By: Eric Viner


LongHouse Reserve
LONGHOUSE Reserve Summer Benefit
The LongHouse Reserve Summer Benefit offers an enchanting evening where art, nature, and community come together. Guests wander the gardens with cocktails and live music, followed by an art auction. The night continues with dinner and dancing. June 27
Whimsy: Latin Jazz Dance Party
This spirited benefit for the Southampton Arts Center blends live Latin jazz with an open-air dance floor. Spotlight Editor-in-Chief Sydney Sadick serves as the Junior Co-chair of Whimsy’s Next Gen Committee. June 27
God’s Love We Deliver Midsummer Night Drinks
The 25th Annual Midsummer Night Drinks returns to East Hampton for an afternoon of glamour and purpose. Hosted by Culinary Council member David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris at their private residence, the gathering blends chic poolside lounging with cocktails, seasonal bites, and playful surprises in support of God’s Love We Deliver. July 11
Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala & Afterglow
The Parrish Midsummer Gala unfolds in two acts: an elegant seated dinner, followed by the Afterglow, where the energy shifts and a younger fashion-forward crowd takes to the dance floor. This year, the gala honors philanthropist Ellen Katz, alongside artists Enoc Perez, Joan Semmel, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, with a special in memoriam tribute to Pat Steir. July 18

Watermill Center
Watermill Center Summer Festival
This year’s summer festival—LIMITLESS TIME, presented by Van Cleef & Arpels—celebrates art and experimentation in support of the organization’s year-round programming, including its artist residency, education, and public initiatives. July 24–25
Hetrick-Martin Institute School’s Out Benefit
Hosted by the Browns—Marcus, Christopher, and Richie—and chaired by Ben Dixon, Bryan Ludwig, and Tonia Steck, this iconic summer fundraiser returns as HMI’s School’s Out Benefit heads to Water Mill for an evening that celebrates LGBT+ youth while delivering one of the season’s most spirited gatherings. July 25
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital Summer Party
Set beneath a beautifully adorned tent, the 68th Annual Summer Party unfolds with an air of celebration, elegance, and community spirit. Bringing together friends, neighbors, and supporters, the evening benefits Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and the East Hampton Emergency Department. August 1
Southampton Race of Hope
Held in Southampton, this annual run/walk to defeat depression brings participants together in a powerful show of unity and purpose. From seasoned runners to families and first-time walkers, participants join the excitement on race day while contributing to a vital cause; 100 percent of fundraising efforts support urgent depression research. August 2
Guild Hall Summer Gala
Guild Hall’s Summer Gala brings together patrons and artists for an evening of art, dining, and celebration set across the museum and its gardens. This year’s gala honors Andrea Grover, commemorating her 10th anniversary as executive director of Guild Hall. August 7
East Hampton Library Authors Night
The 22nd-annual Authors Night returns as a celebration of literature. Featuring more than 100 writers across genres, the night begins with the Authors Reception under a grand tent, where guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine while mingling with acclaimed authors, purchasing books and having them personally inscribed. August 8

Southampton Arts Center
Southampton Arts Center SummerFest
SummerFest blends culinary artistry, live performance, and contemporary exhibitions. This year, the evening honors John Paulson and Alina de Almeida with the 2026 Champions of the Arts Award. August 22
Hampton Classic Horse Show
The Hampton Classic remains a defining close to the summer, where tradition, competition, and social ritual meet. For more than a week, the East End transforms into an equestrian stage, where world-class riders and a polished social scene meet. August 23–30









