Hamptons Events Calendar: The Complete Guide for 2026

The invitation arrives in late May. Embossed cardstock, Parrish Art Museum letterhead, $2,000 per person. By Memorial Day, you’ll receive a dozen more. Welcome to the Hamptons events calendar, where philanthropy meets social positioning and a single summer can cost more than most annual salaries.

Understanding the Hamptons social calendar separates tourists from residents, observers from participants. The right events open doors. The wrong ones waste money and Saturday nights. This guide covers the major galas, cultural events, and networking opportunities that define each Hamptons season, from Memorial Day kickoffs through the Hampton Classic’s Labor Day finale. Whether you’re seeking charitable engagement, business connections, or simply want to understand what happens behind those hedgerows, the Hamptons events calendar provides the roadmap.

Memorial Day Weekend: Season Opening

The Hamptons social season officially begins Memorial Day weekend. Traffic on Route 27 signals the transition as Manhattan empties eastward. Several events mark the opening.

Ross School Gala: This education-focused benefit kicks off the season with a guest list reading like a Forbes 400 directory. The event typically raises over $1.5 million while creating connections worth exponentially more. Arriving families are eager to reconnect after winter isolation, making this prime networking territory.

Kites for Kids: East Hampton’s Main Beach hosts this family-focused event organized by the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center. Participants receive kite kits and decorate them along the sand. Less formal than gala events, it provides accessible entry to the community calendar.

Parrish Art Museum Spring Fling: Often held in late April or early May, this event previews summer’s cultural programming while attracting contemporary art collectors who frequently double as venture capitalists. The combination of open bar economics and cultural philanthropy creates productive conversation opportunities.

Understanding the social dynamics of gala season requires knowing what is a socialite and the unwritten rules of high society.

June: The Calendar Accelerates

June transforms the Hamptons events calendar into a precision networking machine. Multiple galas compete for attention each weekend.

Watermill Center Summer Benefit

Robert Wilson’s avant-garde performance art benefit attracts media moguls and tech titans who appreciate experimental creativity. The event consistently generates $2+ million while fostering unlikely collaborations between traditional finance and cutting-edge artistic expression. Tickets run $600, with reduced pricing for attendees 40 and under at $500. The festival and after-party extend into the evening hours.

Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Events

Pet-loving billionaires gather in surprising abundance at SASF events throughout June and summer. The emotional connection to animal welfare often leads to more personal conversations than typical business events. This setting allows family-friendly networking that includes spouses and children. The 16th annual gala, traditionally held in July at a private estate, features hosts, honorees, and the region’s most committed animal advocates.

LongHouse Reserve Events

Jack Lenor Larsen’s 16-acre sculpture garden hosts multiple events throughout the season. The Luminosity Summer Benefit in July honors artists while serving Hamptons Aristocrat canapés amid the gardens. Garden cocktail parties, champagne receptions, and the September Landscape Lecture Weekend provide varied entry points to this cultural institution.

Madoo Conservancy

The Sagaponack garden hosts both a free garden market (11 AM to 4 PM) and evening cocktail party ($350, $315 for members). This combination allows daytime exploration with optional evening social engagement.

Private Polo Matches

Various private polo matches at venues like Southampton Polo Club offer intimate gatherings that often prove more valuable than massive galas. Conversation flows naturally between chukkers. These events require invitation or membership access but provide concentrated networking with serious players.

Many premier events take place at private clubs. See our guide to Hamptons beach clubs for membership and access information.

July: Peak Season Events

July represents the apex of Hamptons social activity. Multiple events compete each weekend, requiring strategic selection.

Polo Hamptons

July 18 & July 25:   The East End’s premier sporting and social event returns to Bridgehampton. See our complete Polo Hamptons 2026 Guide for tickets, dress code, and sponsorship information. The 2026 dates are July 18 and 25. Events run 4 PM to 7 PM with open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and preferred seating. Food by Elegant Affairs. Only 900 tickets are available per match, and tickets are not sold at the event. For 2026 dates and tickets, visit Polo Hamptons.

Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala

This gala highlights the Hamptons’ cultural calendar, attracting art enthusiasts, collectors, and philanthropists. Held at the museum’s architecturally acclaimed Herzog & de Meuron space in Water Mill, the evening includes seated dinner, live music, and dancing. Guests explore current exhibitions and participate in live and silent auctions featuring works by renowned artists. Dinner tickets run $2,000, with party-only tickets at $200. The after-party extends to midnight.

Guild Hall Events

East Hampton’s cultural anchor hosts multiple events throughout summer. The Clothesline Art Sale in July offers accessible entry, while the August Summer Gala ($2,500, $500 cocktails only, $250 after-party only) draws the cultural establishment. Guild Hall provides year-round programming including exhibitions, performances, and educational events.

Dan’s Taste Summer Series

Chefs of the Hamptons: This culinary showcase at EHP Resort brings together the region’s top chefs for one night of exceptional dishes. General admission runs 7 PM to 9 PM, VIP access begins at 6 PM. The event attracts foodies, restaurateurs, and culinary enthusiasts.

Red, White and Brews: The Independence Day celebration features wine and craft beer selections in a patriotic setting.

Ellen Hermanson Foundation Summer Gala

Held at Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, this July event supports breast cancer services. Tickets are $700 by early registration ($750 after), with reduced pricing for under-30 attendees at $400 ($450 after). The gala runs 6:30 to 11:30 PM.

Southampton Historical Museum Events

The Halsey House Gala celebrates local history and heritage on the grounds of one of New York State’s oldest dwellings. Live music, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and silent auction support historic sites and educational programs.

Hamptons Fine Art Fair

Southampton Fairgrounds hosts this premier art event featuring works from various galleries and artists. The fair attracts collectors, curators, and art lovers from across the region. Panel discussions and artist talks provide deeper engagement with the art world.

Hamptons Jewelry Show

Southampton Fairgrounds hosts this international fine jewelry fair open to the public. Over 80 elite brands from around the world participate, including contemporary designers, estate jewelers, watchmakers, and artisans. VIP opening preview on Thursday evening, with public hours Friday through Sunday.

August: Summer’s Grand Finale

August brings the Hamptons events calendar to its climax with signature events that define the season.

Hampton Classic Horse Show

The signature end-of-summer tradition returns to Bridgehampton for its 50th anniversary, August 24-31, 2025. This world-class equestrian competition draws riders from across the globe, from young children in leadline classes to Olympic medalists in elite show jumping events.

The show features more than 200 classes across six rings, with over $1 million in prize money including the $400,000 Longines Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix. The weeklong festival unfolds on 60 acres at 240 Snake Hollow Road, complete with international food vendors, boutique shopping with 70+ shops in the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden, and family activities.

Schedule highlights:

• Monday (Aug. 25): Animal Adoption Day, free general admission
• Tuesday-Thursday: Free admission for seniors, military, and food donations
• Friday: Major stakes including $116,100 Douglas Elliman 5* Grand Prix Qualifier
• Saturday: Kids Day with pony rides, Hermès Equitation Championship
• Grand Prix Sunday: $70,000 2* Grand Prix morning, $400,000 Longines 5* Grand Prix afternoon

General admission is $25 per car. Reserved grandstand seats for Grand Prix Sunday cost $55. The new Judge’s Box Lounge offers premium viewing from $200 to $600 depending on day.

ARF Bow Wow Meow Ball

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons hosts this beloved gala at the ARF Adoption Center in Wainscott. Dogs are often better dressed than their Manhattan counterparts at this dinner and dancing event. Tickets run $1,500, with the evening featuring dinner, dancing, and debating which rescue has the best lineage.

East Hampton Library Authors Night

Held under a tent in Herrick Park, this August event brings together authors and readers for an evening of literary conversation. Tickets are $150 for the 5 to 7:30 PM event.

Southampton Arts Center Summerfest

This benefit gala is a staple of the Hamptons social calendar. The evening begins with cocktail reception, followed by dishes from East End restaurants and performances by Broadway stars. Tickets run $1,250.

Perlman Music Program Summer Gala

Held at a residence in East Hampton, this event combines cocktails and concert performance. Tickets range from $500 for cocktails and concert to $1,250 with dinner.

