Paintings from Melissa Sanchez Franklin will be on view at Grenning Gallery in Sag Harbor. (Photo courtesy of Grenning Gallery)

American novelist and short story writer Nathaniel Hawthorne said, “There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.”

And while we think Nate may have laid it on a little thick, we can’t deny we’re soaking up every second this gorgeous month has to offer, including this weekend a-comin’ our way…

Tonight is opening night of “Finishing School” at Hampton Theatre Company in Quogue. (Photo credit: Dane Dupuis)

File in for “Finishing School”

“Finishing School” opens at Hampton Theatre Company in Quogue (125 Jessup Ave., 631-653-8955) Thursday, Oct. 15. Written by Elaine Liner, the play is bright, funny and heartfelt, following two retired friends whose daily banter is shaken up by new companions who nudge a lonely widower toward love again. Tonight’s show is at 7 p.m., with same-time shows continuing tomorrow and Saturday nights on Sunday, the showtime is at 2:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $40, seniors are $36, veterans and Native Americans are $30, students are $25. Present your Hampton Theatre Company ticket confirmation and enjoy a special prix fixe dining experience at Joe’s American Grill, located at 240 Montauk Highway, Westhampton Beach. For tickets are more information click here.

Catch a wine flick at Rams Head Inn

The Ram Film Society invites all to “Sip and Watch” at the Rams Head Inn on Shelter Island (108 S. Ram Island Drive, 631-749-0811) this Friday, Oct. 16. An evening of wine, film and community, there’ll be a special screening of “Sideways,” directed by Alexander Payne. Guest are encouraged to arrive around sunset, settle in and enjoy wine and bites available for purchase before the film starts. No RSVP required and admission is free.

Rosie’s in Amagansett hosts a Rodeo-themed weekend this Saturday and Sunday. (Photo credit: Doug Young)

Rosie’s does Rodeo

Dust off those cowboy boots, break out your best western wardrobe and head to Rosie’s in Amagansett (195 Main St., 631-694-5095) this Saturday and Sunday for some rootin’, tootin’ BBQ specials and live music. On Saturday, enjoy music from Mister Lama, Friday Night Traditional, Jake Lear & the Kings and Wood Dogg. On Sunday, enjoy tunes from Annie Trezza and the Jack Marshall Trio Gone Bluegrass. Reservations are encouraged.

Make a sweater pumpkin

Shelter Island Library (37 North Ferry Road, 631-749-0042) hosts “Second Saturday Crafts” this Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. Take an old sweater, cut it, tie it, stuff it, add a stem and a leaf and make your own decorative sweater pumpkin. The library will provide all materials (including the sweater), you bring the vision and creativity.

Stay for a sound bath at LongHouse

A special bonus sessions of sound healing with Adriana Barone is at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton (133 Hands Creek Road, 631-329-3568) this Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. Attendees will enjoy early-morning sounds and soothing tones of crystal healing bowls in this final session of the season. Dress warmly. Tickets are $35 per person, $25 for members.

Works from Sagaponack artist Terry Elkins and Viktor Butko are part of the upcoming exhibition at Sag Harbor’s Grenning Gallery. (Photos courtesy of Grenning Gallery)

See works from a trio of artists

“Land, Sea & Light” is the latest exhibition on at the Grenning Gallery in Sag Harbor (26 Main St., 631-725-8469), opening this Saturday with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Featured artists include Terry Elkins, Viktor Butko and Melissa Franklin Sanchez, all works explore how land, water and lighting shape and change our sense of place. Butko and Elkins will be present during the exhibition, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 8.

Take a haunted walking tour

A haunted walking tour led by Annette Hinkle is with the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum on Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. The tour will include stops in front of various homes and businesses where a tapestry of firsthand ghost stories will be told. Walking tour begins and ends at the whaling museum. $25 per person.

Gather for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Bridgehampton

The 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Expo is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreation Center (551 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, 631-537-0616). Check-in is at 9:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be served. This year’s event will feature local resources for patients, survivors and their families, specialized breakout sessions covering key topics in breast cancer care and wellness, door and event day prizes, a community lunch, and self-care activities to provide relaxation and rejuvenation. A $25 gift card will be awarded to the first 50 registrants (must attend and participate in entire event). To reserve your spot, click here, and for more info email Camryn Highsmith at [email protected] or by calling 631-880-4633.

Support shelter animals, spooky style

Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (102 Old Riverhead Road West, Hampton Bays, 631-728-7387) hosts a Halloween Bash on Saturday at Beach Bar, located at 58 Foster Ave. in Hampton Bays.  Set for 6 to 10 p.m., attendees will enjoy music from a live DJ, an evening of passed apps, dessert, a 50/50 raffle and prizes. Costumes are encouraged. 100% of proceeds benefit SASF. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, kids under 12 are free.

Historical reenactments will be part of the fun at the East Hampton Historical Society’s America 250 History Festival on Oct. 17. (Photo courtesy of Greater East Hampton Chamber of Commerce)

Take in some East Hampton history, 250 years in the making

This Saturday, the East Hampton Historical Society hosts the Semiquincentennial History Festival, set to occur from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. festivities will include historical reenactments, colonial demonstrations, games, live musical performances, and more. Presented in collaboration with the Greater East Hampton Chamber of Commerce, the festival will also include the inaugural James Lane Street Fair, showcasing several local businesses and slated to feature food trucks, beer and wine tastings, and activities for the whole family. All the fun takes place at the historic Mulford Farmstead, located at 10 James Lane in East Hampton.

Catch two candlelight concerts in Southampton

Two Candlelight Concerts are at the Avram Theater at Stony Brook University’s Southampton campus in one night, this Saturday. At 6 p.m., it’s a tribute to The Beatles, followed by (at 8:15 p.m.) the best of composer Hans Zimmer, the man responsible for giving us some of the most memorable cinematic scores. Ticket prices for the Beatles concert and the Zimmer show start at $32.80, each.

Oktoberfest comes to Sagaponack

An Oktoberfest-themed Supper Series, a collaborative effort from Sagaponack General Store and Sagaponack Farm Distillery is this Saturday from 5 p.m. until it sells out at the distillery (369 Sagg Road, The menu will include bratwurst, German potato salad, spaetzle, soft pretzels and more.

Hundreds of East Enders of all ages participate in the annual 5K on Shelter Island each year. (Photo courtesy of Louise Clark)

Run for breast cancer support on Shelter Island

The 27th annual Shelter Island Fall 5K run/walk is this Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. The race is a fundraising effort to help local organizations that support women affected by breast and women’s cancers across the East End, including Lucia’s Angels, the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the Coalition for Women’s Cancers. The 3.1-mile course takes participants around the streets of Shetler Island, kicking off at 35 Shore Road. There’ll be a complimentary post-race barbecue. Registration is $50.

Enjoy an ensemble tribute to the Eagles

“Winslow: An Evening of Eagles” is at Bay Street Theater (1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor, 631-725-9500) this Saturday night at 8 p.m. Bringing the legendary sound of one of rock-n-roll’s greatest bands to the beloved Sag Harbor venue, tickets to hear the powerhouse tribute ensemble start at $44.

Learn to cook Spanish food from a seasoned chef

A cooking class with executive chef Alex Bujoreanu is at R.aire at the Hampton Maid in Hampton Bays (259 East Montauk Highway, 631-728-4166) on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Designed for food lovers of all experience levels, the interactive class offers the opportunity to prepare classic Spanish tapas and paella. Wine will be paired throughout the experience, allowing participants to sip, cook and learn during the experience before heading into the dining room to enjoy the prepared dishes. The class is $150 per person. Reservations can be made on Resy.