Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! It’s National Tequila Day! Somewhere someone’s dancing on a table, and it might as well be you.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

• Zoning Update

• New Sergeant

• Sprinklers & Signs

Ready, Set, Go!

Sponsored By NOLA 2 NOFO

Get Ready to Take the Leap 🎶

The 2nd Annual Quantum Leap Music Festival lands at Borghese Vineyard on August 14–17, and it's bringing some serious star power with it. We’re talking more than a dozen Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated artists playing right here on the North Fork. Yeah, that’s a first.

Presented by NOLA2NOFO, Quantum Leap is a one-of-a-kind mashup of New Orleans soul and North Fork charm. Think jazz, funk, soul, and rhythm wrapped in vineyard views and local flavor.

Even better? It’s curated and hosted by none other than NEA Jazz Master Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. a living legend bringing big NOLA energy to our backyard.

This isn’t just a music festival. It’s a cultural exchange. A celebration of two grassroots communities vibing together through music, food, and soul.

Prices rise after July 31, get your tickets today and be part of something unforgettable. Find the full lineup and details 👉 Here

Instagram | Facebook | Tickets

The Lowdown

Southold’s Zoning Update 🗣️ 

After a tidal wave of feedback from the business community, Southold’s Town Board is rethinking a big zoning change that would've banned restaurants and shops in certain areas. The idea? Create a new “Corridor Business” zone to stop hamlet sprawl. The problem? No one liked it.

Turns out, the plan to cut suburban sprawl didn’t quite work for Southold’s hamlets. Plus, business owners were worried the rules would strangle small shops and delay openings with red tape and land use board limbo.

Planning Director Heather Lanza and her team are now sorting through a summer’s worth of public feedback and promise a revamped draft by the end of August. As for what comes next, the board’s debating how many public forums to hold, some want one big info session, others say two or three Q&A packed events would help seal the deal.

Stay tuned, this zoning update’s still cooking.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

Southold’s Newest Sergeant 👮‍♂️

Southold PD just promoted one of its most respected officers, and the applause could’ve shaken Town Hall.

Alex Chenche, military veteran, former school resource officer, and all-around community favorite, is now officially Sergeant Chenche.

Chenche immigrated from Ecuador in 2000 as a teenager, learned English, and after the 9/11 attacks, joined the U.S. Army, where he served for eight years and reached the rank of sergeant.

Then came law enforcement. He entered the NYPD academy in 2014, then started the whole process again at the Suffolk Police Academy when Southold came calling. He’s been on patrol, in the Community Response Unit, and, most memorably, in the schools.

Congrats Sergeant Chenche on one well deserved promotion!

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Sprinklers & Signs 💧🪧

The Southold Town Board just passed two new local laws, one for automatic sprinkler systems and another for political signs—and yes, there was some drama.

Let’s start with sprinklers. Starting soon, if you’ve got an automatic system, you’ll need to follow the new odd/even watering schedule (odd-numbered houses on odd days, even on even). New systems also need a smart controller or rain sensor.

Now onto the signs. A proposed political sign law got some heat at a June hearing for overreaching. The new rules ban signs from town property, roadsides, utility poles, and schools. They also cap sign size at 32 square feet, ban anything electronic or flashy, and require signs to be secure and out of the way of traffic. ($)

Get the full story 👉 Suffolk Times

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Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

🧘‍♀️ Farm Fresh Yoga Start your weekend the mindful way at 8 Hands Farm. After you pick up your provisions, roll out your mat for a grounding yoga session with Lucy Nystrom of New Moon Health & Wellness. Breathe deep, stretch long, and ease into the weekend with intention. More Info

🍷 Cab Franc + Conversation The East End Seaport Museum is back with another Social Summer Friday, and this one’s for the wine lovers. It’s called Cab Franc Forward and features pours from Macari Vineyards plus a fun, wine talk with educator Gibson Campbell. More Info

🍽️ Vineyard Dinner Bedell Cellars is throwing a vineyard dinner and you’re gonna want a seat at this table. Chef Adam Kelinson of Around the Fire Catering is serving up a fresh, farm-to-table feast, paired perfectly with Bedell’s finest wines. Space is super limited, so snag your spot before it’s just you and a bowl of cereal at home. More Info

🎭 Othello Comes to Greenport Northeast Stage is bringing the drama, literally. From Friday to Sunday, they’re performing Shakespeare’s Othello at Mitchell Park, and it’s serving betrayal, jealousy, and some of the Bard’s juiciest lines. Don’t miss your chance to catch the timeless tragedy under the stars. More Info

🦪 Last Friday Nights Kick off the weekend with wine and freshly-shucked local oysters by Peconic Gold. Suhru & Lieb Vineyards’ Last Friday Night series brings all the good vibes, sip your favorite wines, savor the freshest shellfish on the North Fork, and toast to summer. More Info

Saturday

🖼️ Antique Dreams The Southold Historical Museum and Old Town Arts and Crafts Guild are throwing a weekend fair that’s basically a gold mine for cool finds. Head to the Summer Antiques, Fine Art & Crafts Fair, where you’ll find vendors selling everything from fine art and pottery to photography, handmade crafts, and vintage treasures you didn’t know you needed, but definitely do. More Info

🌽 Sweet Corn Festival Get ready to celebrate summer’s sweetest star at Harbes Family Farm’s Sweet Corn Festival. Head over for a weekend of farm fun featuring corn eating contests and live music from 1–5 PM. More Info

