Even though August just started, it’s safe to say the sweet, sweet countdown to Labor Day is officially on.
That means the remaining summer weekends are all the more precious, so we’re happy to provide you with some of our top picks for fun across our beloved Hamptons home. This weekend sees a slew of live music performances at some of the East End’s most cherished venues, knowledge and history-packed talks at year-round cultural institutions, and a special Soul Cycle ride to benefit the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.
Consider Spanish art and architecture
“Tolerance in Medieval Spain,” a presentation by historian Dryden Liddle is the Shelter Island History Museum (16 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-0025) this Thursday, August 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dryden will showcase the unique fusion of Jewish, Moorish, and Christian cultures in Spanish art and architecture and explore how it relates to the idea of tolerance in Medieval Spain. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.
Take in the Tim Watson Trio
The Tim Watson Trio performs at the Arts Center at Duck Creek (127 Squaw Road, East Hampton, 631-604-8464) on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. Brooklyn-based guitarist, producer and composter Tim Watson will be joined by drummers Dion Kerr and Craig Weinrib. Although just 26 years old, Watson’s previous performance venues include Lincoln Center and Village Vanguard. He’s collaborated with artists internationally and continues to establish himself as a contemporary voice in jazz. Concert is free of charge and all. are welcome.
Cycle for dogs
Soul Cycle charity ride for ARF Hamptons is this Friday at The Barn (264 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton) beginning at noon. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or trying SoulCycle for the first time, every bike helps give homeless animals a second chance. Before the ride kicks off, meet some of ARF’s adorable, adoptable dogs and then join in for the charity ride led by master Soul Cycle instructor Julie D (starting at 12:45 p.m.). Tickets start at $60. Head to arfhamptons.org/events to save your spot and for more info.
Gain some knowledge at The Church
“Knowledge Friday” with Dr. Suzan “Sujay” Johnson Cook is at The Church (48 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 631-919-5342) this Friday starting at 6 p.m. Among her many accolades, Cook was the first African American woman elected senior pastor in the 200-year history of the American Baptist churches, serving for 21 years as the first female chaplain of the NYPD. Appointed by President Barack Obama and nominated by Hillary Clinton, Cook became the first woman and the first African American to serve as U.S Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, advising the president and secretary of state on global religious freedom and policy issues across nearly 200 nations. She remains the only Black woman from New York State to hold the title of U.S. Ambassador. Her reach also deeply touches the East End, as she’s a best-selling author and hosts a local television program on LTV called “Live with Sujay,” focusing on Black women leaders and East End headliners. Set to be an inspiring conversation with a groundbreaking leader in faith, diplomacy and service, Cook will be joined by Mercedes Nesfield, the “Village Mother of Harlem.” General admission is $10, free for members. Click here for tickets. On Saturday, The Church also hosts “Sons of Town Hall: The Great Return,” an evening of music, storytelling, humor, whimsy and adventure with the beloved folk duo at 6 p.m. Admission to the concert is $40, $30 for members. Click here for details.
Hear from a string quartet at SAC
The New York-based ensemble Toomai String Quintet performs at Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, Southampton 631-283-9067) this Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., blending global musical traditions with jazz improvisation, classical influences and contemporary composition to create a vibrant, cross-cultural sound. General admission is $30. Snag your tix here.
Authors Night participating authors have included Robert Caro and Bobbi Brown. ©Eugene Gologursky, Getty Images
Attend Authors Night
The 22nd annual Authors Night, to benefit East Hampton Library, is this Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. at Herrick Park (67 Newtown Lane, East Hampton). Hailed as the premier literary event of the Hamptons, the celebrity-studded event is a celebration of books and authors in America with participating authors including Robert A. Caro, Tom Clavin, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Beth Stern and many more. Things kick off at 5 p.m. with the Authors Cocktail Party reception under the tent where guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. While online ticket sales are now closed, they may be purchased in-person at the library (located at 159 Main St. 631-324-0222). Tickets are $150.
Back to the Bays benefit
Back to the Bays Day, the annual fundraising and awareness event to benefit Cornell Cooperative Extension’s marine program is at The Whales Tale (78 Foster Ave. in Hampton Bays) this Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Fun for the whole family includes live music by Roots Foundation, a Back to the Bays stewardship drive raffle, kids activities, basket auction (with values up to $500), community art project, fish printing with CCE’s local F.I.S.H. initiative, plus all the food and drink goodies from Whales Tale. Free to enter. Pre-registering is appreciated but not required. Registering ahead of time automatically enters you into the special door prize raffle.
Rock out at the Manor
A creekside concert with the James Hunter Six is this Saturday at Sylvester Manor (80 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631-749-0626) from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Led by acclaimed British singer James Hunter, the band — on its 2026 U.S. summer tour following the release of their album Off the Fence — brings its distinctive blend of soul, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll to the Manor. Tickets are $55, children under 9 are free.
Explore the volume of color in East Hampton
“Eric Freeman: The Volume of Color” opens this Sunday, Aug. 9 at Guild Hall in East Hampton (158 Main St., 631-324-0806). Marking the first major institutional solo presentation of the late Freeman’s work on the East End, abstractions are transformed into planes of colorful light, complemented by layers of visual depth. A resident of the East End for many years until his death, Freeman’s exhibition (which will be on view through October 25) affirms his lasting connection to the local landscape, all while quietly expanding the possibilities of color, light and spatial experience. Museum admission is $12, $10 for seniors 65 and older. Free for members, children and students.
