Montauk Event Guide
Montauk Fall Fest 2026: dates, chowder, and a better weekend plan.
Montauk's 45th Annual Fall Fest returns October 10-11, 2026, with the Saturday chowder contest, market vendors, children's activities, live local bands, food, drinks, and fall programming on the Town Green.
The Short Answer
Start here
Fall Fest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 10-11, 2026, on the Montauk Town Green. The official event page lists Saturday hours of 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; chowder mugs go on sale at 10:00 a.m. and the Saturday-only contest begins at 11:00 a.m.
Key takeaways
- Go Saturday morning if the clam chowder contest is a priority.
- The event is centered on the Town Green at 743 Montauk Highway.
- The organizer lists the festival as free, while chowder and vendor purchases are separate.
- Use layers and a flexible beach plan for an October Montauk weekend.
At A Glance
Saturday or Sunday?
Both days offer festival activity, but the chowder contest is Saturday only.
| Day | Best for | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Oct. 10 | Chowder contest and full opening-day energy | Mug sales begin at 10:00 a.m.; contest begins at 11:00 a.m. |
| Sunday, Oct. 11 | A festival visit without the chowder objective | Confirm final Sunday hours and program with the organizer |
| Either day | Vendors, food, music, and family activities | Dress for changing coastal weather |
Use the official event details
The Montauk Chamber and Visit Montauk list the festival for October 10 and 11 at the Town Green. The event page identifies it as free and family friendly, with farmers market vendors, children's activities, local bands, food, beer and wine, fall activities, and a silent auction.
Event details can change. Recheck the organizer page during the week of the festival for final hours, weather notices, and program updates.
Plan Saturday around the chowder contest
The clam chowder contest is Saturday only. The organizer says mugs can be purchased in advance at the Chamber and Visitors Center and in front of the building beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the event day. The contest starts at 11:00 a.m.
Arrive before the start if tasting is the main reason for the trip. Build in time to park, walk to the Green, and purchase the required mug.
Keep the car out of the center of the plan
The Town Green is central, which makes walking between the festival and nearby businesses practical once you are parked. Choose a legal parking option, follow temporary signs, and avoid assuming a usual summer spot will be available.
For families, bring only what can be carried comfortably through a busy outdoor event. A compact layer, water, and a small weather-ready bag are usually more useful than bulky beach equipment on the Green.
Leave room for a fall beach hour
October in Montauk can offer clear, quiet beach time, but wind and temperature should decide the plan. Check the forecast and remember that lifeguard coverage and seasonal services may differ from summer.
Keep rented chairs, shade, and a cooler at the house so the group can choose a short beach outing without carrying equipment through Fall Fest. Hamptons Beach Co delivers to the property, not to the Town Green or beach.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is Montauk Fall Fest 2026?
The 45th Annual Fall Fest is scheduled for October 10 and 11, 2026.
When is the chowder contest?
The chowder contest is Saturday only. The organizer says mug sales begin at 10:00 a.m. on event day and tasting starts at 11:00 a.m.
Where is Fall Fest?
The event is listed at the Montauk Town Green, 743 Montauk Highway, Montauk, New York 11954.
Sources and product notes
Dates, location, Saturday hours, chowder timing, admission, and activity details were reviewed from the Montauk Chamber on July 23, 2026.
Published by Hamptons Beach Co. Beach rules, access, and product specifications can change; verify current local and manufacturer guidance.