Now that we’re in that weird limbo that sits between the third act of winter and actual spring, we suspect folks are chomping at the bit for a bit of entertaining action to lift their spirits.
And here in the Hamptons, they’re in luck, as locales are all offering first-rate events sure to warm both their bodies and their minds throughout this weekend. Additionally, there’s all sorts of cool happenings to consider in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Although we love to see y’all planting trees throughout our Hamptons community, combing our beloved beaches for trash and just generally celebrating our planet’s natural beauty, these are the sorts of things that really should be practiced every day, year-round. Because if we don’t then this place will end up looking just like every other run-of-the-mill place and we’ll lose the magic that makes the East End such a special place.
Hear an iconic jazz album, learn about local waters at The Avram
Jazz and science come together at Stony Brook Southampton through two nights of community-centric events. Tonight, April 23, it’s “Afro/American Sketches” at The Avram Theater (30 Tuckahoe Road, 631-632-5166), part of the Jazz Loft at Southampton Concert Series. Originally composed back in the early 60’s by Oliver Nelson, the powerful, cinematic landmark jazz album features big band-backed numbers blending African musical influences with modern post-bop and is described by many as a pioneering work in modern jazz. Starts at 7 p.m., general admission is $36. Tomorrow night, April 24, Dr. Chris Gobler and the Gobler Lab present “State of the Bays 2026: No Time to Waste!” at 7 p.m. This clear, science-based event takes a look at the health of our local waters and what it means for Long Island. Keeping the element of “no time to waste” in mind, particularly when it comes to finding viable solutions, the program will explore harmful algae blooms, dead zones, public health risks and microplastics. Free to attend, but registration is required.
See “Westhampton” at Southampton Playhouse
The 18th edition of ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, the premier festival dedicated to advancing disability representation, accessibility, and inclusion through the power of storytelling, is happening now across venues in New York City. However, there’s one special screening of “Westhampton” scheduled for Southampton Playhouse (43 Hill St., 631-339-9069) tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m. The screening marks the East End premiere for the film and will feature a Q&A with star RJ Mitte (or “Breaking Bad” fame) and director Christian Nilsson. For details on the film and to buy tickets ($18 per person), click here.
Decorate a birdhouse at Bridge Gardens
The Shine Studio and the Peconic Land Trust co-host a special Earth Day event at Bridge Gardens on Mitchell Lane in Bridgehampton this Saturday, April 25. Participants will get a chance to decorate a birdhouse with up-cycled and natural materials. Once completed, they’ll then be encouraged to hang their work of art on display on the Wisteria Arbor. Snacks will be served (yay!) and guests are welcome to enjoy all the wonder and beauty the gardens have to offer. Cost is $10 per birdhouse and the event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Space is limited so RSVP to [email protected] or call 631-615-4002.
Learn about Revolutionary War-era East Hampton
The Tom Twomey Series is on at East Hampton Library (159 Main St., 631-324-0222), celebrating the storied past of the hamlet. The next round is set for this Friday at 6:30 p.m., with the focus is on the history of East Hampton during the Revolution War. Sure to be an informative lecture, East Hampton native and former historical society trustee Leah K. Lebec will present her late father’s groundbreaking research, elucidating what happened in East Hampton during the revolutionary era, particularly surround the patriot fervor in the hamlet leading up to the Americans’ defeat at the Battle of Long Island in 1776 followed by years of hardship during the British Invasion. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Enjoy a classic ballet at Guild Hall
The Hampton Ballet Theatre School will present their Spring 2026 ballet, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” starting tomorrow at 7 p.m. and continuing through Saturday, April 25, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m. at the stunning Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater, located inside at Guild Hall at 158 Main Street in East Hampton.
Observe Earth Day across the Hamptons
Join the Southampton Village community in celebrating Arbor Day (and Earth Day!) with a tree planting on Friday at 10 a.m. in Agawam Park (51 Pond Lane, 631-283-0247). An Earth Day celebration will be at Quogue Wildlife Refuge (3 Old Country Road, Quogue, 631-653-4771) on Saturday, April 25, from noon to 3 p.m. In celebration of our planet’s natural beauty, festivities will include guided bird walks, face painting and crafts for children, environmental exhibitions, self-guided kayaking and canoeing on Old Ice Pond, a native plant sale with the Long Island Native Plant Initiative, a native sapling giveaway with Bartlett Tree Experts, a chance to meet live ambassador animals, treats from Hampton Coffee Company, and food from the Land and Sea Smokehouse food truck. Additionally, in the spirit of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” there will also be a chance to bring some household items for proper disposal, repurposing or recycling. For more information, click here. Rain date is Sunday, April 26. Join the Surfrider Foundation Eastern Long Island Chapter and Group for the East End this Earth Day weekend (April 25) for a hands-on beach grass planting at Maidstone Park, off Flaggy Hole Road in Springs at 9 a.m. According to the foundation’s website, beach grass plays a critical role in stabilizing dunes, reducing coastal erosion, and supporting local wildlife habitats. Volunteers will help plant dune grass at Maidstone Park — also known locally as “Baby Beach” or “Crab Beach” — to strengthen this important natural barrier and protect our shoreline. Bring gloves, small shovels (if you have them) and a water bottle. Sign up here.
Meet up for matcha and Mahjong
Sett Coffee (136 Main St., Amagansett, 631-256-7831) is hosting Matcha & Mahjong with Hamptons Mahj on Sunday, April 26 (with additional dates set for May 3 and May 17). The beginner-friendly experience includes an intro to Mahjong, an overview of NMJL 2026 Card and guided play with hands-on support. Cost is $75 per person, and includes drinks, pastries, mimosas and a full lesson. Limited space is available, so be sure to register here. Fun goes from 2 to 4 p.m.
Celebrate The Church’s 5th birthday
“An Evening of Sag Harbor History & Sea Shanties” with East End native David Cataletto and The Bonac Shanty Crew is at The Church (48 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 631-919-5342) this Sunday starting at 4 p.m. From whaling to the Watchcase, Cataletto brings his passion for history and knowledge in an invigorating account of the storied past of the tiny but mighty village. To top off the occasion, Cataletto will lead a round of sea shanties with the Bonac Shanty Crew, a community band dedicated to reviving a regional tradition – with gusto! Tickets are $5 per person, free for members. Additionally, the program will be followed by a celebratory community dinner, which is a separate ticketed event. The family-style buffet will be catered by Saaz Indian Cuisine and will cost $55 per person. Details on that can be found here.
