New Leadership
Stewardship of the festival transitions from the East End Seaport Museum to the Greenport Business Owners Alliance, a collective of local business leaders committed to strengthening and sustaining this event for years to come.
For over 35 years, the Greenport Maritime Festival has celebrated the rich maritime heritage, working waterfront, and enduring spirit of Greenport Village. What began as a tribute to our fishing and shipbuilding roots has grown into one of the East End’s most beloved annual traditions—bringing together residents, visitors, and local businesses in a shared celebration of life by the sea.
In 2026, the festival returns with renewed energy and a thoughtful vision for the future—honoring its history while embracing the evolving identity of our waterfront community.
About the Festival
The Greenport Maritime Festival is a weekend-long, village-wide celebration of maritime culture, local craftsmanship, food, music, and community connection. Set against the working waterfront of Greenport, the festival activates Mitchell Park, the marina, and surrounding streets with programming for all ages.
From legacy events like the Snapper Derby and Cardboard Boat Races to new experiences designed to engage families, artists, and makers, the festival reflects the creativity, resilience, and collaboration that define Greenport today.
What's New in 2026
Events
The 2026 festival features a mix of beloved traditions and new signature experiences:
Friday, Sept. 25
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Land & Sea Gala
Friday, September 25 — 6:00 PM
A celebrated kickoff event returning to Downtown Greenport Village! Full Event Details Coming Soon! Join us at this week’s Maritime Festival Community Meeting Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 4–6 PM The Hold Fast Fund Brick & Mortar Location: Little Creek Oysters211 Carpenter Street, Greenport, NY 11944 Come meet the organizers, ask questions & learn more about what’s planned for the 36th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival. ⚓️
Saturday, Sept. 26
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Classic Boat Regatta & Reggae Celebration
Saturday — 9:30am
The EESM, in collaboration with Shelter Island Yacht Club and the Stirling Harbor Foundation, is proud to introduce the Classic Boat Regatta which will take place on September 26th, 2026! The Race will take place in Gardiner’s Bay, near the EESM’s iconic Bug Lighthouse, with the start time and courses to be designated by the SIYC Race Committee and communicated at the Skipper’s Meeting on Race Day. For more information on rules, eligibility, scoring, and more, please visit our Notice of Race here. To register, please click below. Want to become a sponsor of the Regatta? Email: director@eastendseaport.org
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Maritime Parade
11am
Get Parade Ready with VEME! 🧜♀️👑🪼Want to join the Maritime Parade but wondering what the heck you’re going to wear? VEME Studios has you—and your whole crew—covered. They’ve created a series of special workshops specifically designed to get Greenport parade ready!👑 A crown adorned with treasures from the sea? There’s a class for that.🪼 An umbrella jellyfish to wish-wash your way down Front & Main Streets? They’ve got you covered.🧜♀️ A cape dripping in sea treasures to bring out your inner mermaid on land? Done.Come create, get a little weird, gather your crew & then bring it all to the streets for the 36th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival Parade! See VEME Studios’ Maritime Parade workshops, dates & registration here:VEME Maritime Parade Costume Classes. For PARADE sign up & information click on PARADE on our website below.
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Pie Eating Contest
Saturday — 1:00 PM
Interested in becoming a partner on this event? We’d love to hear from you! Please email Captain@GreenportMaritimeFestival.com or join us at this week’s Maritime Festival Community Meeting Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |4–6 PM The Hold Fast Fund Brick & Mortar Location: Little Creek Oysters 211 Carpenter Street, Greenport, NY 11944
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Family Treasure Hunt
Saturday & Sunday — Ongoing throughout festival hours
Family Treasure Hunt 🔑⚓️ What worlds will your key open up? This weekend-long interactive treasure hunt starts with a key - and takes you on an adventure across Greenport Village! Curated in collaboration with the North Fork Performing Arts Center, our historical landmarks, local organizations & not-for-profits, each stop unlocks another piece of Greenport. From the Little Red Schoolhouse, to the old jail, across the way to Floyd Memorial Library and beyond-follow the clues and see where your key takes you!Explore, discover & experience Greenport in a whole new way. Saturday & Sunday | Throughout Festival Hours All ages encouraged!
