Whether you’re a native or a weekend visitor, there’s an undeniably ardent appreciation for the beautiful bounty surrounding the East End. Equally noteworthy are the efforts local and visiting artists make to celebrate it.
As we transition from one month into the next here on the South Fork, be sure to check out some first-rate happenings scattered across the Hamptons this weekend featuring nearly every type of artist from every type of medium. And don’t forget about the culinary arts, too, as there are a couple of seriously good dinners scattered in the mix, with a special wine pairing, too!
Here’s a taste of what to do this weekend as we say goodbye to April and say cheers to May!
Grab a naturally good dinner at Naturally Good
Naturally Good in Montauk hosts its third and last installment for this season of “The Good Dinner Series” tomorrow, April 28, beginning at 6 p.m.. In celebration of spring, chef Dave Piacente will be churning out dishes featuring mostly local and seasonal ingredients. Save a spot in the dining room for $95 per person or grab a couple of your nearest and dearest to rent out the igloo all night for $600 (food included and can accommodate up to six guests). There’s also a $45 optional wine pairing if you feel so inclined. Contact [email protected]. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Tax and tip are included.
Help benefit East End Special Players at Bay Street
Turtles on the Tarmac, a new play from company-in-residence East End Special Players, is at Bay Street Theater this Saturday, April 29, at 4 p.m.. East End Special Players consists of actors with learning disabilities as well as other cognitive or physical challenges and has called Bay Street in Sag Harbor home since 2019. A silent auction starts at 3 p.m. and there’ll be a live auction led by special guest auctioneer, Wölffer winemaker and co-owner Roman Roth, following the performance. Tickets for the performance start at $25, $10 for students and children. Preferred seating is $75. To get yours, click here or call the box office at 631-725-9500.
Hear some Billy Joel classics
The Suffolk in Riverhead hosts The Lords of 52nd Street for a night of Billy Joel classics Saturday, April 29 beginning at 8 p.m.. Comprised of three top notch musicians — drummer Liberty DeVitto, guitarist Russell Javors and saxophonist Richie Cannata — the band members all performed on past albums featuring Long Island’s favorite piano-playing crooner. Tickets for Saturday’s show range from $49 to $59 and are going fast. Get yours here.
Listen to artists talk
An opening reception for “Artists Choose Parrish” is on Saturday, April 29, at Water Mill’s Parrish Art Museum. In addition to the artists currently on display since the exhibition opened April 16, participating artists will also include Tony Bechara, Ross Bleckner, Pamela Council, Jeremy Dennis, Eric Fischl, Robert Gober, Mary Hellmann, Enoc Perez, Michelle Stuart, Hank Willis Thomas and Nina Yankowitz. The reception will feature a talk with the artists along with Corinne Erni, deputy director of curatorial affairs and senior curator at the Parrish. Starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, free for members, students and children. Register here.
Tour Italian wine (and food) at Nick & Toni’s
Tonight all are welcome to a special wine dinner at East Hampton mainstay Nick & Toni’s in honor of the edible and drinkable flavors of Piedmont. Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy a five-course menu created by executive chef Joe Realmuto and pastry chef Kelsey Roden, paired with stellar wine picks from Chimene Macnaughton, beverage director of Honest Man Hospitality. $150 per person and you can book your reservation here.
Gain some “insight” at The Church
For the month of April, painter and historian Michael A. Butler served as The Church’s “Insight Sunday” artist. On Sunday, April 30, Butler will be on hand beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Sag Harbor locale not only to discuss his work, but also his personal involvement and commitment to village organizations, as well as his historical and ancestral ties to it, too, dating back over a century. Tickets are $10, free for members. RSVP and get your tickets here.
Bird watch (and walk) with SOFO
All are welcome to join Joe Giunta (an expert in all things birds) with the South Fork Natural History Museum on Saturday, April 29, at 8 a.m.. This particular walk meanders through the Promised Land Trail (the main loop at Napeague State Park) in Amagansett. Pre-registration is required — call SOFO at 631-537-9735 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.
See a short film, help close EEC7 at SAC
Inside the theater of the Southampton Arts Center will be a showing of The Way It Goes beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. The hour-long documentary follows the work and life of local artist Nathan Slate Joseph. Admission is free and you may register for the event here. Immediately following the film will be the closing reception for East End Collected7, an exhibition curated by Paton Miller featuring dozens of local artists (your last chance to see it before it comes down!).
Attend an author talk in Amagansett
The Amagansett Library hosts an author talk with Long Island resident Graham E.E. Bailey on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m.. Attendees will be discussing Bailey’s debut mystery book, Sakhalin, which was nominated for an award in 2022 from Long Island Reads. To register, click here.
