Steal My North Fork Itinerary for January
Art Lab in the Cottage will be hosted on Sunday, January 18.
A fresh new year has us talking about the ways we’d like to spend it. “In nature, with friends and our community, and with intention” are three themes we’re going for this year. This month, we plan to catch a variety show at our favorite local theatre, learn about animals in winter, attend a fancy yet family-friendly ball, and head off the Fork for two very worthy happenings. Read on for the full list of 10 things we're looking forward to doing this January on the North Fork and nearby.
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Dancing to GUNK at the Jamesport Meeting House, Jamesport
On Saturday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m., we’ll be singing and dancing the night away with our petite crew at the GUNK concert. Held at the Jamesport Meeting House in Jamesport, this eight-piece, all-girl, Motown-inspired funk band promises a night of music and fun. Be sure to purchase your tickets now, as last year’s GUNK performance sold out quickly. General admission for adults is $20, admission for students ages 5 to 18 is $10, and children aged 4 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased here.
Watching a Variety Show at the North Fork Community Theatre, Mattituck
The 21st Annual North Fork Community Theatre’s Variety Show is scheduled for this weekend, January 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., and on January 4 at 2:30 p.m. This entertaining experience, which raises funds for local high school scholarships, showcases various talents and performances. Tickets cost $20 each and will be sold at the door. We look forward to catching Sunday’s performance before settling back into the school week ahead.
Searching for seals in Shinnecock Bay with Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Southampton
We look forward to bundling up and cruising around Shinnecock Bay with Atlantic Marine Conservation Society on their January Seal Cruise as we learn about the different species of seals that inhabit the waters around Long Island and get a chance to search for seals in their natural environment. Tickets cost $40/person and can be purchased here. This tour is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, from noon to 2 p.m. Additional seal watching cruises are offered throughout March.
Shopping at the Winter Farmers Market, Riverhead
The Riverhead Farmers Market is back for the season! Kicking off on Saturday, January 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Twin Fork Brewery in Riverhead, this local market features locally grown produce, locally made goods, and craft beverages. Our fam loves to visit each vendor and stock up on all of our favorite goods. Can’t catch this one? No problem! The Winter Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Exploring our creative side at Art Lab in the Cottage with Artfully Long Island at Hotel Moraine, Greenport
Looking for something to do during the MLK break? Join us at Art Lab in the Cottage at Hotel Moraine on Sunday, January 18, for one of two sessions: one from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and a second from noon to 1 p.m. Each session, led by Nicole Roccaro of Artfully Long Island, will feature three art stations, with the opportunity for artists of every age to design and create one-of-a-kind art using recycled and upcycled materials. Sign up to join us here.
Learning how to needle felt at North Fork Fiber Arts, Mattituck
On Saturday, January 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., we’ll be learning something new at North Fork Fiber Arts on Love Lane in Mattituck. At this Needle Felting Workshop, we’ll learn the art of needle-felting, and each create a snowman friend. This beginner workshop costs $50/person and includes all materials. Register at northforkfiberarts.com.
Getting dolled up at Bella Anima, Wading River
Knowing that my daughter and I are in need of some one-on-one time, I’ll be surprising her with a visit to Bella Anima parties while school is out on Monday, January 19, for their Wicked Doll & Me Pop Up. There, my daughter can learn how to braid her doll’s hair with Wicked flair! She can also enjoy getting her own hair braided and more, including making pink and green fluffy slime. Appointments are available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and costs $55/child, $45/sibling. Text 631-603-7722 to book.
Discovering how animals survive during winter with Turtleback Farm and PuppetEd at the Peconic Community Center, Peconic
After thoroughly enjoying the Dia de los Muertos event by Turtleback Farm and PuppetEd, we kept our eyes peeled for the next event by the pair. We were excited to read about the upcoming “Los Animales en el invierno” on Sunday, January 25, from 1 to 3 p.m. There, we will discover animal adaptations to survive the winter months, create a wildlife puppet, and perform in a short skit. This educational and bilingual workshop is free and open to all. It will be hosted at the Peconic Community Center. Mark your calendars and learn more here.
Going on an illuminated night hike at Quogue Wildlife Refuge, Quogue
Although we don’t get to do it often, hiking at night is magical. So, we were thrilled to learn about Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s upcoming “Light the Night Winter Trail Walk” on Saturday, January 24, with a family-friendly session from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. There, we’ll stroll gently lit forest trails on this self-guided walk. The cost is $15/adult and $10/kids 12 and under. Bring reusable mugs for a complimentary beverage. Purchase your tickets here.
Having a ball at Snow Ball with The Heart of It, Aquebogue
Sometimes it’s fun to get fancy! At this family-friendly affair, formal attire is requested. Snow Ball will be held on Saturday, January 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Families will enjoy a dance party, crafting, family competitions, a photo booth, and more. The afternoon, which is hosted by and held at The Heart of It in Aquebogue, will celebrate family connection and creativity. The cost is $45/family. Learn more and register here.

