:00 p.m.: World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship, presented in partnership with Major League Eating
7:30 p.m.: American Girl: A tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
10:30 p.m.: Fireworks
Sunday, June 21
1:30 p.m.: Coverland
Family Entertainment Area
Saturday, June 20
12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.: Magic of Amore
Sunday, June 21
12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m.: Jester Jim
“The Strawberry Festival is more than just a summer tradition — it’s a celebration of everything that makes the North Fork special,” said Rich Jernick, festival chairman and first vice president of the Mattituck Lions Club. “From the volunteers and local businesses to the families who return year after year, this event brings our community together while helping us support important charitable causes across the region.”
Additional information, including admission, ride pricing, parking details, and entertainment updates, is available through the festival’s official website and social media channels.
