This Garlic Festival Near NYC Has Funky Ice Cream, Sunflower Fields, And Fall Fair Vibes—But It’s Just One Weekend Only

Wayyy out east on Long Island in Riverhead, Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden is bringing back the Long Island Garlic Festival for its 23rd year this September, and it’s a road trip-worthy weekend packed with food, family fun, and, of course, a whole lot of garlic. From garlic butter roasted corn to fresh lemonade to the now-famous garlic ice cream, it’s part harvest celebration, part fall fair, and all around a must-do before the season changes. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. Where is Long Island’s Garlic Festival? --------------------------------------- Long Island’s Garlic Festival is held at Waterdrinker North Fork in Riverhead, NY (4560 Sound Avenue), about 2 hours from NYC by car depending on traffic. And considering the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a cooler-than-average fall that can translate to some pretty foliage, the drive makes for a perfect day trip or early fall weekend escape. When is it? ----------- Long Island’s Garlic Festival will be held two days only this fall. Dates and times are as follows: * Saturday, September 13th, 10 am – 5 pm * Sunday, September 14th, 10 am – 5 pm Do you have to buy tickets? --------------------------- Yes–admission is $20 per person and gives you full access to the farm’s festival activities, including: * The Garlic Scavenger Hunt * Corn Maze * Musical Hay Ride * Waterdrinker Express * Sunflower Fields * Pumpkin Patch * Plenty of photo-worthy spots throughout the farm What kinds of food do they have? -------------------------------- The Long Island Garlic Festival is all about celebrating the harvest season, and of course it’s a garlic lover’s dream. The Vendor Market and Gift Barn will be packed with local bites and garlicky treats like: * Garlic Butter Roasted Corn * Fresh Squeezed Lemonade * Garlic Pickles, Spreads & Oils * Garlic Ice Cream (yes, really) There will also be typical fair fare from food trucks and local vendors. What else is there do to? ------------------------- Besides eating your weight in garlic there’s plenty to explore across Waterdrinker’s 40-acre farm. Some highlights include: * Tiptoeing through sunflower fields * Pumpkin picking * A ride on the Musical Hay Ride to learn all about the garlic-growing process * A trip on the Waterdrinker Express * Exploring the vendor market for local handmade goods * Feeding barnyard animals * Trying your hand at mini golf * Live music and games for the whole family INSIDER TIP: Don’t skip the garlic ice cream! It sounds wild, but festivalgoers say it’s surprisingly delicious. How to get there ---------------- The easiest way to get to the Garlic Festival is to drive. It’s about a 2-2.5 hour trip from NYC depending on traffic. Head east on the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and follow it to Exit 73 for NY-25 East. From there, it’s a short ride to Sound Avenue in Riverhead. You can also get there by train – you can catch the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station to Riverhead (via the Ronkonkoma line, about one hour and 45 minutes), but note that the festival is not directly in walking distance from the train, so you’ll need a rideshare or cab to get to the farm from the station. Quick Facts: ------------ * 📍 Waterdrinker North Fork – 4560 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY * 🗓 Saturday, 9/13 & Sunday, 9/14 * ⏰ 10 am – 5 pm, both days * 🚙 ~2 hours, depending on traffic * !?️ Learn more Whether you’re a full-blown garlic fanatic or just in the mood for a quirky fall day trip, the Long Island Garlic Festival is a flavor-packed weekend you won’t want to miss. Just...maybe don’t forget the breath mints! 🧄 Source: https://secretnyc.co/long-island-garlic-festival/