Summer is right around the corner on Long Island, which means it’s time to get ready for festival season.
June 21 marks the beginning of another eventful summer in Long Island and, as usual, there are many exciting fairs, festivals and carnivals through Labor Day from the East End to the New York City line.
Here’s a roundup of some of the must-attend festivities coming to Nassau and Suffolk counties in the coming months.
5th Annual North Fork Dock Diving Weekend
Don’t miss the Greenport Harbor Brewery’s annual dock diving event, featuring hundreds of dogs competing for a distance jump into the water. 42155 Main Rd., Peconic, greenportharborbrewing.com June 4-5.
Mattituck Lions Strawberry Festival
You won’t want to miss this annual Hamptons event that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll enjoy live music, craft vendors, and of course, strawberries prepared in every way imaginable. 1175 Middle Rd., Mattituck, mattituckstrawberryfestival.org 5-11 p.m. June 15-19.
Sag Harbor Arts & Crafts Fair
Jewelers, art galleries, painters and more come together for a weekend filled with creativity. Marine Park Dr., Sag Harbor. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18-19.
Harbes Farm’s Father’s Day Festival
Celebrate Father’s Day outdoors with fresh food, drinks and live music. 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 18-19.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival
Commemorate Black American history, and enjoy local vendors and performances. 125 W. John St., Hicksville. 12-5 p.m. June 19.
St. James Summer Nights
An outing for the whole family with food trucks, music and crafts galore. Saint James Elementary, 580 Lake Ave., St. James. 5-9 p.m. June 29, July 20, Aug. 17.
Empire State Fair
With a circus show, exotic animal zoo, stage performances and Saturday night fireworks, this festival’s extravagance lives up to its namesake. Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale. 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Weekdays, 12-11 p.m. Weekends, June 30-July 10.
Alive on 25
Take your family and friends over to Riverhead on a warm summer night, where a walkable, pop-up downtown street market will delight them. You’ll enjoy music on six stages, local craft beverages, outdoor dining, artists, performers, and street vendors. Main Street, Riverhead, downtownriverhead.org July 1, 15, and 29.
Stars Over Montauk
Dip your toes in the sand and enjoy this dazzling fireworks show. Umbrella Beach, Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk. 9 p.m. July 4.
Great South Bay Music Festival
Long Island music fans will get to experience the fun-filled, four-day event for the first time since 2019 when it returns with headlining performances by indie pop rockers GroupLove, from Los Angeles, C.A.; alternative rock group Manchester Orchestra, from Atlanta, Ga.; and pop punk band Bayside. Shorefront Park in Patchogue, greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com. July 7-10.
Monday on Main
Add some fun to the start of the week with an antique car show, rides, art making and more. Main St., Kings Park. 6-9 p.m. July 11.
ALIVE AFTER FIVE
Patchogue’s popular Alive After Five summer Main Street festival series is back, running four Thursdays instead of Fridays this year. 22 W. Main St., Patchogue. 5 p.m. July 14, 28; Aug. 11, 25.
Sayville Summerfest
Food, rides, games, live music performances, art, a 4-mile run, and a classic car show. Downtown Sayville Main St., Gillette Park and the Common Ground at Rotary Park. greatersayvillechamber.com Times vary. Aug. 5-7.
The Hamptons Summer Festival
Head Out East to sample the food trucks, support small businesses and view the art, luxury car, and renewable energy showcases. Herrick Park, 174 Daniels Hole Rd., East Hampton. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 14.
Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce 58th Annual Arts Show & Craft Fair
Art lovers unite for a day of admiring local works and creating your own. Shelter Island Union Free School District Grounds, 33 North Ferry Rd., Shelter Island. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 20.
The Hampton Classic Horse Show
View one of the largest horse shows in the country, featuring the finest riders from around the world competing for over $800,000 in prize money. While you’re there, enjoy 80 on-site shops, lots of international food options, and daily activities in the kids area. 240 Snake Hollow Rd., Bridgehampton, hamptonclassic.com Aug. 28-Sept. 4.
Ronkonkoma’s Labor Day Weekend Street Fair
End the season with a lively festival featuring over 200 vendors, merchandise, children’s rides, music, and community spirit. Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 4.
-Compiled by Justin Mitselmakher and Rebecca Yahoves
For more guides about things to do on Long Island, visit longislandpress.com/category/everything-long-island.
Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters here. Sign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.
