Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race
Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race
🚣 Saturday, August 1, 2026
📍 Peconic Riverfront | Downtown Riverhead, NY
The Riverhead Cardboard Boat Race is one of Downtown Riverhead’s most anticipated annual events, bringing together thousands of spectators to cheer on teams racing homemade cardboard boats across the Peconic River.
This exciting waterfront festival combines creativity, competition, engineering, and family fun into a one-of-a-kind community experience that attracts visitors from across Long Island.
New for 2026, the event is expanding into an even bigger destination with the addition of a Family Fun Zone and Waterfront Vendor Marketplace located adjacent to the boat launch in the Peconic Riverfront parking area.
Guests won’t simply watch the races. They’ll spend the day shopping local, enjoying interactive attractions, games, activities, food vendors, live entertainment, community organizations, and family-friendly experiences while taking in everything Downtown Riverhead has to offer.
Whether you’re cheering on your favorite cardboard boat, exploring the vendor marketplace, enjoying delicious food, or making memories with the family, there’s something for everyone at this exciting summer tradition.
Event Features
🚣 Cardboard Boat Races
🛍 Artisan Vendor Marketplace
🥨 Snack Vendors
🎶 Live Entertainment
🎈 Family Fun Zone
🎯 Interactive Activities & Games
🤝 Community Organizations
🌊 Beautiful Peconic Riverfront Setting
Admission is free for spectators, making this the perfect summer outing for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
Vendor Opportunities
Interested in becoming a vendor?
Applications are currently being accepted for artisan vendors, specialty retail vendors, food vendors, snack vendors, promotional vendors, and community organizations.
Vendor spaces are limited and accepted on a first-approved basis. Certain categories may close as applications are received to ensure a diverse shopping experience.
👉 Vendor applications are available now. Apply early to secure your space.
Little Monsters & Local Legends Halloween Costume Contest
👻 Little Monsters & Local Legends Halloween Costume Contest
Part of The Village Vibe Spooktacular Fall Fest
Get ready to become one of this year’s Little Monsters & Local Legends!
The Little Monsters & Local Legends Halloween Costume Contest is one of the featured attractions during The Village Vibe Spooktacular Fall Fest, bringing families, kids, teens, and adults together for an afternoon of creativity, community, and Halloween fun in the heart of Historic Downtown Wading River.
Whether your costume is spooky, silly, magical, funny, handmade, or completely over the top, we invite participants of all ages to join us for one of the most exciting Halloween celebrations on Long Island.
From tiny trick-or-treaters to incredible family costumes, superheroes, witches, princesses, movie characters, monsters, pirates, and everything in between, we can’t wait to see your imagination come to life.
🏆 Contest Categories
Age divisions, judging categories, prize information, and the contest schedule will be announced soon.
Expect awards recognizing creativity, originality, craftsmanship, Halloween spirit, and more.
📋 Registration
Pre-registration is required for all contestants.
The official registration form and complete contest rules will be released soon.
📢 Registration opens soon. Save the date and check back for updates!
📅 Event Details
Little Monsters & Local Legends Halloween Costume Contest
📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
🕙 During The Village Vibe Spooktacular Fall Fest
📍 Historic Downtown Wading River, NY
🎟️ FREE to watch
🧛 Contestants must pre-register.
🍂 Make a Day of It!
While you’re here, enjoy everything The Village Vibe Spooktacular Fall Fest has to offer, including:
🎨 Artisan & Makers Market
🍔 Food Trucks & Seasonal Eats
🍺 Beer & Wine
🎶 Live Music
🛍️ Boutique Shopping
✨ Fairy Hair Tinsel
💎 Permanent Jewelry
🎨 Face Painting
✨ Glitter Tattoos
🌿 Henna
🪓 Axe Throwing
👻 Meet & Greets with Costume Performers
🎃 Family-Friendly Fall Activities
🍁 FREE Admission
Whether you’re competing, cheering on contestants, or simply enjoying a beautiful fall day with family and friends, the Little Monsters & Local Legends Halloween Costume Contest is sure to become one of Long Island’s newest Halloween traditions.
OPA FEST – Long Island Greek Festival
OPA FEST – Long Island’s Ultimate Greek Food & Culture Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of food, music, and culture at OPA FEST, a vibrant three-day festival hosted by St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point, Long Island.
Known as Long Island’s Ultimate Greek Food & Culture Festival, OPA FEST brings the community together for a lively weekend filled with authentic Greek flavors, traditional entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Guests will enjoy a mouthwatering selection of authentic Greek food and desserts, including festival favorites like gyros, souvlaki, pastries, and other Mediterranean specialties. Be sure to save room for dessert and pastries, especially our famous loukoumades — the best loukoumades anywhere around. It’s no wonder attendees say the event is “Powered by Gyros.”
Throughout the weekend, the OPA Stage will feature live Greek music and traditional Greek dancing, creating an energetic atmosphere where guests can experience the beauty of Greek culture and celebration firsthand. When the music hits and the dancing begins, don’t be surprised if the crowd joins together shouting the festival’s favorite chant:
Eat. Dance. OPA!
Visitors can explore The Agora Market, a curated marketplace of handcrafted artisan vendors, specialty retailers, and unique goods, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade treasures.
Festivalgoers can also gather at The Taverna, where the spirit of Greece comes alive through incredible food, community, and celebration.
With raffles, artisan vendors, cultural entertainment, and a dedicated family fun area, OPA FEST offers something for everyone, making it one of the most exciting cultural festivals on Long Island.
This year’s celebration also embraces the spirit of the nation with a special theme:
Where Greek Tradition Meets American Celebration.
Whether you come for the food, the music, the dancing, or the vibrant festival atmosphere, OPA FEST promises a weekend filled with culture, community, and unforgettable moments.
