The 71st Annual Strawberry Festival is upon us. Here’s what you’ll want to know before you go.
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 over the past week as crews work tirelessly 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 71st Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival happening June 17 through June 21.
Hosted by the Mattituck Lions Club, a group of volunteers working together to make a difference in our local community and beyond, the festival is back with its familiar traditions, exciting rides and games, meaningful purpose, and so much more.
“This year we are excited to have another great slate of entertainment, including our very own North Fork Talent Show on Hulling Night, which will include our first-ever flyover from the 106th Rescue Wing based out of the Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Strawberry Festival Media Relations Manager Dan Kelleher shared. “It's the perfect way to kick things off with the community. And of course, our fan favorites, the crowning of the new Strawberry Queen and the World Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest on Saturday.”
Here’s what you can expect at this year’s 71st Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival:
Kicking off on Wednesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. is “hulling night,” where all are invited to join the tradition of preparing the thousands of pounds of strawberries that will be eaten during the festival by removing their hulls. Over the five-day festival, strawberries will be available dipped in chocolate, paired with shortcake, blended into daiquiris, and more. Wednesday night will also feature live music and the “North Fork’s Got Talent” talent show from 6 to 8 p.m. Festival-goers will enjoy free admission on Wednesday. The festival will close at 10 p.m. that evening.
On Thursday, June 18, festival goers can enjoy “Almost Eras: The Taylor Swift Experience,” at 6:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at the evening’s close at 9:15 p.m. On Thursday, the festival will open at 5 p.m. and close at 10 p.m.
The festival opens on Friday, June 19, at 2 p.m. Live music by Southbound and Fever Band will play throughout the day. The festival will conclude with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.
Saturday packs in a non-stop day 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 “American Girl: A tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. before the festival closes at 11 p.m. The festival opens at 11 a.m. that day.
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. that 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. The Mattituck Lions Club uses festival proceeds to support a variety of organizations locally and nationally, in addition to helping individuals in need here on the North Fork. Raising funds that benefit nearly 60 local organizations, foundations, and charities makes that second helping of strawberry shortcake extra sweet.
“Most importantly, the festival is rooted in the community as a fundraiser to give back to local, regional, and national causes. The Lions and so many amazing community members volunteer their time to put on an amazing five days of fun, and it's all driven by the community,” Dan added. “All of the proceeds from the festival go back to the community, whether that is local organizations or individuals in need, as well as regional and national groups through Lions International. From local scholarships for high school seniors to our amazing partnership with the Long Island Guide Dog Foundation, countless groups benefit from all of the dollars raised at the festival.”
Festival admission costs $10 per person ages 5 and up, though it is free for all on Wednesday and free for dads (with a 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. As it was last year, the Mega Pass is being offered again for advance purchase online. It costs $38/pass and includes all fees. More info and purchase here.
The Strawberry Festival is located at Strawberry Fields in Mattituck, 1105 North Road. To learn more about the 71st Annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival, visit here. Note: Admission and all items under the white tent (shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, etc.) are cash only. Ride bracelets allow credit cards.