It’s finally here, folks. The unofficial start of the summer season is upon us as we head into the big, bad Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you’re looking for a cool party, an artsy scene, or an informative talk we’ve got you covered, as we’re dishing out some of our top picks for white hot fun.
Apart from a slew of Hamptons spots opening or returning for the season, art and live music (of all kinds) are at the heart of activity this weekend, with a sprinkle of history and garden appreciation scattered into the mix.
More importantly, this weekend includes parades, ceremonies and community gatherings honoring those that gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could continue to have our freedom. Please try to take a moment to remember that while you’re enjoying yourself.
Peruse through patriotic art in Southampton
A Memorial Day exhibition is with the Southampton Artists Association at the Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Lane, 631-287-4377) starting Thursday, May 21 and continuing through May 31. Over 40 artists from the Association will be showcasing their work, with a special opening reception slated for Sunday, May 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. Gallery hours will be from noon to 4 p.m. Additionally, Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, 631-283-0967) will be holding an opening reception for “The Story of America 1776-2026, A Celebration of Freedom and Independence” on Saturday, May 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Showcasing the process of electing the American president through an unparalleled collection of rare political campaign memorabilia from the Museum of Democracy, the exhibition will be up through July 18.
Gather for a talk on the iconic gardens of East Hampton
The Tom Twomey Series continues at the East Hampton Library (159 Main St., 631-324-0222) at 5:30pm on Thursday, May 21, with “Historic Gardens of East Hampton,” presented by author Blue Carreon, who wrote “The Gardens of the Hamptons.” During this colorfully illustrated presentation, Carreon describes several of the hamlet’s iconic historic properties from Grey Gardens to The Creeks to the many Woodhouse gardens, highlighting the stewards who are caring for these gardens today. Admission is free and advance registration is requested, but not required. To save your seat, click here.
Turn up for beats and brunch at EHP
EHP Resort & Marina (295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton, 631-324-9191) is doing Memorial Day Weekend right, with a full lineup of celebrations starting Thursday, May 21, continuing through Sunday, May 24. Dan Levy Band sets the tone, kicking off sunset jazz session from 6 to 9 p.m. On Friday, it’s Richard Nuzz Band (also from 6 to 9 p.m.). Saturday, enjoy a special brunch from noon to 6 p.m., followed by a live performance by Danielle Illario and late-night DJ sets by Bryan Griffin. Closing out the weekend, it’s the East End’s very own reggae star Winston Irie.
Support the Springs Improvement Society at their annual art show
The Springs Improvement Society’s annual Members Show is this weekend, starting Friday, May 22, and continuing through the weekend at Ashawagh Hall in Springs (780 Springs Fireplace Road). One of the cultural center’s larger annual art shows, the show is now in its 42 year. One-half of the proceeds of all sales go to the S.I.S. to benefit the scholarship fund. Opening reception is on Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m.
Catch live music and pizza at Cedar Point
Cedar Point Park (5 Cedar Point Road) in East Hampton hosts pizza, brunch and live music all summer long, starting this weekend, with Sunset Pizza & Spirits (631-908-9028). On Saturday, enjoy tunes from Friday Night Traditional from 5 to 8 p.m. while on Sunday it’s Jake Lear and the Kings from 4 to 7 p.m.
File in for the farmers market
The Havens Farmers Market opens for the season this Saturday, May 23, on the grounds of the Shelter Island History Museum (16 South Ferry Road). Opening at 9 a.m., peruse through goodies from some of our favorite local farmers, food, beverage and craft vendors. The market will be held rain or shine and will continue every Saturday through September 5. The Sag Harbor Farmers Market also kicks off its season, starting this Saturday at 9 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Breakwater Yacht Club on Bay Street.
Focus on photography at Slattery Gallery
Kick off summer with “Photography in Focus,” the latest exhibition at the Slattery Gallery (30A Jobs Lane, 631-222-0122) in Southampton, opening on Saturday, May 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. The group photography exhibition showcases the works of Man Ray, Bert Stern, Kiki Smith, Mark Seidenfeld and Celia Rogge, to name a few.
Catch some tunes in Sag Harbor and Montauk
Kidd Squid (11 Spring St., Sag Harbor) hosts a full lineup of free family and dog friendly music, starting Friday, May 22, with Chris Kline performing from 5 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, May 23, it’s Woody Boley from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Whatever Lola Wants performs from 5 to 7 p.m. with the fun rounding out on Monday, Memorial Day proper, with a performance from John Mazlish from 2 to 4 p.m. Montauk favorite Navy Beach Restaurant (16 Navy Road, Montauk, 631-668-6868) is kicking off the season Memorial Day Weekend with live music Sunset Sets series. For this weekend, on Saturday, it’s DJ Spin Diesel from 6 to 9 p.m. with DJ Zach Minskoff on Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Left: DJs Schvitz-a-lot, ZiggaSun and Mister Lama will be providing the beats at Guild Hall’s silent disco this Sunday. (Photo credit: Jessica Dalene). Right: Francine Fleischer will be on hand at The Church in Sag Harbor. (Photo credit: Erling Hope)
Talk books and photography at The Church
A book talk with Gayle Feldman, author of “Nothing Random” is at The Church in Sag Harbor (48 Madison St., 631-919-5342) on Saturday at 4 p.m. In conversation with Cathleen McGuigan, the talk offers a look inside the world of the founder of Random House Publishing. Tickets are $25, $20 for members. “Insight Sunday” is with Francine Fleischer, where attendees can explore the creative process behind the South Fork-based photographer’s series “the Water In Between.” Starts Sunday at noon and tickets are $10, free for members.
Get funky at Guild Hall
The Silent Disco dance party returns this Sunday, May 24, to the Furman Garden at Guild Hall in East Hampton, kicking off the summer season with everyone’s favorite DJs spinning some of the most iconic music from disco, funk, hip-hop, rap and dance genres. DJ’s will be Mister Carlos Lama, Almond Zigmund ( aka ZiggaSun), and Guild Hall’s own Amy Kirwin (DJ Schvitz-a-Lot). This is a great opportunity to don some headphones and dance the night away under the stars in this fun-for-all-ages celebration of sound. Wine, beer, cocktails and snacks will be available for purchase. Party runs from 8 to 11 p.m. and tickets are $25 available on Guild Hall’s website.
Jump for Junction Trio performance on Shelter Island
Shelter Island Friends of Music continues its 2026 season with a free concert on Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. featuring Junction Trio performing at the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church (32 N. Ferry Road). Featuring violinist Stefan Jackiw, pianist Conrad Tao, and cellist Jay Campbell, the program will include works by Beethoven, John Zorn, and Dvořák. A reception with the artists will follow the performance.
