The Montauk Lighthouse at Sunrise with a View of the Coastline

Montauk

Gurney’s Guide to 2026

It’s no secret that our quiet surf town is buzzing more than ever, yet Montauk hasn’t lost the magic that draws everyone here. While people flock here for the easy city escape, the pristine beaches, and the food, we all know the real draw: it’s the community that truly makes this place home.

Ideal for

Groups of Friends
Couples
Families
Individuals

From local happenings to community events, there’s no shortage of ways to dive in—be sure to check the town calendar before you head out to the East End! 

Visit the Montauk Lighthouse

The Montauk Lighthouse is a national historic landmark is located at the very tip of eastern Long Island. Our magnificent lighthouse provides unforgettable 360° views over the Block Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and points west. Whether you’re in town for a week or a day, no visit to Montauk is complete without a stop at its historic lighthouse.

For up-to-date hours of operation and other info, visit their website.

Art Show On The Green

August 14 to 16
The East End’s most popular outdoor art show will be running two shows this summer, from June 26-28 and August 14-16. Taking place on the Town Green in the center of downtown Montauk, this world class art festival features award winning artists from around the country exhibiting in a variety of mediums including photography, painting, drawing, jewelry, sculpture and more. The art show is free and all are welcome to attend. 

Check out the full schedule here.

Montauk Farmers Market

May to October
Swing into Montauk each Thursday of the summer season to enjoy the largest Farmers Market on the East End with over 40 vendors. Open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Thursday from May 21 through September 10, switching to Fridays from September 18 – October 2. You are sure to love this community favorite event. From fresh veggies and cut flowers, to fantastic olive oils, to delicious sangria – this market has something for everyone in the family to enjoy!

Click here for more info.

Montauk Seafood Festival

September 12-13
On Saturday and Sunday September 12 + 13, The Montauk Friends of Erin and Kiwanis Club of East Hampton are proud to present a family friendly seafood event right in the Heart of Montauk. The Montauk Seafood Festival started 14 years ago as a joint fundraiser to support both groups’ charitable interests here on the east end. This year about 10 different restaurants and vendors will be featuring some of their seaside favorite dishes… Come and sample these signature dishes at reasonable prices: Lobster rolls, fish tacos, chowder, tuna sliders, ,  shrimp, clams, oysters, sushi, dumplings, Mediterranean platter, Lobster Cobb Salad, Seafood Soup, Gazpacho, fish ceviche, crab cakes, Burgers & Hot Dogs, Roasted Corn, French Fries, Ice Cream Treats, coffee… Along with your food sip a cold beer from Montauk Brew, wine, or soft drinks while enjoying Live Music each day. There will also be fun for the kids- games, tattoos, face painting, an ocean exploration table, Cornell Cooperative family activities as well as other family friendly activities and games. Come and experience what Montauk has always known-our seafood is the best! The event runs both days Noon to-5pm- on the green in the center of town, across the street from the Montauk Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Center – $5 Admission- cash only. Dogs are not allowed under the tent.

Montauk Fall Fest

October 10-11

Montauk Chamber of Commerce & Visit Montauk’s fan favorite Fall Fest weekend is back for it’s 45th year of fall themed fun! Come out to Montauk October 10th and 11th for Montauk’s favorite event. This event includes an annual Clam Chowder Contest (Saturday only), Farmers Market vendors, kid’s activities, local band performances, yummy eats, fall themed activities, beer and wine, a silent auction, and more! Saturday’s Clam Chowder Contest Mugs can be purchased before the event at the Montauk Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and in front of the building beginning 10:00AM day of. The contest will begin at 11:00AM.  

50th Annual Turkey Trot Run for Fun

November 26

Join us for annual 3 & 6 mile Run/ Walk at 10:00am Rain or Shine! 
Turkey "Run for Fun" History: On Thanksgiving 1976, John Keeshan got together with his friends to engage in a morning run from the Village Green, to the lighthouse, and back. This developed into a yearly tradition, which eventually became the annual event. 
 

The distance from the village green to the lighthouse and back is 11 miles will be run virtual only.

Annual Lighting of the Lighthouse

November 28
Come out to the Montauk Lighthouse on Saturday, November 28th for the Lighting of the Lighthouse. This is an annual event that has taken place for year at the lighthouse. It is the start of the Holiday season for Montauk. Bring your whole family to event the lighting.