🦞 Lobsterfest Is Back Clear your plate and your calendar for Lobsterfest 2025, happening at Veterans Beach in Mattituck. Hosted by the Southold & Greenport Rotary Clubs, this is your once-a-year chance to feast on lobster or steak with all the fixings: steamed mussels, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, and watermelon. Plus, live music from The Eagle River Band. More Info

🏀 Buckets, Beats & BBQ North Fork Kids Connect is back with its 5th Annual Basketball Tournament, and it’s not just about hoops. Yes, there will be basketball. But also: Music, Dance performances, BBQ, and fun for for the whole family. More Info

🌸🥧 Petals & Pie Horton’s Flower Farm just dropped a new summer event and it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Introducing Petals & Pie, a blissful day in the flower fields featuring:
-A flight of three pies from Briermere Farms
-A fresh-cut bouquet straight from the farm

It’s part picnic, part garden stroll, part pie tasting, what a great way to spend an afternoon. More Info

🇪🇸 A Night in Seville Maizeat is bringing the soul of Spain straight to The Shoals with A Night in Seville, an evening packed with flavor, rhythm, and a little romance. Savor seafood paella, sip on specialty sangria to start the night right, and indulge in a curated tapas spread that hits all the right notes. As sultry beats fill the air, the dance floor beckons, promising a night that transports you to the heart of Seville without ever leaving town. More Info

🍖 Ribs, Chicken & Community Jefferson Temple’s Annual BBQ Fundraiser is, serving up mouthwatering BBQ chicken and ribs with all the classic fixins and yes, there’s dessert too. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to gather, and support the important ministry work the church does in the community. More Info

Sunday

🧘 Sunrise Yoga Start your morning among the vines at Croteaux Vineyards with a sunrise yoga session led by NYC instructor Neeti Narula. Enjoy a grounding meditation, an energizing flow, and a complimentary mimosa after class. BYO mat and water. More Info

🚗☕️ Cars + Coffee Southold Social and NOFO Car Club are rolling out the welcome mat for every car lover, from vintage classics to exotic showstoppers. Swing by for Cars + Coffee, show off your ride or just geek out over some seriously cool wheels. Then stick around and fuel up with brunch. More Info

🎨 Art Meets Wine Chronicle Wines is back with their seasonal artist spotlight, and this summer, they’re raising a glass to Jacques Garant, their newest Artist-in-Residence. Swing by the opening reception to check out Jacques’ latest work (yes, it’s for sale), meet the artist himself, and enjoy wines by the glass at special prices. Oh, and there’ll be light bites, too, because art appreciation pairs best with snacks. More Info

🎉 Garden Party The Shelter Island Educational Foundation is throwing its annual Garden Party at the Ram’s Head Inn and it’s the kind of afternoon that checks all the summer boxes.

We’re talking: Wine bar, Live music, Hors d’oeuvres, Silent auction, and 50/50 raffle. It’s all in support of learning, growth, and big opportunities for the kids of Shelter Island. More Info

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Thursday

Brick Cove Marina | Rob Europe | 4-8 PM
Corey Creek | Jay Shepard | 5-9 PM
Legends | Julia King | 5-8 PM
Billy’s by the Bay | Sahara | 5-8 PM
Hotel Moraine | Rachelle Rossi | 5-7 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Sonic Gumbo | 5 PM
Hallockville | Old Time Jam | 5:30-8:30 PM
Claudio’s | Greg Humphreys & Friends | 5:30-8:30 PM
Greenport Harbor Brewing (Pec) | Trivia | 6-8 PM
Windamere | Vocomotive | 6:30-9:30 PM
Green Hill Kitchen | Open Mic Night | 7 PM
Andy’s | Bingo | 7 PM
Southold American Legion | Bingo | 7 PM
Anker | DJ Henry Eau | 9-12 PM

Friday

Duck Walk Vineyards | Pride Before the Fall | 2-5 PM
Corey Creek | Chloe Halpin | 3-7 PM
Peconic Bay Vineyards | Rob Europe | 4-7 PM
Clovis Point Vineyard | Logan Whaley | 4-7 PM
Pindar Vineyards | Haig Mathosian | 4-8 PM
Waypoint | Kelly B | 5-8 PM
Billy’s by the Bay | Sahara | 5-8 PM
Jamesport Farm Brewery | JuiceBox Acoustic | 5-8 PM
Kontokosta Winery | Como Brothers | 5-8 PM
Tucker’s Tap Room | Dave March | 5-8 PM
Main & Mill | Jeff LeBlanc | 5-8 PM
Borghese Vineyard | K & R | 5-8 PM
Claudio’s | JJ Sansaverino | 5:30-8:30 PM
Palmer Vineyards | Deanna Hudson | 5:30-8:30 PM
Little Fish | Gordon Daniels | 6-9 PM
Bridge Lane | DJ Henry Eau | 6-8 PM
Touch of Venice | Nick Kerzner | 6-9 PM
Jamesport Vineyards | Frank Cardello Jr | 6-8 PM
One Woman Winery | Brandi Disterheft Trio | 6-9 PM
Eastern Front Brewing | Good Question | 7-10 PM
Windamere | VHS Band | 6:30-9:30 PM
Alize Brewing Co | Ed Travers | 7-10 PM
Green Hill Kitchen | The Hoodoo Loungers | 7-10 PM
Greenport Harbor Brewing (Gpt) | Open Mic Night | 7-10 PM
PORT | Jon Divello | 8 PM
Claudio’s | DJ Spin Diesel | 9:30-1 AM

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Tom Loncar- Publisher