Greenport’s 34th Annual Maritime Festival
Greenport’s Annual Maritime Festival celebrates all things nautical and marks the end of the summer season on the East End. Co-sponsored by Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital and benefitting the East End Seaport Museum, this annual event is scheduled for the weekend of September 21-22. In addition to the Parade and all the fun, this annual Festival serves an important, historical purpose by showcasing Greenport’s maritime heritage through displays of traditional boat-building techniques, maritime artifacts, and historical exhibits, ensuring that the region’s naval legacy remains alive and celebrated.
The Land & Sea Gala – the traditional Friday night kick-off to the weekend’s events and fundraiser for the East End Seaport and Marine Foundation – has had a change of date as well as a change in location. Now scheduled for the prior Friday evening (September 14) at its new location at Safe Harbor Greenport Boatyard, 500 Beach Road, Greenport, the Gala has very limited tickets. VIP tickets cost $225 with early admission at 5:30 p.m.; general admission tickets are $175 with access to the Gala at 6:30 p.m. The first 150 VIP attendees will receive a limited edition commemorative poster; discounts for Museum members are available for a limited time. For the last several years, tickets have sold out prior to the event so it’s not likely that tickets will be available at the door. For additional information, to buy tickets and/or join the Museum, visit eastendseaport.org. Proceeds from the Gala go to support the East End Seaport Museum (located at 103 3rd Street), the Village Blacksmith Shop (located at First and Front Streets behind the Schoolhouse) and the Long Beach Bar Lighthouse (more familiarly known as the “Bug Light”). Sponsors include Claudio’s Greenport, Portobello Restaurant, LiV Vodka and other local restaurants and businesses.
Following the Land & Sea Gala will be a rocking after party at Claudio’s Greenport. Just take a stroll down the street to the Claudio’s wharf for more cocktails, live music and dancing! Additional details available at claudios.com.
Without a doubt, Saturday’s highlight is the Merry Merfolk Parade! Starting at 11am, the parade will wend its way down Main Street to Front Street. Be on the lookout for the Merry Merfolk Boat Float, as well as the usual East End parade participants: donkeys, floats, fire trucks, representatives of local fire departments, social clubs, American Legion halls, Girls Scout and Boy Scout troops – and plenty of marching bands. Come show your support of our local waters dressed as your favorite sea creature, mermaid or pirate while helping to draw attention to the importance of the marine ecosystem. There’s an awards ceremony following the parade, with prizes for best costume and other categories. For more details visit eastendseaport.org.
After the parade, wander among more than 100 artisan craft and food vendors selling their wares throughout the Village on both Saturday and Sunday; if you’ve got kids with you, head for Captain Kid’s Alley in Mitchell Park for games, arts & crafts and a treasure chest. Also on the schedule: kayak and cardboard regatta races, sea shanty performances and lots of live music. Look for high-stepping Irish dance performances on Saturday and Sunday, as well as coffee sack races. Saturday wraps up with DJ music and dancing in Mitchell Park Bandshell from 7-9 pm. At the waterfront, see classic wooden boats or participate in kayak races; along Front Street and in Mitchell Park, see wood carving and model ship building demonstrations. Don’t forget to take a spin on the historic Greenport Carousel. Rides are $2.50; win a free ride by grabbing the golden ring!
Not interested in all the fanfare of the Festival? Browse the many shops and galleries along Main Street and Front Street. The Nova Constellatio Gallery at 419 Main Street features the work of local artist Isabel Haran Leonardi; grab a drink while viewing the latest exhibits at The Gallery Hotel, a boutique hotel located nearby at 439 Main Street. VSOP Art & Design Projects at 311 Front Street features artwork in multiple media alongside a selection of modern and vintage objets d’art and furniture. Other galleries: Roysendpost (18 South Street), Natali/Keyes Gallery (207 Main Street) and The South Street Gallery (18 South Street).
Looking for other things to do? At any time you can visit the Tall Ship Columbia or visit the classic wooden boats and ice boats out on the docks. Or take a harbor cruise on the classic ship Glory, a completely green, solar-powered tour boat. Head to one of Greenport’s numerous restaurants or bars or browse the boutiques and shops along Main and Front Streets. Just don’t forget to wear your mermaid tail…
