Before we all dive headfirst into preparations for the big bad Turkey Day next week, this is your PSA to take some time to enjoy the great outdoors here on the South Fork. Whether it’s a first-hand, literal look at how oysters help local waters, a group kayak adventure or a nice little leisurely walk through the woods there’s plenty of available alfresco happenings across the Hamptons for you to check out.
Or, if you’re more of an indoor person, make sure to hit up Shelter Island Library or South Fork Natural History Museum in Bridgehampton, as they’re offering seasonal and holiday-themed crafts, for adults and for kids.
If you’re already gettin’ after your Christmas shopping, swing by Grenning Gallery this weekend, as their last exhibition of the year starts on Saturday, Nov. 23, featuring works from some of their fave artists. Also, don’t miss a Thanksgiving market at St. Luke’s Church in East Hampton slated to include a smorgasbord of artisanal food, drinks and hand-crafted goods. Plus, 15% of proceeds go to help combat locals suffering food insecurity. We can’t think of a better weekend for it.
Find your own artwork “Gem” at Grenning Gallery
Grenning Gallery (26 Main St.) in Sag Harbor hosts its annual holiday exhibition, “Gems of Grenning Gallery,” starting this Saturday, Nov. 23. Featuring a variety of small-scale paintings the gallery has on hand (cutesy, hidden little gems, get it!?) from a slew of esteemed artists hailing from local parts as well as across the globe. Artists with works slated to be on display include Sag Harbor resident Darius Yektai as well as Ben Fenske, Daniela Astone, Marc Dalessio, Sarah Lamb and Hunt Slonem. Keep your eye out for brand new paintings to be unveiled by Kelly Carmody, Terry Elkins, Amy Florence, mother-daughter artists Edwina and Maryann Lucas, Rachel Personett and Nelson White. The gallery will also welcome two new artists to its already impressive roster: Setauket native Doug Reina and Florence-based ex-pat Rolf Hellem. A reception for the exhibition will be held on Black Friday, Nov. 29, and “Gems” will be on display through Sunday, Jan. 5.
Learn about oysters, make turkey day crafts with SOFO
Join the South Fork Natural History Museum (377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike) in Bridgehampton this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for a first-hand look at how oyster culturing systems not only yield an excellent protein for us to eat but stabilize shorelines and improve water quality. Led by SOFO environmental educator Rob Gelling and Bob Tymann of South Fork Sea Farmers. Designed for adults ($15), teens and children ages 9 and up ($10). Sign up here. On Sunday, Nov. 24, families are welcome to gather with environmental outdoor educator Crystal Possehl-Oakes for turkey story time and crafts. Starts at 10:30 a.m. $15 for adults, $10 for kids. Click here to RSVP in advance or call 631-537-9735.
Get your kids off to see the wizard
Classes for “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” start at Bay Street Theater (1 Long Wharf) in Sag Harbor this Saturday, for ages 7 to 14. Led by actor, choreographer and teacher Bethany Dellapolla, the show is a one-hour adaptation of the beloved film, The Wizard of Oz, but geared specifically toward elementary and middle school-aged actors. Culminating in a performance set for Saturday, Dec. 21, the production will feature adored characters from the MGM classic film. The series of classes at Bay Street is $450 per student, with classes occurring on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon through Dec. 15 (class will not meet on Saturday, Nov. 30). Last class is on Monday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. If your little one is interested, purchase tickets here.
Ring in the giving season at St. Luke’s
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Market Pop-up at St. Luke’s Church Hoie Hall (18 James Lane) in East Hampton this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 20 local vendors will be offering food and handcrafted gifts and decorations, as well as complimentary apple cider and non-alcoholic rose from Sagaponack’s Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Enjoy live music and a market raffle. A great way to give back to the local community (just in time for Thanksgiving) 15% of all proceeds will directly support Share the Harvest Farm’s mission to fight food insecurity on the East End.
Craft a fall-themed garland on Shelter Island
Adults are welcome to craft felt leaf garland at the Shelter Island Public Library (37 North Ferry Road) this Saturday, Nov. 24, at 4 p.m. Create a garland to decorate your home, made from pieces of felt shaped like leaves ranging in all the colors of the autumnal rainbow. Perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday! To register click here.
Hear from local bands at the Talkhouse
Local Motion, a Westhampton Beach-based band with a unique, beach-rock sound, performs at the Stephen Talkhouse (161 Main St.) in Amagansett tomorrow night beginning at 8 p.m. Real East End Brass is the opening band. $20 cover and you can snag your tix here. At 10 p.m. don’t miss a performance from fusion band Tigres. $10 to enter.
Laugh with Paul Ollinger at Sticks and Stones
Southampton comedy Mecca Sticks and Stones Comedy Club (located inside the Southampton Cultural Center at 25 Pond Lane) hosts comedian Paul Ollinger tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m. Offering “a lot of strong opinions about things that don’t matter much,” Ollinger says, the night will also include acts from Rob White and Sag Harbor’s own Joe Winchell. General admission is $35 plus tax. Grab your tickets here. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Southampton Trails Preservation Society hosts a Saturday kayak from Bullhead Bay to Scallop Pond in North Sea and back from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own kayak (and paddles) and begin at the end of Barkers Island Road. Life jackets and whistles are mandatory. Call Vincent at 631-287-2713 with questions. On Sunday, hike Barrel Hill and beyond, beginning at the kiosk opposite 178 Edge of Wood Road in Southampton where the power lines cross between David White’s Lane and Long Springs Road. This is a 3.5-mile and hilly yet moderate paced hike. Runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Call hike leaders Eric and Hillary at 631-903-7895 for more information.
Hear Adele’s greatest hits, string-style, at Guild Hall
East Hampton’s Guild Hall (158 Montauk Highway) features a magical, multi-sensory musical experience tonight with a candlelight concert containing live string music by Adele. Attendees can enjoy classical renditions of some the powerhouse singer’s hits such as “Hello,” “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and many, many more. Tickets start at $42. Get yours here.