Bridgehampton Chamber Music

The “Metamorphosis” concert at Atlantic Golf Club brings chamber music to an exclusive setting. Tickets are $1,500.

Fall: The Extended Season

The Hamptons social season extends well beyond Labor Day, with significant events continuing through October and beyond.

Hamptons International Film Festival

The 33rd annual Hamptons International Film Festival runs October 3-13, 2025. Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World and referred to as “Telluride East” by Variety, HIFF presents 85 features and 57 shorts spanning global cinema.

The 2025 edition opens with David Freyne’s “Eternity” starring Elizabeth Olsen, who participates in an “In Conversation With” session. The closing night features the world premiere of “Merrily We Roll Along” with Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez.

Venues include Sag Harbor Cinema, Regal UA East Hampton Cinema, East Hampton Middle School, Guild Hall, Southampton Playhouse, and Village Bistro. Ticket prices run $20 for regular films, $45 for Spotlight films and opening night, $40 for Centerpiece films and closing night. The festival offers 20% senior discount for spotlight and general films.

Secure accommodations early for major event weekends. See our Hamptons summer rentals guide.

ARF Stroll to the Sea

The October dog walk at Mulford Farm, East Hampton provides casual community engagement supporting animal rescue. The 9 AM to noon event creates networking opportunities in relaxed outdoor setting.

LVIS Landmarks Luncheon

Held at Maidstone Club in October, this Ladies Village Improvement Society event celebrates historic preservation while providing access to one of East Hampton’s most exclusive venues.

Year-Round Cultural Programming

Beyond seasonal galas, the Hamptons offer continuous cultural engagement through institutional programming.

Parrish Art Museum

Water Mill’s Herzog & de Meuron-designed museum provides year-round exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. The focus on American art, particularly artists connected to the East End, creates ongoing engagement opportunities between major galas.

LongHouse Reserve

Jack Lenor Larsen’s sculpture garden offers regular programming including the Landscape Lecture Weekend in September. The gardens themselves provide contemplative retreat from social intensity.

Guild Hall

East Hampton’s cultural center offers theater performances, art exhibitions, and educational programming throughout the year. The John Drew Theater hosts professional productions attracting both local and visiting audiences.

Watermill Center

Robert Wilson’s laboratory for the arts provides year-round residencies and events beyond the summer benefit. The center’s experimental focus attracts international artists and audiences.

Strategic Event Selection

The Hamptons events calendar overwhelms those who attempt to attend everything. Strategic selection maximizes impact while managing budget and time.

For Business Networking

Ross School Gala (Memorial Day), Watermill Center Benefit (June), and Polo Hamptons (July) provide concentrated access to finance and media professionals. These events attract decision-makers in relaxed settings conducive to conversation.

For Cultural Engagement

Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala, Guild Hall Summer Gala, and Hamptons International Film Festival offer deeper artistic engagement. These events attract collectors, curators, and creative professionals.

For Family Participation

Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation events, Hampton Classic Horse Show, and ARF galas welcome families. The animal welfare focus creates natural conversation starters across generations.

For Entry-Level Access

Hampton Classic general admission ($25), HIFF film tickets ($20-$45), and museum memberships provide accessible entry to Hamptons cultural life without gala-level investment.

The Bottom Line on Hamptons Events

The Hamptons social calendar rewards strategic participation. Quality matters more than quantity. Building relationships at a few events produces better results than superficial attendance at many.

Start with events aligned to your genuine interests. Philanthropic engagement feels authentic when you care about the cause. Follow up within 48 hours with meaningful contacts. Return to the same events annually to build recognition and relationships.

Planning dinner around events? Our Hamptons Restaurants Guide covers reservations and peak-season strategy.

The Hamptons events calendar offers access to communities and conversations unavailable elsewhere. Used strategically, these events create opportunity. Used carelessly, they become expensive social performances. Choose wisely, engage authentically, and the Hamptons social season delivers returns beyond the price of admission.

For more on Hamptons lifestyle and events, explore Social Life Magazine. See our guides to Polo Hamptons 2026 and Hamptons restaurants.

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