Skip the crowds and soak in the charm. From vineyard concerts to family festivals and fresh-from-the-farm meals, the North Fork offers a laid-back lineup of things to do this summer.
Known for wineries, farmlands, historic villages and landscapes connected to its maritime history, the North Fork is a low-key summer spot without a lot of fanfare. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do, as our select roundup of happenings this summer show. Whether you seek music, family fun or farm to table eating, it’s all happening on the North Fork.
VINEYARD EVENTS
Macari Vineyards holds a Garden Party on May 23 at its event space and wine bar at the Mattituck vineyard tasting room. Serving small production wines, local food and good vibes from 4–8 p.m., rain or shine, no reservations required, but bring your own chairs or blankets. It also kicks off its “Vineside Fridays” on May 30—tastings, pizza and bites from Braun Seafood food truck, every Friday through September, from 4-8 p.m., at the Mattituck Tasting Room.
Launching May 26, “Fizz & Fry” Mondays at Sparkling Pointe vineyards is a weekly sparkling wine tasting event with Braun Seafood and a menu of fried chicken and seafood, sides and rotating specials. 4:30-7 p.m. through Labor Day. Wolffer Estate launches Sunset Music at the Wine Stand (3312 Montauk Hwy, Sagaponack) May 23, from 5 p.m. til sunset. June 1-7 is Long Island Locals Week, hosted by Long Island Wine Country, featuring free tastings from 23 participating wineries (show proof of local residency). Other LIWC events at liwines.com. May 30, is the launch of “Last Friday Night” oyster shucking and tastings by Peconic Golds at Suhru & Lieb Vineyards tasting room, 5 – 7 p.m. every last Friday of the month, May to August. On July 6, “Summer Sundays” live music launches at the vineyards, 13050 Oregon Road, Cutchogue.
MUSIC
The 10th annual Rites of Spring Music Festival is themed “Rhythms of the Terroir: music, stories, practices.” On May 25 is the Chopin piano recital at Orient’s Poquatuck Hall, 5 p.m. Concerts rotate through NoFo venues including Southold’s Custer Astronomical Observatory, Mattituck’s Landcraft Garden Foundation and the Village Green in Cutchogue. Full schedule: ritesmusic.org
Floyd Memorial Library’s summer music series kicks off May 18 with the Porchlight Musical Duo playing a mix of genres, 2:30-4 p.m., (539 First Street, Greenport). On June 7, it’s an “East End Jazz” concert with a diversity of jazz styles, 3-5 p.m. On July 6, the Mudflats String Band will play in the library garden from 3-5 p.m., and, on Aug. 1, the Lady Blue Saxophone Quartet performs from 4-5 p.m. The Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library offers the last of its popular Acoustic Jam Sessions, May 30, 5:30 – 7 p.m., (27550 Main Road). The Mattituck Park District Veteran’s Beach summer concert series kicks off on June 21 and runs Saturdays 5-7 p.m. through Aug. 31. Check the MPD site for updates on “Movies in the Park” nights. Free admission to all.
Photo: Jake Rajs
DANCE
The North Fork Arts Center hosts the Brooklyn Ballet Community over two days: May 17 is a 2-4 p.m. matinee and a 7-9 p.m. performance; May 18 repeats the 2-4 p.m. matinee. Sapan Greenport Theatre, 211 Front St., If hands on—or, in this case, feet on—dancing is more your jam, the Southold Historical Museum will hold a Line Dancing Party, free and open to the public at the barn at the historic Maple Lane Campus from 7-9 p.m.; 55200 Main Road. The Eastern Long Island Hospital Foundation will host its Dancing on the Dock summer party with tasting stations and beverages on June 26 at 5 p.m., at Greenport’s Porto Bello Restaurant.
HOUSE & GARDEN
On June 7, the annual Shelter Island 2025 House Tour lends a peek into five notable homes on the island from 1:30–4:30 p.m., and event offers an after party with local culinary bites and drink, and an auction from 4 – 6 p.m. Tickets are $100 or $90 when purchasing two or more and proceeds benefits the history museum.
FOOD & FESTIVALS
June 11-15, Mattituck’s 70th annual Strawberry Festival features live music, food, fun, fireworks and the crowning of a Strawberry Queen! 1105 North Road. On June 21, Long Island Aquarium’s Taste the East End event pairs food bites with local craft beer, wine and cider and live music for guests 21 and older, 7–10:30 p.m. $95 per person is all inclusive. On June 28, check out the 12th annual Farm-to-Table benefit at Sylvester Manor, featuring cocktails, locally sourced dinner and dancing creekside, 6-10:30 p.m. Cap off your summer at the Polish Town Fair, a vibrant celebration of traditional music and dance, with a food and craft market. Aug. 16 -17, 300 Lincoln St., Riverhead. If you’re still hanging around Sept. 20-21 or need a reason to return, Greenport’s 35th annual Maritime Festival will feature a “Merry Merfolk” parade, street fair, local food, live music, cardboard boat race and artisan vendors.
Photo: Jake Rajs
FAMILY FUN
The Southold Historical Museum’s Living History Days July 12-13, feature a Revolutionary War reenactment, plus live music and old-time activities for the family 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Maple Lane Complex, 55200 Main Road. Free admission. Or, get into the action yourself with Shelter Island History Museum’s Summer Children’s Theater Program, for ages six to 12. Directed and facilitated by the Brooklyn Acting Lab. 9 a.m. to noon, July 28 – Aug. 15.