Sunday, Sept. 27
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Oyster Shucking Contest
Sunday — 10:00 AM
Full Event Details Coming Soon! Join us at this week’s Maritime Festival Community Meeting for updates, details & ways to participate. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 4–6 PM The Hold Fast Fund Brick & Mortar Location: Little Creek Oysters 211 Carpenter Street, Greenport, NY 11944 Come meet the organizers, ask questions & learn more about what’s planned for the 36th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival. ⚓️
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Hot Sauce Competition
Sunday — 11:30 AM
Full Event Details Coming Soon! Join us at this week’s Maritime Festival Community Meeting for updates, details & ways to participate.<br /> Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 4–6 PM The Hold Fast Fund Brick & Mortar Location: Little Creek Oysters 211 Carpenter Street, Greenport, NY 11944<br /> Come meet the organizers, ask questions & learn more about what’s planned for the 36th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival. ⚓️
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Cardboard Boat Races
Sunday — 12:30
Full Event Details Coming Soon! Join us at this week’s Maritime Festival Community Meeting for updates, details & ways to participate. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 4–6 PM The Hold Fast Fund Brick & Mortar Location: Little Creek Oysters 211 Carpenter Street, Greenport, NY 11944 Come meet the organizers, ask questions & learn more about what’s planned for the 36th Annual Greenport Maritime Festival. ⚓️
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Annual Work Boat Race - Power. Purpose. Pride.
1pm
The boats that work for the boats take center stage! Led by Adam Douglas & Tim Heaney, the Work Boat Race celebrates the hardworking vessels—and crews—that keep Greenport’s waterfront moving. They’re the yard dogs, the watchtowers, the guiding lights. They haul, tow, tend, guide & get the job done. But during Maritime Festival weekend, they’ve got just one job: Race for glory, guts & “gold.” The race begins at the Greenport Breakwater, with inboard & outboard divisions and three prizes up for grabs. Once the racing is done, stick around for a parade of racers—a chance to see the boats & crews that keep our working waterfront working. Come cheer them on as captains & crews put their vessels—and maybe a little friendly harbor rivalry—to the test. All hands on deck. Let’s race! ⚓️
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Concert at the Caboose 🚂🎶 THE MUDFLATS
3pm
The Railroad Museum of Long Island presents The Mudflats, bringing American Folk & Roots Music to the caboose during Maritime Festival weekend! Grab a chair or blanket, settle in & enjoy live music at one of Greenport’s most unique historic locations. FREE & Open to All 📍 Railroad Museum of Long Island 440 4th Street, Greenport, NY Bring a chair or blanket & stay awhile! Supported by SUFFOLK COUNTY DEPT. OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
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Family Treasure Hunt
Saturday & Sunday — Ongoing throughout festival hours
Family Treasure Hunt 🔑⚓️ What worlds will your key open up? This weekend-long interactive treasure hunt starts with a key - and takes you on an adventure across Greenport Village! Curated in collaboration with the North Fork Performing Arts Center, our historical landmarks, local organizations & not-for-profits, each stop unlocks another piece of Greenport. From the Little Red Schoolhouse, to the old jail, across the way to Floyd Memorial Library and beyond-follow the clues and see where your key takes you! Explore, discover & experience Greenport in a whole new way. Saturday & Sunday | Throughout Festival Hours All ages encouraged!
For participation, event inquiries, or volunteer opportunities:
Artisan Vendors
We are curating a thoughtful and dynamic marketplace featuring high-quality makers, artists, and small businesses. We are seeking vendors who reflect:
- Handmade and original goods
- Maritime or coastal influence
- Strong visual presentation and craftsmanship
- A balance of traditional and contemporary offerings
Apply to participate or learn more:
Food Vendors
Food is at the heart of the Maritime Festival experience. We are looking for:
- Local food businesses and purveyors
- Fresh, seasonal, and high-quality offerings
- Menus that reflect the East End’s agricultural and maritime roots
- Efficient service models suited for high-volume festival flow
Apply to participate or learn more:
Non-Profit Vendors
- Community Outreach Organizations – Local non-profits that provide services and support to the North Fork community.
