Remember when Penny Lane, Kate Hudson’s character in Almost Famous, keeps saying “it’s all happening” throughout the movie? Well, it’s August, and it really is all happening. Whether we like it or not. Contrary to popular belief, August can be a tough month to be in the Hamptons.
It’s crowded, people are pushy and it can be a downright nightmare to get around. Still, despite the annoyances and challenges us Southforkers endure, this last full month of summer is undeniably special. It’s when everyone pulls out all the stops, when every thing is open and we all truly do have our pick of the East End litter as far as picks for activity and entertainment goes.
Here, we’re giving a taste of some of our top picks for what to do this weekend. And as you try to navigate the rest of this month before good ol’ September comes swooping in, consider what poet Denise Levertov said: “Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August.”
Now, go and enjoy all the fun that’s out there for us all. Just give yourself plenty of time to get yourself there.
On the End screening and afterparty at Gurney’s
HamptonsFilm and Gurney’s Montauk present a special summer screening of On the End, starring Tim Blake Nelson and Mireille Enos, this Thursday, Aug. 13. Set to take place at Gurney’s (290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk) there’ll be a reception to kick things off starting. at 6:30 p.m., followed by the screening at 7:45 p.m. Additionally, there’ll be an afterparty slated for 10:30 p.m., which will include a special musical performance by the film’s composer Ethan Selinger in Gurney’s Chelsea Living Room. Tickets for the pre-reception and screening are $50 per person and are $100 with the afterparty. Based on true events, the film features outstanding performances from Tim Blake Nelson and Mireille Enos as the inspiring working-class couple fighting against the power, greed, and corruption of a changing community, giving hope to take on and endure the fight when there’s everything to lose.
Artwork slated to be sold at Duck Creek’s “Love Where You Live” benefit exhibition showcases a collective love letter to the East End. (Left by Edward Cortes, right by Wayne Magrin)
“Love Where You Live” benefit exhibition and art sale
The weeklong benefit exhibition “Love Where You Live” culminates tonight at the Arts Center at Duck Creek (127 Squaw Road, East Hampton, 631-604-8464) from 6 to 8 p.m., where guests will gather for an evening of food, drinks, conversation, and the close of silent bidding. Featuring over 60, 10 by 10-inch works created by local artists and Duck Creek alumni, the exhibition forms a collective love letter to both the physical beauty and creative spirit that defines life on the East End. Tickets are $100 each and each piece of artwork opens with a starting bid of $200. Guests at the benefit will enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres by East Hampton Kitchen, with beverages provided by Springs Brewery, East Hampton Wines & Liquors and Sagaponack Distillery. Money raised benefits Duck Creek.
Help keep East End waters clean
Join Peconic Baykeeper’s annual summer fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 14, dubbed “Cocktails to Save the Bays” at the historic Port of Missing Men estate in Southampton. Featuring Peconic Bay oysters, live music by Forrest Barnett & the Kind Pines, catering by Clamman Seafood and cocktails along with silent auctions for two incredible boat excursions, the most important part of the event is to raise critical funding to support the protection of East End waters. Tickets start at $275 for regular tickets, junior tickets (30 & under) are $150 single/$250 pair. Exact address will be given after ticket purchase.
Hear from a jazz legend
The Bobby Watson Quartet performs at the Masonic Temple in Sag Harbor (200 Main St.) at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, as part of Hamptons JazzFest’s summer programming. Watson is one of the defining alto saxophonists from the past five decades, drawing upon the rich jazz heritage of his Kansas City hometown and experiences gained while living in New York City during most of his adult life. Tickets are $25.
Catch a meaningful flick (or two) at SAC
Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631-283-9067) is the place to be for film this weekend, as the locale hosts two films screenings starting Thursday, Aug. 13, with The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience and Hope beginning at 6 p.m. Following the screening, enjoy a panel discussion and reception with filmmakers Cheryl and Nick Dean with acclaimed ecologist, author and conservationist Carl Safina. Tickets are $25, $20 for members. On Saturday, Aug. 15, it’s What Would Sophia Loren Do?, a heartfelt documentary following Nancy “Vincenza” Kulik, whose lifelong admiration for the actress becomes a source of strength, resilience and joy through life’s challenges. The film is set to screen at 5 p.m., followed by a conversation with director Ross Kauffman, executive producer Regina K. Scully and HamptonsFilm Chief Creative Officer David Nugent. Tickets are $15, $10 for members.
Learn the promise and perils of internet use at Bay Street
“Dear Social Media: The Search for Identity, Connection & Belonging” is at Bay Street Theater (1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-9500) this Friday, Aug. 14, at 5 p.m. Hosted by the Kind Mind, the conversation is on what it means to be seen, heard and found in a world that’s always online. Hear from a panel including youth mental health expert Dr. Katie Hurley, Dear Evan Hansen (the play currently on at the theater) actor Maya Days, and content creator, social media influencer and mental health advocate Remi Bader. The conversation starts at 5 p.m. followed by a reception with light bites and cocktails at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available here.
Annual Artists & Writers softball game
The annual Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game is this Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. out of Herrick Park on Newtown Lane in downtown East Hampton. A longstanding summertime tradition (now in its 78th year!), the game and is dedicated to building a sense community centered around America’s favorite pastime with artists, writers, celebrities, supporters and volunteers squaring off against each other in a friendly and entertaining competition, all to benefit local charities. This year, all funds raised from the event will help support the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center, Phoenix House Academy, The Retreat and East End Hospice. Attendees will be able enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream. There’ll also be a few kid-centric activities and plenty of merch for sale. $15 is the suggested donation per person and the rain date is August 22.
Pamper your pooch in Hampton Bays
Shampooch, an annual event held by the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (located at 102 Old Riverhead Road West inside Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays), is on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of the Foundation’s Summer of Tails campaign — a summer-long series of community fundraisers and events. As the name suggests, Saturday’s event offers an opportunity to pamper your pooch, as dog washing and nail trimming services will be offered. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to meet some of the nonprofit’s adoptable animals. A community-centric event, other activities include car washes, food trucks, pony rides, face painting, carnival-style games, goodies from about 20 vendors, a bubble-themed Photo Booth and music by DJ Slay J. SASF is the largest open-admission shelter on the East End, taking in every animal, no matter the breed, age or health condition. Last year, the shelter found homes for 600 animals and it is currently home to over 220. Events like Shampooch go a long way in helping the animals in its care.
Hear a brass quartet on Shelter Island
Shelter Island Friends of Music continues its 2026 season, with a free concert by The Westerlies this Sunday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. at the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church. The Grammy-nominated, genre-defying brass quartet is widely celebrated for its innovative approach to chamber music, blending classical jazz with folk and contemporary influences. A reception will follow the performance. Admission is free and donations are appreciated.
Celebrate at the Shine Studio
The Shine Studio in Bridgehampton celebrates 13 years in the Hamptons with its Art Mitzvah — a vibrant community event set for this Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. Was began as a pop-up camp has grown into a year-round creative program and beloved community hub for both children and adults, alike. This milestone event honors that journey with an afternoon of art, music, food and family-friendly fun. Highlights include a performances from Bubble Dad and Tim Kubart and the Space Cadets, plus fire juggler Keith Leaf. There’ll also be hands-on crafts, goodies from local vendors and food and drinks available for purchase form Twin Forks Spice Company, the Sugar Cart, Lamora, Dos Osiris Paletas, Montaukila, No Biggie, Kind of Wild Wines and MTK Cocktails. Tickets are $50 per family (includes 2 adults and 2 children), with additional guests costing $10 each. The Shine Studio is located at 977 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike in Bridgehampton.
