From the crunch of a freshly picked strawberry to the sizzle of a burger on the grill, summer is all about the tastes that come along with the warm weather. And Long Island and New York City have much to offer in the coming months: competitions, cookouts and lazy days at open-air markets that satisfy everything from lobster tail to local pie cravings. Spend less time doing research and more time enjoying a cold beer at the festival of your choice. Cheers!
Summer is Over (Bummer!). Get the Fall 2017 Food Festival Guide Here.
All Summer
image: the good batch
Smorgasburg, Brooklyn
Called “The Woodstock of Eating” by the New York Times, this weekend Brooklyn Food Festival features over 100 vendors that sell a wide variety of street food, hipster creations and classic favorites, including freshly cut fries, spaghetti doughnuts and cookie ice cream sandwiches. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront on Saturdays and in Prospect Park on Sundays, the market is free to enter, family-friendly and overall a must for summer. Every weekend, 11am- 6pm. Click to visit.
June
Strawberry Festival, Mattituck
Get the most out of strawberry season with the Mattituck Lions Club 63rd Annual Strawberry Festival. Enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries, shortcake, live entertainment and firework shows at nightfall. June 15-18, times vary, free-$5. Click to visit.
North Fork Fresh, Orient
Who can say no to music, food and a good time? Head to North Fork Fresh for an array of barbecued goods, clam raw bar and drinks. For those still hungry after that, guests can participate in the pie contest. June 17, 5-7pm, $75 members/$85 non-members. Click to visit.
NYC Craft Beer Festival, Manhattan
Head into the city for this can’t-miss beer festival, where 75 breweries will be gathered to present 150 different craft beers, ciders, meads and spirits for tasting. June 24th, 2pm and 7pm, $45-85, ages 21 and over. Click to visit.
Famous Food Festival, Manhattan
Famous Food Festival invites visitors to “Taste the World” as they house over 40 food vendors selling their most exquisite dishes at the Grand Bazaar. Enter for free and expand your palate with their selection of foods from all different regions and cultures; it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new. June 25, 10am-5:30pm. Click to visit.
July
image: leigh anderson
MonTaco, Montauk
Celebrate summer with the first ever MonTaco festival. Sip on cerveza or take a shot of tequila while munching on different varieties of your favorite Mexican dish. July 7, 7:30-10pm, $125, ages 21 and over (VIP with after party access, $200). Click to visit.
Clambake MTK, Montauk
Escape to The End for an ideal evening of seafood and beaching, because what’s summer on Long Island all about? July 8, 8-10:30pm, $165, ages 21 and over (VIP admission, 7pm, $275). Click to visit.
GrillHampton, Bridgehampton
Join the excitement as chefs from the East End engage in competition with their counterparts from New York City at a face-off in Bridgehampton. Taste a variety of specialties off the grill, enjoy a beer or a cocktail and cast your vote for your favorite bite. July 21, 8-10pm, $140, ages 21 and over (VIP admission, 7pm, $195). Click to visit.
Taste of Two Forks, Bridgehampton
Don’t miss the ultimate showcase of the finest tastes from the North and South Forks, now in its 7th year. Grab some friends and enjoy the beautiful Bridgehampton setting, along with some delicious food and drinks. July 22, 7:30-10pm, $185, ages 21 and over (VIP admission, 6:30pm, $325). Click to visit.
Vanderbilt Lobster Fest, Centerport
There’s nothing better than a day of seafood, barbecue and music and dance with a view of the Long Island Sound. Join Vanderbilt Museum in their annual fundraising event, featuring surf and turf, snacks, drinks and even a chip-shot contest (bring your nine iron!) July 22, 6-10pm, $115 members/$125 non-members. Click to visit.
August
image: pizza luca
North Fork Summer Social, Riverhead
Pulse invites you to an afternoon of wine tasting and sampling from some of the area’s best restaurants and wineries. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, breathtaking views and a much-needed day of relaxation. Aug. 6, 4pm, $100, ages 21 and over (VIP admission, 2:30pm, $150). Click to visit.
Food Truck Derby, Bridgehampton
Your favorite food trucks will return to the East End this summer for a family fun event with vendors like Blondie’s Bake Shop, Whole Le Crepe and Pizza Luca. There will be both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks offered and live music. Aug. 11, 4-7pm, $20-100. Click to visit.
SUMAQ Peruvian Food Festival, Garden City
Explore the unique gastronomic flavors of Peru, a fusion of indigenous recipes and influences from Spain and Japan. Learn Peruvian cooking techniques from the chefs in attendance while chowing down on some delectable lomo saltado and papas a la huancaina. Live music, dance and entertainment will be provided. The event will take place at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Aug 26-27, 11am-9pm. $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 2-12. Click to visit.