Memorial Day is next weekend and all across the Hamptons the volume is definitely starting to get turned up. More places are continuing to open up for the season, traffic is a little heavier, the lines are a smidgen longer… but none of that really matters just yet because the weekend is almost here and we’ve got a bunch of cool highlights for you to consider.
And since this is the last weekend before the unofficial start of the summer season is here, we think it’s a good time to remember the basics: look both ways before crossing the street; please be patient and courteous while in restaurants, shops and our other fabulous local businesses; and if you drink, please don’t drive. After that, everything else is gravy.
Create art at The Church
The Church in Sag Harbor (48 Madison St., 631-919-5342) hosts an “Artists & Makers Night” tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. A call for all creatives to bring their supplies and join in for a casual environment of art-making together, attendees will include artists-in-residence Francisco Graciano, Kariny Padilla and Cate Pasquarelli. $10 per person, free for members. Space is limited, so register in advance here. On Friday, May 15, the Sag Harbor locale hosts a screening of “Women Laughing,” a short film about the women cartoonists of The New Yorker, by directors Kathleen Hughes and Liza Donnelly. Following the screenings, Emma Allen, The New Yorker‘s first female cartoon editor, will join the directors for a Q&A, moderated by Lynn Sherr. $25 to attend, $22 for members. Snag your tix here.
Dive deep into a fabulous drag show at Guild Hall
Our Fabulous Variety Show hosts a drag cabaret, “Calling All Queens,” at Guild Hall (158 Main St., East Hampton, 631-324-0806) this Saturday starting at 7 p.m. If you’re looking for a fabulous night out, this family-friendly show featuring drag queen Julia Van Cartier, is it! Sure to be an evening of good laughs, better costums, and the best wigs (Yes, honey!), the show pulls out all the stops with performances by vocalist Lola Lama, Sarah Law and Sarah Sireci. So, come on down for some top-shelf choreography, dancing and awe-inspiring hula hoop acts. Tickets start at $17.
Meet birds of prey at SoFo
The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center will attend “Birds of Prey” on Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature in Center in Bridgehampton (377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike). Attendees will have an opportunity to meet two of the resident raptor ambassadors from the Wildlife Rescue Center, for an up-close educational experience to learn about the species. Free for adults and children. Advance registration is required.
Swap a tree for a good cause
This Saturday, May 16, the Sag Harbor Tree Fund hosts a Sapling Swap Social at the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum (200 Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contrary to popular belief, trees can pop up in unlikely places. If you have a stray tree sapling that you’re not quite sure what to do with, the Sag Harbor Tree Fund is here to help! Carefully dig up the stray sapling, ensuring the root system remains intact, pot it firmly, keep it well-watered, and bring it to the first-ever Sapling Swap Social. Exchange your sapling for someone else’s, learn about what conditions they thrive under, and take home a plant that you have always wanted or never considered for your garden. The event is free to attend but please consider making a donation for the nonprofit, which has been responsible for planting over 360 trees across the former whaling village since 1994.
Tiny toes a-tappin’ to world class jazz
“Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew” is bridging the gap between playtime and the American art form: jazz. On Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Lane), East End Jazz hosts the launch of a groundbreaking, interactive concert series which invites families and visitors to step into a world where nursery rhymes blend seamlessly with jazz standards. Led by Iris Ornig, director of East End Jazz, “Tiny Toes & The Jazz Crew” was born from the idea that children’s music deserves the same improvisational depth and rhythmic complexity as a night at the Blue Note. Free to attend and all are welcome, but a quick note: this is a collaborative experience! All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plus, RSVP is strictly required to keep the playground safe and swingin’ for the little ones!
Attend a special dog social meet-up for ARF
The Shine Studio hosts a family-friendly dog social to benefit the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF). This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Bridgehampton-based studio (located at 977 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike) hosts a special dog social meet-up designed for friendly, social pups and their people to mingle, play and connect. Additionally, children of all ages can enjoy engaging craft projects. Snacks will be provided for guests throughout the event. Cost is $40 per family. Call 212-414-5427 for more info.
Make it to Matcha and Mahjong
Sett Coffee in Amagansett (136 Main St.) is hosting Matcha & Mahjong with Hamptons Mahj on Sunday, May 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. This beginner friendly experience includes an intro to mahjong along with guided play. Cost is $75 per person and includes drinks, pastries, mimosas and a full lesson. Limited space is available. Register by visiting hamptonsmahj.co.
