The 70th Annual Strawberry Festival is upon us. Here’s what you’ll want to know before you go.

Scenes from the 69th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival. (Photo credit: Petite North Fork)

If your kids are anything like mine, then I’d bet that they were the first to notice the action at the Strawberry Fields in Mattituck within the past week as setup crews tirelessly work to set up one of the North Fork’s most beloved events. 

Giddy with excitement, our crew can’t wait to attend and celebrate the 70th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival happening June 11 through June 15.

“For those who are newcomers, this is the unofficial kickoff to summer here on the North Fork,” Strawberry Festival Media Relations Manager Dan Kelleher shared. “We’ve got something for everyone, from the best strawberry shortcake around to amazing rides and carnival games to a full slate of entertainment all week long. It’s the spot to be to get your summer started.”

The 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 Lions Club, a group of volunteers working together to make a difference in our local community. 

Kicking it off on Wednesday, June 11 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 feature the festival’s talent show, “North Fork’s Got Talent,” from 6 to 8 p.m. and performances by School of Rock. The festival closes at 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

“There are so many amazing moments throughout the five days, but I think Hulling Night really stands out,” said Dan. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together and be a part of this great tradition that’s been going strong for 70 years. I think the way the community rallies around the festival and the Lions is amazing.”

On Thursday, June 12, festival goers can expect an evening of live music from the Jimmy Kenny Band from 7, followed by fireworks at the evening’s close at 9:15 p.m. This evening, the festival opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m.

The festival opens on Friday, June 13, at 5 p.m. Then, at 7:30 p.m., the Fever Band will perform. The evening will conclude with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.

On Saturday, opening at 11 a.m., things get exciting with the crowning of the 2025 Strawberry Queen at 4 p.m., the 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, June 15, the festival wraps with more live music and 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. The festival opens at 11 a.m. this day.

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.

While there is so much fun 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.

“The Mattituck Lions Club uses the proceeds from the festival to support a variety of organizations locally and nationally, in addition to helping individuals in need here on the North Fork,” Dan told us.

“We’re excited to be hosting our second annual ‘Memories for Morgan’ on Thursday, which features an hour-early opening to 30 local children challenged with sensory issues, life-threatening illness, or undue hardships, so that they can enjoy the carnival without the pressures of crowds or lines. This is done in honor and remembrance of Morgan West, who passed from cancer as a child.”

Festival admission costs $10 per person ages 5 and up, though it is free for all on Wednesday and free for dads (with paid child) on Sunday, June 15, for Father’s Day. Ride bracelets are available for purchase at the festival and cost $30 to $40, depending on the day. This year, the Mega Pass is offered for purchase online before the festival. It costs $38/pass and includes all fees.

“The Mega Pass includes both a ride bracelet and admission and provides the flexibility for use throughout the whole week of the festival, excluding Saturday evening after 7 p.m.” shared Dan. “It can be used for one day from open to close on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, or on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. only.”

The Strawberry Festival is located at Strawberry Fields in Mattituck, 1105 North Road. To learn more about the 70th Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival and to purchase the Mega Pass, visit here.