- Community & Civic Groups – Organizations dedicated to preserving and improving our local communities.
- Maritime Heritage Organizations – Groups that celebrate and preserve Greenport’s rich maritime history.
- Boating & Sailing Clubs – Local organizations that promote boating, sailing, and life on the water.
- Marine Conservation Groups – Non-profits working to protect our waterways and coastal environment.
- Maritime Safety Organizations – Meet representatives from the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and other marine safety agencies.
- Educational Organizations – Groups offering educational programs and hands-on learning for all ages.
- Historical Societies & Museums – Organizations preserving the history and traditions of the North Fork.
Sponsors
Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, offering meaningful visibility and
engagement throughout the festival weekend and beyond. Benefits may include:
- On-site presence and activation
- Digital and print recognition
- Alignment with legacy events and programming
- Access to exclusive festival experiences
- Title, Premier and Major sponsorships opportunities alongside Community Supporters
Inquire about sponsorship opportunities:
Parade
Saturday, September 26 — 11:00 AM Line-Up
A cornerstone of the festival, the Maritime Parade brings together local organizations,
businesses, and community groups in a vibrant procession through the village. We welcome:
- Floats and decorated vehicles
- Marching groups and performers
- Maritime-themed creativity in all forms
Participate or volunteer:
Music
Live music will be featured throughout the weekend across multiple locations within the festival
footprint. Programming will include:
- Local bands and regional acts
- Maritime and coastal-inspired performances
- Family-friendly daytime sets and evening programming
Interested in performing or supporting music programming?
We are curating a thoughtful and dynamic marketplace featuring high-quality makers, artists, and small businesses. We are seeking vendors who reflect:
- Handmade and original goods
- Maritime or coastal influence
- Strong visual presentation and craftsmanship
- A balance of traditional and contemporary offerings
Apply to participate or learn more:
Food is at the heart of the Maritime Festival experience. We are looking for:
- Local food businesses and purveyors
- Fresh, seasonal, and high-quality offerings
- Menus that reflect the East End’s agricultural and maritime roots
- Efficient service models suited for high-volume festival flow
Apply to participate or learn more:
- Community Outreach Organizations – Local non-profits that provide services and support to the North Fork community.
- Community & Civic Groups – Organizations dedicated to preserving and improving our local communities.
- Maritime Heritage Organizations – Groups that celebrate and preserve Greenport’s rich maritime history.
- Boating & Sailing Clubs – Local organizations that promote boating, sailing, and life on the water.
- Marine Conservation Groups – Non-profits working to protect our waterways and coastal environment.
- Maritime Safety Organizations – Meet representatives from the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and other marine safety agencies.
- Educational Organizations – Groups offering educational programs and hands-on learning for all ages.
- Historical Societies & Museums – Organizations preserving the history and traditions of the North Fork.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, offering meaningful visibility and
engagement throughout the festival weekend and beyond. Benefits may include:
- On-site presence and activation
- Digital and print recognition
- Alignment with legacy events and programming
- Access to exclusive festival experiences
- Title, Premier and Major sponsorships opportunities alongside Community Supporters
Inquire about sponsorship opportunities:
Saturday, September 26 — 11:00 AM Line-Up
A cornerstone of the festival, the Maritime Parade brings together local organizations,
businesses, and community groups in a vibrant procession through the village. We welcome:
- Floats and decorated vehicles
- Marching groups and performers
- Maritime-themed creativity in all forms
Participate or volunteer:
Live music will be featured throughout the weekend across multiple locations within the festival
footprint. Programming will include:
- Local bands and regional acts
- Maritime and coastal-inspired performances
- Family-friendly daytime sets and evening programming
Interested in performing or supporting music programming?
Get Involved
The Greenport Maritime Festival is built by the community, for the community. Whether you’re a vendor, sponsor, performer, volunteer, or neighbor, we invite you to be part of this next chapter.
For general inquiries:
info@greenportmaritimefestival.com