Strawberry season has officially arrived on the East Coast, and one charming Long Island town is celebrating in the sweetest way imaginable.
Out in the heart of the North Fork, the beloved Mattituck Strawberry Festival is returning for its 71st year this week, transforming the area’s peak strawberry harvest into a five-day celebration packed with small-town charm, family traditions, carnival rides, live entertainment, and, of course, more strawberry treats than you could possibly eat in a weekend.
What began decades ago as a community fundraiser has grown into the state’s largest strawberry festival, drawing visitors from across the region for a quintessential start to summer, with all the ingredients for a memorable seasonal adventure.
🍓 What to know: The Mattituck Strawberry Festival
The festival will take place from Wednesday, June 17 through Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Strawberry Fields, located at 1105 North Road in Mattituck. It coincides with the peak of the North Fork’s strawberry harvest, when local berries are at their sweetest and most abundant. Hosted by the Mattituck Lions Club, the annual event also serves as a major fundraiser supporting community programs and charitable initiatives throughout the year.
🎡 Carnival rides, games, live music, and fireworks
Part of the festival’s enduring appeal is that there’s something for every age group. Thrill-seekers can hop aboard more than 25 carnival rides, including a giant Ferris wheel and high–energy midway attractions, while younger visitors can enjoy a variety of family–friendly rides and games.
Throughout the festival grounds, guests will also find arts and craft vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, candles, knitwear, and unique local creations. Live entertainment takes place throughout the weekend, including tribute bands, local performers, talent showcases, and more.
And once the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop. Fireworks will light up the North Fork sky on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
While the rides and entertainment are major draws, the festival’s true stars are the strawberries themselves. Visitors can indulge in towering strawberry shortcakes, chocolate–dipped strawberries, strawberry pies, daiquiris, and countless other berry–filled treats made with fresh local fruit harvested at the height of the season.
Beyond the strawberries, the International Food Court serves up a wide variety of festival favorites, including funnel cakes, gyros, roasted corn, pizza, burgers, fries, ice cream, coffee, and more.
🧺 Know before you go
The festival takes place rain or shine, and organizers recommend arriving early, especially on Friday and Saturday when attendance tends to peak.
Admission is free on opening night, Wednesday, June 17, and on the remaining days is $10 for guests ages 5 and older, while children under 5 enter free. On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, dads receive free admission with a paid child.
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a little extra room for strawberry shortcake are highly encouraged.
🚗 How to get there from NYC
One of the best parts about the Mattituck Strawberry Festival is that it feels worlds away from the city without requiring a full vacation. Drivers can reach Mattituck in roughly two to three hours, depending on traffic.
For those looking to skip the drive, the Long Island Rail Road offers service to Mattituck Station on the North Fork. From there, visitors can use local taxis or rideshare services to reach the festival grounds. Hampton Jitney service is also available to the North Fork for travelers looking for an easy weekend escape.
And while the strawberries may be the headliner, the festival’s real magic lies in its ability to capture everything people love about summer on Long Island: fresh local food, community traditions, carnival lights, fireworks, and the simple joy of spending a warm June evening outdoors.