Come hungry. Bring your friends.
And when the music starts…
Eat. Dance. OPA!
Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply here » https://app.joinshowup.io/apply/OpaFest
OPA FEST – Long Island Greek Festival
OPA FEST – Long Island’s Ultimate Greek Food & Culture Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of food, music, and culture at OPA FEST, a vibrant three-day festival hosted by St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point, Long Island.
Known as Long Island’s Ultimate Greek Food & Culture Festival, OPA FEST brings the community together for a lively weekend filled with authentic Greek flavors, traditional entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Guests will enjoy a mouthwatering selection of authentic Greek food and desserts, including festival favorites like gyros, souvlaki, pastries, and other Mediterranean specialties. Be sure to save room for dessert and pastries, especially our famous loukoumades — the best loukoumades anywhere around. It’s no wonder attendees say the event is “Powered by Gyros.”
Throughout the weekend, the OPA Stage will feature live Greek music and traditional Greek dancing, creating an energetic atmosphere where guests can experience the beauty of Greek culture and celebration firsthand. When the music hits and the dancing begins, don’t be surprised if the crowd joins together shouting the festival’s favorite chant:
Eat. Dance. OPA!
Visitors can explore The Agora Market, a curated marketplace of handcrafted artisan vendors, specialty retailers, and unique goods, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade treasures.
Festivalgoers can also gather at The Taverna, where the spirit of Greece comes alive through incredible food, community, and celebration.
With raffles, artisan vendors, cultural entertainment, and a dedicated family fun area, OPA FEST offers something for everyone, making it one of the most exciting cultural festivals on Long Island.
This year’s celebration also embraces the spirit of the nation with a special theme:
Where Greek Tradition Meets American Celebration.
Whether you come for the food, the music, the dancing, or the vibrant festival atmosphere, OPA FEST promises a weekend filled with culture, community, and unforgettable moments.
Come hungry. Bring your friends.
And when the music starts…
Eat. Dance. OPA!
Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply here » https://app.joinshowup.io/apply/OpaFest
OPA FEST – Long Island Greek Festival
OPA FEST – Long Island’s Ultimate Greek Food & Culture Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of food, music, and culture at OPA FEST, a vibrant three-day festival hosted by St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point, Long Island.
Known as Long Island’s Ultimate Greek Food & Culture Festival, OPA FEST brings the community together for a lively weekend filled with authentic Greek flavors, traditional entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Guests will enjoy a mouthwatering selection of authentic Greek food and desserts, including festival favorites like gyros, souvlaki, pastries, and other Mediterranean specialties. Be sure to save room for dessert and pastries, especially our famous loukoumades — the best loukoumades anywhere around. It’s no wonder attendees say the event is “Powered by Gyros.”
Throughout the weekend, the OPA Stage will feature live Greek music and traditional Greek dancing, creating an energetic atmosphere where guests can experience the beauty of Greek culture and celebration firsthand. When the music hits and the dancing begins, don’t be surprised if the crowd joins together shouting the festival’s favorite chant:
Eat. Dance. OPA!
Visitors can explore The Agora Market, a curated marketplace of handcrafted artisan vendors, specialty retailers, and unique goods, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts and handmade treasures.
Festivalgoers can also gather at The Taverna, where the spirit of Greece comes alive through incredible food, community, and celebration.
With raffles, artisan vendors, cultural entertainment, and a dedicated family fun area, OPA FEST offers something for everyone, making it one of the most exciting cultural festivals on Long Island.
This year’s celebration also embraces the spirit of the nation with a special theme:
Where Greek Tradition Meets American Celebration.
Whether you come for the food, the music, the dancing, or the vibrant festival atmosphere, OPA FEST promises a weekend filled with culture, community, and unforgettable moments.
Come hungry. Bring your friends.
And when the music starts…
Eat. Dance. OPA!
Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply here » https://app.joinshowup.io/apply/OpaFest
North Meets South Festival
North Meets South brings Long Island’s North Shore and South Shore together for a high-energy outdoor food and drink festival at Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore.
This is where craft beer meets curated shopping.
Where food trucks meet handcrafted artisans.
Where live music meets interactive fun.
Spend the afternoon exploring tons of handcrafted artisan vendors offering one-of-a-kind finds, boutique goods, jewelry, home décor, apparel, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else. If you love to shop local and discover new Long Island small businesses, this is your event.
Come hungry. Top Long Island food trucks will be serving up crowd favorites while craft beer and wine flow throughout the day. Grab a drink, stroll the outdoor grounds, shop incredible vendors, and stay for the live music.
Expect a full festival atmosphere featuring:
• Food trucks serving Long Island favorites
• Craft beer + wine
• Handcrafted artisan vendors
• Live music
• Axe throwing
• Permanent jewelry
• Fairy hair tinsel
• Face painting
• Jumbo garden games
• Interactive experiences for children, teens, and adults
🎟 General Admission
$10 Early Bird (price increases after early bird ends)
Capacity is limited. Tickets are first-come, first-serve.
Reserve your space now and lock in the lower price before tickets go up.
⭐ VIP Experience – $39
Upgrade your day with exclusive perks:
• EARLY ENTRY at 11:30 AM
• One branded shopping bag
• One drink ticket
• Great South Bay branded cup
• One small taste voucher to use at any food vendor of your choice
• Additional coupons to participating vendors
• Bonus coupons to local Long Island businesses to use off-site
VIP tickets are limited and expected to sell out.
Important Information
Not all vendors may accept electronic forms of payment. Cash is strongly encouraged.
This is an outdoor, high-energy celebration of Long Island small businesses set against the backdrop of one of the region’s most iconic breweries.
Looking for more info? Visit the website at www.picklesandpaws.com