3 Long Island food and drink festivals happening this weekend
Lauren Muro, left, and Mary Murphy, from Huntington, sample beers at Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market in Riverhead. Credit: Morgan Campbell
Three palate-pleasing local festivals are in full swing this weekend. Star attractions at these gatherings are bold craft beers and mouthwatering macaroni and cheese — tasty delights that always go down easy.
Each celebration features music and special events (Selfie contest, anyone?) to boost the fun. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Pumpkin and Craft Brews weekends at Garden of Eve
Enjoy a flight of pumpkin, imperial chocolate stout, IPA, and pilsner beer at Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market in Riverhead. Credit: Morgan Campbell
In the run-up to Halloween, hayrides, pumpkin and flower picking, pedal kart rides and farm animal visits are what family-friendly weekends are all about at this Riverhead farm. Sliders, smoothies and other eats from the organic farm and market cafe are available. Listen up for local musicians Small Town Gig (Oct. 22) and Drew Velting (Oct. 23).
Home-brewed beers are on tap for adults 21 and over. There’s pumpkin ale, hard cider and a new wild berry sour beer made from tasty fruits from the fields. “I love using products from our farm,” says brewer Chris Kaplan-Walbrecht, who owns the property with his wife Eve. Wine is sold by the bottle. Admission is $10.95. Tickets are available in advance on the farm’s website.
INFO: 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead; 631-722-8777; gardenofevefarm.com
Patchogue Fall Beer Fest
Sip on brews and enjoy live music at the Patchogue Fall Beer Fest on Oct. 23. Credit: Dave Ferguson
Burgerology Patchogue presents this rain-or-shine event for adults 21 and over. Designated drivers get discount admission. Three dozen local and regional breweries are set to attend, including Finback and District 96 Beer Factory. There’s unlimited sampling, so come thirsty.
Beyond brews, look for a succulent plant vendor and rescue dogs up for adoption as the fest unfolds Oct. 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. on Railroad Avenue. “It’s all about helping the community and growing the love of craft beer in Patchogue,” says event organizer Craig Foote. Grilled burgers, hot dogs and pretzels, a DJ, raffles and giveaways pump the party vibe. Admission is $60 online, $70 at the door. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
INFO: Burgerology Patchogue, 11 Railroad Ave., Patchogue; 631-730-7434; burgerologyusa.com.
NY Mac and Cheese Fest at Mulcahy’s
Brixton’s Mac n’ Cheese will make an appearance at the NY Mac and Cheese Fest at Mulcahy’s on Oct. 23. Credit: The Brixton/The Brixton
Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall sets the stage for an “ooey gooey taste-a-thon.” Local restaurants including the Brixton in Babylon, Swingbellys BBQ in Long Beach, The Irish Pub in Baldwin and other surprise mac-makers will offer their versions of the classic dish.
Designed for adults only (21 and over), the Oct. 23 event is split into two sessions — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. “It’s the cozy comfort food fest of your dreams,” says event organizer Matt Kourie, the brains behind NY Best Wings Festival. “This is all about the celebration of cheese.”
A DJ, a selfie contest, a spicy mac and cheese-eating competition and a vote for Long Island's best mac and cheese are on deck. Beer and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the venue. Admission is $30, or a $40 ticket gains you entrance an hour early and access to VIP lounge. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
INFO: Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh; 516-783-7500; muls.com.
