It’s fair and festival season on the North Fork. From lobsters, to garlic, to crafts made from up-cycled materials, the second half of summer on the East End has a lot to offer.
Blueberry Festival at the Shoppes at East Wind
Throughout July
The Blueberry Festival at the Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River is free and runs the entire month of July. Sample blueberries in blueberry infused olive oil, blueberry Wensleydale cheese, blueberry ice cream, and blueberry tea. Taste some blueberry meade if it suits you. There will even be blueberry flavored cigars! On the weekends there are craft vendors and a bounce house. Hours run from 10am to 5pm.
Lobsterfests
July 31st
There are two lobsterfests happening on this date, both to benefit the Greeport and Southold rotary clubs. First up is the 30th Annual Great Rotary Lobsterfest at the Greenport UFSD from 12 to 7pm. They are serving lobsters, mussels, steak, corn, potatoes, coleslaw and watermelon. Tickets are $55 per adult dinner and $5 per child hot dog dinner. Each adult ticket includes two raffle tickets for the chance to win $1000, gold earrings, or two tickets to next year’s lobsterfest. Proceeds from this event go towards local charities, scholarships, and needy families. Tickets can be purchased online.
Next is the Founder’s Landing Lobsterfest at Founder’s Landing in Southold from 5-8 pm. Tickets are $55 in advance or $65 at the door, with a choice of lobster or steak. This price also includes two raffle tickets. Kids 12 and under can get a hamburger or hot dog with corn and watermelon for $7. There will be a cash bar and live music until 9:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online.
40th Annual Hallockville Country Fair and Craft Show
August 28th & 29th
The 40th Annual Hallockville Country Fair and Craft Show on the grounds of the Hallockville Museum Farm. The fair runs from 10 am to 5 pm, rain or shine. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-12. There is also a family package of $25 for 2 adults and 2 children.
There will be over 50 craft and artisan vendors selling handmade items. There are also craft demonstrations and displays ranging from rug hooking to woodworking. Watch the farm animals, listen to live music and view exhibits in the Naugles barn.
Enjoy food and beverages from local businesses in the orchard picnic area. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed for the safety of the farm animals. 631-298-5292
Greenport Re-Creations Up-Cycled Arts Fair
September 4th
Greenport Re-Creations Up-Cycled Arts Fair will take place outdoors at Greenport High School from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. Come and see the amazing creations local artists have made from used items.
The 25th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival
September 5th
The 25th Annual Community Mosaic Street Painting Festival will take place from 1-6pm, with a rain date of September 6th from 2-5 pm. Live music and art on the grounds of East End Arts in downtown Riverhead.
Artists will use chalk to create art in “street squares.” This event is normally held on Memorial Day weekend, but was postponed due to the pandemic. 631-727-0900
Long Island Garlic Festival
September 11th & 12th; 18th & 19th
The annual Long Island Garlic Festival will take place at Garden of Eve farm in Riverhead from 10am to 6pm. There will be a wide variety of garlic-based foods on hand, as well as crafts and live music. Come watch the Iron-chef style garlic cooking competition. Or, try your luck at the garlic eating contest.
Greenport Maritime Festival
September 18th & 19th
The annual Maritime Festival in Greenport Village is scheduled from 10am to 5pm. Starting with the parade at 11 am, the Maritime Festival is one of Summer’s last great events. There are one hour cruises on the Mystic Whaler, kayak races, and Coast Guard demonstrations on Saturday.
Sunday has a chowder contest, story time in the park, and Irish step dancing. Don’t miss the beautiful tall ship or the wooden boats.