There’s no better place to be in the summertime than the Hamptons. Spotlight has assembled a calendar of the most coveted events to attend, where you can raise funds for important causes, enjoy lavish dinners, performances, dancing, and more!
BY: Eric Viner
Claire Florence x Fierce Grace Collaboration Exhibition
Friday, May 24, Daily until June 15
3 Railroad Avenue, East Hampton
Artist Claire Florence will be displaying her collaboration with Fierce Grace at their East Hampton studio. Claire is at the cutting edge of developing AI-based art expressed physically using precious metals, inspired by the true inner spirit animals of the human soul. Claire depicts the energy of balancing ying and yang amidst chaos.
Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation 20th Annual Hamptons Happening
Saturday, July 6, 7 p.m.
Private Estate, Bridgehampton
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will hold their annual Hamptons Happening event at the Fishel estate in Bridgehampton on Saturday, July 6th. The event features tastings, live music, and a thrilling auction. This year’s honorees include Arthur F. Backal, Stacey Griffith, Cheri Kaufman, Stephen Kliegerman, and Chef Francois Payard. The Step Up to Turn Cancer Off event is running from June 17th – June 23rd with an in-person walk at Metlife Stadium on June 22nd.
Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Weekend, Shadow and Light
Friday, July 12, 7-11 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 6-10:30 p.m.
Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill
Attend one of the highlights of the season in support of the Parrish educational programs and year-round initiatives! This year, the honorees include Philanthropists, Susan Pear Meisel and Louis Meisel and Artist KAWS, Shirin Neshant, and Sean Scully.
HMI School’s Out
Saturday, July 20, 5 p.m.
Private Residence, Water Mill
Celebrate the 45-year legacy and rally together to raise crucial funds for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth. Funds raised support year-round access to vital resources and support.
Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation 15th Unconditional Love Gala
Saturday, July 20, 6 p.m.
Under the tents at Wickapogue, Southampton
The SASF relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care for homeless animals in the local community with the goal of placing them in loving “forever homes.” This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Cathy Bissell; Dave Portnoy and his rescue dog, Miss Peaches, are also being honored.
The Watermill Center Summer Gala
Saturday, July 27, 6 p.m.
The Watermill Center, Water Mill
The Watermill Center is ushering in 100 Years of Experimentation celebrating the origin of the building as a scientific laboratory established in 1924. The funds raised support the organization’s year-round programming- artist residency, education, and public programs. Featuring dynamic works by a roster of groundbreaking international artists. This evening will immerse you in a curated series of installations.
Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center 16th Annual Get Wild! Benefit
Friday, August 2, 5:30 p.m.
Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton
The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the rehabilitation of wild animals impacted by the encroachment of humans on their habitat. The Get Wild! Benefit is the charity’s signature summer event led by new Executive Director, Kathleen Mulcahy.
Guild Hall Summer Gala
Friday, August 2, 6 p.m.
158 Main Street, East Hampton
This unforgettable evening will feature a special preview of Julian Schabel’s exhibition, followed by a dinner, a performance, and dancing with DJ Mick.
Southampton Hospital Foundation 66th Annual Summer Party
Saturday, August 3, 6 p.m.
Under the Tent on Wickapogue Road, Southampton
This annual party benefits Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. Expect a festive evening of cocktails, dinner, and dancing.
Silverstein Dream Foundation Annual Hamptons Gala
Saturday, August 10, 6 p.m.
Home of co-hosts Patricia and Roger Silverstein, Water Mill
This annual gala in support of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, auctions, and entertainment.
The Hampton Classic
Sunday, August 25 – Sunday September 1
Snake Hallow Road, Bridgehampton
This week-long horse show brings in equestrians from around the globe to compete for $1 million. There will be daily activities, including the Adoption Day for rescued animals.