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!
Saturday, Sept. 26
-
Pie Eating Contest
Saturday — 1:00 PM
-
Reggae Regatta Party
Saturday — 6:00 PM
-
Family Treasure Hunt
Saturday & Sunday — Ongoing throughout festival hours
Sunday, Sept. 27
-
Oyster Shucking Contest
Sunday — 10:00 AM
-
Hot Sauce Competition
Sunday — 11:30 AM
-
Cardboard Boat Races
Sunday — 4:00 PM
-
Family Treasure Hunt
Saturday & Sunday — Ongoing throughout festival hours
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