The great thing about Southamptonfest? It’s not just one day; it’s all weekend long and pretty much all you’ll need to do. This year marks the 13th incarnation of the annual fall celebration, which runs from Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5, and for which a portion of the proceeds go to the restoration of the 1923 World War I memorial in Agawam Park where the ‘fest is held.
The Rotary Club of Southampton will kick things off Friday night, hosting the annual kick-off shindig at the Southampton Arts Center, for hours of music, dancing and, hey, community bonding (because that’s what it’s all about, people). They’re also partnering with the Southampton Association to provide tickets for local merchants involved in the weekend of festivities so they can catch a little bit of the fun, too.
In addition to the much-looked-forward to activities, like the Chowder Contest, sheep shearing demo, Blessing of the Animals, food and fun, there are some new additions to the event to take note of:
- The Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market will be held at the Chamber on Main Street this year, with live music from Classic Jam.
- More fun for the little ones, with new creative workshops like the Art Nanny’s Forever Sunflower Paper Sculptures, Ross School face painting, and one of Southamptons newest additions, Color Pop Workshop, teaching kids how to make nature prints.
- The music of singer-songwriter Bella Cuomo performing songs from her debut album Road to Paradise.
- New special exhibitions like the work of local artist’s inspired by the ocean via the Southampton Cultural Center’s “Tides of Creativity” exhibit, a presentation of the work of award-winning artist Shaunte Lewis by the Southampton African American Museum, and a view of Southampton during World War II presented by the Southampton History Museum
- A clothes-hound’s smorgasbord thanks to Hampton Flea & Vintage Market
There will also be a bunch of on-site special opportunities around the Village, like a preview of the new “Second Skin” exhibit focusing on art and fashion at SAC, guided tours at the Peter Marino Art Foundation and free screening (with popcorn included!) of “Under the Sea” in IMAX at the Southampton Playhouse.
There’s so much going at the ‘fest that, if you did happen to have other plans this weekend, you might want to cancel them — it’s going to be saturated swathe of things to do, see, eat and enjoy in Southampton.
