Top 15 Port Jefferson & Three Village Summer Events You Don't Want To Miss
It doesn’t get any better than summertime on the water in Long Island’s picturesque villages. From the art scene to fine dining (and fries) to fun for the kids, Port Jefferson and the Three Village area have it all. Here are 15 can’t-miss summer events to check out:
Music in the Park—Port Jeff Picnic Supper Concert Series (Port Jefferson, July 1–August 26): Enjoy live music in Harborfront Park. Bands performing this year include Beaucoup Blue, Piedmont Bluz, Eastbound Freight Bluegrass, Hungrytown, Counterclockwise Ensemble, Feinberg Brothers Band, Gene Casey & the Lone Sharks, Robert Bruey and Butchers Blind.
Port Jefferson Farmers Market (Port Jefferson, Sundays through November): Peruse and purchase wares from local vendors in the parking lot between The Frigate and Tommy’s Place. Some of the vendors you might find: Badolato’s Market, Pickle Packin’ Papa, Sugar Rush Bake Shop, Miss Amy’s Preserves, Gourmet Burger Bistro, Beaverdam Organic Farms and others.
11th Annual Gallery North Wet Paint Festival (Setauket, July 10–July 12): Observe as artists capture the scenery on the Gallery North campus. Throughout the event, attend special “ArTalks” lectures, watch demonstrations and tour the New Community Art Center. And head back on July 17 for the silent auction!
Movies on the Harbor (Port Jefferson, July 14–August 18): Bring some blankets, chairs and a picnic to Harborfront Park each week for an outdoor movie screening. Films this year include Open Season, Hook, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Big Hero 6, Paddington and Finding Nemo.
20th Annual Stony Brook Film Festival (Stony Brook, July 16–July 25): This exciting film festival is a staple of Stony Brook University’s Staller Center. Films this year include Painkillers, This Isn’t Funny, Henri Henri, Jackie & Ryan, Wildlike and more, including short films before each feature. There are passes for the entire festival and other ticket packages.
Children’s Shows (Port Jefferson, July 16, July 23, August 13): Sponsored by the Port Jefferson Recreation Department and Stony Brook University Staller Center, take your kids to the Barn behind Port Jefferson Village Hall for some great shows, like John Reid’s Tricky Business, Ned Gelfar’s Circus Variety Show and the Magic of Amore.
The Coasters and The Classics (Port Jefferson, July 17): Theatre Three presents two great shows in one night when The Coasters—known for hits “Down in Mexico” and “Poison Ivy”—and Emil Stucchio & The Classics—known for songs like “P.S. I Love You”—perform. Fans of classic pop rock are sure to be dancing in the aisles all night long.
Three Village Historical Society Tri-Spy Tours (Setauket, July 18–October 11): Setauket is known for the incredible true story of the Culper Spy Ring, in which George Washington sent undercover soldiers into the British Army to gather intelligence during the Revolutionary War. History buffs can take tours to experience the trails and areas that the spy ring utilized. There are bike, kayak and walking tours available throughout the summer.
16th Annual Three Village Chamber BBQ (Stony Brook, August 5): Head to West Meadow Beach for the annual BBQ, which is open to the public and fun for the entire family. Get to know the local businesses, have some great food and participate in a raffle.
Broadway Nights: Songs of the Great White Way (Port Jefferson, August 14): Theatre Three presents an evening of show tunes starring Broadway performers Marie Danvers and Rob Gallagher. Danvers holds an MFA in Dramaturgy from Stony Brook University, and Gallagher has appeared on One Life to Live and All My Children.
Port Jefferson Village Cup Regatta (September 12): Sponsored by the Setauket Yacht Club, the Village of Port Jefferson, Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson Conservancy and the Lustgarten Foundation, this annual competitive sailboat race raises money for pancreatic cancer research.
Spy Gala (Setauket, September 12): The Three Village Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a gala as the summer wraps up. The night will include tapas, open bar, music and a champagne toast. Check threevillagehistoricalsociety.org for tickets, which go on sale in August.
The Boy From Oz (Port Jeff, September 20–November 1): Close out the season with Theatre Three’s production of the hit musical. Based on the life of entertainer Peter Allen, the show contains hits like “I Go to Rio,” “I Honestly Love You” and “Arthur’s Theme,” which won an Academy Award.
50th Annual Gallery North Outdoor Art Show (Setauket, September 19–20): This exciting festival has events for the entire family. Arts and crafts, vendors, food and beautiful art fill the street as Gallery North hosts this annual show.
Discovery Cruise (Stony Brook, Through October): Take a 90-minute tour around the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 88-acre wetlands preserve. An expert naturalist from Stony Brook University’s Marine Sciences Center will describe the wildlife and flora during the cruise. Cruises are scheduled according to the tide table and take place on a 27-passenger pontoon boat, so reserve soon!