Strawberries and celebrations at the 69th Annual Strawberry Festival
In the blink of an eye, we welcome mid-June and on the North Fork, which means one thing: the Strawberry Festival is here!
In its 69th annual year, the Strawberry Festival is back with its familiar traditions, exciting rides and games, meaningful purpose, and so much more.
Here’s what you can expect at this year’s fest hosted by the Mattituck Lion’s Club, a group of volunteers working together to make a difference in our local community.
Kicking it off on Wednesday at 5 p.m. is “hulling night” where community members (anyone else who would like to join!) gather to remove the hull of the strawberries that will be eaten throughout the festival in various forms — dipped in chocolate, paired with shortcake, daiquiris, and more. Wednesday night will also host the festival’s talent show from 6:30 to 9 p.m. followed by the talent winner jam session until 10 p.m.
On Thursday, festival goers can expect an evening of live music by David Clark’s All About Joel tribute band from 7 to 9 p.m. followed by fireworks at the evening’s close at 9:15 p.m. Festival opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday and ends at 10 p.m.
The festival opens on Friday at 5 p.m. Then, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Fever Band will perform. The evening will conclude with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. before closing at 11 p.m.
On Saturday, opening at 11 a.m., things get exciting with the crowning of the 2024 Strawberry Queen at 4 p.m. and the Major League World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Championship at 5 p.m., live music by That 70’s Band at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. before the festival closes at 11 p.m.
Sunday the festival wraps with two great, local bands: Points East at 11 a.m. when the festival opens and Reel East End Brass at 1:30 p.m. The day and festival will conclude with the Big Bucks Raffle Drawing at 4:30 p.m. before the festival’s final close of the year at 5 p.m.
In addition to the above, each day will feature over 25 amusement rides and games for people of every age to enjoy. There will also be arts and crafts vendors selling everything from knitwear to handmade candles. A food court with local and non-local food trucks will provide the grub and beverages needed to fuel your fun.
Speaking of fun, while there is so much of it to be had, the do-good element of the Strawberry Festival is the real cherry on top. Raising funds that benefit nearly 60 local organizations, foundations, and charities, that second helping of strawberry shortcake is extra sweet.
Festival admission costs $10 per person ages 5+ though is free for all on Wednesday and free for dads on Sunday. Ride bracelets start at $30 depending on the day. Full pricing details here and additional festival info here.