With all the hustle and bustle of Memorial Day Weekend (that’s this one coming up, folks!), it’s easy to get caught up and, ultimately, lost in the sauce. If parades and barbecues aren’t your thing, fear not, for there are plenty of versatile goings-on this weekend sure to keep you engaged and entertained.
Closing out their 39th season, Hampton Theatre Company in Quogue’s latest production, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, kicks off tonight, with performances continuing through June 9. Among the other happenings throughout the Hamptons are a special event highlighting the native box turtle at the South Fork Natural History Museum and a handful of artists openings and exhibitions. Support Shelter Island businesses with extended hours at some of The Rock’s most beloved locales and learn how to hoard off hip pain with tips from a pro at Hampton Bays Library. Because after all, if you don’t have your health, you don’t really have much at all.
Attend the launch of a new gallery in Montauk
Fine art photographer James Katsipis hosts the grand opening of his namesake gallery, James Katsipis Photography in Montauk today. Located at 742 Montauk Highway (attached to the Montauk Chamber of Commerce), Katsipis is launching a limited-edition zine crafted from his “Graintauk” analog film series. The first 50 people to purchase this in-gallery zine will also receive a signed and numbered limited-edition print.
Shop small, shop local on Shelter Island
Today businesses located throughout Shelter Island Heights will remain open a little longer (from 5 to 7 p.m.) to promote shopping small and shopping local, from Goat Hill to Grand Avenue to Bridge Street. Participating businesses are slated to include Isola, Jack’s, Activated Wellness, The Chequit, Finley’s Fiction, PureThread, Bliss, Ram Design Home, Pure Soul and the Shelter Island Art House, to name a few. An initiative of the Shelter Island Chamber of Commerce, these “after hours” will occur on the last Thursday of every month through September.
See a classic musical at Hampton Theatre Company
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum starts today at Hampton Theatre Company (125 Jessup Ave.) in Quogue. The beloved musical, featuring music and lyrics by the great Stephen Sondheim, tells the story of a slave named Pseudolus who attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. It’s a classic play with elements of mistaken identity, farce and satire. Tonight’s performance starts at 7 p.m.. Performances will continue on Thursdays and Fridays (both at 7 p.m.), Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 through June 9. There will be two talkback sessions with the cast on Friday, May 31 and Friday, June 7 after each respective performance. Tickets are $48 for adults, $43 for seniors (excluding Saturdays), $27 for students, and $38 for veterans and Native Americans (excluding Saturday). For group discounts and more information, click here.
Take in an opening reception in WHB
An opening reception for artist Steve Alpert is at Art Studio Hamptons Gallery (108 Main St. #2) in Westhampton Beach this Saturday, May 25, from 4 to 6 p.m.. Alpert, one of the few artists selected to participate in the exhibition, “Local Colors,” is a painter who works in landscape, portraiture and abstract while also making paintings that honor the men and women in uniform in the U.S. Armed Forces. His works have raised close to $500,000 for organizations that assist veterans and their families, showing in galleries and art fairs across the nation.
Hear from local DJs at LTV
LTV Studios in Wainscott hosts “The Hangar” this Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.. LTV will be transformed into a venue that showcases local talent from East End DJs, complete with art installations and immersive lighting. Featured DJs are slated to include Flykai, ZVCH, Esly and a special guest. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. There will also be food and drinks available for an additional purchase. This event is for ages 18 and older.
Hoard off hip and knee pain in Hampton Bays
“On the Move” with Dr. Peter Sultan, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Peconic Bay Medical Center, is tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at Hampton Bays Public Library. Dr. Sultan will discuss solutions for hip and knee pain, including arthritic knee and hip challenges, and the latest options to ensure patients can maintain mobility and quality of life.
Tour through historical East Hampton
A walking tour of Main Street, East Hampton is tomorrow beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Clinton Academy. Participants will learn about how the hamlet, specifically the downtown area, has changed over time with an inside tour of the Town House (the British Headquarters during the American Revolution) plus a tutorial about enslaved Africans and Montauketts — peoples who both lived and worked on Main Street. Put on by the East Hampton Historical Society, this walk is free of charge.
Attend a family block party at CMEE
Help the Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton kick-off the season as they host the 7th annual Block Party this Saturday. From 10 a.m. to noon, all are welcome to enjoy block building activities, DIY stomp rockets, crafts and games with community partners, chalk art and much more. This is also a great opportunity to meet CMEE’s summertime partners: iCamp, Marked By, Relic and Little Barn. Museum admission is free for all, but pre-registration is recommended as space is limited.
Turn out for turtle-themed story time at SOFO
Kids ages 3 to 7 are welcome to South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center for “Storytime & Meet the Animals: Box Turtles” at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, May 26. This drop-in event about box turtles allows visitors to have an up-close visit with the museum’s outdoor turtle pen containing Eastern Box turtles. Led by SOFO Environmental Outdoor Specialist, the program is $15 for adults, $10 for children. Advanced registration is required. Sign-up here.
Show up for some free tunes in Sag Harbor
Tonight at The Green Room (located on third floor of the Sag Harbor Cinema) Jake Lorefice will be providing some summer tunes beginning at 8 p.m.. Jake Lear performs at Kidd Squid in Sag Harbor from 5 to 7 p.m. this Saturday.
