September is a time of transition — from weather to routines. Still, there is much to do on the North Fork. Here are our picks for events and happenings across the North Fork.
Celebrate Greenport’s maritime history
Hosted by East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation, the annual Maritime Festival returns to Greenport on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23 and 24. All weekend long, enjoy classic boat displays, kayak races, live music, children’s activities, maritime demonstrations, roving sea shanties, and over 100 vendors selling hand-crafted and unique items. This annual event benefits educational programs, museum offerings, and the preservation of Long Beach Bar (Bug) Light. On Friday, Sept. 22, don’t miss the Land & Sea Gala: a Mardi Gras Maritime celebration from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Crabby Jerry’s and on Saturday, head to Front Street Station for the Mermaid & Pirate breakfast for some fun for the whole family. Visit eastendseaport.org for more information and to purchase your tickets for the gala.
Welcome fall with apple picking
Say so long to summer and get ready to welcome fall with all the apples you can eat. September on the North Fork is the best time to pluck apples right from the tree. Head to the family-friendly Harbes Orchard in Riverhead which opens Saturday, Sept. 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the historic Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue, or maybe try the secluded Woodside Orchards at their Jamesport location which opens Saturday, Sept. 16 or in Aquebogue, opening Monday, Sept. 18.
Break out the lederhosen
The Second Annual Oktoberfest and Reflextions illumination event is back in Riverhead. From 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, head to downtown Riverhead for live entertainment, contests, German-style food from Seaside Grill, and beer from local craft breweries. This family-friendly event is free to attend and includes a costume contest as well as a stein-holding contest. Learn more about this event and Reflexions Riverhead at reflextionsriverhead.com.
Celebrate the Summer of Love
Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love Concert isn’t just a concert, it’s a “Happening.” During this authentic rock festival at The Suffolk in Riverhead, sing and dance to ’60s and ’70s classics. On Friday, Sept. 1, at 8 p.m., hear your favorite songs from artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and many more. Accompanied by an exciting psychedelic lighting and video show, The Summer of Love Concert will see dynamic performances that will bring you back to the good old days. Tickets range from $59 to $79 and can be purchased at ci.ovationtix.com.
Become a professional foodie
The North Fork Foodie Tour returns for its 17th year on Sunday, Sept. 10. During this annual event, you get the chance to explore the unique bounty of the North Fork with behind-the-scenes tours of local farms, vineyards, and food artisans. Meet the extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives to the art of great local food, drink and farming. Brought to you by the North Fork Reform Synagogue, this year will see 20 different locations from Riverhead to Orient, five of which are brand new to the tour. Tickets are $30 per adult and children under 12 are free. Purchase your tickets at northforkfoodietour.com.
Save the shellfish
Learn how researchers from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program are restoring the shellfish population on Long Island. On Friday, Sept. 9, head over to the Minnow at the Galley Ho in New Suffolk to listen to hatchery manager Joshua Perry’s lecture on the program’s efforts to restore the dwindling number of scallops and oysters in the once-thriving Peconic Bay. This event is free, however, reservations are required. To guarantee seating, send an email to newsuffolkfund@gmail.com. Please include your name, number in your party, and contact information.
Attend harvest dinners and experiences
The arrival of September means the start of the harvest season. Celebrate with plenty of harvest dinners across the North Fork that will showcase the bounty of the season. Toast to farm-to-table culture at Sparkling Pointe Vineyard featuring a specially paired wine and food menu prepared by Lauren Lombardi on Sunday, Sept. 10. Bottle fresh honey and learn about bees with Promise Land Apapires beekeeper Chris Kelly as you sip rosé paired with a cheese plate at Corey Creek Tap Room on Sunday, Sept. 17. Or opt for a four-course meal and live music under a harvest moon at Sannino Vineyard on Friday, Sept. 29.
Celebrate North Fork farming traditions
The Hallockville Museum Farm Country Fair returns for its 42nd year on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10. Come celebrate the rich folk arts and agricultural heritage in a true old-fashioned country fair atmosphere. The fair will include plenty of tractor pulls, hay rides, a petting zoo, artisan vendors, quilt exhibits, a farmers market, and live music. General admission is $12 per person or purchase a family pass (for two adults and two children) for $45 here. The fair will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.
Stomp on grapes
On Sunday, Sept. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. spend the day partaking in one of the most fun parts of viticulture on the North Fork: grape stomping at RGNY. Every ticket, which is $90 per adult and $30 for children under 12, includes a picnic lunch catered by Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, two glasses of wine, tractor rides, bicycles for a self-guided tour, barrels full of grapes for stomping, and live music by Points East and a refreshing dessert will provide by Dos Ositos Paletas. Get your tickets here before they sell out.
Maintain an organic garden year-round
Head to the East End Food Hub and gather under the white tent on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m. for a lesson on sustainable gardening. Join organic growing expert, Renato Stafford as you learn tips and tricks for maintaining a thriving edible backyard all year long. The ticket cost is by donation. Find more information here.